There is much to like about this novel. The writing is well-paced, the character development is stellar, and the descriptions of Maine are enticing. The drawback? The two protagonists are so unlikeable for at least the first two thirds of the book that I wanted to abandon it. It is a credit to the author that she was able to craft two characters so understandably wounded yet unsympathetic in their attitudes and behaviors.

Two daughters (half-sisters) are thrown together at the lake cottage they both shared at separate times over the years with their shared father. Lucy Webster is the eldest who was conceived just prior to her father’s marriage to another woman. While not recognized officially as his daughter, he did maintain a relationship with her and provided some financial support that allowed for a simple, if not comfortable life. In contrast, Vivian Levy was raised in a two-parent home with a wealthy lifestyle and one of privilege. Following their father’s unexpected death, the two clash – Lucy playing the resentful victim and Vivian exhibiting a cold and entitled demeanor.

As the story unfolds, the mothers of the protagonists are introduced into the mix and long-held secrets are revealed. The conclusion, while redemptive and healing in nature, felt unrealistic in the quick resolution of multiple issues. Overall, this was a solid story in its emotional exploration of complicated relationships, but not the most enjoyable read.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Living with family secrets can be hard. Dealing with them can be even harder.

Lucy and Vivian meet at the summer home of their father, who recently died. But one didn’t know of the other’s existence. They spend a summer uncovering the lies, placing blame on each other and struggling to understand the choices made long ago. The two sister’s couldn’t be more opposite, each grew up in very different social classes. Ultimately they decide to spend a summer together, get to know one another and see if they can form a relationship.

The story is told in two perspectives and kept me engaged with an interesting plot. I enjoyed how the characters interact, both main characters have very different personalities and each played the protagonist at times.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin and Hannah Orenstein for the ARC.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Man, Maine is really having a moment in the literary world lately! This was very Carley Fortune meets Emily Henry meets Elin Hilderbrand and fans of the romance genre will absolutely eat it up. This is like the adult version of the Parent Trap and I thought it was very cute. This was a perfect depiction of love, loss, grief, relationships, and change - all amidst the backdrop of a lush Maine lake. I think it will be a great summer read for many!

Four stars.

this was a wonderfully written book about two sisters who just had their father pass away. They had anger and issues with the dad but take it out on each other. The characters were well developed for the most part, some of them stayed immature, but the pacing and writing were both good!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

Orenstein's tale of two sisters set in the backdrop of picturesque, idyllic rural Maine is a realistic, engaging story that rings true to how two sisters who share a father but nothing else might clash in the aftermath of his death. Who do you lash out at when the person who caused all the pain has died? How do you make a connection when your experiences and goals are at odds? The only character whose development I found unbelievable was Celeste... she didn't need to turn author she did and yet for Vivian, I was happy. Thanks for bringing these characters to life!

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein was such a heartfelt and unique read. I loved the messiness of this story. I completely ate it up. Two half sisters who have never met because their father kept them apart? Sign me up. It was done so well, I read this in one sitting. It was emotional yet it had its funny moments. I enjoyed the character development but I will admit that I found Lucy to be a little annoying. I cannot wait for people to read this one when it comes out, I do think it could spark a lot of interesting conversations.

I loved how Orenstein infuses the story with humor and charm, but also with a deep sense of healing. You feel the weight of their grief and the beauty of their emotional unraveling. There’s this incredible balance between their hostility and vulnerability that makes their journey toward sisterhood so heartfelt and deeply moving. I honestly couldn’t stop myself from turning page after page, desperate to see if they could somehow bridge the gap of thirty years and become a family. All in all, this book is an absolute treasure.

This made me want to move to Maine! It is a heartfelt, summery, and drama-filled read about two half-sisters feuding over the sale of their father’s beloved lake house.

I enjoyed this very much! It is a cozy and comforting read with a few predictable outcomes and a few surprises, all culminating in a neat and satisfying conclusion. The romance storylines (rightfully) take a backseat to the central plot of Lucy and Vivian getting to know one another and coming to terms with who their father was and the different pieces of him they witnessed.

Maine Characters is charming and I agree with the blurb that fans of Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand will find plenty to like. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.