Thank you Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid read from start to finish. I felt like Hannah really set up an interesting story (with a gorgeous cover) that had compelling characters. With the different points of view, you were really able to see both sides of the story and sympathize with the sisters. Lots of "fun" drama in this one (crazy moms, love affairs, secret children, etc) so plenty to engage with. This will be a good summer read.

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PENGUIN GROUP Dutton
Pub Date: 5-13-25

Thank you @netgalley, @duttonbooks, and @hannahorens for this eARC.

"Spending time with Lucy isn’t comfortable, but it might be the most meaningful interaction she’s had with— family?— in a long time."

What if you had a secret sister you didn't know about until after your father's death? Vivian and Lucy meet each other at the lakeside home in Maine where they each spent summers with their father - different months, of course!

Such a strong sense of place that had me visualizing time I've spent at lakeside camps in Maine and New Hampshire.

The unfolding and changing relationships had me hooked: sister-sister, daughter-mother, girlfriend-boyfriend, wife-husband . . . and most fraught/interesting, mother-mother!

Request the eARC from NetGalley or add to your TBR for 2025!

This book was so cute and is such a good summer/lake trip book. I received an advance copy of this book. Lucy and Vivian were so engaging as characters and I couldn’t help but root for both of them at different times. This was beautifully written and handled some sensitive issues with such tact while ultimately making a statement about family and what binds us together.. the family secrets and redefining what that looks like in spite of the secrets and lies reminded me a lot of Beach Read by Emily Henry which is my favorite book of all time, I think anyone that enjoyed that aspect of Beach Read will really enjoy this book as well. I like the romance sprinkled throughout this story as well but this book is definitely not a romance book as it truly is about family dynamics.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

The publishers describes Maine Characters as Parent Trap for adults -- and that's a perfect description! As the book opens, we meet Lucy Webster and Vivian Levy as they find out that they're half sisters, and then the fun and drama begins.
Maine Characters is a fun read featuring unusual and complex family dynamics and well developed characters. There are plenty of surprises, and lives are upended and changed (in more ways than one) over a very short period of time one summer. While the main characters are the two women, this is also one of those books where a house plays a central role. And then there's Hank, Lucy and Vivian's now deceased father. Ms. Orenstein also beautifully captures life in a small Maine town and the cover is lovely.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dutton/Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read Maine Characters in exchange for an honest review.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It was a fast paced book and I finished it in about 3 days. The only bad thing about the pace of the book was that it has super long chapters, so sometimes it was hard to get through all of them. Switching to talking about the actually book, it was super good! I loved the story, it was making me think about my own life and my family. I loved all the characters and liked how it the end all of them were a good person and they all actually liked each other. Through out the book I kept switching for rooting for Lucy and her ideas to Vivian and I love how in the end they both got what they really wanted. I also like idea of the author in a book, I loved hearing about all of Celeste's book and what they meant to Lucy, and Vivian. Vivian not reading a lot of them is understandable. It made me think about in my own life when Vivian was getting mocked in school about her moms books. While my mom isn't an author she is highly talented at her work, so sometimes it gets a little confusing, but this part of the book was very good. Overall I loved the book, it was a fun summer read (even though I am reading it in fall) I plan to get the physical book as soon as it comes out and am looking at reading some of Hannah's other books. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity I loved it so so much!!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ark!!

Woah!!! Love love love, loved this and cannot wait to read more by this author. Will purchase hard copy!

What a premise!
Vivian Levy and Lucy Webster both spend a month with their father at his lake house but never know that each truly exist! While Lucy is aware of Vivian, Vivian truly has no idea. The first she learns of it is when she comes to spread his ashes and finds Lucy at the cabin.

Not sure I could get over that in one Summer! But the two are stuck in the cabin together! It's a nostalgic look at lake life and a true delight.
#penguingroup #hannahorenstein #mainecharcters

I love that the setting of this book was essentially in my backyard.

This story explored the complicated relationships of multiple families, more specifically two half sisters Vivian and Lucy.

This book had wonderful character development - this will be a best selling summer 25 read!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

4.5 stars - I’m fairly sure now, that long lost sister books are some of my favorites and this was no exception. It helps that I LOVED my time in Maine so the setting was perfect. Each character had enough mystery to make you want to know what they were hiding and the plot unfolded well.

If you’re looking for a spicy romance, this isn’t for you. The romance was mostly fade to black but I didn’t have any concerns with this since I loved the story. If you’re looking for something warm and fuzzy with good character development this is a great quick one to pick up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! Not my typical read but absolutely loved the story! Definitely was a story which highlights the messiness in family relationships but also the love. I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. There could've been a little more development as I felt the plot was rushed at times. Lucy was an annoying character at first then she grew on me. Overall it was a cute read that's perfect for summer.

I just finished my first book by Hannah Orenstein, and it definitely won't be my last. I received an advance copy of this book and had been seeing it everywhere, so I was looking forward to reading it. The main characters were fantastic. This book was beautiful; it told a story about love, secrets, and discovering the true meaning of family. My family has a complicated past, with my grandma having a secret fourth marriage that we only found out about after her death, so I felt a connection to Lucy and Vivian. What does it mean to redefine your understanding of something you thought you knew your whole life? That's the real heart of the story, and it offers a beautiful insight into humanity and trust. I can't recommend it enough.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

Really enjoyed this book. I do wish it was longer because I feel like some plot points were a little rushed. For instance Lucy is automatically in a committed relationship with Harrison after two dates. Overall I was able to overlook those flaws and really enjoyed the story.

"Maine Characters" is a captivating collection that beautifully captures the essence of life in Maine through its vivid storytelling and rich character development. Each story is thoughtfully crafted, showcasing a diverse array of voices and experiences that resonate deeply. The writing is evocative, painting a clear picture of the landscape and culture. While some narratives shine brighter than others, the overall emotional depth and warmth make it a rewarding read. It's a delightful exploration of the human experience set against a stunning backdrop, perfect for fans of character-driven stories.

This was my first book from Hannah Orenstein and I was not disappointed. It was fast-paced, emotional, and very accurate portrayal of the beauty Maine has ti offer. I can’t wait to reread this gem in the summer!

I really really enjoyed this one and forsee it being a pick for beach reads for summer 2025!

I will say I struggled with Lucy's character. I think I'm supposed to sympathize with her but I found her childish and naive for the first half of the book because it’s July and it’s her favorite place. This is repeated multiple times and Lucy hates Vivien for the fact that HANK left the house only to Celeste and therefore Vivien. Lucy should be pissed at Hank, not Vivien, for her privilege and posh upbringing. I feel like we’re oriented to pit against Vivien from the get go, but honestly I liked her better than Lucy.

Overall though I very much enjoyed this one!

This may just be the book of Summer 2025. I loved the setting and the character growth. I couldn't put this one down.

This was my first Hannah Orenstein novel, and I’m thrilled to have discovered her as an author. Any story set in Maine is an immediate draw for me, and this book did not disappoint. I loved the authentic references to Maine’s towns, culture, cuisine, and landmarks, which truly brought the setting to life.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It’s a fast-paced novel that manages to balance depth and character development—a challenging feat. I appreciated how the author gradually unveiled the characters' backstories, allowing the reader to better understand their motivations and decisions as the narrative unfolded.

However, I struggled with one of the sisters, Lucy. She was a difficult character to empathize with, especially when contrasted with her sibling, who initially seemed set up as the "villain" of the story. Interestingly, the true central figure turned out to be their father. His influence loomed over the narrative, shaping the choices and realities of everyone involved.

This novel would make an excellent book club pick due to its exploration of complex family dynamics and the human flaws woven so skillfully into each character. The layered events that brought them to their present state provide rich material for discussion and reflection.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy to review. All opinions expressed are my own!

Reading books set in my favorite vacation spot in the US makes me happy. I adored Maine Characters because of that, but also it was an enjoyable story. It was well-written and hooked me from the start. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

**Review of *Maine Characters* by Hannah Orenstein**

Hannah Orenstein’s *Maine Characters* is a poignant exploration of sisterhood, grief, and the complexities of family ties, wrapped in the nostalgic charm of lake life. Drawing comparisons to *The Parent Trap* for adults, this novel invites readers into the lives of two half-sisters, Vivian Levy and Lucy Webster, who confront their shared past in the wake of their father’s unexpected death.

The story unfolds at their father’s beloved cabin in Maine, a setting that Orenstein vividly brings to life. Vivian, a driven sommelier from New York City, and Lucy, a high school English teacher from a small town, could not be more different. Their contrasting backgrounds create an initial tension that propels the narrative forward. As they navigate their grief, the sisters grapple with feelings of suspicion and resentment, revealing the messy truths of their parents' pasts.

Orenstein skillfully balances heartache with humor, making the characters relatable and their struggles palpable. Vivian’s ambition clashes with Lucy’s longing for stability, and both characters undergo significant growth as they confront their secrets and fears. The development of their relationship is beautifully crafted, highlighting the potential for connection even in the face of adversity.

The lush descriptions of the lake and the surrounding nature add depth to the story, enhancing the emotional landscape of the characters’ journey. Orenstein’s writing is warm and engaging, capturing the essence of summer in Maine while addressing the weighty themes of love and betrayal.

*Maine Characters* is more than just a tale of two sisters; it’s a heartfelt love letter to family, forgiveness, and the possibility of new beginnings. Fans of Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand will find much to love in this touching narrative that lingers long after the last page. Orenstein has once again proven her ability to weave a story rich in both charm and depth, making this a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of family.