I truly enjoyed this book so much. Being from Maine myself, I loved all of the references and SO appreciated that they accurately represented my state.

I so enjoyed watching Vivian and Lucy find themselves throughout this book. I enjoyed watching them becoming stronger women and realizing what was most important in life. This book feels like a warm hug and I just absolutely adored it. Thank you so much Net Galley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly loved this book. Getting to know Vivian and Lucy, and Dawn and Celeste. To see how they all dealt with the loss of the man who connected them was a wonderful window into the world of grief.

The dynamics between Lucy and Vivian felt so honest and real. I could definitely understand the position that each of them was coming from. Their faults and foibles were understandable and real.

I was immediately drawn to “Maine Characters” by Hannah Orenstein because of the dreamy cover with its breathtaking swirls of color that surround an idyllic lake house. Then who could resist the punny title of the novel? And of course, with its pitch of being described as “Parent Trap” for adults, who could not resist diving in? Despite the initial lighthearted reasons that initially drew me to the book, Hannah Orenstein hooked me with her genuine portrayals of grief, heartbreak, sisterhood, and the possibilities of new beginnings.

I initially struggled to get into the novel since the main characters were so deeply flawed that I was unable to sympathize with either Vivian or Lucy enough to get drawn into their stories. However, it did not take long with the story being told in Dual POV that I quickly fell into both of their mindsets to the point that I felt torn to take sides. I too felt antagonistic of Lucy – does her claim to the cabin (and to a certain extent Hank) stand? But at the same time, Lucy’s quirky yet charming personality had me anguished that she could be cast aside in a moment like this. I went back and forth between being Team Vivian or Team Lucy but like the realization the two women had in the book, I realized I too did not have to choose sides. Both women are going through impossible situations and are hurting. One of my favorite moments of the book was when Vivian and Lucy realized it wasn’t them against each other but them against the situation. Hannah Orenstein really consumed me with the emotional turmoil that Vivian and Lucy are going through.

I truly enjoyed watching Vivian and Lucy grow both as individuals and as sisters. It was inspiring to watch them learn how to prioritize themselves in their romantic relationships while also learning where to compromise in their familial relationships. If you enjoy reading dramas about family dynamics and emotional turmoil with a dash of romance then you should check out “Maine Characters”.

Thank you Penguin Group Dutton for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The first synopsis I read of this book said “the parent trap for adults” and oh my this book did not miss.

Lucy arrives at her family’s lake house after her father’s passing to learn she has a sister, who also plans to stay at the lake house. With vastly different upbringings and differing opinions on what should happy with the lake house, Lucy and Vivian have to learn to coexist, while dealing with their grief.

This book has the potential to be the best of 2025. A fantastic summer read.

I’ve read Hannah Orensteins other books and this one seemed different, in part because it didn’t feel like there was really a storyline. It wasn’t a romance, it was more just the sisters working things out, but I don’t think that was enough for an entire book.

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein is a great contemporary fiction about two half-sisters who come together after the death of their father. Lucy and Vivian are half-sisters, but Vivian does not know that Lucy exists. After the death of their father, Vivian goes to a small town in Maine where her father owns a house and runs into her half-sister Lucy, who will do anything to prevent Vivian from selling their family home. What follows is an emotional journey as the sisters grapple with their complicated relationships with their father and this Maine town they both have memories in.

The characters of this book are very well written and I felt that they were given fantastic backgrounds that elevated their place in the story. By the end of the book, I had a good understanding of the actions of the characters and who they were. The characterization really drove the book forward and was a large part of the plot.

The plot of the story follows the varying relationship between the two sisters and centers around the attempt of Vivian to sell their dad’s house in Maine. Lucy spent her childhood summers with her father in that house and is very much against the sale. As the sisters interact with people around the town and their world’s begin to clash, they have to decide if they want to work on their relationship or not.

There were romances in this story, but they were not a huge plot point when compared to the sisterhood plotline. I thought that the romances were going to be a larger part of the story when I began reading it, but in the end, I was very happy with the focus on siblinghood and sister relationships.

Overall, I would give this story 3.5/5 stars. I am a fan of the writing style and the characterization used on all characters. I felt that the pacing of the story was a bit slow at times, but that was really my only issue with the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a story based around family and the drama that comes with being a part of a family.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I had no idea of the premise of the book; knowing it now, I'm surprised that I ended up liking it so much! This book heavily revolves around infidelity and its long-term repercussions. I have very strong feelings about infidelity (as I'm sure most people do), so it took me some time to be open to several of the characters. However, I thought Hannah Orenstein did a really beautiful job of humanizing her characters without making excuses for the poor choices they made, even when they were pretty terrible. This story is messy and uncomfortable and important. The healing and growth and truths about family that Vivian and Lucy experienced were so eloquently portrayed. I recommend this with caution, as it covers some painful topics, but all-in-all, it was very lovely.

*I knocked off a star because I really do hate reading about cheating, but the fact that the story centers on it and I still loved it so much speaks multitudes to how well-written this book is.*

Maine Characters is one of the best books I’ve read this year, brimming with humanness and complexity. Lucy and Vivian share a father, but only one knows it. After his death, they are brought together at his beloved lake house. Over the summer, old wounds are reopened, relationships are tested and repaired, and they reckon with the truth about their father, their mothers, and each other. Every character felt so real. They stayed with me long after the last page. Heartwarming and thought-provoking—a truly exceptional read.

I really enjoyed Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein. Both Vivian and Lucy were flawed yet I was rooting for them both throughout the novel. I did feel as though the story dragged a bit through the middle of the book but would absolutely still recommend this to friends to read. I loved the setting in Maine, the supporting characters and the bond that built between the sisters!

Finished this but it took 5+ couch sittings

The pros: loved the cover, it’s got some cute banter too between Vivian and Caleb (the other characters it felt like the author wanted you to just accept that they had chemistry without actually working for it so they fell flat). The author also clearly loves main and describes the landscape and the food so well I felt like I was there - or wanted to be for dinner time.

The cons: it’s really predictable, and more than just oh it’s a familiar trope/Parent Trap. There just wasn’t much there there in terms of plot. And the main characters weren’t super developed, which made it harder to like them when they were doing very unlikeable things. There was a lot of description about why they did the things they did but mainly about their parents and not much about them.

It’d go in my free library but I wouldn’t recommend it to friends.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

Lucy and Vivian are half sisters through their dad and they never meet until after he has died. This book is a journey of their relationship together while other things in their personal lives are changing as well. This book is set on a lake in Maine and the setting could not be more perfect.

I enjoyed this book so much. This is women’s fiction at its finest: a cast of characters with family drama and romantic drama. I could definitely see this as a movie or limited series because the characters are really well developed.

Side note: the cover of this book is amazing.

4 stars! This is a story of loss, love and life changes with two sisters meeting at their summer cabin for the first time after the death of their father. It’s a story of secrets, grief and forgiveness that ultimately lead them to the person that they needed all along. I immediately requested this book based on the cover and was happy to find that it was just as beautiful a book on the inside. The book alternates between sisters, Vivian and Lucy, and the summer they have dealing with the loose ends of their father’s death and his complicated life, showing both the beauty and chaos that can occur when your life is turned upside down. It presents the strength of a sibling relationship, keeping us interested with a romantic love subplot, but not overpowering the real relationship that readers are supposed to fall in love with. Overall, it’s a cute summer story that makes you want your own summer house in Maine!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

As someone who grew up vacationing in Maine, and even spent time there this summer, I was very excited when I got an advanced copy of this book publishing May 13, 2025. Vivian shows up at her deceased father’s cabin, only to be met with what she soon learns is his second secret daughter with whom he also had an annual vacation at the cabin. The two have opposite lives, one living as a teacher in a vacation town year round, and the other a sommelier in NYC with all the privileges one could want. The main drama revolves around: who is entitled to the cabin and should the cabin be sold or kept? Obviously as two people just meeting with very difficult backgrounds there is a lot of differing opinions.

Overall, I enjoyed the read. The author clearly knows the area well and wrote a lot of that knowledge into the story. The character arcs were fun to follow, although both were a little obnoxious. I think it was meant to be more of a feel good so do not pick this up looking for twists and tricks, but it’s a good lake house vacation read!

This was a sweet book of grief, family, and small towns. I liked the second half of this book much better than the first half. There were elements of this that I liked but much of it felt like there were loose ends that didn't make sense. I've liked Hannah Orenstein's other books more than this one, but I will continue to read everything she puts out.

I really enjoy books by this author and this one didn’t disappoint. Two women, in their early thirties, meeting for the first time and finding out they were half-sisters. I like how real the story felt - the ups and downs of learning about this shock in their lives. The story was easy to follow along. I enjoyed it. .

This was my first book from this author, but I will definitely be picking up her other books in the future as well!

I really enjoyed the writing in this book. I did slightly dislike the characters in the beginning (oops) but they did grow on me as the story went on. And I did somewhat understand their reactions even if i didn't particularly agree. I love how this story shows different ways to handle a certain trauma.

The thing I liked most about this book was how even if it was a romance book, the romance was second and the relationship between the sisters came first. I think there was a lot of character and related development that happened during this story and I love that.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. This review is written completely based on my honest thoughts.

Hannah Orenstein’s *Maine Characters* is a heartfelt and beautifully layered story about family, identity, and the fragile, often messy bonds that hold us together. Set against the serene but emotionally charged backdrop of a lakeside cabin, this novel is a captivating exploration of two half-sisters forced to confront their shared past—and each other—in the wake of their father’s death. With its rich character dynamics, emotional depth, and a touch of humor, it’s a perfect read for fans of Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand.

The story follows Vivian Levy and Lucy Webster, two women who couldn’t be more different—or more estranged. Vivian is a driven sommelier from New York City with a career-threatening secret, while Lucy, a small-town high school teacher, is watching her marriage fall apart. Although they’ve shared a father, their lives have never intersected. Vivian didn’t even know Lucy existed, while Lucy spent years watching her half-sister from afar, envying the glamorous life she imagined Vivian lived.

Their worlds collide when Vivian arrives at their father’s lake house to scatter his ashes and finalize the sale of the property, only to find Lucy already there—unaware of his death and hoping to reconnect. What follows is a tense, emotional summer as the two women are forced to coexist, navigating grief, family secrets, and the complex emotions of a relationship they never had a chance to build.

Orenstein masterfully captures the tension and vulnerability between the sisters, balancing their mistrust and resentment with moments of raw honesty and reluctant connection. Both Vivian and Lucy are richly drawn, their flaws and fears making them relatable and deeply human. Their journey from suspicion to tentative understanding feels authentic, unfolding with all the fits and starts of real-life relationships.

The lakeside setting adds a lush, almost meditative quality to the story, providing a quiet contrast to the emotional storms brewing between the sisters. Orenstein’s vivid descriptions of the cabin, the water, and the surrounding woods create an immersive backdrop that feels both grounding and symbolic of the unresolved tension between the past and the present.

What makes *Maine Characters* especially compelling is its ability to weave humor and charm into heavier themes like grief, betrayal, and the search for belonging. Orenstein’s prose is sharp and engaging, filled with keen observations about family dynamics and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the past. The narrative shifts seamlessly between moments of poignancy and levity, making the story as enjoyable as it is thought-provoking.

The pacing is pitch-perfect, giving readers time to sit with the characters’ emotions while keeping the story moving toward a satisfying, heartfelt resolution. The secondary cast, from Lucy’s small-town neighbors to Vivian’s complicated colleagues, adds depth and color without overshadowing the sisters’ central journey.

*Maine Characters* is a tender, witty, and deeply resonant novel about finding connection in the most unexpected places. With its relatable characters, evocative setting, and nuanced exploration of family, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page. Hannah Orenstein has crafted a standout tale of sisterhood, making this a must-read for anyone who loves stories about reconciliation, growth, and the messy beauty of being human. Five stars—a summer read that’s as moving as it is memorable.

Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Maine Characters is set in the small Maine lake town of Fox Hill, around a lake cabin that was owned by Hank. Hank left behind 2 daughters, Vivian and Lucy, who are only 6 months apart and have different mothers, and very different upbringings. The books follows these 2 half-sisters through a summer where they navigate not only getting to know each other, but finding what they both want out of life as they also deal with their father’s death, and untangle his web of secrecy that kept the two apart for their lives. The descriptive writing about the fictional Fox Hill will have you longing to find your own little lake town and cabin to spend the summer at. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and plan on reading more of the Author’s books!

At first I was put off by the convenient circumstances, but I soon came to enjoy this touching romp of a rom-com by Hannah Orenstein. The author herself has named The Parent Trap as an inspiration, and this book strikes the same tone. Half-sisters Lucy and Vivian, whose shared father has been hiding the complete truth from them both — until his untimely death brings all the secrets to light. Will the sisters end up friends or will one stab the other in the back? What has Lucy’s mother, a successful romance novelist, hidden in her manuscripts? And what is she hiding from her daughter? Nothing is shocking, but this isn’t the kind of book you want to be shocked by. Instead, the slight predictability is a comfort. Everything I wanted these characters to do, they had the cojones to do. And their strength of character made for a more compelling, more modern novel. Finally as someone who has fallen in love with Maine, I enjoyed seeing it through these characters’ eyes. Orenstein does an excellent job painting a picture of modern womanhood in a part of the country still working to define what that means.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a feel good book. I was hooked by the first chapter and I loved seeing the relationship between the sisters grow. It really made me smile. Thank you for the arc!