I love me a good lake-house story, and this one did not disappoint! I loved the small town-summer life insight, and the family intrigue by half-sisters meeting for the first time. There is a lot of processing grief and emotions of loss, but so interesting to read how each sister processed those feelings differently. I think the topic of infidelity was also addressed very well, as well as exploring what makes each of us happy, and having the courage to pursue what really makes us each happy in life. Now all I want this summer is a month at the lake house, with good wine and beautiful sunsets!

This book made me want to go to Maine! I thought this plot was enjoyable with an enough suspense and emotion to hold my attention. I appreciated the development of each character and the family storyline.

This book was definitely a heavier read than I was anticipating, but I loved the realistic relationships between both sisters & their moms. I can't imagine what this dynamic would feel like in "real life", but I appreciated how each woman was written as flawed, but that they could all do their best to be honest and support each other. So often, women are written as competition to each other, and even in a situation where two of these characters were directly competing for a man, they can still put their differences aside and somewhat support each other.

I was really looking forward to this book, mainly because of the title, it was okay, but I had a hard time getting through it past the 10% mark. Sadly DNFd around 20%. Because of this I am not leaving a review on my Goodreads account.

This book started out a little slow to me but as I got into it I could not put it down! Hanna Orenstein absolutely pulls you into these two step-sister's lives and she doesn't let you go until the end. There are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I loved every one of them. This is a must read!!

I wanted to love this book and I felt it had great potential, but I wasn’t fully invested in it. Something in it missed the mark for me. I found one of the characters is unbearable at the beginning, and the plot moved a bit slow.

If you’re into family drama, this is up your alley. This is like the epitome of daddy issues. I wasn’t sure how much I’d vibe with this book, but I ended up really enjoying it, especially with it being set in Maine. Most of the book I couldn’t decide who to root for, but the ending felt like a cozy hug to seal up all the relationship issues our two FMC’s dealt with.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton, for the ARC!

3 stars.

Very emotional and heartbreaking. This book was giving me parent trap vibes. Very touching story but I don't think this is something that stood out to me or something I'm going to remember after a few months.

This was a sweet novel weaving a web of complex relationships for sisters, parents, and love interests, new and old. It explores the deep and intricate feelings of grief, forgiveness, and family bonds and history. The backdrop is set on a beautiful lake in Maine, and the writing uses descriptions of the setting as well as food and drinks in such a fantastic way to add to the story. Overall, this was a sweet, endearing journey of complex relationships. Pick up this perfect summer read on June 13th!

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Maine Characters is a cute, lighthearted story that makes a perfect summer read. It doesn't particularly stick with the reader or challenge them in anyway, but it's the perfect palette cleanser. 3 stars

The cover of this book captured my eye right away. I absolutely ADORE Maine and have always gravitated toward books set in this beautiful state.

This novel is a love letter to lake life, sisterhood, and the complexities of family, set against the lush backdrop of a small Maine town.
What unfolds is an exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the bonds of sisterhood. While the sisters initially clash, their journey toward understanding and connection is both touching and relatable. The complicated family dynamics are expertly woven, leaving readers torn about who to root for.
Though the sisters’ relationship takes center stage, there are romantic subplots that add depth to the story. The romance tropes include second chances, emotional healing, and the idea of finding love in unexpected places. Maine Characters is a perfect blend of drama, heart, and humor, making it an ideal summer read.

The person I am not vs the person I was when I requested this book are not the same person. I was deeply intrigued by the "Parent Trap" reference and thought this was going to give me all the fun nostalgia but in a more adult setting.

I didn't realize how truly heavy this book was going to be. From the beginning, you learn about Vivian who is grieving her dad and going to his summer cabin in Maine. The last thing she said to him was hurtful, and he basically just dropped dead. Upon arrival to the cabin, someone is there -- her sister, Lucy, with whom she never knew existed. Lucy, however, knew about Viv but didn't know her dad died.

I get that grief can cause a lot of feelings, but these girls pissed me off, it felt like a pissing contest between the two. I DNF'd after 20%.

I wasn’t sure what to expect but definitely gave me The Parent Trap vibes as described. Honestly, I can’t imagine coming and learning about a sibling after a parents death.

Deeply emotional, and thought provoking storyline, that does give off a more “present day” Parent Trap vibes. The reader will both root for Vivian and Lucy, as they are trying to navigate their own relationship, and the ones around them.
The ending leaves the reader satisfied with each characters growth, and allows you to think more of what happens to them after the last page.

I absolutely loved this book, even though it’s not my usual genre! I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to uncover each new twist. The story is filled with secrets that lead to powerful moments of self-discovery and navigating grief. I also adored the charming small-town Maine setting, with just the right touch of romance woven in.

Sadly this was a DNF for me at 15%. Advertised as the Parent Trap for adults but fell flat. Unlikable characters that were either to petty/bitchy or juvenile. There was a lot of potential for me given the New. England setting but I just couldn’t get invested fast enough to continue.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC - I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

5 ⭐️ I loved this secret, scandal filled, story! Parent Trap vibes but make it lake. This was my first Hannah Orenstein - def for fans of Hildebrand and Fortune!

The complicated family dynamics were well executed and really drew me in! The sisters storyline was definitely the priority and romance was the secondary plot, which I loved. Character development was perfection. This will be a great summer book!

This cover is GORGEOUS.

“Not every family was that close, she knew that, but she understood that if you got lucky, a sibling could feel like another limb.”

I loved this book! Maine Characters is a story filled with love, loss, heartbreak, and acceptance. The characters were well developed and pulled at my heartstrings.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for this ARC of Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein!

An adult version of Parent Trap? Say no more! I was first intrigued by the premises and the beatiful cover of this book but it ended up far exceeding all of my expectations. This is the perfect cozy summer read - it takes place in a fictional lake town in Southern Maine. I couldn't put this book down because I loved all of the characters. This is a book about what it means to be family and all of our human flaws. I loved the depth in which all of the relationships were explored and I found the characters to be so realistic. Looking forward to my next Hannah Orenstein read.

Very emotional story. Unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed the ride. Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy all opinions are my own.