This is an atmosphic novel set in Maine, about Gwen Gilmore, whose life has been upended. She decides to try to move back into her childhood summer house, even though she doesn't really have the money to winterize it. But she needs to start somewhere, and that seems like as good a place as any. I enjoyed watching Gwen mature and grow into herself and her choices.

This was such a fun atmospheric read for the summer when I wanted a break from my normal fantasy or romances. Gwen moves back to Port Anna looking for a fresh start after inheriting a coastal cottage. I loved how this small Maine town is described, with the lighthouses, beautiful coastline, and the historic nature of this seaside town.

PORT ANNA by Libby Buck transported me to Maine. I loved every minute of being there, immersed in a story replete with wild, natural beauty, ghosts, secrets, and what happens next. The characters felt as real to me as anyone I've ever known and the beautiful writing kept me up way too late reading one more chapter, hurtling into the end I could not predict and enjoyed so well. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

This novel is just as much about second chances as it is a love letter to Maine.

Gwen Gilmore returns to her childhood home in Port Anna after losing her job and her long-term boyfriend. She's searching for a soft place to land, and Periwinkle cottage seems to be just the place. She's at home with the Misses, spirits of previous owners, and looking to pick up on old friendships. There is tension amongst her old friends, Gwen's money issues, and the uncertainty around meeting some new people who could potentially become important to her.

This is a lovely story and an easy read.

I loved the premise of this novel. Unfortunately, I had trouble staying engaged with the storyline. I felt like the story moved a bit slowly and needed a little more from it.

Such a wonderful book that was full of cozy storylines and great dialogue. I fell in love with the characters and the sense of place that is created. Loved this book to no end.

Thank you Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I gave it two stars, but it could be more like 2.5 stars. Let's start with positives: I love the cover, Maine sounds beautiful, main character is easy to root for. Now, with the negatives: too much going on and (most of it was not interesting enough to have me wanting to read more), needed more love.. I don't think the author is a bad writer. I just wanted the story to focus more on one or two of the story lines and really dive into those. I love how she described the ghosts and she obviously loves the state of Maine.

There's always something romantic about coastal towns. The reader follows Gwen, who has returned home after many years away carrying the loss of her mother, her job, and her boyfriend with her. She returns to Periwinkle, her family cottage, and reconnects with people from her past who may or may not have her best interests in mind. I truly enjoyed this book, which was slower paced, but as the past catches up with the present, we learn about the trauma that Gwen carries with her as she attempts to navigate her new (old) life. I loved her childhood friends and the blossoming new romance. The descriptions of Maine and its seasons were whimsical and beautiful, but I also never associate harsh winters with it (since I really only think about lobsters when it comes to Maine). I loved that there was a bit of magical realism sprinkled throughout the book and wish there was actually more of it. If you enjoy stories set in coastal towns, found family, with a touch of romance, I recommend checking this book out. This was a wonderful debut by Libby Buck and I look forward to her future books.

Port Anna is Libby Buck’s debut novel, published by Simon & Schuster in July 2025. The story follows Gwen Gilmore, a woman whose life has unraveled—she’s lost her mother, her job as an English professor, and her long-term boyfriend—all of which leads her back to her family’s summer cottage, Periwinkle, in the coastal Maine town of Port Anna. The town is both nostalgic and unsettling. Fog, decaying cottages, and encroaching development paint a vivid picture of change and memory. The cottage is haunted by the presence of two friendly spirits, “the Misses,” who once resided there and now protect it,

Gwen confronts her haunting past while navigating the present-day challenges of the town: a disgruntled realtor eyeing her cottage, a missing teenage girl casting a shadow, and the cold cruelty of community gossips. In the midst of these tensions, Gwen tentatively opens herself to new possibilities: reconnecting with old friends, restarting her creative pursuits, and sparking a new romantic interest in Leandro, an Argentinian artist with “kaleidoscope eyes".

Port Anna is a beautifully woven debut—gentle, contemplative, and full of small-town magic. It’s a book for evenings by the fire, introspective walks, or dreamers craving a tender escape rooted in grief, memory, and second chances. While not without its narrative conveniences, the emotional resonance and the quiet power of its setting make it an enchanting read.
If you enjoy novels that blend heartfelt character arcs, romance, and subtle supernatural touches—all set against the evocative backdrop of coastal Maine—Port Anna may be just the soul-soothing journey you’re looking for.

PORT ANNA by Libby Buck is basically a love letter to Maine. The eastern state has been on my bucket list to visit for years now, and Buck’s gorgeous descriptions have solidified my decision to bump it WAY up the list. The east coast is calling my name! Hopefully next summer.🤞

This is one of those slow, quiet, and thoughtful novels that I can’t get enough of with beautiful and atmospheric writing that pulls you in immediately. It follows Gwen Gilmore, a teacher who recently lost her mother, job, and boyfriend, so she decides to make her way back home to Maine. She needs a fresh start, so she moves into her family’s old cottage, and is welcomed by some friendly ghosts. Yes, you read that correctly. Trust me, just roll with it. The reader soon learns about Gwen’s heartbreaking past, the tragic reason why she left all those years ago, and the guilt that she still carries.

I was fully immersed and invested in Gwen’s story—past and present—but was even more impressed by where the author took the story about Gwen’s family cottage and Port Anna, the town itself. As a historical fiction fan, I appreciated the blend of genres —from contemporary, to historical, some magical realism, and then a little touch of romance. It made for a very well rounded novel.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Slow-burning pace
- Character-driven novels
- Haunted houses
- Maine setting
- Starting over stories
- Mystery and intrigue
- Light romance
- Nature and water
- Rekindling old friendships
- Reflections on loss and grief

Overall, I was very impressed with this debut—especially Buck’s style of writing. I hope to read more from the author in the future. PORT ANNA is out now! 4/5 solid stars!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

Did not finish this - was not for me. Could not connect with Gwen and her story even 30% in. The Cliffs and Sandwich were mentioned as similar reads, and that was not the case at all for me. Loved those, did not love these.

Had such a hard time getting into the writing style, though the premise was very interesting.

Think this would be great for someone who loves prose, and who love to read a beautifully descriptive piece.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the gifted ARC!

First off, this is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen!

This was advertised as literary fiction/women's fiction which are my two favorite genres. Throw in some magical elements (GHOSTS??) and it sounds like something I'd absolutely INHALE!

I wanted to so badly to love it and while it started out strong for me, it fell off as I went on. I just don't think the mix of genres worked for me, and the receptiveness of the house talking to her, etc. It just was maybe a little too out there for me PERSONALLY.

I hope it's still a hit for many, though!

This was too romancy and not enough magical realism and literary for me but the writing is definitely really good! I’m going to give it to my mom because I think she will like it!

PORT ANNA by Libby Buck is a gentle story about starting over and second chances. Set in small-town coastal Maine (Port Anna is named for Anna Vale, a long-ago lighthouse keeper), this debut features Gwen Gilmore whose younger sister Molly drowned several years ago. Having lost a teaching position, Gwen decides to move back to Maine and encounters friends from her childhood and youth; later musing that "the defining moments of our lives happen before we turn 18." She struggles to make peace with past events and to overcome hardship, including housing challenges, while gradually amassing the start of a new life with elements of romance, friendship, protectiveness towards a runaway teen, and developing a shared community at the local high school, her new employer. Throughout the story, Gwen reflects on love and grief and how "You cannot have one without the other. ... In the middle of grief, there were also gifts: a smushed loaf of banana bread from a friend who knew she forgot to eat, the caress of a man covered in blue paint, and the skinny girl's indomitable spirit." When reviewing this novel, Publishers Weekly said, "Readers looking for a sweet, summery outing ... will want to check this out." Overall, PORT ANNA is an engaging, feel-good read enlivened by Buck's strong affection for Maine, as she says, "I am deeply grateful for its many gifts -- the bounty and diversity of the land and seascape as well as the fascinating, complicated people who call it home."

4.5 stars

The central character is Nina, who, at age 5, was the youngest person ever to give evidence at a French trial. Largely due to her testimony Josie was found guilty. But years later Nina’s testimony comes into question. A good beach read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My final read for Track 4 of the #SRC2025 challenge with @booksparks, and wow this one hit different. Port Anna is beautifully atmospheric, deeply emotional, and quietly haunting in all the best ways. Libby Buck delivers a story that’s as much about grief and healing as it is about the ghosts, both literal and emotional, that shape who we are.
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We meet Gwen Gilmore at her lowest point. She’s grieving the loss of her mother, jobless, heartbroken, and running on fumes (literally and figuratively) as she makes her way to Periwinkle, the family cottage she’s just inherited on the coast of Maine.
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The charm of this novel lies in its layers. You get small-town secrets, a touch of magical realism (yes, there are actual ghosts and The Misses are my new favorite side characters), a missing persons mystery, and a simmering romance with a swoon-worthy artist. But underneath it all, there’s a raw, aching tenderness as Gwen is forced to confront the pain she’s buried for years and allows herself to dream again.
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Port Anna felt real to me. It’s foggy, salt-stained, a little bruised but still full of heart.
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If you’re looking for a summer read that weaves together love, loss, and a little bit of magic, this is it. What a stunning debut!
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Thank you again to @booksparks for letting me be a part of this amazing summer lineup!

3.5 stars for this freshman effort from Libby Buck. The story features Gwen, a 40ish single woman, who returns to the place where she grew up, Port Anna. As she settles into her ramshackle childhood beach home, Periwinkle, and reconnects with her teenage friends, she attempts to rebuild her life after losing a job and a romance. There is A LOT going on in this book. Some of the storylines are good - especially the one between Gwen and a runaway teenager. My favorite character was the landscape - the fictional Port Anna and the legends and history surrounding the seaside community. There were often too many characters for me to keep close track of, and I wonderful if they were all necessary. And there were too many coincidences, both good and bad. Still, the story was compelling enough for a freshman effort and I would likely read this author again.

Thank you Simon Books for my #gifted review copy and thank you Simon Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Port Anna! #simonbooksbuddy #simonaudio #PortAnna #LibbyBuck

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Port Anna was a beautiful debut by author Libby Buck about second chances. This was a character driven novel, with the main character, Gwen, coming back to her family’s aging cottage in Maine after a year where nothing seemed to go her way. Back in Port Anna, she is faced with the past and painful memories, but she is also met with old friends who bring meaning to her life again. There’s a hint of magical realism and also some romance as well. It is beautifully written and so atmospheric. You will feel like you are right with Gwen and the rest of the characters in Maine. This was a lovely debut about finding yourself and found family and I can’t wait to read what Buck writes next!

🎧The audiobook what narrated by a favorite of mine, Cassandra Campbell. Campbell was the perfect voice for Gwen and I loved my time listening to her bring her character and the other characters to life in this beautiful debut!

Posted on Goodreads on July 13, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
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**Posted on Amazon on July 13, 2025
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