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.

Loved this book. Great summer read. Didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

You had me at "Parent Trap for adults"! I loved the setting of this book; I've never been to Maine and I felt like I could imagine myself standing there on the lake shore. However, I feel like Maine Characters never quite managed to capture the charm of The Parent Trap. I wasn't particularly invested in these characters and what happened to them. A fun book, but lacking the emotional punch of a memorable romance.

Absolutely delightful. Vivian and Lucy are both fully fleshed out and well realized, and you really vacillate between feeling sorry for each of them and being irritated with their flaws. The small town Maine setting is done so well - it made me want to book a trip immediately. The B-plot love stories are charming as well, but I really loved the one between the sisters.

I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and blurb that referred to it as “adult parent trap.” Maine Characters is about half sisters Lucy and Vivian meeting for the first time after their father passes.

The book wasn’t quite what I expected, but I did enjoy the story. The first half was a little more somber than I expected and I didn’t really care for either sister. By the second half, the book really picked up and I was so proud of these sisters and their personal growth as well as the growth of their relationship with each other!

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

gosh, this is a tough one to review! On the one hand, I feel like this is the most mature book Orenstein has written thus far (perhaps because the characters are a bit older). Still - I didn’t adore this book, which was a let down because I’m a sucker for a book set in Maine. Here’s a few reasons I didn’t love this book:
- Hank is the villain, people! Lucy is childish and naive for the first half of the book because it’s July and it’s her faaaavorite 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.
- The sense of humor & attempted witty description, which was too much and distracting from the important parts of the book.
- Oscar is made out to be a caricature when we spend more time with him, and flips much too quickly from dreamy man to disgusting cheater.
- Generally, I felt things wrapped up too perfectly and neatly, from Celeste’s relationship to Vivien, Dawn’s romantic life, Caleb’s plan, Lucy’s career, and I really could keep going.

2.5 stars rounded up the three. This will be my last Hannah Orenstein book, because I am regularly left just a little more disappointed than I’d like to be.

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.