clairebartholomew549 's review for:

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
4.0
emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
This book is so heartwarming and lovely. Described as an adult version of Parent Trap, this book starts with two half-sisters meeting after their dad dies. Vivian grew up with their dad and her mother and suspected that her dad had secrets, but she never knew for sure that she had a half sister. Lucy, meanwhile, only got to spend a month a year with their dad, but knew Vivian existed and in many ways got much more of their dad's affection. They end up at their dad's lake house at the same time after their dad dies and clash big time, and the rest is history.

I found this extremely endearing and touching. Vivian and Lucy are absolute brats to each other in the beginning, which I loved - it felt realistic for how they would act meeting each other for the first time when they're mired in grief and have to confront the fallibility of their father, and their interactions had a distinctly teenage air, which was such a nice touch echoing how family can make us regress. Getting both Vivian and Lucy's perspectives was perfect: we got to see why they bristled against each other but also how they were yearning for connection, and Orenstein makes them great foils for each other. They both learn a lot from each other, and their growth feels natural and earned. I liked all the sub-plots, and the healing of family trauma was especially impactful. Also, the lake setting is gorgeous and had me dying for a lake summer, and the town really came alive in the book. I was smiling a lot while I read this and found the ending really lovely! Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
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