Sloth Goes Places - Maine

 

Sloth Goes Places is a feature where I share books I have tracked from previous Literary Escapes reading challenge hosted by Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book.

Today we are looking at books set in ....

Maine

This past week, I found my reading bringing me to Maine several times. This is actually a state I have visited a few times, and I can only sing its praises! It is lush and green with excellent lobster. It boasts mountains and beaches as well as a national park. In past years, I did struggle with this state, but as of late, it seems I am stumbling upon more and more books set here. 

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Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker
Published by Berkley on March 18, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Goodreads

One fake prime minister, one ridiculously hot handler, and one Italian summer collide in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

Max is just your average girl. She works odd jobs, has a soul-crushing amount of debt, and happens to bear an uncanny resemblance to Europe’s youngest female prime minister, Sofia Christensen. Sofia is powerful, beautiful—and unfortunately, someone is trying quite hard to assassinate her.

When the CIA approaches Max with a deal, a life-changing amount of money if she pretends to be Sofia on the prime minister’s annual Italian vacation, Max packs her bags for the Amalfi Coast. The delicious food, the breathtaking views—this trip would be a dream if it weren’t for those pesky assassins and Flynn, the handler assigned to Max’s case. Flynn, who has an unexpected history with Max, from another sun-drenched summer years and years ago. Now he’s instructed to stay in Max’s suite to protect her, as old passions and assassins collide.

Losing herself in the role of a prime minister is one thing. But losing her heart to Flynn again? Now that’s a risk she isn’t willing to take . . .

The majority of this book takes place in Italy, but it starts in Maine, and though it is only for a short amount of time, one actually gets exposed to some of the local culture. I adore Walker's books with their mix of action and romance, and this was another huge hit for me. 

[review]

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The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman
Published by Amazon Original Story on August 1, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

In this star-crossed short story from New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman, timing is everything as two sisters learn to let love follow its own path.

Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.

But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.

When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present, and decide what it means for their future.

I love spending time with the Gibson sisters at their Maine island home. There was always some time outdoors where I could absorb some of the local surroundings. The last installment of this series was a tough one for me, but I have been very impressed by these short stories and have grown very attached to this family. 

[review]

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Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Published by Random House on March 25, 2008
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

In a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable Olive Kitteridge.

At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer's eyes, it's in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama-desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.

At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn't always recognize the changes in those around a lounge musician haunted by a past a former student who has lost the will to Olive's own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.

As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life-sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition-its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.

I had added this book to my TBR after seeing it mentioned by characters in several books. I guess it was the hype machine that got me. It was a little morose, but I did appreciate the way all these short stories were tied together. It built a complete picture of these people and how the presence of Olive Kitteridge affected their lives. It was great the way they filled in gaps and painted a full picture. I could have done with more warm-fuzzies, but the stories kept my attention. 

Have you read any books set in Maine?
Let us know in the comments!