While the days of relaxing in the summer sun with a book are over until next year, maybe (just maybe) you have some extra free time now that the kids are back in school.

If so, now’s the time to pick up a beach read you might have missed – “Maine” by J. Courtney Sullivan.

In her second novel, Sullivan paints a compelling picture of a family filled with relatable and flawed characters. The story is told by four women from three generations who live, laugh, love and fight at the family’s summer summer beach house in Cape Neddick, Maine.

Alice, the 80 something year-old matriarch of the family is intimidating and often annoying to those closest to her.  Kathleen is Alice’s daughter, who often clashes with her mother when it comes to responsibilities.  Maggie is Kathleen’s daughter, who enjoys taking the occasional risk.  And Ann Marie is Alice’s daughter-in-law, married to the favorite son, who seems just a little too perfect.

From late spring to early summer, the women gossip about one another and reveal their secrets.  It’s easy to become invested in the characters, especially as they express feelings that are relevant in many of our lives.

As one commenter on GoodReads wrote, “Interestingly, none of the characters are likeable but I was still hooked on their every word… The dynamics between the four women was fascinating and completely real.”

We agree and give this novel two big thumbs up – from the gripping first chapter all the way through to the bittersweet conclusion.

“Maine” by J. Courtney Sullivan is available online through Amazon.com