Title: Last Summer at Maine Chance
Author: Jessica Everett
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
I am a big reader of both historical fiction and women’s fiction, so I was drawn to read Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett. It had many of the things I love to see in both: strong female protagonists ahead of their time, romance, and a happy enough ending.
Cynthia has been attending a prestigious private college in Maine, studying economics. Not only has she been pushing against a field normally held by men in 1954, but against barriers of class as well. After two years, her scholarship is not renewed because the program chooses to prioritize male students. She’s desperate to continue her studies, so she agrees to stay with her wealthy friend for the summer in order to find a job to pay her tuition. She finds that job at the Maine Chance, a resort for women owned by Elizabeth Arden herself. It’s here that she meets eccentric artist Geraldine Putnam and handsome local Calvin. She learns a lot about the world over the summer.
The story is narrated in close third-person from the perspectives of Cynthia, Iris, the head housekeeper at the resort, and Geraldine, the eccentric artist. They’re each relatable in their own way. They’re well-developed, although one or two more obvious flaws for each would have made them feel even more real to me. The setting and vibe of it are what really sold the book to me. It was atmospheric. I felt as if I had stepped back into the 1950s myself. I was also invested in seeing how things turned out for Cynthia in what became such a pivotal summer for her. This kept me turning the pages even in the moments when the story slowed in the middle.
Everett covers themes such as women’s ambition and access to education; class, privilege, and economic inequality; family expectations and obligation; friendship, mentorship, and community; and learning to value yourself and your own future in prose that is utterly period-immersive. The prose isn’t showy, but it gives the emotions and 1950s setting room to land. It’s clear and easy to move through, while the dialogue does a lot of the work in bringing out the social rules, class tension, and personalities around Cynthia. The emotional moments are understated but effective, and the prose keeps the focus on Cynthia’s choices and relationships without getting overly flowery.
Overall, Last Summer at Maine Chance was an enjoyable, transportive read. I would recommend it to readers who love historical fiction, especially readers who enjoy Fiona Davis and Jennifer Robson.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓— An atmospheric, enjoyable summer escape
Click here to learn more about Last Summer at Maine Chance and Jessica Everett.
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I read a digital copy made available by Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.