Water Finds a Way

by Meghan Perry

A powerful novel about characters striving to escape painful legacies and pursue second chances in a coastal Maine fishing village, this highly atmospheric read will resonate with fans of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

Recently released from prison, reclusive Blake Alvares returns to the only place she ever felt safe, the now derelict Maine town in which she harbored as a teen. Determined to conceal her secrets and losses, she soon finds herself dragged into others’ lives when she rents a room from an ailing widow and takes a job on a boat owned by a notorious young lobsterman named Leland.

Leland Savard is nearly broke, trying to support himself and 9-year-old Quinnie as he wrestles with a dangerous family legacy. Despite all odds, he and Blake forge a successful working partnership, and as she establishes a timid friendship with widowed Nora, Blake glimpses what it might mean to truly belong. But when Leland's rash actions place her and Quinnie in peril, Blake feels forced to run again. On her quest for home, she must confront a daunting question: can she ever again trust in human connection?


Water Finds a Way is perfect for your next book club selection, for readers who enjoy the believable eccentricity a small town offers—and for those who trust in the redemptive powers of the sea and hard work.

- Winner: Shelf Unbound Indie Book of the Year 2025
- 2025 IPPY Silver Medal Winner
- Finalist: Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Awards
- Finalist: Next Generation Indie Books Awards
- Finalist: National Indie Excellence Awards
- Honorable Mention: Eric Hoffer Book Awards

“What a fiercely original novel! This powerful read is truly a thoughtful stunner about where we find our place in the world—and our person.”—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You and Days of Wonder

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Family

338 pages, ebook

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Meghan Perry grew up in New England and holds an MFA from Emerson College. Her work has appeared in Sycamore Review, Cold Mountain Review, Passages North and The Fourth River, among other publications. A lifelong educator, she currently directs the Writing Center at an independent secondary school on the North Shore of Massachusetts and devotes her free time to exploring wild and remote places with her family. Water Finds a Way is her first novel.

Reviews

[Canadian Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in Maine in a small fishing town. Blake Alvarez’s has just returned after doing a stint in jail for murder. No one knows her and she prefers it this way. She seeks a job on boat, the only useful skill she possesses, but the man who has hired her has his own tortuous background.

Broken people with broken hearts, fearful of making connections, the past preventing them from moving forward. Hard lives and hard survivors.

Water being symbolic of life. The ebbs and flows of the tides; the stormy waves; the calming flatness.

This was a solid debut. My rating reflects the lack of connection with the character; The writing- in parts- became flowery prose-but it was harnessed in as quickly as it occurred; The ending? I have questions.
4⭐️

[Keri Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of complex and damaged characters who come together in a beautiful story of finding a way forward… of how past hurts can drag us down and take control of our lives unless we deal with them. The past will always be a part of us, but making peace with it and those versions of ourselves is the only way to move forward in a positive way.

These characters are all so rich and well developed. They come together in meaningful ways and help each other grow, heal, and open up. I could tell more about these characters… Baxter, Nora, Leland, Quinnie, and Morning Glory, but there’s no way I could do them or their story justice. For audio lovers, this is excellently narrated. I will look forward to more from this author, as she’s set a high bar with her debut novel.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first drawn to this one when I read one of the characters was recently released from prison and I stayed for the beautiful writing and the complex characters. While I wouldn’t say this felt like full blown literary fiction it did have that vibe, very character driven with lots of depth. All of the characters were incredibly well drawn, most of them damaged in some way which made them relatable and sympathetic. The author provided so much insight into the characters struggles leaving me totally attached to them and wishing they were real people that I could hug. Definitely an impressive debut from an author I’ll be watching in the future.

[Mrs. Cat Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got hold of an advanced reader copy of this book and read it in two days. The author creates a strong sense of time and place, using rich detail to draw the reader into her story. The characters then come alive through dialogue authentic to the setting. The pace of the story accelerates as the book progresses, ultimately leading to a suspenseful ending that tugs at the heart strings.

[Stacy Ziems · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started a little slow, but eventually sucked me in. I really hope there is a sequel because I want to know more about the characters and what happens next. The ending left a few unanswered questions for me which I hope is an indication of a sequel. Please, please, please write more about these characters!

[John Cotsifas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was captivating from the beginning. The story was amazing I was so caught up I couldn’t put it down. A must read!

[Lisa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s rare to find a book that combines beautiful writing, well-developed characters, an understanding of local culture and a plot that draws you in from page 1. Yet Meghan Perry has done exactly that in her debut novel. Water Finds a Way is a beautiful book filled with both sadness and joy and the nuances of human emotions that seep into our complex relationships. A delightful book by an author with a very promising future.

[William Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a GoodRead, but a Great Read . Brilliant first novel. Literary yet wonderful story telling. It is obvious to my wife and myself why Kirkus gave this book a starred review, which it only gives to the top ten percent of books it reviews. We would suggest that of the last two hundred books we have read, the Kirkus review is right on target in its assessment.

Set in a hardscrabble lobstering town in Maine, the novel focuses on a woman trying to find her way as she returns to a life she once had. She encounters several perfectly drawn characters whose spirits may be as broken as hers. In their encounters with each other, it is revealed how the
human spirit is strong , yet needs nurturing to survive .
Perry draws us in from the first pages and we are not ready to let go of any of these people at the end. They will live on with us because of the exquisite writing of Perry.
This may be the first novel masterpiece by Meghan Perry. We await her next literary triumph.

[Ali - My Calendar is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be one of my top books this year. It is an absolutely amazing, fabulous, breathtaking story. The story is beautifully written and the characters are so complex. I felt a connection to all of them. Character driven stories don’t usually work for me, but these characters were so well written, it felt like I was immersed in their lives and didn’t want to let go. All of the characters are extremely rough around the edges, but that makes them more beautiful. I can’t believe that this is Meghan Perry’s debut novel. If you read any book before the end of the year, make sure it’s this one.

[BBsmall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled in immediately to this story set in a rural Maine coastal community. The main character Blake, & several of the other characters all have such sad backgrounds & personal demons, but also are very resilient, independent & determined. Ms. Perry’s well written prose kept me on an emotional roller coaster wanting more until the final page!
I highly recommend this novel & sincerely hope that there will be another page turner from this very talented writer!

[Anne Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading debut books from promising authors. Meghan Perry’s first novel, Water Finds a Way, is a masterful story of redemption and love, and did not disappoint . It is beautifully written, with depth and insight into the human struggles we all face. I am so looking forward to following this brilliant young author’s career!

[Oil Slick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real page turner. It was a very realistic look into life in Down East Maine. The characters were interesting and well developed. Thoroughly enjoyed Meghan’s first novel.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5! Favorite fiction read of the year so far. Beginning is a bit wordy but once this book hit its’ stride, it continued to surprise in an engaging and thought provoking way.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested Meghan Perry’s debut novel “Water Finds a Way” because the premise was interesting to me. I also like to read palate cleansers when I need a break from mysteries and thrillers. Set in Maine, Blake Alvares is a recently released prison inmate. She heads to the small town she briefly felt at peace and safe when she was a teenager.

Blake first secures housing by renting a loft from Honora (Nora) while she decides what to do with her maternal grandparents’ house she inherited while in prison. She then inquires about a job as the sternwoman on Leland Savard’s boat. Leland is a young lobsterman whose family is notorious in the small town. He’s trying to support and raise his young daughter, Quinn, who usually goes by Quinnie.

As the book progresses, the reader learns more about Blake’s childhood and the circumstances surrounding what she did to get sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence. Along the way, Blake becomes a trusted employee to Leland, a hero to Quinnie, and someone who befriends Nora.

I started this book on Saturday evening and finished it by Sunday afternoon. The pace of the book and the author’s writing style were great.

I would have liked the ending to be a little longer, but only because I had come to care for the characters and wanted to know more about what the future held for them.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading Meghan Perry's future books.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for my ARC.

[Pamela Sepulvado Sepulvado Deroche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m grateful for this Goodreads Gift. We now have an autographed book by the amazing author Meghan Perry. It is proudly displayed in our library.
☝️This story does have triggers so proceed with this knowledge.
The story starts with a little background of Blake, aka the Amazon. The story begins with her going home to an inherited family home in desperate need of repairs. But , she’s just not ready to put the key in the lock just yet. So she rents a garage apartment from an elderly woman. She has previously worked on lobster boats and is seeking employment as a sternman. Her new landlord, the widow Ms. Nora introduces her to a young boat captain, Leland and his daughter, whom desperately need the help for this upcoming season.
Blake: I came North this spring to make new life.
And had no idea of how much they needed her too.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful but delicate story about trauma, second chances, recovery and forgiveness — including self forgiveness.
I wish these flawed and tender characters lived in my world; I miss them so much and can’t stop thinking about the consequences of the hard decisions they made. Subtly-woven descriptions of Maine’s raw, coastal beauty provided the perfect backdrop for their heart aching growth and the book’s sweeping trajectory.
Now, how to wait for Meghan Perry’s next literary venture??
A sweet new favorite and the best book I read in a GREAT year.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a book. This book is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year, and that’s saying a lot. Great writing, character development, and so much wisdom and love. I didn’t want the book to end.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one immediately drew me in, I am so grateful this one landed on my radar.

This is a very special story, and the prose is just beautiful, truly breathtaking. If you love a character driven story about broken people who come together and put each other back together, this is for you. It completely swept me away.

"A woman, in the end, was no single thing, but an amalgam of hurts and dreams, victories and secrets, beauty and ugliness."

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive, deeply affecting debut novel with flawed, broken characters you'll be rooting for. The Maine setting is practically a character itself. In the right hands, this could make a terrific indie movie.

[Christine M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written novel has all the elements of a great read: redemption, tragedy, love, deep character development all wrapped up in beautiful prose. Once I started it, could not put it down and unfortunately finished it in less than one day. A book to be savored. Looking forward to the next novel from this brilliant author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to @meghaneperry @thefuture_of and @delphiniumbooks for a #gifted book.

It takes a remarkable writer to pull me into a character-driven book. The characters must feel authentic, and the story has to hold my interest.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬
I was quickly pulled into the story as Blake, a 40-something woman, returns to a town that holds mixed memories for her. She is seeking a new start to her life since she was just released from prison—a place she called home for 20 years. Blake is a complex character who is confident yet needy.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭
In the small town on the Maine coast that Blake returned to, we meet unique people—real people, each with their challenges:

Ｎｏｒａ Ｈａｙｅｓ: A widowed waitress who rents a room to Blake and is not phased by Blake's curt answers and somewhat unusual ways.

Ｌｅｅ Ｓａｖａｒｄ: A lobsterman with who is fighting his own demons and a rivalry with another lobstering family.

Ｍｏｒｎｉｎｇ Ｇｌｏｒｙ: Nora’s daughter, a medical student, who has mixed feelings about her life in a small town and the need to move away.

Ｑｕｉｎｎ: A nine-year-old girl with lots of wisdom, but a young girl who has had to grow up way too fast.

𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞
At the risk of causing this book to never meet expectations, I can’t express how much I liked it. And if my review doesn't convince you to read it, check the ratings.

The characters were flawed but so memorable. They felt like neighbors and friends who I didn't want to stop reading about.

As you might guess, this story will stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much, Megan Perry. I’ll be watching for more books!

[Linda Alfafara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I’m so thankful that I did! I fell in love with the characters and I could almost smell the salt in the air as the author described the harbor town. It is a story of regrets, redemption and hope. The ending left me wanting more and I hope that Meghan Perry continues to write wonderful stories.

[Susan C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book by this author, it was an amazing story. Once I started the book it quickly became a book that was impossible to put down. The characters literally popped off the pages and I felt knew each and every of them personally. I laughed, cried and sighed all the way through as I followed the characters through self awareness, redemption, crises, friendships, sickness, love and loss. I cannot wait for Ms Perry's next book.

[The Old Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

A gritty DownEast novel full of plot twists, drama, tragedy defining the importance of family.

[Thomas Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water Finds a Way is a riveting debut novel with good pacing and a strong sense of place. Although the prologue may be a bit macabre for some readers, the story is filled with many touching moments and characters who authentically reflect the many redeeming and detestable facets of humanity. Redemption and finding purpose are the more salient and relatable themes in this work, but Perry nicely touches on many other aspects of life - betrayal, duty, family, forgiveness, injustice, loneliness, platonic love, and prejudice - in a crisply-edited piece. I highly recommend this accessible novel to anyone, but it may be enjoyed most deeply by people who have suffered in life and can identify with the struggle of finding belonging and love in a largely unforgiving world. Uplifting ending.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

WOW I was so impressed with this book, especially since this was the author’s first novel. It was a bit of a slow burner, I almost dropped 20 pages in but thank god I didn’t because it was so well written. Character driven books aren’t always my favorite, but a slam dunk this was.

The themes—forgiveness, trauma, making mistakes, moving forward, healing—are all woven so subtly into this quiet and heartfelt story, I found myself very moved by the end in a way I can’t quite explain! The grey coastal atmosphere, the lobsters 🦞, the unspoken pain in these characters, the water…I dunno. I was just really rooting for everyone. I’d recommend to all who enjoy ~crisp~ writing and grounded, compelling narratives. Loved!!

[Keri Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Club Read:
This book took me a minute to get into as it isn’t something I would normally read. In the end I did like it. It was raw, very emotional and I enjoyed the characters.
Minus the McDowells, honestly they needed to be finished off, but I digress.

[Susan McAulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sleeper; at the very beginning, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I needed to have a little patience. It was definitely worth it. The protagonist is a very complicated character. In order for me to like a book (or a novel or a show), I need to care about someone in the book. I wasn't at all sure how I felt about the protagonist who is tough as nails (at least on the surface) and an ex con. As time went on, she embedded herself into my heart and I found myself rooting for her.
There was enough of a plot for me, but this is essentially a character driven novel. The author goes very deep into several of the characters and is a master of using relationships, actions and words to delve into people instead of telling us how we are supposed to feel. I love how flawed many of the characters were yet they were so compelling that I found myself rooting for them.
Essentially, the plot is this: the protagonist, Blake, returns home to Maine after getting out of prison. The questions are whether she can really go home again, especially to a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. Can she forgive herself for what she did that caused her to go to prison? I love books like this that explore very large themes without hitting the reader upside the head with them, instead exploring those big ideas through character development and relationships.
The author also gives the reader a strong sense of place. I think that is important in a novel like this where the setting impacts the characters, helping to make them who they are. In this way, Perry reminds me of Shannon Bowring, who also wrote about Maine, where the place itself feels almost like a character.
This is not an easy book to read. Bad things happen to good people. But it is definitely worth reading (and possibly worth rereading) because of what it says about how flawed characters can be truly good at heart and how redemption is possible, even under difficult circumstances.
I will be waiting for a sequel about this protagonist!
Thanks to Edelweiss and to Dephinium Press for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! So incredibly good! This book will likely land on my top favourite books of all time, list. I loved the humanity in here. The main characters are all flawed people who somehow make each other better! I am just so gob-smacked by how beautifully this story was told! It is an excellent book that will recommend to all my bookish friends!

Trigger warnings, child abuse, alcoholism, sexual assault. If these aren’t issues for you, there is far mote redemption and love in here than negativity.

[Ashley Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water Finds a Way by Meghan Perry

Thank you to the author for this gifted copy!

Blake arrives at the only place she's ever felt safe after being released from prison. She finds herself dragged into others' lives when she rents a room from a widow and takes a job on a lobsterman's boat.

This story blew me away, as I did not know what to expect going into this novel. The characters were troubled yet I rooted for them. I became invested in their story after the first chapter. I love when a book can pull you in right away. I will miss these characters and would like an update on how they are doing in a year from now lol. A fabulous debut!!!