Finding Lady Baltimore

by Mila Maxwell

Nestled in a quiet seaside village in Nova Scotia, Morgan has always felt overshadowed by her sister’s differences. She longs for a life unburdened by the weight of expectations, sometimes wondering what it would be like to let the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy sweep her away. But when she stumbles upon a peculiar old suitcase, its unexpected contents shatter everything she thought she knew—about herself, her family, and the truths she’s been too afraid to face.

As Morgan unravels the mystery hidden within the suitcase, she is forced to confront her deepest fears and regrets. Along the way, she discovers that the things she once resented might hold the key to a deeper understanding—not just of her sister, but of herself.

Set against the backdrop of an untamed coastline, this poignant and suspenseful novel explores the complexities of growing up alongside a sibling with disabilities. A story of love, guilt, and self-discovery, it will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in a family shaped by differences. Whether you are a sibling, a parent, or simply someone who understands the delicate balance of love and longing, Morgan’s journey is sure to stay with you long after the final page.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Mila Maxwell is an author from Clare, Nova Scotia, with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a love of the outdoors. A proud French Acadian, Mila draws inspiration from both her cultural heritage and her adventurous lifestyle, which includes being a volunteer firefighter. She lives in Sussex, New Brunswick with her husband Jeremy, son Bennett, and French Bulldog Royce. When not writing, you can find Mila out in nature, at the gym, or helping others through her work in the community.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching story of growing up in a family dealing with disabilities. It captures the perspectives of all family members using a very unique format. A bit of suspense, great Nova Scotia setting, this book has something for everyone. A great accomplishment for a first novel. Congratulations Mila.

[Jessica Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute fantastic novel. I loved every bit of this book and finished it in a few days. I hope to read more of hers.

[Danielle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Full transparency, I pretty much read Romantasy exclusively, so this is outside the realm of what I normally gravitate towards. The author was at my local bookstore and I felt compelled to go speak to her. When I asked her what the book was about, I felt a connection when she said it was based on her life growing up with a disabled sister; I have a medically complex child! The local elements were fun to read, the mystery surrounding the suitcase, the relationship between all the characters and the lessons learned were so interesting! This was a great light read!

[Kathleen Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The chartered well written and finding out the secrets behind the suitcase had me guessing all the way. The ending had me in tears but cheering for revelations.
Well done Mila Maxwell, can’t wait for your next one!
Highly recommend.

[Megan Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book knowing it was outside my usual go-to genres—and I loved it. I think it will be the bridge that opens me up to exploring new types of books. While I typically gravitate toward romance, the relationships between Morgan and her family members kept me completely engaged. There’s just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing and theorizing about what might happen next. But what truly made this such a great read were the powerful messages woven throughout the story.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with an ocean setting and family focused. I took some notes of passages that really hit me and loved the historical details that made me smile. The internal dialogue of the main character is all too familiar. Ouch. Mila’s done an excellent job with her first novel and I can only hope she continues writing.

[Mirelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful book! I was captivated by this book from beginning to end! Looking forward to more books! ❤️

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredible read and a great story. I loved this Mila. congrats ! 👏

[Patti J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book!

[Mattea LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It was so good I finished it in 2 days. Having a personal connection to the area and the authors sister made is 10x harder to put down.

[Jess Amon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel swept me into Morgan’s world from the windswept Nova Scotia shore to the hush of family rooms. The old suitcase cracks open hidden truths and sends Morgan on a tender, suspenseful journey toward self discovery. The author treats the complexities of growing up beside a sibling with disabilities with rare compassion and honesty. I could not put it down and this story will stay with me long after the final page.

[Elise Comeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a author local to you publishes, you support them by reading it!!
I devoured this book during every second I could between my responsibilities this week and loved every minute. To read and picture a story unfolding in a community I call home - priceless! Into my favourites shelf it goes! 📚

[Kayla Comeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, teaching us valuable lessons throughout. C’est beau Mila!

[Abby White · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 40 something girl from Barrington, NS- I loved all the nostalgia and could relate to Morgan in so many ways, especially her sentiments throughout. I cried many times throughout this novel and set it down feeling all the emotions. Beautiful.

[Marie-France LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming story Mila🤍 Seeing you two together when we were growing up showed how special and a great person you are. Such a great big sister. Can’t wait to see what you write next!

[Emily Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my 13-year-old daughter's review:
This book was so incredibly good that I am still thinking about it days later! There were many quotes and paragraphs in this book that felt so sad, Yet so beautifully written all at once. This book describes having a loved one with a disabillity so perfect. I especially love the part where Morgan yelled at the woman who used the disabled bathroom when she was perfectly fine, Because that happens more often than you would think. I got to read this as a signed copy! and I'm so grateful that I have it now. This got me out of a 3-4 month long reading slump and I could not put this book down! The only downside to this book was there were a lot of random details that felt a little thrown in, Like the part where she explains where she hides her letters from her boyfriend. The boyfriend felt kind of tossed in there for dramatic effect. But it ended up having a good effect on the story! All in all, Mila Maxwell did an incredible job, This being her debut novel surprises me because she writes like an experienced author. This is one of my favourite books I've read all year! 5 stars, Definitely recommend.

[Sandra Cubberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming-of-age whirlwind of mystery, heartache, intrigue, and resilience; Finding Lady Baltimore offers an introspective tale that weaves smoothly between autobiography and fiction, connecting on universal themes while cultivating a deeper understanding of the author’s unique lived experience.

The novel reads like a friend’s captivating account of “that one summer” and presents an angsty fever dream echoed by its backdrop of Fundy’s powerful tides. Morgan’s journey is a vulnerable account of enduring that impossible torrent of shedding one’s adolescence, finding meaning and self-worth in place of petulance, and growing beyond the gloom of circumstance.

As you weep, wonder, and laugh through each chapter, you will enjoy walking with Morgan as she endeavours to broaden her perspective, appreciate her family, and break free of her own misgivings.

[Jody Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish this author weaves a beautiful poetic story based on her own family, her struggles as a teenage girl and the added challenges her family faces with her younger sister’s disability. Mixed in with a little clever story telling Mila leaves you the reader with the satisfaction of her own journey to true self-realization- that all things that happen to us, happen for a reason. How we choose to receive, react and use these life lessons is the real story. A true page turner and must read- well done Mila Maxwell!

[Marinal Elwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Lady Baltimore is a beautifully written, emotional journey that lingers long after the last page. Mila Maxwell captures the raw complexity of family, love, and self-discovery with such tenderness that I found myself both heartbroken and uplifted. Morgan’s story is deeply relatable, especially for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place within family bonds. A poignant, unforgettable read.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. It uses the genre perfectly and enjoyed how good everything flowed together with the characters. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how the siblings were used in this. Mila Maxwell has a strong writing style and glad I was able to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated deeply with me. It mirrored my own younger life in many ways — from the IWK, crutches, and selfless mother to the frustration and protectiveness felt. Many moments in the book made me reflect and recall memories of my sister and me growing up with our brother(spina bifida). I may have cried a fair amount while reading this beautiful book.

[Yvelle Tufts-Comeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
« We each have our own battles and demons to face. …Some things are meant to be cherished, while other things are meant to be tossed to the sea ».
Self discovery, confronting fears and regret.
Bravo Mila. Merci!

[Ashlyn Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put this book down! From the way she articulates the story to the descriptions. I felt I could picture everything as I read. Such a heartwarming story full of raw emotions and and authentic point of view. Highly recommend this read!

[Amber Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We discussed this in our book club a few days ago, everyone agreed that the Nova Scotia setting was stunning. Great pick.

[David M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We talked about Finding Lady Baltimore in our group on Wednesday, and everyone had something different to say about Morgan’s choices. Such a good discussion!

[Marie-Claire Pitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This young author from Clare Nova Scotia released her first book in May 2025. It’s about her relationship with her sister Sadie who has Cerebral Palsy. The author put her heart in writing this. It’s a coming of age story, and of self-discovery. The true heroes are her mother, the rock of her family and her grandmother. Raising a child with disability presents a unique set of challenges and rewards for the entire family. It takes a village to raise a kid, applies here also.