Smithville Junction: A Maine Novel

by Claire Hersom

410 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[Carol Birch]

This Maine story is written by a Maine author and did not disappoint! This is a story of one family's great grief and another family's end of life approaching too quickly, and a young child at the center of it all. I was hooked and brought into this community and felt the pain and joy of each family member.

[Carol Thibodeau]

This was such a satisfying read. The Maine setting, the characters, the comfortable writing style, and the well done plot all contributed. I enjoy all kinds of books and this is one I will definitely recommend and pass around. I don’t give 5 stars easily but this one earned it from me.

[Teresa Grover]

This is one of the best novels I have ever read. My best friend came from THE County. I have lost track of her over the years but I miss her a lot and she is a fine cook and has the best whoopie pie recipe ever.

[Marleen Pringle]

Great book. Love the characters! You feel like you are right there. It zips right along. it feels so real like its a true story

[Elizabeth Kane]

Brenda Madden

[Carrie]

This book is amazing!! The characters are so richly developed and relatable, the historical Maine setting is exquisitely portrayed, and the dialogue is simply superb. Dialogue is often my favorite part of a book, when it’s done well. The author has truly perfected the historical Maine dialect, adding so much depth and nuance to the story. This whole book, dialogue included, easily transports the reader to another time and place.

This is a debut novel from a self-published author who didn’t even have an editor, but it reads like a seasoned author who has been writing and perfecting their craft for many, many years. Honestly, I kept thinking to myself, “It feels like I’m reading one of the classics.” It’s that good. If you like literary fiction or historical fiction, you will love this book!

[Omywerd]

This is a great human story, one like you have read for a Jubdy Blume or Scott Odell. This story is about the people of the state of Maine, real small town real people real problems. You will be bummed that you have to wait a sequel....