What do you think?
Rate this book
Wake-Up Calls
A woman’s surprising inheritance opens the door to her family’s secrets in a moving novel about healing, forgiveness, and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart.
Kit Porterfield is coping with the upheaval of her personal life when another shock blindsides her. Maxine Meadows, an aunt she never knew existed, has bequeathed to her a rustic campground in Maine. With it comes a long-buried family secret that Kit’s late mother took great pains to hide for her entire life.
When Kit arrives to tenuously claim her inheritance, she learns the town’s history and finds the lakeside sporting camp and its beautiful wooded acres in need of restoration to their former glory. But it’s Kit’s own history that compels her to stay, and she’s not returning home until she uncovers the secrets that tore two sisters apart so many years ago.
Kit soon discovers clues in old photographs and in the tale of a tragic and enduring love story, but the most startling revelations are yet to come. For Kit, they could be the path to understanding the mystery that defined her mother’s life—and her own.
Kit Porterfield is coping with the upheaval of her personal life when another shock blindsides her. Maxine Meadows, an aunt she never knew existed, has bequeathed to her a rustic campground in Maine. With it comes a long-buried family secret that Kit’s late mother took great pains to hide for her entire life.
When Kit arrives to tenuously claim her inheritance, she learns the town’s history and finds the lakeside sporting camp and its beautiful wooded acres in need of restoration to their former glory. But it’s Kit’s own history that compels her to stay, and she’s not returning home until she uncovers the secrets that tore two sisters apart so many years ago.
Kit soon discovers clues in old photographs and in the tale of a tragic and enduring love story, but the most startling revelations are yet to come. For Kit, they could be the path to understanding the mystery that defined her mother’s life—and her own.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2026
About the author
Mariah Stewart
88 books1,603 followersMariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
May 5, 2026
"A woman’s surprising inheritance opens the door to her family’s secrets in a moving novel about healing, forgiveness, and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart."
I loved this book and story line. Give me an old campground and family homestead with a mystery defining the whole premise. Each character is heavily laden with burdens and disruptions in normalcy.
Kit's marriage is failing under her and she fails to see the red herrings. Her daughter's marriage is over after his infidelity, while she teeters on the edge of depression with a toddler. Kit's sister is recovering from cancer treatments while running a restaurant with employees stealing from her.
Kit grew up believing her mother was an only child and to her death bed never let on that she had a sister. Imagine the surprise when Kit receives a call from an attorney that she has inherited a house with a campground belonging to her Aunt Maxine.
Kit packs up to explore and make plans to sell the place. Her daughter, grandchild and sister all join her. The beauty of the place had weathered but very much needed restoration to its bones. They all fell in love with it. Kit wants to spend time exploring the old photos and letters to put together pieces of Maxine when she finds a beautiful love story. Meeting the town's people, their hospitality and enjoying the scenery helps to keep thoughts back home out of her head.
Several reveals and uncovering the mystery of the old home's dark secrets kept me listening to this incredible audio narrated by Andi Arndt.
I loved this book and story line. Give me an old campground and family homestead with a mystery defining the whole premise. Each character is heavily laden with burdens and disruptions in normalcy.
Kit's marriage is failing under her and she fails to see the red herrings. Her daughter's marriage is over after his infidelity, while she teeters on the edge of depression with a toddler. Kit's sister is recovering from cancer treatments while running a restaurant with employees stealing from her.
Kit grew up believing her mother was an only child and to her death bed never let on that she had a sister. Imagine the surprise when Kit receives a call from an attorney that she has inherited a house with a campground belonging to her Aunt Maxine.
Kit packs up to explore and make plans to sell the place. Her daughter, grandchild and sister all join her. The beauty of the place had weathered but very much needed restoration to its bones. They all fell in love with it. Kit wants to spend time exploring the old photos and letters to put together pieces of Maxine when she finds a beautiful love story. Meeting the town's people, their hospitality and enjoying the scenery helps to keep thoughts back home out of her head.
Several reveals and uncovering the mystery of the old home's dark secrets kept me listening to this incredible audio narrated by Andi Arndt.
May 10, 2026
EXCERPT: 'You're going to have to go there. Don't you want to see where your mother grew up? And the name of the town? Tolerance? It sounds Quaker. I bet there's a story there. And the camp? The Camp in the Meadows, play on the family name, for sure. A lake, and wooded acres and that old house? When do you think you're going to go? See the house and the -'
'I don't know,' Kit cut her off. 'I don't know if I will.'
'What? Why wouldn't you?'
Kit picked up the photo and studied the three chimneys that stared down each other from three corners of the house, the fish-scale siding that peeked from under the roofline in the front, the wraparound porch.
Because there must be something there that hurt my mother deeply, something so terribly painful that she left and never went back, disclaimed her own sister, and I don't know that I was ever supposed to know about that. She certainly didn't want me to know when she was alive.
I'm pretty sure she wouldn't want me to know now she's gone.
And yet . . .
ABOUT 'WAKE-UP CALLS': Kit Porterfield is coping with the upheaval of her personal life when another shock blindsides her. Maxine Meadows, an aunt she never knew existed, has bequeathed to her a rustic campground in Maine. With it comes a long-buried family secret that Kit’s late mother took great pains to hide for her entire life.
When Kit arrives to tenuously claim her inheritance, she learns the town’s history and finds the lakeside sporting camp and its beautiful wooded acres in need of restoration to their former glory. But it’s Kit’s own history that compels her to stay, and she’s not returning home until she uncovers the secrets that tore two sisters apart so many years ago.
Kit soon discovers clues in old photographs and in the tale of a tragic and enduring love story, but the most startling revelations are yet to come. For Kit, they could be the path to understanding the mystery that defined her mother’s life—and her own.
MY THOUGHTS: Such an enticing premise but, 'YAWN,' I was bored.
I have read several of Mariah Stewart's other titles and enjoyed them. As I have already mentioned, I found the blurb enticing. However, the reality was disappointing.
It takes almost half the book to get to the mystery. The solution is predictable, the writing repetitive and often overly detailed. At one point in the story it takes several pages just to get out the door of the house! Wake-Up Calls seemed much longer than its 395 pages. MUCH longer. I felt no connection to any of the characters. Are you all sure Mariah Stewart actually wrote this book?
I wanted not to finish but I ended up largely skimming the last 2/3 of the book just to see if I was right. I was, which gave me no satisfaction at all.
⭐⭐.5
#WakeUpCalls #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MARIAH STEWART considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via Netgalley for providing a DRC of Wake-Up Calls by Mariah Stewart for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'I don't know,' Kit cut her off. 'I don't know if I will.'
'What? Why wouldn't you?'
Kit picked up the photo and studied the three chimneys that stared down each other from three corners of the house, the fish-scale siding that peeked from under the roofline in the front, the wraparound porch.
Because there must be something there that hurt my mother deeply, something so terribly painful that she left and never went back, disclaimed her own sister, and I don't know that I was ever supposed to know about that. She certainly didn't want me to know when she was alive.
I'm pretty sure she wouldn't want me to know now she's gone.
And yet . . .
ABOUT 'WAKE-UP CALLS': Kit Porterfield is coping with the upheaval of her personal life when another shock blindsides her. Maxine Meadows, an aunt she never knew existed, has bequeathed to her a rustic campground in Maine. With it comes a long-buried family secret that Kit’s late mother took great pains to hide for her entire life.
When Kit arrives to tenuously claim her inheritance, she learns the town’s history and finds the lakeside sporting camp and its beautiful wooded acres in need of restoration to their former glory. But it’s Kit’s own history that compels her to stay, and she’s not returning home until she uncovers the secrets that tore two sisters apart so many years ago.
Kit soon discovers clues in old photographs and in the tale of a tragic and enduring love story, but the most startling revelations are yet to come. For Kit, they could be the path to understanding the mystery that defined her mother’s life—and her own.
MY THOUGHTS: Such an enticing premise but, 'YAWN,' I was bored.
I have read several of Mariah Stewart's other titles and enjoyed them. As I have already mentioned, I found the blurb enticing. However, the reality was disappointing.
It takes almost half the book to get to the mystery. The solution is predictable, the writing repetitive and often overly detailed. At one point in the story it takes several pages just to get out the door of the house! Wake-Up Calls seemed much longer than its 395 pages. MUCH longer. I felt no connection to any of the characters. Are you all sure Mariah Stewart actually wrote this book?
I wanted not to finish but I ended up largely skimming the last 2/3 of the book just to see if I was right. I was, which gave me no satisfaction at all.
⭐⭐.5
#WakeUpCalls #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MARIAH STEWART considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via Netgalley for providing a DRC of Wake-Up Calls by Mariah Stewart for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
April 7, 2026
This was almost a DNF for me but I was mildly vested for the big reveal. As such, I scanned many pages - the author goes into a lot of excruciating (unnecessary IMO) detail in each of her scenes. In one example, it took her three pages to get the characters out the door for breakfast. I feel like this could have been a short story.
December 13, 2025
This was apparently not my first book by this author but the other one also got four stars so I must have liked it too :) This one was right up my alley. The main character is an older woman who is not so happily married anymore and her kids are all grown up. One day, she gets a call out of the blue about how she inherited a house and camp in Maine from her aunt...an aunt she didn't even know she had. So she heads out to look the place over, fully intending to sell it down the road...but instead she seems to find peace and a little bit of herself out there...I 100% wish something like this would happen to me, even if it is in Maine or anywhere else cold. Just like she did, I imagine I would "find myself" all over again. Because as you get older, life can become a little weird because you have no idea who you even are anymore sometimes.
April 6, 2026
This book was so boring and predictable. The story seemed to drag on and on and so many details were repeated over and over. I really skimmed through the last third of the book just because reading each page was so tedious. I was waiting for something interesting to happen and it never really did.
May 5, 2026
Maine Cabin Masters to the rescue? Just hot, hunky Brad, maybe? I can dream, can't I? No, I'm afraid that is not how this Chick-Lit plot goes. I'm kinda bummed by that. Actually, this is a coming of (middle) age book. Kit is fifty-five and her life is changing. Her husband is retiring soon, and they are not on the same page regarding their future. Her daughter's marriage is ending, and her sister is battling cancer. Into this turmoil she is notified that an aunt she never knew existed has died and left her a camp in the wilds of Maine. Change is definitely the theme of this book as is the question of what really makes a family? 3 1/2-Stars
December 3, 2025
I usually read romances with characters in their thirties or early forties, so picking up a general fiction novel centered around a woman in her mid-fifties felt like a refreshing change of pace. I ended up really loving that shift. The main character is juggling so much at once, from tensions in her marriage to everything her daughter and sister are going through, and it made her journey feel incredibly grounded and relatable.
When she suddenly inherits a property in Maine from a relative she barely knew, she decides to check it out for herself instead of doing what everyone else expects. That decision sets the tone for the entire story. Watching her explore the house and the town, settle into the slower pace, and rediscover pieces of herself was one of my favorite parts. There is also a quiet mystery woven into the family history, and even without getting into details, it added a layer of emotional depth that kept me invested.
By the end, I loved the sense of hope and possibility that the story created. My only wish is that the ending had been a little more complete, because there were a few threads of the main character’s personal journey that I wanted to see wrapped up more fully. Still, I truly enjoyed this book. It is heartfelt, reflective, and full of moments that make you think about the different ways people rebuild their lives.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
When she suddenly inherits a property in Maine from a relative she barely knew, she decides to check it out for herself instead of doing what everyone else expects. That decision sets the tone for the entire story. Watching her explore the house and the town, settle into the slower pace, and rediscover pieces of herself was one of my favorite parts. There is also a quiet mystery woven into the family history, and even without getting into details, it added a layer of emotional depth that kept me invested.
By the end, I loved the sense of hope and possibility that the story created. My only wish is that the ending had been a little more complete, because there were a few threads of the main character’s personal journey that I wanted to see wrapped up more fully. Still, I truly enjoyed this book. It is heartfelt, reflective, and full of moments that make you think about the different ways people rebuild their lives.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
April 26, 2026
Unfortunately I must join the other readers who found that reading this very long book was not pleasurable.
April 18, 2026
Decent story
The storyline for this book was good. The execution not so much. The dialogue reminded me a poorly scripted after school special. There were constant contradictions in the story… like something had already been established then fast forward a few pages or chapter and then the MC or another character would wonder about or be trying to figure something out they’d already been told or figured out. The epilogue I’m pretty sure included the wrong character name mention. Just overall a disappointing read.
The storyline for this book was good. The execution not so much. The dialogue reminded me a poorly scripted after school special. There were constant contradictions in the story… like something had already been established then fast forward a few pages or chapter and then the MC or another character would wonder about or be trying to figure something out they’d already been told or figured out. The epilogue I’m pretty sure included the wrong character name mention. Just overall a disappointing read.
April 10, 2026
2.5 stars, but I always round up on Goodreads.
The pacing in this book is so off. It takes until chapter 14 (!!!) before something relatively interesting happens. The pacing continues to drag. There are a few really interesting moments, but they drown in the boring. Each and every character sounds exactly the same. Without the narration stating who’s talking you would never be able to guess the different characters. The premise has the main character, Kit, inherit a summer camp in Maine from an aunt she never knew existed. The mystery and the New England aspects drew me to pick up the story, but many parts didn’t follow through. It was mostly disappointing, even with a few glimmers of interest.
The pacing in this book is so off. It takes until chapter 14 (!!!) before something relatively interesting happens. The pacing continues to drag. There are a few really interesting moments, but they drown in the boring. Each and every character sounds exactly the same. Without the narration stating who’s talking you would never be able to guess the different characters. The premise has the main character, Kit, inherit a summer camp in Maine from an aunt she never knew existed. The mystery and the New England aspects drew me to pick up the story, but many parts didn’t follow through. It was mostly disappointing, even with a few glimmers of interest.
April 9, 2026
It dragged on way too long.
This was not a GOOD book. It was a passable book. I didn't like most of it, but there was a mystery introduced early on that kept me waiting for answers. Everything else feel intolerably dull. I don't even know who I would recommend this to. But the writing was OK enough to finish.
This was not a GOOD book. It was a passable book. I didn't like most of it, but there was a mystery introduced early on that kept me waiting for answers. Everything else feel intolerably dull. I don't even know who I would recommend this to. But the writing was OK enough to finish.
May 8, 2026
Other reviewers have pointed out that this title was on the predictable side, while I agree, I didn’t find I minded in the least, in fact the predictability was part of the pleasure, sometimes it’s nice to feel safe in how a story plays out exactly as you want.
A sweet and tender family saga that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Great narration too.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
A sweet and tender family saga that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Great narration too.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
May 30, 2026
4 score and 7 years later I finally finished this book—BORING unless maybe you are a 61 year old retired woman.
April 6, 2026
A solid 4 stars!
This was my Amazon Free Read for this month. I am really glad that I selected it because it was very well written. Recommend this one.
This was my Amazon Free Read for this month. I am really glad that I selected it because it was very well written. Recommend this one.
April 15, 2026
Mariah Stewart can always be counted on for a good read. Wake-up calls is a quiet, easy read that leaves you feeling good. Kit is in her fifties with two grown children she's proud of and a husband she no longer seems to have much in common with. When she first gets a phone call from a lawyer in Maine, she hangs up, thinking it's a scam. It takes a Fedex package full of documents to convince her an aunt she didn't even know existed has left her a "sporting camp" in the Maine woods. Wake-up Calls is a complicated family story about old secrets, old loves and unrecognized present day truths. There are a few threads toward the end that have me thinking (hoping) this may be the first book of a new series. A very satisfying read.
May 25, 2026
There are books that gently tap you on the shoulder… and then there are books like Wake-Up Calls that grab you by the hoodie, drag you into a dusty family attic full of secrets, and whisper, “Sit down. We need to talk about this family.” ☕📞
Thank you to Mariah Stewart, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of the Wake-Up Calls audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this audiobook, I truly thought I was signing up for a thriller. I was prepared for dark twists, shocking reveals, maybe a body or two, and a whole lot of suspense. Instead, what I got was something far more layered, emotional, haunting, and honestly? Completely addictive. This story unfolded like opening an old family trunk where every letter, photograph, and whispered secret changes everything you thought you knew.
The real mystery wasn’t just what happened. It was the Meadows family itself. The women in this family carried generations of history, pain, loyalty, and buried truths, and watching those layers peel back piece by piece was impossible to stop listening to. Maxine said “I’m dead but I still have errands,” and sent everyone on an emotional scavenger hunt from beyond the grave. Iconic behavior, honestly. 🖤
Kit, Abby, and Beth all felt incredibly real. None of them were perfect, overly polished, or written like cardboard cutouts with dramatic dialogue. They reacted like actual people trying to navigate grief, family expectations, and revelations that would make anyone stare at a wall for a while afterward. Their bond felt authentic, messy, complicated, and strong all at once.
And then there were the disturbing moments. THAT CASE UNDER THE BED. Absolutely not. I physically recoiled listening to that scene. And Russ? Sweet heavens, someone get that man a therapist, a blanket, and maybe an exorcism. Some moments in this book carried such an eerie undercurrent that even without being a traditional thriller, it still managed to crawl under my skin.
The audiobook narration by Andi Arndt was phenomenal. She didn’t just narrate the story, she pulled me directly into it. Every emotion landed exactly where it needed to. I felt consumed by this audiobook from start to finish and kept finding excuses to listen longer because I NEEDED answers.
And now we need to discuss this ending because excuse me??? You cannot hand me all these family secrets, hint at deeper stories, mention the camp, leave Abby and Beth standing there with entire emotional universes left unexplored, and then casually walk away. No. I refuse. This feels like the beginning of a series, and I am absolutely not ready to leave these characters behind yet. I need more Meadows family chaos immediately. I need camp answers. I need more history. I need the next audiobook yesterday.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Verdict: Wake-Up Calls is not the thriller I expected… it’s better. It’s a deeply layered family mystery wrapped in grief, secrets, generational trauma, and the kind of storytelling that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Emotional, eerie, addictive, and impossible to stop listening to. Mariah Stewart opened the door to the Meadows family and now I’m standing outside banging pots and pans demanding the sequel.
Thank you to Mariah Stewart, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of the Wake-Up Calls audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this audiobook, I truly thought I was signing up for a thriller. I was prepared for dark twists, shocking reveals, maybe a body or two, and a whole lot of suspense. Instead, what I got was something far more layered, emotional, haunting, and honestly? Completely addictive. This story unfolded like opening an old family trunk where every letter, photograph, and whispered secret changes everything you thought you knew.
The real mystery wasn’t just what happened. It was the Meadows family itself. The women in this family carried generations of history, pain, loyalty, and buried truths, and watching those layers peel back piece by piece was impossible to stop listening to. Maxine said “I’m dead but I still have errands,” and sent everyone on an emotional scavenger hunt from beyond the grave. Iconic behavior, honestly. 🖤
Kit, Abby, and Beth all felt incredibly real. None of them were perfect, overly polished, or written like cardboard cutouts with dramatic dialogue. They reacted like actual people trying to navigate grief, family expectations, and revelations that would make anyone stare at a wall for a while afterward. Their bond felt authentic, messy, complicated, and strong all at once.
And then there were the disturbing moments. THAT CASE UNDER THE BED. Absolutely not. I physically recoiled listening to that scene. And Russ? Sweet heavens, someone get that man a therapist, a blanket, and maybe an exorcism. Some moments in this book carried such an eerie undercurrent that even without being a traditional thriller, it still managed to crawl under my skin.
The audiobook narration by Andi Arndt was phenomenal. She didn’t just narrate the story, she pulled me directly into it. Every emotion landed exactly where it needed to. I felt consumed by this audiobook from start to finish and kept finding excuses to listen longer because I NEEDED answers.
And now we need to discuss this ending because excuse me??? You cannot hand me all these family secrets, hint at deeper stories, mention the camp, leave Abby and Beth standing there with entire emotional universes left unexplored, and then casually walk away. No. I refuse. This feels like the beginning of a series, and I am absolutely not ready to leave these characters behind yet. I need more Meadows family chaos immediately. I need camp answers. I need more history. I need the next audiobook yesterday.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Verdict: Wake-Up Calls is not the thriller I expected… it’s better. It’s a deeply layered family mystery wrapped in grief, secrets, generational trauma, and the kind of storytelling that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Emotional, eerie, addictive, and impossible to stop listening to. Mariah Stewart opened the door to the Meadows family and now I’m standing outside banging pots and pans demanding the sequel.
April 26, 2026
While I did predict how this would end, I still enjoyed the book. I typically read mysteries and thrillers, I needed a break and this one worked out fine for me.
May 14, 2026
Highly recommend this book. Loved the storyline, characters and development of each throughout the book
May 19, 2026
This story was sweet and predictable in the best possible way. I loved the premise of an old-school sports camp in Maine, and honestly, who doesn’t love a surprise inheritance with a twist? I’m officially putting it out into the universe that there is some rich distant relative out there just waiting to leave me a charming lakeside property someday. Anyone? 😄
Some readers have mentioned wishing the mystery element kicked in a little sooner, but in today’s chaotic and unpredictable world, I actually appreciated the slower build. I enjoyed getting to know the quirky townspeople alongside Kit Porterfield as she learned more about her mysterious aunt, Maxine Meadows, and the life she left behind.
The cozy Maine setting added so much charm, and the story had that comforting small-town feel that makes you want to settle in with a blanket and keep reading. It was less about shocking twists and more about connection, belonging, and discovering where you fit.
I also really enjoyed the audiobook narration by Jessie Cave and Lino Facioli. I’m not from Maine, so I can’t fully judge the authenticity of the accents, but they certainly sounded convincing to me and added to the atmosphere of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an advanced listening copy.
Some readers have mentioned wishing the mystery element kicked in a little sooner, but in today’s chaotic and unpredictable world, I actually appreciated the slower build. I enjoyed getting to know the quirky townspeople alongside Kit Porterfield as she learned more about her mysterious aunt, Maxine Meadows, and the life she left behind.
The cozy Maine setting added so much charm, and the story had that comforting small-town feel that makes you want to settle in with a blanket and keep reading. It was less about shocking twists and more about connection, belonging, and discovering where you fit.
I also really enjoyed the audiobook narration by Jessie Cave and Lino Facioli. I’m not from Maine, so I can’t fully judge the authenticity of the accents, but they certainly sounded convincing to me and added to the atmosphere of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an advanced listening copy.
May 3, 2026
*April 2026 Amazon Prime First Read
May 6, 2026
Riveting
I received this through KU first reads and it’s nothing like I would typically read, but I LOVED IT!! It was a mid-life story of an unknown inheritance from someone you never knew existed. It was a marriage in crises. It was an unraveling mystery. It was the roots of family and heritage. It was the price of secrets. It was a tragic love story. It was new beginnings for 3 generations. Well written, the story flowed flawlessly. Amazing, give this a read.
I received this through KU first reads and it’s nothing like I would typically read, but I LOVED IT!! It was a mid-life story of an unknown inheritance from someone you never knew existed. It was a marriage in crises. It was an unraveling mystery. It was the roots of family and heritage. It was the price of secrets. It was a tragic love story. It was new beginnings for 3 generations. Well written, the story flowed flawlessly. Amazing, give this a read.
May 9, 2026
I loved this story. I guessed the secret right off, but story about it and the present were great.
May 19, 2026
I truly fell in love with the characters in this book. I loved the setting. I loved it all. I think it would make a great tv mini series. Made my heart happy to read this one 🩷
May 7, 2026
Kit Porterfield discovers she has inherited property from an aunt who she never knew existed. Meanwhile, her daughter's marriage is over and her husband is getting ready to retire and her sister is battling cancer. She travels to Tolerance, Maine to check things out. Kit had questions and it's up to her to get the answers.
Not going to give any more info but there are some surprises. I enjoyed this and will read more by this author.
Not going to give any more info but there are some surprises. I enjoyed this and will read more by this author.
April 12, 2026
This book earned its 5⭐️s!! Might be the best book I have read in a while. This book contains a little of it all like family drama, character development, mystery, wilderness, small town & all it involves, but also such a love story! Highly recommend this book.
May 10, 2026
3.25⭐️Wake Up Calls by Mariah Stewart is about a suburban librarian, Kit, whose life is not going great. Her marriage is on the rocks, her sister is recovering from cancer, and her daughter has come back home after a messy break-up. Out of the blue, she gets notified by a lawyer from Maine letting her know her aunt has left her a lakeside camp. The problem is, Kit has no knowledge of even having an aunt. She decides to go see this camp, and although it is really run down it held great memories from everyone in the community. She is surprised to be surrounded by a tight knit community that loved her aunt dearly, and that welcomed Kit right away.
There are long buried family secrets that rise to the surface as Kit digs deeper for answers. I really enjoyed this book, but it was a little too long and had a few slow moments. All in all, I enjoyed this book and had fun uncovering all the family secrets! Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Kindle Edition for a copy of this ALC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now and ready for you to give it a read!
There are long buried family secrets that rise to the surface as Kit digs deeper for answers. I really enjoyed this book, but it was a little too long and had a few slow moments. All in all, I enjoyed this book and had fun uncovering all the family secrets! Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Kindle Edition for a copy of this ALC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now and ready for you to give it a read!
May 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ This book was recommended to me by my mom, who really enjoyed it. From the start, I was drawn in by the wonderful characters and the intricate storyline, alongside the evocative Maine setting. The novel struck a nice balance between suspense and heartfelt moments.
I liked getting to know all of the characters, including Banks, Greta, Hal, Beth and Abby. By the end, I felt like I really knew Kit. The small town was lovely, with everyone coming together as friends and even as a found family, warmly accepting the new generation of Meadows. I also found myself engrossed in learning about Maxine’s tragic life and her love story with Miles. I really hope there will be a sequel to continue this story.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
I liked getting to know all of the characters, including Banks, Greta, Hal, Beth and Abby. By the end, I felt like I really knew Kit. The small town was lovely, with everyone coming together as friends and even as a found family, warmly accepting the new generation of Meadows. I also found myself engrossed in learning about Maxine’s tragic life and her love story with Miles. I really hope there will be a sequel to continue this story.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
May 29, 2026
This was the first audio book I’ve ever listened to. Interesting process. I started this book while mowing the lawn. Ended it in Cancun at a resort.
Audio books kinda make me want to be more productive? Idk. Was kinda not the move for a relaxing beach vacation. Excited to actually read again. But will def do audio books when I’m back home and running errands.
Anyway- the book itself was kinda mid tbh. I’m so used to books that are a bit more intense or have turns/twists. This was not that. Fairly straightforward book lol. I guess a feel good book? Idk I don’t feel good. I needed a twist or something, cmon. Author should’ve added some more masala. I’ll take it though. On to my next mezcal Paloma (I’ve had 15 this week).
Audio books kinda make me want to be more productive? Idk. Was kinda not the move for a relaxing beach vacation. Excited to actually read again. But will def do audio books when I’m back home and running errands.
Anyway- the book itself was kinda mid tbh. I’m so used to books that are a bit more intense or have turns/twists. This was not that. Fairly straightforward book lol. I guess a feel good book? Idk I don’t feel good. I needed a twist or something, cmon. Author should’ve added some more masala. I’ll take it though. On to my next mezcal Paloma (I’ve had 15 this week).
May 3, 2026
The main character in the story, Kit, is in her fifties with plenty of family drama and tension in her marriage. She finds out she inherited a rustic campground in Maine from an aunt she didn't even know existed. In rehabilitating the camp and uncovering the mystery, Kit is able to find peace in herself and hope for her future.
While overall I enjoyed the story, and the descriptions were lovely in some parts, in others it just dragged the story along and was honestly a bit dull. In my opinion, the story could have been a lot shorter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
While overall I enjoyed the story, and the descriptions were lovely in some parts, in others it just dragged the story along and was honestly a bit dull. In my opinion, the story could have been a lot shorter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
May 13, 2026
A captivating and emotional story of love and loss
I loved this engrossing and emotional mystery. The author did a wonderful job of creating a setting and a story that drew the reader in to the history of the family and the camp. She brought the story to life; I could picture myself enjoying a holiday in one of the cabins and I wanted Kit to consider continuing the camp. The characters were well drawn and the romantic aspects of the past and present stories brought many emotions to the tale. I will remember this read.
I loved this engrossing and emotional mystery. The author did a wonderful job of creating a setting and a story that drew the reader in to the history of the family and the camp. She brought the story to life; I could picture myself enjoying a holiday in one of the cabins and I wanted Kit to consider continuing the camp. The characters were well drawn and the romantic aspects of the past and present stories brought many emotions to the tale. I will remember this read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews