Always Game: A Maine Woman's Life of Outdoor Adventure

by Christi Elliott

Christi Holmes' passion for hunting and fishing has made her one of the leading outdoors women in Maine. She grew up in Machias (where she was a 1,000 point scorer for her high school basketball team) before heading to the University of Maine where she studied engineering and was chosen as Homecoming Queen. Life after college saw her walk the Appalachian Trail, begin work as an engineer, and start to hunt and fish. These two areas, traditionally dominated by men, gave her keen insight into the challenges of breaking barriers, overcoming resistance, and creating a welcoming place for all kinds of people. As she began her journey as an outdoorswoman, Holmes trained her hunting dog and learned largely by trial and error, and persistence.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Erinp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read. About 20 short stories of Christi's life growing up in Maine and learning to love the outdoors. Really highlights the importance of having mentors. Written really well and I was devastated at certain parts and celebrated her successes. Really made you feel like you were just having coffee with a friend. Worth picking up for sure.

[Cassandra Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters felt like short stories, each one being a different hunting or fishing story. Really enjoyed! Based in Maine

[Jessica B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried, I know I’ll be reading again!

[Carol Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because of a friend's review and surprisingly I really liked it. I am not an outdoorsy, hunting, animal loving person but I really liked it. She has a very nice writing style and I found myself getting excited if she bagged a bear or hauled in a 9 foot bluefin tuna!

[kate lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final proofread ✍️

[Christopher Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t make the annual trip to Maine this summer. But reading this book took me right back to Vacationland

[Madeline Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about a life well-lived in the woods. Hunters and nonhunters alike will enjoy Christi’s adventures.