Picture a storyteller who wove the charm of 19th-century Maine into mysteries and historical tales—meet Lea Wait! This American author, born in 1946, blended her love for antiques with gripping narratives, crafting novels that captivate both young readers and adults. From her cozy Shadows Antique Print Mysteries to her acclaimed children’s historical fiction, Wait’s stories are a treasure trove of history and heart.
Wait’s unique journey as an antique print dealer and single adoptive mother of four daughters shaped her storytelling. Her works, often set in the rugged beauty of Maine, reflect her deep connection to the state’s past and its people. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable writer!
The Making of Lea Wait
Born on May 26, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, Lea Wait grew up with a foot in two worlds: suburban New Jersey and the windswept shores of Maine, where her family summered. Her grandmother, an antique doll and toy dealer, sparked her lifelong passion for history and collectibles. Wait studied at Chatham College (now Chatham University) and pursued graduate work at New York University, nearly completing a doctorate. She spent decades as a public relations manager at AT&T, raising her four adopted daughters from Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and India as a single parent. In 1998, she left corporate life, moved to Edgecomb, Maine, and began writing full-time, channeling her love for antiques and history into her stories.
Lea Wait’s Unforgettable Stories
Lea Wait’s novels are a delightful mix of mystery and history, often set against the backdrop of 19th-century Maine. Her Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, featuring antique dealer Maggie Summer, is a fan favorite. Shadows at the Fair (2003), nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel, kicks off the series with Maggie solving murders amid the bustling world of antique shows. Shadows on the Coast of Maine (2003) weaves eerie historical secrets into a modern mystery, showcasing Wait’s knack for blending past and present.
For younger readers, Wait’s historical novels, set in Wiscasset, Maine, bring the 19th century to life. Stopping to Home (2001), named a Notable Book for Children by Smithsonian magazine, follows two orphaned siblings in 1806 as they forge a new life. Uncertain Glory (2014) captures a young newspaper publisher navigating the Civil War’s early days. Wait’s prose is rich with historical detail, drawing on real people and events to ground her fictional tales. Her Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series, starting with Twisted Threads (2015), adds a cozy, needlework-themed twist to her adult mysteries, earning USA Today bestseller status.
Wait’s writing style is warm and immersive, with a historian’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s heart. Her themes—family, resilience, and the search for home—resonate across genres, making her work accessible and deeply moving.
Why Lea Wait Matters
Lea Wait’s impact extends beyond her books. Her novels introduced young readers to Maine’s rich history, earning spots on state reading lists and accolades like the Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books. For adults, her mysteries offered a cozy escape while shedding light on the antique trade’s intricacies. As an adoption advocate, Wait’s personal story inspired countless families, and her talks at schools and libraries sparked a love for history and writing in her audiences. Though she passed away in 2019, her stories continue to enchant readers, preserving Maine’s past and her legacy as a multifaceted author.
- Birth Date: May 26, 1946
- Key Works: Stopping to Home, Shadows at the Fair, Twisted Threads
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee, Smithsonian Notable Book
- Hometown: Edgecomb, Maine
Ready to explore 19th-century Maine through Lea Wait’s eyes? Grab Stopping to Home or Shadows at the Fair and lose yourself in her cozy, historical world!