When Walls Talk

by Marla Melior

I am 132 Maple Drive, the 1928 two-story craftsman with the gabled roof and welcoming front porch. I have been many colors throughout the years—different hues of paint, layers of wallpaper, hardwood floors, carpets, linoleum, tile, new windows, new roof…change was a constant for me. But I was always ‘home’ to those I housed… I really did love all my families; some were easier to love than others that’s for certain, but I loved them all.

Travel through time in this beautiful story told from a unique perspective. Five families and nearly one hundred years of history, narrated by the house that saw and heard it all. Today the walls are talking...sharing the stories and struggles of those five wonderful families. Meet the Nortons, Jensens, Karchners, Krebs, and the Reeds as they navigate through life's up and downs, joys and disappointments, trials and triumphs. Set against a backdrop of significant historical events and American pop culture, this is truly a delightful walk down memory lane.

"A trip through history with characters you feel like you know."--Lana Marin, M. Ed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

522 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a charming 1928 two story craftsman home set in a small town and idyllic neighborhood. Not only does this book center around the home at 132 Maple Drive, the voice of the story IS the home. Yes, the walls really are talking. Within these pages, you’ll hear the stories of five families who came to call this house, home.

Within the span of close to 100 years brings many changes in decor, cultural norms, events in history, technology, toys, cars and pop culture— It’s quite interesting and a fun way to see all the differences. Everyone who reads will be able to remember something from their own era that will make them feel incredibly nostalgic!

It’s a beautiful look back with countless events and little to big moments. It’s a collection of memories, experiences, and feelings. Every family is quite different from each other yet they all share forms of love, loss, heartaches, joy, good times and bad. The houses narration is deeply touching. Several times I was moved to tears. It’s a tribute to family, friendship, and home.

This is a book that is unique and heartfelt and I can honestly say it will stay with me for a long time. The author has a way of creating characters that are incredibly endearing. At the close of each families journey, I felt such an attachment- it was hard to say goodbye! 🥹

If you crave a story that is full of heart and brimming with emotion — give When Walls Talk a read. I can’t recommend it enough!

Content: clean read but touches lightly on some difficult subjects such as emotional/verbal abuse, drug addiction, suicide, death of child.

Thank you to @marla_melior_author for my #gifted copy!

[Laura A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a journey. The narrator: the home itself. The highs and lows of each family. 5 families in a 100 year timespan. Cue all the emotions. It was unlike any book I had read before. I couldn’t put it down and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book! Well written, very engaging characters, and no swearing, violence, or sex! I didn't want to put it down and lost sleep staying up to read it. It reminded me of a bungalow I owned in Spokane, WA, and made me wonder who else lived there and what their stories were. It took me on a walk down memory lane with music, movies, and items from different eras of my life! I highly recommend this book to all my friends-- it is incredible well done with a great plot twist.

[Jeni | StoryTimeReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Marla Melior’s debut novel When Walls Talk that it earned a special place on my 6-star favorites shelf. It is …

🏠 captivating
🏠 riveting
🏠 nostalgic
🏠 moving
🏠 endearing

From the moment you open its pages you will laugh, cry, and reflect on all your years and those around you. I didn’t want the stories to end. The characters are well developed and will stay with you long after you close its pages.

The reader is introduced to 5 families over the course of 100 years that lived within the walls of 132 Maple Drive. All narrated from the perspective of the house that saw it all. I think each reader will be able to identify with these touching stories of families, friends, and even foe.

You will experience the ups and downs, joys and sadness, pain and healing, love and hate for those who lived within these walls. In the end, you will learn that it doesn’t really matter what kind of house you live in… it is the love that makes it a home. And it is also a desire to leave people and places better off than what you found them in.

You will get quickly caught up in the times and seasons from 1928 until present day and enjoy the era of your day through news headlines, toys, music, fashion, and food. Things I had forgotten about that were brought back to remembrance. That was fun!

I found the ending satisfying, uplifting, and hopeful. It wrapped up any loose ends beautifully.

I highly recommend.

Content:
Genres: Fiction. Clean read. Historical fiction. Book club.
Sex: Implied sex but no description
Language: No swearing
Violence: Emotional abuse, child abuse, suicide but lightly described and not the focal point
Drugs: Drug and alcohol abuse

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and the author for the digital copy.
An interesting read.
Love how it all came together at the end.
Very different to read a book written in the perspective of a house.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you could squeeze my walls, they would ooze like a sponge, exuding all the joy, pain, and experience from nearly one hundred years and five beautiful families.”

•This unique story is told from the perspective of a nearly 100 year old house, “132 Maple Drive, the 1928 two-story craftsman with a fabled roof and welcoming front porch. Through the many years, this house changed with many colors-different hues of paint, layers of wall paper, hardwood floors, carpets, linoleum, tile, new windows, new roof…with change being a constant. *But, no matter what, it was always a home to those housed within.

This house shares the experience of the 5 different families that made this house a home in one way or another. This house truly saw and heard plenty…both good and bad. It saw grief beyond description. It witnessed betrayal and abuse. It experienced incomprehensible joy and peace. This house lived, loved, grieved, and celebrated more deeply than one can possibly imagine. With family inside, this house was home.

@marla_melior_author what a unique and powerful story, told from the perspective of house that lived to be ‘nearly one hundred years old.’ I loved how the wonderful joys, the deep sorrows, the hard trials, and the great triumphs shaped this dear house, just as the people who lived them from within! I loved seeing those especially, who believed in leaving both things and people better than when they found them! I also loved the beautiful reminder to hope for and expect miracles! This book is both heart wrenching and heartwarming in all the ways. My attention was held from start to finish along with the emotional rollercoaster I went on. It was fascinating to see this dear house live through many historical events as well, and impact the lives of the families living within this home. Oh what a story!🏡

-Content: death, grief, abuse, betrayal, some violence, drug use, suicide (handled with care and sensitivity).

#whenwallstalk
#marlamelior
#toldfromahouseperspective
#uniqueandoriginal

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. This book starts in 1929, and is told from the point of view from the house. 5 different families live in the house throughout a century. Their stories all intertwine, and the house learns to love each family, even though each one is completely different from the others.

The book is full of nostalgia for the past - I really enjoyed how Martha Meilor wove in many historical events, music, and even common household gadgets from each decade. It brought up some fun discussions with my husband as we talked about how technology has changed over the past 100 years.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required.

Content Considerations: Drug use and a suicide is described. However, it was done very tastefully and was not the central theme of the book. The incidents were contained to a few chapters. While the events were sad, the description didn't bother me at all, especially as the author showed a bit of the journey of healing from these sad themes.

[Brandy Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Point of View

When Walls Talk is a lovely read! It is the story of a home and the five families who live there over the course of 100 years. I enjoyed how the author connected the stories together. I also like how the story is told from the point of view of the house.

[Emily Bidstrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. I loved that this book is written from the house’s point of view. As an interior designer, I had so much fun learning about all its details and updates along its 100 years. I grew to love each family as I learned about and related to each of them in different ways. I would absolutely recommend this book!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near 5*****read. 4.8
A completely new take on a main character... a house. The, "Voice" of this story was so kind, sweet, and compassionate. It touched my heart in this harsh world in which we live. The cultural icons and events included from each decade, starting with the 50s, were so accurate I was having vivid memories from my own childhood as the individuals were living them! This precious house "lives" the spectrum of human emotion and experience intimately right along with all members of each of 5 families. The compassion expressed for the children who pass through the years within "Home's" walls is remarkable. Beautifully done!
Deep gratitude to the author and goodreads for the e-copy of this wonderful story. The opinions stated here are expressly my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. I think this may be the first book by this author. I hope she writes more.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was loving this book, 5 stars for the majority of it. Such a unique viewpoint and I was all in on the families and loved seeing the trends throughout time. It is a sweet, comfy book to read on your couch.

Then I got to the last family and what happened? Is it because it was too close to today’s historical events? It got super preachy to me and felt like it came out of nowhere. You can tell the authors political views were in this storyline. One example being she had no problem naming any of the presidents in any of the other historical times but in 2021 wouldn’t even say the current president’s name: Joe Biden.

Sad to end such a good story on a sour note.

[Lori]

So Glad I Took A Chance!

This book is unlike ANY I have ever read before -- and I read a LOT, around 100 + books per year. When we read a book, it may be written from a variety of perspectives. Perhaps it is written in first person, or we might hear the story from the author's grandmother, their adult child or even the teacher she had in 4th grade. But never have I read a book where the author approaches it from the house that the characters live in and how the house comes into existence and becomes "home" to the families it shelters! Even though I am also a writer it would never have occurred to me to approach a story from THAT perspective and I initially thought that the writer, Marla Melior would be limiting herself with that approach. After all, maybe the house would "describe itself" as far as it's design, how many rooms, who built it , why and for whom. But what else could you say? Where could one go with it? And how interesting could it be if you are trying to write an entire book about a house talking about itself? It turned out to be VERY compelling and a lot more than I'd initially imagined.
This book covers a lot of characters, about 5 families spend time living at 132 Maple Drive. Added to that, there are neighbors who become friends and acquaintances, a few realtors, school and college friends etc. The time period covered decades, from the late 1920's all the way through the Covid pandemic which began in early 2020 and kept us isolated, closed businesses and schools worldwide, and led to overwhelmed hospitals and many lonely and frightening deaths several years beyond that. I especially loved that the author makes everything so realistic by including the relevant music of the time, the decor, television shows, new products and even the Presidents and relevant news headlines. It felt like traveling back through time and then forward again in my mind.
I enjoyed the author's writing talent and the realistic and "down to earth" friendly style. Editing was perfect and I now want to read all of her books!

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a more perfect book to read while moving?

As you may have seen, we are moving this week. We are packing up our home of 14 years and starting a new adventure in another state.

This was just the right book to read for this season. I started it around the time our home first went on the market and it immediately spoke to my heart. The writing style is very conversational and personal, as the reader steps inside the “mind” of the home.

When Walls Talk is set in a single home over 100 years and follows all the different families that have lived there. The entire tone is so nostalgic, as you watch these families grow and change. They go through all the things that we have in life - good times, hard times, joy and sorrow. But rich, full lives. And the house witnesses it all. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds you what makes a house a home. It's the memories, the moments, the experiences.

As we’ve been reflecting on our time in our home, I’m so thankful our boys got to grow up here. It’s been such a good house for us. The birthdays. The BBQ’s. The game nights. The study sessions. The sleepovers. The parties. We have grown up in this home. And now it brings me so much joy to pass the keys along to the next family and have the house start over with little kids again. Its such a wonderful analogy for life!

Thank you to author Marla Melior who knew this book would be just what I needed.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It was so exceptionally written and is one I know I will think about often. The author wrote a unique nostalgic novel that tugged at my heartstrings. My absolute favorite was how she wove the families together over the 100 years, especially at the end.

While I could only personally relate to the events and pop culture from the 1990’s on, I loved traveling through time during some of the key moments in our history. Each chapter had me thinking about my own ancestors and all of the homes they lived in over time and their day to day lives.

Bonus, she included recipes, a song list, a readers guide and Q&A with the author.

Thank you Marla Melior for my copy. I cannot wait to read the stories you share next!

[Jill Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew when the first page was a quote from the Bible that this book would have a religious lean. I almost did not read it because I do not read Christian books. Just not for me. But I was so intrigued by the house being the main character that I decided to go outside my comfort zone. I am glad I did.
You would think that a book about 5 separate families would read more like a short story collection, but it doesn't. The author does a wonderful job of connecting all the stories and families.
I have been at my house for 21 years. I can only imagine the stories it could tell.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful debut novel! I was intrigued with reading a story told by the point of view of a house. And it did not disappoint! The house narrates the story of 5 different families that have lived in it since it was built in 1929 and how they are all connected.

I love how the author integrated many historical events throughout the near century. It was interesting to see how each of the families reacted to the big events. I found myself laughing and crying along with the house and families on many occasions.

I'm excited to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels - I don’t know when I’ve read a book that has made me feel so much!
This story is told from the perspective of the house at 132 Maple Drive. It weaves the stories of each family that lived there over the 100 years since the house was built. So much happiness, sadness, growth, devastation, and change! Lovely personalities, terrible character, differences in people. The historical aspects involved over a 100 year span. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[September Morford · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”

Perhaps one of the sweetest books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading! I just fell in love with this sweet house who indeed felt like a person to me.

The story of the Reed family was especially meaningful to me as I, myself, have a child who has some extra needs. Although I do not know the exact experience of a Down Syndrome child, my second son was born with an critical heart defect and I felt exactly how Lisa felt that I was getting one of “God’s special ones.” We did not know about his condition until shortly after he was born, but during the pregnancy, I felt strongly his name was to be “Bohdan” which is Ukrainian for “Gift from God.” Every day is a reminder of what a gift he is to my little family.

Absolutely beautiful and wholesome story!

[Jenn Levanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because Marla was a friend from elementary school, and it blew me away. I loved how the story was told from the point of view of the house. We got to see the lives of the families who lived there. In the most of all this, we get to take a walk down memory lane and experience all the triumphs and tragedies Americans have gone through for the past 100 years.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from the perspective of the house, When Walks Talk, by Marla Melior, tells the story of the 5 families who inhabited 132 Maple Driver over the span of 100 years, from 1928 to now. Full of pop culture references, the reader will take a jog down memory lane in this novel set in an Illinois neighborhood. The story is an engaging, clean read that readers are sure to connect with.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Walls Talk is an incredible book! I absolutely loved that it’s written from the house’s perspective, and I became quite fond of the house itself. It made me wonder what my house would say about me if it were to write a story! My favorite line: “Coincidence is God‘s way of remaining anonymous. But sometimes, something happens that is so extraordinary, you know He is simply showing off.”

[Jennifer Fearin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating! entertaining!

This was an absolute delightful book to read! I loved it! I rarely read fiction, yet, this was fantastic that I want to but the book in print instead of just digitally.

[Connie Cook]

DNF

[Jessica Hanson]

This was different from what I like to read, I ended up skimming most of it

[Malea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book with a different POV! Several of the stories brought me to tears.

[Kyndra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick family friendly read with characters you come to root and cheer for. A feel-good read.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Kaitlyn Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Okay, it’s been a few months since I’ve finished a book in only 2 days!!! This one was just that good! Not only did When Walls Talk pull me out of my reading slump, but it tugged at my heartstrings. This is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to display it proudly on my bedroom shelves!!
When Walls Talk is honestly the most wholesome book I have ever read. As I was reading, I could truly feel the love that the author poured into her work. This book is so beautiful. It’s historical fiction, and it spans over a century! It’s so well researched, and I won’t lie when I say I laughed and cried several times! When Walls Talk tells the wonderful story of American history in a new and interesting way.
This book tells 5 beautiful stories all in one! The transitions are all so seamless! I adored every family that lived at 132 Maple Drive. These characters were all so well developed, and all lived such different lives. I loved each character, but by far, my favorite was the narrator—the house itself!! 132 Maple Drive has such a unique voice! The house is so cheerful, even in dark times. Its voice gave me such a love for life itself. The entire story did!
This book is one I recommend for all audiences! As a senior in high school, I’ve already given it to my mom, grandmother, and little sister. It’s the kind of book I know everyone will enjoy!!!
If I could give this book a million stars, I would. I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know!
The world needs more cheerful stories like this one. This book is definitely one I will be reading more than once!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

This book has sat with me ever since I read it, which was two months ago. I keep going back to how this book made me feel and how heavy and emotional it is while also being hopeful. The premise is the house is telling the story. It talks about the five families who took up residence in this home over a 100-year time period. This was a new POV for me to read, and I absolutely loved it. We hear the phrase "if walls could talk", but to actually think about what a house would say about the people who have or do live there, is mind-boggling. The author handled really hard and deep topics with so much respect and tact. I will add here, content warnings abound! I wasn't prepared for some of the places this author took the characters. The book ends on a hopeful note that I really enjoyed. "When Walls Talk" is a well written, well researched, (the author adds in real life points of history to help mark the time periods), and well-developed book. The characters are written so that the reader truly gets to know them and either loves or despises them. I highly recommend this book with the disclaimer, there are content warnings.