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Paper Ghosts
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26The highly anticipated new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Other Birds hailed as “whimsical, wise, and delightfully mysterious.” (Real Simple)
In a small North Carolina town, Wester House has stood in its richest neighborhood for decades, and the Wester women have held the town enthralled for generations. Some folks love them. Some folks fear them. But no one truly understands them. Why does a rainy season cause so much anxiety and dismay among them? Why do they know so much about those who live near and around them? Why is no one allowed inside the house and why does Willamena Wester want to bring her granddaughter, Bailey, back into the fold?
To understand the Wester women, you would have to meet Willamena fifty years before, when a love-struck girl made a fateful choice that trapped her in this house forever. The Wester women have always balanced their need for control with their desire for love, and when that balance is off, disaster happens. At age eighteen, Bailey Wester left town amid scandal and heartbreak. But now the pull of family is drawing her back, and old ghosts are stirring to life. Can curses be broken? Do ghosts find rest? And what does it take to become the woman you were always meant to be?
Sarah Addison Allen’s stunning prose will transport you to a place where enchantment is around every corner, and love finds a way of bringing us home.
In a small North Carolina town, Wester House has stood in its richest neighborhood for decades, and the Wester women have held the town enthralled for generations. Some folks love them. Some folks fear them. But no one truly understands them. Why does a rainy season cause so much anxiety and dismay among them? Why do they know so much about those who live near and around them? Why is no one allowed inside the house and why does Willamena Wester want to bring her granddaughter, Bailey, back into the fold?
To understand the Wester women, you would have to meet Willamena fifty years before, when a love-struck girl made a fateful choice that trapped her in this house forever. The Wester women have always balanced their need for control with their desire for love, and when that balance is off, disaster happens. At age eighteen, Bailey Wester left town amid scandal and heartbreak. But now the pull of family is drawing her back, and old ghosts are stirring to life. Can curses be broken? Do ghosts find rest? And what does it take to become the woman you were always meant to be?
Sarah Addison Allen’s stunning prose will transport you to a place where enchantment is around every corner, and love finds a way of bringing us home.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
76 people are currently reading
20966 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Addison Allen
40 books18.6k followersSarah Addison Allen is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eight novels. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Allen is credited with bringing "Southern Magical Realism" to a mainstream audience. Her work, characterized by its romantic, lyrical prose and its exploration of family dynamics through a supernatural lens, has been translated into more than thirty languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Allen’s debut novel, Garden Spells (2007), became a breakout success and an indie bookseller favorite, spending weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her subsequent works—The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (2022)—have each been bestsellers, garnering acclaim for their quiet magic and subtle, folkloric elements integrated into contemporary Southern life.
The daughter of a journalist father and a mother who was a celebrated cook, Allen grew up in a household where storytelling and food were the primary love languages, elements that now define her fiction. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, graduating with a degree in Literature. At age 39, Allen took a hiatus from publishing following a diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer. Her return to writing was marked by a shift toward more poignant narratives.
Allen’s most recent project, Paper Ghosts (2026), continues her tradition of blending mystery with the supernatural. She currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.
Allen’s debut novel, Garden Spells (2007), became a breakout success and an indie bookseller favorite, spending weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her subsequent works—The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (2022)—have each been bestsellers, garnering acclaim for their quiet magic and subtle, folkloric elements integrated into contemporary Southern life.
The daughter of a journalist father and a mother who was a celebrated cook, Allen grew up in a household where storytelling and food were the primary love languages, elements that now define her fiction. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, graduating with a degree in Literature. At age 39, Allen took a hiatus from publishing following a diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer. Her return to writing was marked by a shift toward more poignant narratives.
Allen’s most recent project, Paper Ghosts (2026), continues her tradition of blending mystery with the supernatural. She currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.
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Want to Read
February 8, 2026I can't wait. Sarah Addison Allen is my absolute favorite author. Her books are just delightful and anyone who loves her work should follow her social media. From time to time she writes tiny, whimisical snippits of stories that brighten any day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, I absolutely loved Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen! What a lovely surprise it was to come across this title in the Most Requested carousel on NetGalley! I immediately jumped on it and requested an ARC. I was over the moon with joy when I found the widget on my shelf!
You'll laugh, you'll want to cry, and in the end - all is well that could possibly end well! Don't mess with the Wester Witches!
The Wester women know all of your secrets and will force you to do their bidding...
As usual, Sarah Addison Allen conjures up a story chock full of colourful, larger than life characters, whimisical pathetic fallacies, and a passionate but doomed love affair... sniffle, sniffle! (Gotta ship Wills and Jack - they are such a dynamic, gutsy pair. Jack won my heart: he can teach me how to play the guitar anytime!)
Another impossible-to-put-down novel by one of my favourite magical realism authors. Bravo!
My thanks to the author, Sarah Addison Allen, her publishers, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this incredible novel in exchange for an honest review. Five well deserved stars, and then some! Highly recommended!
You'll laugh, you'll want to cry, and in the end - all is well that could possibly end well! Don't mess with the Wester Witches!
The Wester women know all of your secrets and will force you to do their bidding...
As usual, Sarah Addison Allen conjures up a story chock full of colourful, larger than life characters, whimisical pathetic fallacies, and a passionate but doomed love affair... sniffle, sniffle! (Gotta ship Wills and Jack - they are such a dynamic, gutsy pair. Jack won my heart: he can teach me how to play the guitar anytime!)
Another impossible-to-put-down novel by one of my favourite magical realism authors. Bravo!
My thanks to the author, Sarah Addison Allen, her publishers, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this incredible novel in exchange for an honest review. Five well deserved stars, and then some! Highly recommended!
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March 1, 2026Judy Sebastian from Eastham Public Library
I’m always excited when I get to read anything by Sarah Addison Allen, even her short paragraphs based on photos. She has a way of writing magic realism that delights and allows me to sink into the story, eager for the next page. The women of Wester House have always been feared in their community. They isolate themselves but seem to have some sort of magic ability to know everything about everyone in town. But their personal lives are never complete, so when Willa’s granddaughter Bailey comes back to be raised, Willa plans to do everything in her power to not make the same mistakes her grandmother made with her. Lyrically written and not to be missed, although some things are not completely explained which leaves me with questions. Loved it.
I’m always excited when I get to read anything by Sarah Addison Allen, even her short paragraphs based on photos. She has a way of writing magic realism that delights and allows me to sink into the story, eager for the next page. The women of Wester House have always been feared in their community. They isolate themselves but seem to have some sort of magic ability to know everything about everyone in town. But their personal lives are never complete, so when Willa’s granddaughter Bailey comes back to be raised, Willa plans to do everything in her power to not make the same mistakes her grandmother made with her. Lyrically written and not to be missed, although some things are not completely explained which leaves me with questions. Loved it.
May 10, 2026
In the close-knit place of Hen Town, North Carolina lies a small community that was once North Carolina's largest chicken farm. And for generations, the mysterious Wester family home has stood the test of time as change has ebbed and flowed through Hen Town, sure as the ocean tide. Whether the Wester home was left alone by the townspeople out of reverence or fear, however, none can say.
The "Witches of Wester" are every bit a mystery to teenage Bailey Wester as they are to the rest of Hen Town. Bailey knows that her family has secrets miles-deep, everyone does. Whispers and rumors have swirled around her like invisible winds for Bailey's whole life, but her Mim has never let her close enough to touch the truth. Until Bailey begins seeing strange figures in and around the Wester home grounds, that is; some that look like they're from another time.
"Paper Ghosts" is the sort of book I begged myself to love from the start despite a few clunky, opening chapters. It has some really beautiful flickers of the sort of magical realism that rendered Sarah Addison Allen's "Garden Spells" one of my favorite books of all time; but those flickers are fleeting, and they're few.
Overall, the pacing of "Paper Ghosts" never felt right and it lacked the steady current of magical realism I was hoping for. It moves--or rather, suddenly leaps--forward multiple times before you're able to cozily settle in with the characters or the time period they're found in, and that created a distance from the story that I never got past. Certainly reminiscent of some of Addison Allen's older works, "Paper Ghosts" is an oddball of a novel: magical in moments, then shockingly dark in others, fast-paced and yet hard to get through at points. I wish (more than anyone) that I could recommend it to readers, but if you're looking for that true, Addison Allen magic, discover "Garden Spells" for the first time, or go back to it again.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced review copy of this title*
The "Witches of Wester" are every bit a mystery to teenage Bailey Wester as they are to the rest of Hen Town. Bailey knows that her family has secrets miles-deep, everyone does. Whispers and rumors have swirled around her like invisible winds for Bailey's whole life, but her Mim has never let her close enough to touch the truth. Until Bailey begins seeing strange figures in and around the Wester home grounds, that is; some that look like they're from another time.
"Paper Ghosts" is the sort of book I begged myself to love from the start despite a few clunky, opening chapters. It has some really beautiful flickers of the sort of magical realism that rendered Sarah Addison Allen's "Garden Spells" one of my favorite books of all time; but those flickers are fleeting, and they're few.
Overall, the pacing of "Paper Ghosts" never felt right and it lacked the steady current of magical realism I was hoping for. It moves--or rather, suddenly leaps--forward multiple times before you're able to cozily settle in with the characters or the time period they're found in, and that created a distance from the story that I never got past. Certainly reminiscent of some of Addison Allen's older works, "Paper Ghosts" is an oddball of a novel: magical in moments, then shockingly dark in others, fast-paced and yet hard to get through at points. I wish (more than anyone) that I could recommend it to readers, but if you're looking for that true, Addison Allen magic, discover "Garden Spells" for the first time, or go back to it again.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advanced review copy of this title*
April 28, 2026
I appreciate St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a solid 4+ stars and I can see why Sarah Addison Allen has such a devoted readership.
The intergenerational story is beautifully woven, and watching the development of Wills and Bailey unfold was a genuine pleasure. Allen’s touch of magical realism felt effortless and organic, nicely suited to the atmosphere of a fictional small town near the Piedmont of North Carolina. The characters are engaging and the pacing kept me completely absorbed. Read it in 2 days.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with a hint of magic and a strong sense of place, this one is worth checking out. This was my first and I’m looking forward to exploring more of Allen’s work.
The intergenerational story is beautifully woven, and watching the development of Wills and Bailey unfold was a genuine pleasure. Allen’s touch of magical realism felt effortless and organic, nicely suited to the atmosphere of a fictional small town near the Piedmont of North Carolina. The characters are engaging and the pacing kept me completely absorbed. Read it in 2 days.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with a hint of magic and a strong sense of place, this one is worth checking out. This was my first and I’m looking forward to exploring more of Allen’s work.
May 3, 2026
Hauntingly beautiful with a touch of magic.
Sarah Addison Allen delivers another Southern fiction story with her signature blend of warmth and magical realism. This standalone novel unfolds in three parts, starting with Willamena ‘Wills’ Wester at 18 and told in third person through multiple perspectives that reveal the Wester family legacy over time.
Wills is raised by her formidable grandmother, Alice, whose need for control has shaped both the family and the town. This need for control comes with an emotional cost that is paid in heartbreak and loneliness. Determined not to repeat the past, Wills pushed her granddaughter, Bailey, away from Hen Town. Now, eight years later, Bailey returns to a house that feels full of memory and mystery, searching for long-overdue answers.
The writing is lyrical, with magical elements that add just the right touch without taking over the story. There are also subtle nods to Allen’s other works that add a layer of enchantment for longtime readers. While the shifts between parts and the ending might seem a tad abrupt, overall it’s a beautifully told moving look at family, heartbreak, and the courage it takes to change.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and based on the ARC, which may differ from the final published version.
Sarah Addison Allen delivers another Southern fiction story with her signature blend of warmth and magical realism. This standalone novel unfolds in three parts, starting with Willamena ‘Wills’ Wester at 18 and told in third person through multiple perspectives that reveal the Wester family legacy over time.
Wills is raised by her formidable grandmother, Alice, whose need for control has shaped both the family and the town. This need for control comes with an emotional cost that is paid in heartbreak and loneliness. Determined not to repeat the past, Wills pushed her granddaughter, Bailey, away from Hen Town. Now, eight years later, Bailey returns to a house that feels full of memory and mystery, searching for long-overdue answers.
The writing is lyrical, with magical elements that add just the right touch without taking over the story. There are also subtle nods to Allen’s other works that add a layer of enchantment for longtime readers. While the shifts between parts and the ending might seem a tad abrupt, overall it’s a beautifully told moving look at family, heartbreak, and the courage it takes to change.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and based on the ARC, which may differ from the final published version.
May 1, 2026
I thought the “paper ghosts” idea was really interesting, it shows how we hold onto memories of the people we’ve lost. The pacing was good too, I had enough time to connect with the characters and understand why they made the choices that they did. It was definitely an emotional read.
The book deals with grief in an honest, and easy to understand way that still hits pretty deep. It shows the confusion and the sense of belief that can come with losing someone close to you.
Overall, it’s a really sweet and meaningful story about loss, healing, and hope.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity. I really enjoyed reading this!
The book deals with grief in an honest, and easy to understand way that still hits pretty deep. It shows the confusion and the sense of belief that can come with losing someone close to you.
Overall, it’s a really sweet and meaningful story about loss, healing, and hope.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity. I really enjoyed reading this!
May 10, 2026
I am so grateful that I got to read an advance copy of Paper Ghosts. Allen is the author of that made me appreciate magical realism in a way I didn’t before reading her books. This novel is a little darker than the others I’ve read but it also is a book about hope and love. There are mean girls, family secrets, and … well no spoilers but darker things. Is the past ever really over? Does death end love? I hope you’ll decide to take a journey to Hen Town, North Carolina, a town with its own sense of time and its own line of witches.
P.S. I loved the reference to Dellawisps from Allen’s book Other Birds.
P.S. I loved the reference to Dellawisps from Allen’s book Other Birds.
May 1, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Perfect for readers who expect flawed but deeply human characters and a story that seamlessly blends everyday with a whisper of something more.
Paper Ghosts is a novel about things we carry, pasts that linger, memory, and grief for things left unsaid.
Perfect for readers who expect flawed but deeply human characters and a story that seamlessly blends everyday with a whisper of something more.
Paper Ghosts is a novel about things we carry, pasts that linger, memory, and grief for things left unsaid.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
First off - thank you to St. Martin's Press Group and Goodreads for the free giveaway - my first! Here's my spoiler-free review:
I believe that I have read every single thing that Sarah Addison Allen has written. I would rank Paper Ghosts as somewhere in the middle of my own rankings of her catalogue.
To summarize, Paper Ghosts is a fairly short novel (277 pages) spanning 1976 to present times. It takes place in incremental, mostly linear time jumps, in Hen Town, NC. Our protagonists are a family of women with some supernatural gifts, and of course, the men they love. The supporting cast are the townspeople they interact with, and the occasional but supremely important outsiders that come into their lives. The house they live in is a wonderful character all in itself.
Our main character is Bailey, although she is not present for the first part of the book. Her grandmother, Wills, plays a crucial part in her development after she and her father, Tug, move back to town after a tragedy.
The plot revolves around the "gifts" the Wester women have, how it affects their lives and how they are perceived in a small town, and how each generation tries to do better than the generation before. The story is twisty and turny, and I never lost interest.
I loved Bailey, and she is sadly, the only character we came to know intimately. That was my only disappointment with this book - it felt too short to get to know anyone else. Many of the peripheral characters were very interesting and I would have loved more back story on them, especially prior to 1976. I feel like the book needed at least another 100 pages to flesh out these characters and their storylines. The "gifts" aspect felt very underplayed, and I am ambivalent about that. I loved the whimsy of the Garden Spells series, and while this book has a touch of whimsy, it was much more down to earth, and quite a bit darker.
The ending felt appropriate, mostly wrapped up in a lovely epilogue, but it seemed like there was a rather large dangling plot line.
Overall, I really liked it. I raced through it - it was paced well so that I kept wanting to get back to it to see what would happen next. Cautiously recommended for the reasons mentioned above.
Trigger alert (mild spoiler warning)
Attempted sexual assault
I believe that I have read every single thing that Sarah Addison Allen has written. I would rank Paper Ghosts as somewhere in the middle of my own rankings of her catalogue.
To summarize, Paper Ghosts is a fairly short novel (277 pages) spanning 1976 to present times. It takes place in incremental, mostly linear time jumps, in Hen Town, NC. Our protagonists are a family of women with some supernatural gifts, and of course, the men they love. The supporting cast are the townspeople they interact with, and the occasional but supremely important outsiders that come into their lives. The house they live in is a wonderful character all in itself.
Our main character is Bailey, although she is not present for the first part of the book. Her grandmother, Wills, plays a crucial part in her development after she and her father, Tug, move back to town after a tragedy.
The plot revolves around the "gifts" the Wester women have, how it affects their lives and how they are perceived in a small town, and how each generation tries to do better than the generation before. The story is twisty and turny, and I never lost interest.
I loved Bailey, and she is sadly, the only character we came to know intimately. That was my only disappointment with this book - it felt too short to get to know anyone else. Many of the peripheral characters were very interesting and I would have loved more back story on them, especially prior to 1976. I feel like the book needed at least another 100 pages to flesh out these characters and their storylines. The "gifts" aspect felt very underplayed, and I am ambivalent about that. I loved the whimsy of the Garden Spells series, and while this book has a touch of whimsy, it was much more down to earth, and quite a bit darker.
The ending felt appropriate, mostly wrapped up in a lovely epilogue, but it seemed like there was a rather large dangling plot line.
Overall, I really liked it. I raced through it - it was paced well so that I kept wanting to get back to it to see what would happen next. Cautiously recommended for the reasons mentioned above.
Trigger alert (mild spoiler warning)
Attempted sexual assault
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martin's Press Group and Goodreads for the advanced reader's digital copy.
Set in the fictional small town, Hen Town, in North Carolina we are brought into the world of the Wester family. The book begins by introducing us to Willamena, aka Wills, who is being raised by her grandmother in a mysterious, curious house. Wills' mother showed up one day with her in Hen Town and the arrangement by her grandmother was for Wills to be raised in the Wester home without her mother staying in her life. There are stipulations given to Willamenia that are non-negotiable such as never leaving Hen Town, never have friends over to the house, and even who she dates/marries. Those friendships, however, are completed chosen by Wills. Those choices take a turn that leads her to follow in her grandmother's footsteps of living tucked away in the generational home hiding away from the outside world.
One day at school, the students are treated to a concert by a band called Andy Smooth and the Silks. Even this was ordained by Wills' grandmother. After a fight between the lead singer and a guitarist, Jack is left back in Hen Town trying to raise money to get back on the road. There is something about Jack that captivates Wills and she starts sneaking around in the "dead zones" to be with him. Things turn tumultous once Wills' grandmother finds out and Wills is forced to make a decision.
Fast forward several years finds Tug, Willamena's adult son and his daughter Bailey on the doorstep after the death of Bailey's mom. Tug chooses to raise Bailey in Hen Town where he grew up. Willamena or Mim as she is called by Bailey retreats to her sunroom during the hours when Tug and Bailey are in the house. She repeats the life she watched her own grandmother live. Because Bailey is a curious and persistent child and is obsessed with figuring out who Mim truly is, she is invited to have afternoon tea which is the best thing that could happened to Bailey. Surprisingly, Mim invites her back and this becomes her weekly routine, telling Mim all about her days at school. Over the years, similar events occur in Bailey's life that echo how Wills grew up. Will generational ties be broken or will the Wester Family remain an anomaly to all those who live and visit Hen Town.
Set in the fictional small town, Hen Town, in North Carolina we are brought into the world of the Wester family. The book begins by introducing us to Willamena, aka Wills, who is being raised by her grandmother in a mysterious, curious house. Wills' mother showed up one day with her in Hen Town and the arrangement by her grandmother was for Wills to be raised in the Wester home without her mother staying in her life. There are stipulations given to Willamenia that are non-negotiable such as never leaving Hen Town, never have friends over to the house, and even who she dates/marries. Those friendships, however, are completed chosen by Wills. Those choices take a turn that leads her to follow in her grandmother's footsteps of living tucked away in the generational home hiding away from the outside world.
One day at school, the students are treated to a concert by a band called Andy Smooth and the Silks. Even this was ordained by Wills' grandmother. After a fight between the lead singer and a guitarist, Jack is left back in Hen Town trying to raise money to get back on the road. There is something about Jack that captivates Wills and she starts sneaking around in the "dead zones" to be with him. Things turn tumultous once Wills' grandmother finds out and Wills is forced to make a decision.
Fast forward several years finds Tug, Willamena's adult son and his daughter Bailey on the doorstep after the death of Bailey's mom. Tug chooses to raise Bailey in Hen Town where he grew up. Willamena or Mim as she is called by Bailey retreats to her sunroom during the hours when Tug and Bailey are in the house. She repeats the life she watched her own grandmother live. Because Bailey is a curious and persistent child and is obsessed with figuring out who Mim truly is, she is invited to have afternoon tea which is the best thing that could happened to Bailey. Surprisingly, Mim invites her back and this becomes her weekly routine, telling Mim all about her days at school. Over the years, similar events occur in Bailey's life that echo how Wills grew up. Will generational ties be broken or will the Wester Family remain an anomaly to all those who live and visit Hen Town.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this text in exchange for a review!
This book is about generations of the Wester women in their small town in North Carolina, where the current Wester matriarch "runs" the town with the knowledge of other peoples' secrets. How do they know these secrets? No one knows. And why did the current matriarch, Willamena, push her granddaughter Bailey away? When Bailey returns to town, she finally learns some of the secrets her grandmother tried to hide, and why...
Firstly, let me say I am a HUGE Sarah Addison Allen fan, and I was so SO excited I got to read this book early. Her writing style is as lovely as ever, and reading it felt like putting on an old comfy robe - warm, familiar, and like home.
4.25 stars - 5 stars for Wills' story, and 3.5 for Bailey's story
This book is split mainly between Willamena's (Wills) story as a teen dealing with her grandmother, and Bailey's story years later. I absolutely LOVED reading about Wills as a teen and the circumstances that led her to, in some ways, become the grandmother who controlled her life from a young age. Bailey's story did not hook me in the same way, as I just really didn't resonate with her character and her choices, though I could understand them. But after starting with Wills, I wanted to like Bailey's story more. It should also be noted I read this book in one sitting and stayed up WAY too late to do so!
My other favorite thing about Sarah Addison Allen's books is how well she does magical realism - her magic always seems very grounded and real in a way that other authors haven't quite seem to hit for me. This book does not have quite as much "magic" as her past novels, however - it's still present and important to the story, but it's not as imaginative as some of her other novels have been. I still enjoyed it, and liked that she tried to keep what the magic was a secret throughout the book.
If you're a Sarah Addison Allen fan, I think you'll enjoy this one, though it does have a slightly different vibe from a lot of her other books. If you enjoy multi-generational stories about strong women, this book could be fun. Happy reading everyone!
This book is about generations of the Wester women in their small town in North Carolina, where the current Wester matriarch "runs" the town with the knowledge of other peoples' secrets. How do they know these secrets? No one knows. And why did the current matriarch, Willamena, push her granddaughter Bailey away? When Bailey returns to town, she finally learns some of the secrets her grandmother tried to hide, and why...
Firstly, let me say I am a HUGE Sarah Addison Allen fan, and I was so SO excited I got to read this book early. Her writing style is as lovely as ever, and reading it felt like putting on an old comfy robe - warm, familiar, and like home.
4.25 stars - 5 stars for Wills' story, and 3.5 for Bailey's story
This book is split mainly between Willamena's (Wills) story as a teen dealing with her grandmother, and Bailey's story years later. I absolutely LOVED reading about Wills as a teen and the circumstances that led her to, in some ways, become the grandmother who controlled her life from a young age. Bailey's story did not hook me in the same way, as I just really didn't resonate with her character and her choices, though I could understand them. But after starting with Wills, I wanted to like Bailey's story more. It should also be noted I read this book in one sitting and stayed up WAY too late to do so!
My other favorite thing about Sarah Addison Allen's books is how well she does magical realism - her magic always seems very grounded and real in a way that other authors haven't quite seem to hit for me. This book does not have quite as much "magic" as her past novels, however - it's still present and important to the story, but it's not as imaginative as some of her other novels have been. I still enjoyed it, and liked that she tried to keep what the magic was a secret throughout the book.
If you're a Sarah Addison Allen fan, I think you'll enjoy this one, though it does have a slightly different vibe from a lot of her other books. If you enjoy multi-generational stories about strong women, this book could be fun. Happy reading everyone!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At first I wasn’t sure about this one. At the beginning, we know that teenage Willamena Wester’s grandmother – and to a certain extent, Willamena herself – have some sort of psychic gift for knowing things that other people don’t. But the first section of the book deals primarily with Willamena’s romance with a musician who was just passing through town until the leader of his band abandons him. Initially, this part of the story felt a little mundane and tawdry to me. Willamena is an 18-year-old high school senior, and Jack is 23. Yes, Willamena is legal, but barely, and Jack admits that at times he’s willing to steal and swindle to get what he wants. I wasn’t sure whether the author wanted us to root for their relationship, and if so, why.
Well, the relationship does NOT work out as planned – but to tell more than that feels like a spoiler. The next section jumps ahead several decades, and Willamena is now a grandmother very much like the stern, controlling grandmother she once wanted to escape. Willamena’s son and granddaughter, Bailey, come to live with her … and this is where the story takes on the additional layers that reeled me in. Bailey can also see and sense things other people can’t. Will history repeat itself? And how did Willamena turn from a rebellious teen into a forbidding matriarch feared by everyone in her home town?
As Bailey grows up, we get Willamena’s story in bits and pieces, some of them during the one-on-one afternoon teas she invites her granddaughter to from time to time. We know that Bailey is being taught a lot of the wrong lessons, learning to keep people at a distance. But we also come to understand Willamena a little better, and we know that she means well.
It all shapes up into a moving story with hardly any villains – mostly, just damaged people who are doing the best they can. Hen Town, the fictional North Carolina community that Willamena Wester presides over, has a quaint Rockwell-esque feel in spite of its residents’ occasionally dark secrets. I enjoyed my visit there. If you like an emotional story with touches of magic, I think you will, too.
NOTE: Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Well, the relationship does NOT work out as planned – but to tell more than that feels like a spoiler. The next section jumps ahead several decades, and Willamena is now a grandmother very much like the stern, controlling grandmother she once wanted to escape. Willamena’s son and granddaughter, Bailey, come to live with her … and this is where the story takes on the additional layers that reeled me in. Bailey can also see and sense things other people can’t. Will history repeat itself? And how did Willamena turn from a rebellious teen into a forbidding matriarch feared by everyone in her home town?
As Bailey grows up, we get Willamena’s story in bits and pieces, some of them during the one-on-one afternoon teas she invites her granddaughter to from time to time. We know that Bailey is being taught a lot of the wrong lessons, learning to keep people at a distance. But we also come to understand Willamena a little better, and we know that she means well.
It all shapes up into a moving story with hardly any villains – mostly, just damaged people who are doing the best they can. Hen Town, the fictional North Carolina community that Willamena Wester presides over, has a quaint Rockwell-esque feel in spite of its residents’ occasionally dark secrets. I enjoyed my visit there. If you like an emotional story with touches of magic, I think you will, too.
NOTE: Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to be provided the opportunity by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press to read Sarah Addison Allen’s latest novel, “Paper Ghosts.” Although I like magical realism well enough, it is not generally my go to genre; however, Sarah Addison Allen’s books are irresistible. “Paper Ghosts” was no exception.
Set in fictitious “Hen Town,” a small town near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, it centers on what the town derisively calls “the Witches of Wester.” It begins in 1976 when a teenage Willamena Wester lives in an old family mansion with her eccentric, wealthy grandmother, who tells her she must never leave Hen Town, dictating every aspect of her life, with one exception: she allows Willamena to choose her own friends. When one of those friends betrays her, resulting in the most pivotal moment of her life, Willamena remains a recluse in the house, eventually becoming like her grandmother.
When Tug and Bailey, Willamena’s son and granddaughter, respectively, comes to live with her following the sudden death of Bailey’s mother, Willamena vows to treat her granddaughter differently than she was treated by her own. Despite this vow, she becomes an elusive, distant figure in Bailey’s life until Bailey’s own pivotal moment arrives, and Willamena forces her to leave Hen Town.
As the title implies, Willamena and Bailey each have to grapple with their own ghosts, both real and imagined. The term “Paper Ghosts” is how Willamena’s grandmother referred to photographs, which she described as ghosts that everyone can see, with their fleeting glimpses of past selves and lost loves. The concept of ghosts is threaded throughout the book, referring not only to the ghosts the Wester women can see, but also the past versions of themselves that seem forever lost to them.
All in all this was an engaging story as much about magical realism as it was about character development and growth. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Set in fictitious “Hen Town,” a small town near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, it centers on what the town derisively calls “the Witches of Wester.” It begins in 1976 when a teenage Willamena Wester lives in an old family mansion with her eccentric, wealthy grandmother, who tells her she must never leave Hen Town, dictating every aspect of her life, with one exception: she allows Willamena to choose her own friends. When one of those friends betrays her, resulting in the most pivotal moment of her life, Willamena remains a recluse in the house, eventually becoming like her grandmother.
When Tug and Bailey, Willamena’s son and granddaughter, respectively, comes to live with her following the sudden death of Bailey’s mother, Willamena vows to treat her granddaughter differently than she was treated by her own. Despite this vow, she becomes an elusive, distant figure in Bailey’s life until Bailey’s own pivotal moment arrives, and Willamena forces her to leave Hen Town.
As the title implies, Willamena and Bailey each have to grapple with their own ghosts, both real and imagined. The term “Paper Ghosts” is how Willamena’s grandmother referred to photographs, which she described as ghosts that everyone can see, with their fleeting glimpses of past selves and lost loves. The concept of ghosts is threaded throughout the book, referring not only to the ghosts the Wester women can see, but also the past versions of themselves that seem forever lost to them.
All in all this was an engaging story as much about magical realism as it was about character development and growth. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for the privilege to read the latest Sarah Addison Allen in exchange for an honest review. SAA is one of my all time favorites, her stories are often balm for the soul, and make me believe in magic just a little bit.
Paper Ghosts is a generational novel. Bailey is the main character but we go back 50 years to meet her grandmother, Wills Wester, as a teen - when she lives in a grand home with her strict grandmother. (The grandma reminded me of Josey’s mother in The Sugar Queen - IYKYK - cold and miserable). There is an unwritten contract that Wills’ can have what she wants as long as she stays in the community, Hen Town, North Carolina. She can have the house and all of the material things she desires if she marries the “right” guy, whom she does not love, and stays under grandma’s thumb for reasons I am never absolutely clear about. However, Wills meets her first love, which does not fit into the matriarch’s plan. Tragedy strikes, but no worries, grandma will take care of it.
Fast forward, we meet Bailey, who comes to Hen Town with her father, Tug, Will’s son, after the death of his wife. Wills or “Mim” as she prefers to be called, is a sweet mystery to Bailey, one she is determined to unfold. In many ways Bailey’s childhood begins to take on much the same trajectory as Wills. However, she is able to escape amid her own heartbreak and seemingly cut the dark ties to the Western family. When Bailey returns as young adult, Wills finally seems to begin to let Bailey in to see how her own life was shaped, and why Wills was quietly determined to not let Bailey follow in her path.
I would have liked the characters to be more 3 dimensional. I love a family drama but I felt like more depth to the characters would have truly filled out the story. There are numerous supporting characters that I felt may have distracted from the substance of the book. This book is darker than the typical magical realism I have come to expect of SAA, which is likely a sign of her growth as an author.
Paper Ghosts is a generational novel. Bailey is the main character but we go back 50 years to meet her grandmother, Wills Wester, as a teen - when she lives in a grand home with her strict grandmother. (The grandma reminded me of Josey’s mother in The Sugar Queen - IYKYK - cold and miserable). There is an unwritten contract that Wills’ can have what she wants as long as she stays in the community, Hen Town, North Carolina. She can have the house and all of the material things she desires if she marries the “right” guy, whom she does not love, and stays under grandma’s thumb for reasons I am never absolutely clear about. However, Wills meets her first love, which does not fit into the matriarch’s plan. Tragedy strikes, but no worries, grandma will take care of it.
Fast forward, we meet Bailey, who comes to Hen Town with her father, Tug, Will’s son, after the death of his wife. Wills or “Mim” as she prefers to be called, is a sweet mystery to Bailey, one she is determined to unfold. In many ways Bailey’s childhood begins to take on much the same trajectory as Wills. However, she is able to escape amid her own heartbreak and seemingly cut the dark ties to the Western family. When Bailey returns as young adult, Wills finally seems to begin to let Bailey in to see how her own life was shaped, and why Wills was quietly determined to not let Bailey follow in her path.
I would have liked the characters to be more 3 dimensional. I love a family drama but I felt like more depth to the characters would have truly filled out the story. There are numerous supporting characters that I felt may have distracted from the substance of the book. This book is darker than the typical magical realism I have come to expect of SAA, which is likely a sign of her growth as an author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book to review.
"She put a spell on him?"..."And just like that...you've been pulled into my grandmother's world-building. She's very good at controlling the narrative." This short bit of dialogue intrigued me enough to find out more about this book along with the name, Paper Ghosts. Upon reading a more detailed description of, I saw the words "magical realism" used to describe the genre, and I was in. I must admit the book did not disappoint.
We are immediately introduced to Willamina (Wills) Wester in 1976 and her eccentric grandmother, who seems to know all. Wills is part of a group of girls who rules her school and everyone wants to emulate, think Heathers, Mean Girls, etc. However, Wills' school life seems to be the main source of freedom for Wills, as her grandmother has curated every other aspect down to who she will marry and what she has to do to inherit her grandmother's fortune.
Wills has other plans. Unfortunately, in pursuing these plans, she ends up being relegated to doing everything her grandmother planned for her to do. She goes on to have a granddaughter, who she tries to assist so that she does not repeat the mistakes Willa feels she made and in so doing, she causes similar strife.
It is only as Wills sets to right her wrongs with her granddaughter that the fullness of who she was and how she protected her granddaughter truly come to light. It's an interesting story. Though one part felt predictable, so much was not, and the way in which the author has laid out the story and simultaneously, put us in the shoes of Wills' granddaughter as well as the observer who sees all is beautifully done. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, romance and a bit of drama too. I think you'll enjoy it.
"She put a spell on him?"..."And just like that...you've been pulled into my grandmother's world-building. She's very good at controlling the narrative." This short bit of dialogue intrigued me enough to find out more about this book along with the name, Paper Ghosts. Upon reading a more detailed description of, I saw the words "magical realism" used to describe the genre, and I was in. I must admit the book did not disappoint.
We are immediately introduced to Willamina (Wills) Wester in 1976 and her eccentric grandmother, who seems to know all. Wills is part of a group of girls who rules her school and everyone wants to emulate, think Heathers, Mean Girls, etc. However, Wills' school life seems to be the main source of freedom for Wills, as her grandmother has curated every other aspect down to who she will marry and what she has to do to inherit her grandmother's fortune.
Wills has other plans. Unfortunately, in pursuing these plans, she ends up being relegated to doing everything her grandmother planned for her to do. She goes on to have a granddaughter, who she tries to assist so that she does not repeat the mistakes Willa feels she made and in so doing, she causes similar strife.
It is only as Wills sets to right her wrongs with her granddaughter that the fullness of who she was and how she protected her granddaughter truly come to light. It's an interesting story. Though one part felt predictable, so much was not, and the way in which the author has laid out the story and simultaneously, put us in the shoes of Wills' granddaughter as well as the observer who sees all is beautifully done. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, romance and a bit of drama too. I think you'll enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paper Ghosts doesn’t have the charming magical realism of Allen’s previous books like Garden Spells or Peach Keepers. This story is darker in tone, a novel of control and power over others with violent elements. The magic element is centered on one woman, and her ability to listen to ghosts and know things about people in town, which she uses to blackmail them into doing what she wants. The first part of the book is about Willamena as a young woman, under the control of her grandmother with the same ability. She tries to break free with tragic results. The middle section deals with Willamena as a grandmother, exerting the same control over people around her and her family. The final section centers on her granddaughter Bailey. There is another magic element in the story of Tasha who associates emotion with particular scents that only she can smell. But this is more of an extraneous element thrown into the story that doesn’t seem to fit, or have any purpose other than to make her the object of bullying. Secrets and misunderstandings that motivate the characters are well written. But there are questions not answered in the mind of the reader regarding this ability. Can Willamena see more than one ghost? Or does she listen to any ghost who haunts an area of town? If Bailey can see ghosts, then why does she only see one? How does sending her away keep her from developing this ability? Paper Ghosts refers to pictures of people who have passed away, but is only referred to in one scene in the book. How that relates to the ability is not known. The novel reads well, but know going in that it isn’t the sweet and charming story that we have come to associate with this author. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this e-book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Some months ago, I ran into Sarah Addison Allen's books at the library, and promptly devoured them all. Paper Ghosts is another amazing addition to her books. She has a remarkable talent for writing very real, flawed, beautiful characters, and Paper Ghosts is no exception. The magical realism in this one was much lighter than some of her other works, but served to gently nudge the plot forward. My one critique is the time jumps felt a little awkward at times, almost like they were tied-together short stories about the same family. And the end of Wills' part of her story as a teenager was very abrupt. But honestly, it didn't take that much away from the storyline - maybe I was just wanting more! It was short enough that I was able to finish it in a few hours.
At the center of the story is the hurt and damage that family can do in response to their own trauma. In the 1976 section, Wills' grandmother controls everything, tries to make everything smooth for her, to the point of arranging a marriage with a bland but kind man, but Wills understands is because of how miserable she herself was in her own marriage and life. In turn (in the present day), Wills deliberately tries to remove her own influence from her granddaughter Bailey's life, not wanting to ruin her life, yet that ended up being its own disaster. But like Allen's other books, the ending is one of forgiveness, truth-telling, and hope, which made up for the earlier choppiness.
My favorite lines came in the epilogue, and sums up the true heart of Paper Ghosts: "Once upon a time, there was a family of witches. But witches, it turns out, are sometimes only women who have been hurt, and are determined not to be again."
Some months ago, I ran into Sarah Addison Allen's books at the library, and promptly devoured them all. Paper Ghosts is another amazing addition to her books. She has a remarkable talent for writing very real, flawed, beautiful characters, and Paper Ghosts is no exception. The magical realism in this one was much lighter than some of her other works, but served to gently nudge the plot forward. My one critique is the time jumps felt a little awkward at times, almost like they were tied-together short stories about the same family. And the end of Wills' part of her story as a teenager was very abrupt. But honestly, it didn't take that much away from the storyline - maybe I was just wanting more! It was short enough that I was able to finish it in a few hours.
At the center of the story is the hurt and damage that family can do in response to their own trauma. In the 1976 section, Wills' grandmother controls everything, tries to make everything smooth for her, to the point of arranging a marriage with a bland but kind man, but Wills understands is because of how miserable she herself was in her own marriage and life. In turn (in the present day), Wills deliberately tries to remove her own influence from her granddaughter Bailey's life, not wanting to ruin her life, yet that ended up being its own disaster. But like Allen's other books, the ending is one of forgiveness, truth-telling, and hope, which made up for the earlier choppiness.
My favorite lines came in the epilogue, and sums up the true heart of Paper Ghosts: "Once upon a time, there was a family of witches. But witches, it turns out, are sometimes only women who have been hurt, and are determined not to be again."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paper Ghosts
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: September 1, 2026
MAGICAL REALISM
FICTION
FANTASY
CONTEMPORARY
GOTHIC
ROMANCE
I try to read all my NetGalley books in publication order, but when this one arrived, I moved it to the top of my TBR list. Sarah Addison Allen is a MUST-READ author for me, and her stories are enchanting. She did not disappoint.
Paper Ghosts is a generational tale of women who have the gift of sight. I can’t share too much because this story is a fall release, but I can tell you this tale includes magical realism, whimsy, outstanding female characters, and a gothic setting. The story follows generations of women who accept their “unchosen” path in life until tragedy changes the trajectory. All of the ladies are interesting and accept a fate that will make them unpopular and feared in their hometown.
Is it so wrong to want love? Is it so wrong to want friends? No. But they are denied some ordinary things to achieve what is destined for them. In the end, the primary point is the Wester women’s need for control and their desire for love. Secrets, generations of curses, home, and memories captured in photos (the ‘Paper Ghosts’) create a mesmerizing tale. I will read it again before publication and remind you not to miss this one.
#PaperGhosts
@sarahaddisonallen
@netgalley
@stmartinspress
#ghosts
#love
#secrets
#family
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
Paper Ghosts
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: September 1, 2026
MAGICAL REALISM
FICTION
FANTASY
CONTEMPORARY
GOTHIC
ROMANCE
I try to read all my NetGalley books in publication order, but when this one arrived, I moved it to the top of my TBR list. Sarah Addison Allen is a MUST-READ author for me, and her stories are enchanting. She did not disappoint.
Paper Ghosts is a generational tale of women who have the gift of sight. I can’t share too much because this story is a fall release, but I can tell you this tale includes magical realism, whimsy, outstanding female characters, and a gothic setting. The story follows generations of women who accept their “unchosen” path in life until tragedy changes the trajectory. All of the ladies are interesting and accept a fate that will make them unpopular and feared in their hometown.
Is it so wrong to want love? Is it so wrong to want friends? No. But they are denied some ordinary things to achieve what is destined for them. In the end, the primary point is the Wester women’s need for control and their desire for love. Secrets, generations of curses, home, and memories captured in photos (the ‘Paper Ghosts’) create a mesmerizing tale. I will read it again before publication and remind you not to miss this one.
#PaperGhosts
@sarahaddisonallen
@netgalley
@stmartinspress
#ghosts
#love
#secrets
#family
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paper Ghosts is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, playing out more like a sophisticated psychological mind game than a standard thriller. It creates an exquisite sense of dread by allowing the reader to sense the looming collision long before it happens; the true suspense isn't in the "what," but in the unpredictable and deeply human ways the characters react to the inevitable.
The heart of the story lies in its intergenerational layers. Each timeline is populated by characters who feel profoundly incomplete, as if they are all searching for a specific missing piece of their own history or identity. This creates a haunting symmetry across the years, transforming a mystery into a poignant study of the messy process of trying to become whole.
The magical elements are handled with a light, whimsical touch that remains remarkably grounded. It doesn’t feel like a fairytale; rather, the magic is a realistic part of the world’s fabric that adds a layer of beauty to an otherwise somber narrative. Instead of offering an easy escape, these supernatural touches often complicate the characters' lives, keeping the stakes high and the world-building believable.
This is the quintessential "must-buy" for a long journey, perfectly suited for the airport market. It possesses the high-concept hook and immersive pacing of a thriller to keep you locked in for a flight, but offers the literary depth and moody, whimsical realism of a great book-club find. It’s a sophisticated, highly readable story that bridges the gap between commercial suspense and speculative fiction beautifully.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC!
The heart of the story lies in its intergenerational layers. Each timeline is populated by characters who feel profoundly incomplete, as if they are all searching for a specific missing piece of their own history or identity. This creates a haunting symmetry across the years, transforming a mystery into a poignant study of the messy process of trying to become whole.
The magical elements are handled with a light, whimsical touch that remains remarkably grounded. It doesn’t feel like a fairytale; rather, the magic is a realistic part of the world’s fabric that adds a layer of beauty to an otherwise somber narrative. Instead of offering an easy escape, these supernatural touches often complicate the characters' lives, keeping the stakes high and the world-building believable.
This is the quintessential "must-buy" for a long journey, perfectly suited for the airport market. It possesses the high-concept hook and immersive pacing of a thriller to keep you locked in for a flight, but offers the literary depth and moody, whimsical realism of a great book-club find. It’s a sophisticated, highly readable story that bridges the gap between commercial suspense and speculative fiction beautifully.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You cannot help but fall in love with a Sarah Addison Allen novel!
There is a house that over the generations has been filled with mysterious women who seem to know all there is about everyone in the town. They use that knowledge to intimidate. Willamena wants freedom from that lineage and wants to find her true love as well as an escape from a life already laid out for her. Only things do not go as planned. The story flash-forwards 5o years and the focus is on her granddaughter, Bailey. Will Bailey break the long held tradition of the house and the generations of women who have ruled Hen Town?
What I love most about Sarah Addison Allen stories is the magical touches that blend seamlessly with an intriguing story. There were multiple character perspectives and each one added to a story that I did not want to put down. I was most fascinated with the ghost aspect of this story. There are mystery elements, surprises, and even a little romance. I also loved the hope that these characters inspired in me. Even though this is a fictional story written to entertain, I find reading about these characters helped inspire me to be better. One of the secondary characters Tasha, went through so much being bullied and called smeller. All she wanted was to escape her mother's manic moods and have a friend. Her story resonated with me more than Willamenas and Baileys although I loved theirs as well. All in all, this is a fantastic story! The book comes out in September of 2026 and it is the absolute perfect fall read!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is a house that over the generations has been filled with mysterious women who seem to know all there is about everyone in the town. They use that knowledge to intimidate. Willamena wants freedom from that lineage and wants to find her true love as well as an escape from a life already laid out for her. Only things do not go as planned. The story flash-forwards 5o years and the focus is on her granddaughter, Bailey. Will Bailey break the long held tradition of the house and the generations of women who have ruled Hen Town?
What I love most about Sarah Addison Allen stories is the magical touches that blend seamlessly with an intriguing story. There were multiple character perspectives and each one added to a story that I did not want to put down. I was most fascinated with the ghost aspect of this story. There are mystery elements, surprises, and even a little romance. I also loved the hope that these characters inspired in me. Even though this is a fictional story written to entertain, I find reading about these characters helped inspire me to be better. One of the secondary characters Tasha, went through so much being bullied and called smeller. All she wanted was to escape her mother's manic moods and have a friend. Her story resonated with me more than Willamenas and Baileys although I loved theirs as well. All in all, this is a fantastic story! The book comes out in September of 2026 and it is the absolute perfect fall read!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a longtime fan of Sarah Addison. Allen and I have been impatiently waiting for her next book to come out. This author typically writes stories with elements of magical realism in them with some light whimsy. This book told the story from two main perspectives; one from Wills, the grandmother growing up in the 70s and the other from her granddaughter Bailey
In present day. The book is set in a small town, where everyone thinks Wills, and the women in her family, are witches and can uncover your darkest secrets. Bailey, along with her father, arrives at her grandmother‘s house as a child following a tragic family event. She grows up in her grandmother’s mysterious house always longing for bits and pieces of her, but leaves as soon as she graduates high school. Overall, I did really enjoy the book, although it is not as light as some of the authors previous works. Although the main female characters were potentially flawed, you rooted for them and wanted for their happiness. This book included that magical realism, which I love but the subject was a little bit darker throughout and it did seem as if we were still in the first act as the book was wrapping up. There was a lot character building and longing and I wanted a bit more payoff where we could really enjoy a resolution. I still recommend this book to any of the authors fans and those that like a touch of magic in your stories. where you don’t know if it’s real or not.
This book was given to me as ARC and thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy.
In present day. The book is set in a small town, where everyone thinks Wills, and the women in her family, are witches and can uncover your darkest secrets. Bailey, along with her father, arrives at her grandmother‘s house as a child following a tragic family event. She grows up in her grandmother’s mysterious house always longing for bits and pieces of her, but leaves as soon as she graduates high school. Overall, I did really enjoy the book, although it is not as light as some of the authors previous works. Although the main female characters were potentially flawed, you rooted for them and wanted for their happiness. This book included that magical realism, which I love but the subject was a little bit darker throughout and it did seem as if we were still in the first act as the book was wrapping up. There was a lot character building and longing and I wanted a bit more payoff where we could really enjoy a resolution. I still recommend this book to any of the authors fans and those that like a touch of magic in your stories. where you don’t know if it’s real or not.
This book was given to me as ARC and thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the kind of book that slowly wraps around you and doesn’t let go. It’s quiet, mysterious, emotional, and filled with that soft kind of magic that makes everyday moments feel special.
The Wester women were easily my favorite part of this story. They are the kind of characters who feel larger than life but still deeply human. There is so much history, pain, love, and complexity tied into their family, and I loved peeling back each layer to understand them more.
Wester House itself felt like a character. Every mention of it carried weight, secrets, and years of untold stories. I was constantly curious about what happened there and why this family held such a grip on the town around them.
Bailey’s return home added so much heart to the story. Watching her confront old wounds, question what she believed, and begin to understand the women who came before her made this feel deeply personal and emotional.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous. It has that signature magical realism feel where everything feels grounded but touched with wonder. Nothing is overdone, and it all blends beautifully with the family drama and mystery.
This is not a fast paced, plot heavy read. It’s more about atmosphere, relationships, and the emotional unraveling of generations of secrets. If that’s your kind of story, it really delivers.
Overall, this was warm, wistful, and full of heart. A beautiful story about family legacy, second chances, and finding healing where pain once lived.
The Wester women were easily my favorite part of this story. They are the kind of characters who feel larger than life but still deeply human. There is so much history, pain, love, and complexity tied into their family, and I loved peeling back each layer to understand them more.
Wester House itself felt like a character. Every mention of it carried weight, secrets, and years of untold stories. I was constantly curious about what happened there and why this family held such a grip on the town around them.
Bailey’s return home added so much heart to the story. Watching her confront old wounds, question what she believed, and begin to understand the women who came before her made this feel deeply personal and emotional.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous. It has that signature magical realism feel where everything feels grounded but touched with wonder. Nothing is overdone, and it all blends beautifully with the family drama and mystery.
This is not a fast paced, plot heavy read. It’s more about atmosphere, relationships, and the emotional unraveling of generations of secrets. If that’s your kind of story, it really delivers.
Overall, this was warm, wistful, and full of heart. A beautiful story about family legacy, second chances, and finding healing where pain once lived.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into "Paper Ghosts" really excited because I loved Sarah Addison Allen's 2022 novel "Other Birds", but this one didn’t quite land the same way for me.
From the start, I had trouble connecting to the story. The confusing timeline jump and the overall pacing really held the book back for me. It takes a long time for Willamena to start telling Bailey the truth, and while those revelations are interesting once they begin, they unfold too slowly. There’s a lot of drawn-out tension without enough payoff, which made it hard to stay fully engaged.
I also found some of the sentence structures a bit awkward, which occasionally made the story harder to follow than it should have been. For such a short book, it felt like it either needed to be tighter and more focused, or actually longer, with more room to fully develop its ideas.
The emotional core didn’t hit as strongly as I hoped. The love stories, family dynamics, and friendships all had potential, but they weren’t fleshed out enough for me to feel deeply invested in the characters.
Overall, "Paper Ghosts" has an intriguing premise and some strong moments, but it feels like it could have benefited from another round of editing and more development to really bring its themes and relationships to life. A solid three-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
From the start, I had trouble connecting to the story. The confusing timeline jump and the overall pacing really held the book back for me. It takes a long time for Willamena to start telling Bailey the truth, and while those revelations are interesting once they begin, they unfold too slowly. There’s a lot of drawn-out tension without enough payoff, which made it hard to stay fully engaged.
I also found some of the sentence structures a bit awkward, which occasionally made the story harder to follow than it should have been. For such a short book, it felt like it either needed to be tighter and more focused, or actually longer, with more room to fully develop its ideas.
The emotional core didn’t hit as strongly as I hoped. The love stories, family dynamics, and friendships all had potential, but they weren’t fleshed out enough for me to feel deeply invested in the characters.
Overall, "Paper Ghosts" has an intriguing premise and some strong moments, but it feels like it could have benefited from another round of editing and more development to really bring its themes and relationships to life. A solid three-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Willamena "Wills" Wester never plans to leave the small town in North Carolina where she lives with her grandmother in the Wester House. The Wester's did a lot for the town, but her grandmother is feared for her powers that don't quite reach a witch's level. The townspeople wonder how the grandmother knows so much about them. Wills does not know a different life so she plans to stay in the house as well. When Wills meets a stranger at her high school, everything changes for many people. Years later, WIlls's son, Tug, shows up with his daughter, Bailey. Bailey connects with WIlls in a way no one else has as it seems Bailey has also fallen under the spell of Wester House. Bailey is popular at school as she grows up, but she still feels different as she lives a life that seems to be expected of her. A tragic event happens at the end of her senior year almost like what had happened to WIlls. Wills tries to help Bailey as best as she can to handle the event and its fallout. Sarah Addison Allen again uses beautiful prose in telling the story. The story weaves a bit of magic throughout so that some of the characters may have either mystical powers or a curse. I enjoyed Paper Ghosts very much as I always love the way Sarah Addison Allen writes her books leaving me to believe there is magic in the world. She is one of my favorite authors for a reason.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of Paper Ghosts.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of Paper Ghosts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC of this novel from NetGalley, and this will be released 9/1. This was my first read from this author, and while it didn’t completely wow me, I really enjoyed her writing style and character work—I’ll definitely be adding more of her books to my ever-growing TBR.
The story begins in 1976 with 18-year-old Wills, who is experiencing first love while longing for more than the small town she’s always known, where she lives under the watchful eye of her strict Gram. The Wester women carry a mysterious “family inheritance” that grants them respect, power, and even fear within the community.
Gram seems to know everything—everyone’s secrets, including Wills’—and that knowledge has lasting, tragic consequences. This part of the story was my favorite. The atmosphere felt rich, and I was deeply invested in Wills and what happened to her as a teen. I only wish her storyline had been explored further, as it felt like it ended too soon.
We then shift to her granddaughter, Bailey, who grows up curious about her family’s past. We follow her as a child/teen, and later as an adult returning to the Wester home, trying to piece together the truth.
The book blends a touch of the magical with deeply human characters—you root for them, even when their choices leave you a little confused. Overall, a good story, though I found myself wishing for more depth.
The story begins in 1976 with 18-year-old Wills, who is experiencing first love while longing for more than the small town she’s always known, where she lives under the watchful eye of her strict Gram. The Wester women carry a mysterious “family inheritance” that grants them respect, power, and even fear within the community.
Gram seems to know everything—everyone’s secrets, including Wills’—and that knowledge has lasting, tragic consequences. This part of the story was my favorite. The atmosphere felt rich, and I was deeply invested in Wills and what happened to her as a teen. I only wish her storyline had been explored further, as it felt like it ended too soon.
We then shift to her granddaughter, Bailey, who grows up curious about her family’s past. We follow her as a child/teen, and later as an adult returning to the Wester home, trying to piece together the truth.
The book blends a touch of the magical with deeply human characters—you root for them, even when their choices leave you a little confused. Overall, a good story, though I found myself wishing for more depth.
May 3, 2026
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Oh my goodness the excitement I had when I saw that one of my favorite authors is releasing a new novel, I was so excited to be able to read it! Oh my word where do I start?
I have read books from this author since I was a teenager. I found her "Garden Spells" book in my local library and I was drawn to the beautiful cover. I have read every book of hers and I love her writing and the magical elements and all her quirky character's that you just fall in love with!
This book.. was a just disappointment. I really really wanted to love it but I didn't connect with any of the character's. We are teased with just a very very small amount of Allen's magical elements but it was so small it just felt like it was not written from Allen herself. This book felt completely different than her other books and not in a good way. It just made me sad. I feel like the way the book is laid out that it is a rough draft. I found myself lost a lot with the time jumps throughout the book. I don't even know why on earth Allen decided to make the father gay all of a sudden? It felt so out of left field it felt like she threw that in to appease the pro-gay agenda audience. I just want Allen to give us a book like all her other books that had characters and story plots that we so fell in love with! :(
I have read books from this author since I was a teenager. I found her "Garden Spells" book in my local library and I was drawn to the beautiful cover. I have read every book of hers and I love her writing and the magical elements and all her quirky character's that you just fall in love with!
This book.. was a just disappointment. I really really wanted to love it but I didn't connect with any of the character's. We are teased with just a very very small amount of Allen's magical elements but it was so small it just felt like it was not written from Allen herself. This book felt completely different than her other books and not in a good way. It just made me sad. I feel like the way the book is laid out that it is a rough draft. I found myself lost a lot with the time jumps throughout the book. I don't even know why on earth Allen decided to make the father gay all of a sudden? It felt so out of left field it felt like she threw that in to appease the pro-gay agenda audience. I just want Allen to give us a book like all her other books that had characters and story plots that we so fell in love with! :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. I felt myself drawn to the characters as the author does a fantastic job of character development as well as an excellent job of describing the imagery.
The story starts when Wills (short for Wilhelmina) is younger, living with her seemingly controlling grandmother. It’s sledged throughout Hen Town the grandmother is a witch as she seems to somehow know everything about everyone at all times, including Wills. The story unfolds as Wills falls in love with an outsider, Jack. Which is forbidden by the grandmother. Wills friend, Jani, betrays her regarding this forbidden relationship and the rest is history.
We fast forward to Bailey, the granddaughter of Wills. Bailey moves in when she’s in elementary school. She is told to call her grandma (Wills) “Mim”. Mim keeps her distance, continues many of the same toxic traits her own grandmother exhibited despite vowing to never do so. And more tragedy ensues.
What makes this story unique is the author’s ability to unfold the events of the tale in the way she does. Folding in bits of nostalgia and warmth along the way.
I will say I found some parts of the story lacking. I wish more about the “ghosts” and the women’s psychic abilities had been elaborated upon. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I look forward to more from this author.
The story starts when Wills (short for Wilhelmina) is younger, living with her seemingly controlling grandmother. It’s sledged throughout Hen Town the grandmother is a witch as she seems to somehow know everything about everyone at all times, including Wills. The story unfolds as Wills falls in love with an outsider, Jack. Which is forbidden by the grandmother. Wills friend, Jani, betrays her regarding this forbidden relationship and the rest is history.
We fast forward to Bailey, the granddaughter of Wills. Bailey moves in when she’s in elementary school. She is told to call her grandma (Wills) “Mim”. Mim keeps her distance, continues many of the same toxic traits her own grandmother exhibited despite vowing to never do so. And more tragedy ensues.
What makes this story unique is the author’s ability to unfold the events of the tale in the way she does. Folding in bits of nostalgia and warmth along the way.
I will say I found some parts of the story lacking. I wish more about the “ghosts” and the women’s psychic abilities had been elaborated upon. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I look forward to more from this author.
May 11, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen.
Set in a small North Carolina town, the story centers around Wester House and the mysterious “Witches of Wester,” women who have fascinated and unsettled the town for generations. Bailey Wester has spent her whole life surrounded by rumors and family secrets she’s never fully understood.
This was my first Sarah Addison Allen book, and I can definitely see why so many readers love her writing style. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the story—quietly magical, slightly haunting, and deeply tied to family history. Wester House itself almost feels alive, and I really enjoyed the layered feeling of the family dynamics and secrets slowly unfolding over time.
That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. The story moves quickly through certain moments before you fully settle into them, while other sections feel slower. I felt this a bit in the beginning of the book. I also found myself wishing the magical realism elements had been explored a little more consistently throughout. I feel like there were glimpses of it but not fully explored.
Overall, while I struggled slightly with some of the areas, I still really enjoyed the experience of reading it and it definitely made me interested in exploring more of Sarah Addison Allen’s work in the future.
Set in a small North Carolina town, the story centers around Wester House and the mysterious “Witches of Wester,” women who have fascinated and unsettled the town for generations. Bailey Wester has spent her whole life surrounded by rumors and family secrets she’s never fully understood.
This was my first Sarah Addison Allen book, and I can definitely see why so many readers love her writing style. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the story—quietly magical, slightly haunting, and deeply tied to family history. Wester House itself almost feels alive, and I really enjoyed the layered feeling of the family dynamics and secrets slowly unfolding over time.
That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. The story moves quickly through certain moments before you fully settle into them, while other sections feel slower. I felt this a bit in the beginning of the book. I also found myself wishing the magical realism elements had been explored a little more consistently throughout. I feel like there were glimpses of it but not fully explored.
Overall, while I struggled slightly with some of the areas, I still really enjoyed the experience of reading it and it definitely made me interested in exploring more of Sarah Addison Allen’s work in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
👻 📸 ARC BOOK REVIEW 📸 👻
PUB DATE: Sept 1st 2026
My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 3 YA Vibes Ghostly Stars
Oh dear when I read the synopsis for this one , I was excited for the opportunity to read it as I was in the mood for something different and some magic realism…however I believe I was “ ghosted” on this one .
This is a story full of family secrets and lots of mystery, and the town does not shy away from talking about The Wester Women .
This story was so hard to get into as it jumps around ALL over the place not allowing the reader to sink their teeth into the cast or reading journey.
The heart of this story is the relationship between grandmother Willamena and granddaughter Bailey . We are taken down memory lane of Willamena’s past to current day and Bailey navigating the teenage life and trying to piece together what is reality and what could be some paranormal activity 🤷🏻♀️
Paper Ghosts is slow paced , bounces around way too much and lacks character development & depth to give us any sense of connection and felt just surface level with zero dimension. I personally didn’t feel the magic realism that is mentioned in the synopsis and would consider this a YA mystery.
I may be the odd one out here so take this with a grain of salt 🫶🏼
Thank you NetGalley , St Martin’s Press & Sarah Addison Allen for this haunting ARC 🖤
PUB DATE: Sept 1st 2026
My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 3 YA Vibes Ghostly Stars
Oh dear when I read the synopsis for this one , I was excited for the opportunity to read it as I was in the mood for something different and some magic realism…however I believe I was “ ghosted” on this one .
This is a story full of family secrets and lots of mystery, and the town does not shy away from talking about The Wester Women .
This story was so hard to get into as it jumps around ALL over the place not allowing the reader to sink their teeth into the cast or reading journey.
The heart of this story is the relationship between grandmother Willamena and granddaughter Bailey . We are taken down memory lane of Willamena’s past to current day and Bailey navigating the teenage life and trying to piece together what is reality and what could be some paranormal activity 🤷🏻♀️
Paper Ghosts is slow paced , bounces around way too much and lacks character development & depth to give us any sense of connection and felt just surface level with zero dimension. I personally didn’t feel the magic realism that is mentioned in the synopsis and would consider this a YA mystery.
I may be the odd one out here so take this with a grain of salt 🫶🏼
Thank you NetGalley , St Martin’s Press & Sarah Addison Allen for this haunting ARC 🖤
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