Paper Castles

by Terri Lee

In Savannah Georgia, the gardens aren't the only things keeping secrets.

"I want to know what goes on in your head," Adam said. "What do you think about? What are your dreams?"
"My dreams," Savannah said, picking up her spoon and stirring her coffee again. She stared into the swirling depths as if she could conjure up the specter of the girl who once had dreams to spare. "Funny thing is—I got everything I wanted."

Where do you go when you find out everything you wanted isn't what you need?

Savannah Palmerton picks up a brush and heads to an art class, desperate to find a piece of the girl she used to be, before the country club dances and the boring dinner party conversations. In 1963 the country is still playing in her innocence, but there are rumblings beneath the surface. The fabric of America is just beginning to fray around the edges. So it is in Savannah Palmerton's life.
Love, betrayal and family secrets create a lethal cocktail that has Savannah's world unraveling at her feet. Set against a southern backdrop of garden parties and civil rights marches, Paper Castles is a sultry mix of sweet-tea and murder. Sex and secrets.

Paper Castles is the best kind of love story. Where a woman must first learn to love herself.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2016

About the author

From the time I was a little girl I've had stories swimming in my head. The beginning of my love affair with words.
My tag line is:
ROMANCE MAY BE PRETTY BUT LOVE STORIES ARE REAL.

I chase them down with a passion, unwilling to settle for the tale that sits on the surface. Digging until I reveal the truth. Beneath the pretty layers we present to the world, we find relationships stripped of pretense. Stories of life and love and families. Standing in their raw vulnerability, we see our friends, our sisters,... ourselves. Barefaced, they are even more beautiful. Without a protective shield, we are able to recognize them for who they truly are.

Deep down is where the real story lives, and that's exactly where I want to be when I'm writing. Because love is messy. And glorious. I want to roll around in a story and fall in love. Want to come with me?

Reviews

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time reading this author and definitely not my last. She writes with such honesty and grace. I was enthralled with the storyline, smitten by the characters, and was absolutely lost in the words.

“But moments couldn’t be caught. Wisps of laughter, precious seconds when the heart strained against the chest wall, overflowing with emotion-they were gone in an instant.”

It’s 1963. Socialite, Savannah Palmerton has it all. The husband, the kids, and the house. But on the inside? There’s a storm brewing deep within. Her tumultuous and failing marriage has taken its toll on her. She’s lost the strong woman she once was. She decides to take an art class. Painting is something she loves, and believes it will bring a piece of her back. She has no idea that that action would forever change the trajectory of her life.

“Why were you so reckless with our love? Do you know we’re about to lose everything?”

Once tragedy strikes, Savannah’s world begins to unravel. The façade and good wife routine is coming to the surface. For everyone to see. Family lies and secrets are revealed and its as ugly as it is heartbreaking. Savannah questions her love and loyalty. Hers is also questioned and challenged. Despite the heartache and darkness, she finds love. In a place she least expects. One that rises through the ashes. A love reserved only for her. But this love? It’s one that may compromise everything. But isn’t love always worth that risk?

“But if you bare your soul to me, I just might be able to save it.”

There is scene that absolutely moved me to tears. TEARS. I was totally in my feelings. Without going into too much detail, this scene involved Savannah’s nanny/maid, Neenie. As I mentioned before this story takes place in the 1960s. A time of discrimination and narrow minded-ness in our country. While the author brilliantly and so effortlessly captured this heartbreaking injustice, she also reminded us of the beauty and grace in the human spirit. Even at that time. That there were people ready to stand up for what’s right. That love always conquered fear. And just how much a good deed means to someone who was always taught they were a no one. This scene (and many others) have truly solidified her as not only a talented author, but a writer that can truly allow the readers to become part of a story she has masterfully crafted.

“After a storm is when you find the best treasures.”

Can we please talk about the writing? With its highly refined prose, the storyline takes twists and turns the reader never sees coming. It’s a perfect balance of romance and suspense. A story of a woman where life continues to throw situations that make her question everything about her, until she realizes that to love truly and deeply, she must first love herself. This gripping and poignant story is one that I read in one sitting. It was impossible to put down. The author’s voice in this story is unparalleled as she weaves a story with characters that you become emotionally invested in. All their highs and their lows. Her character development is genuine and fascinating, where no matter how big or small, they all play a vital part of this addicting story.

“I want to be the one to save you.”
“Then save me.”

Paper Castles is a mesmerizing and spellbinding story that immediately captivates the reader. It also challenges the reader. This isn’t the normal cookie cutter contemporary romance. Her talent shines in her ability to connect the reader to a story that takes place over 50 years ago. A very different world compared to today. The depth of emotions in this story are felt from beginning to end. I would call this book a game changer for me as it has left a mark on my heart that I will never forget. My love for this story and its characters is palpable. This extraordinary tale left me breathless as I was totally engrossed in this story of love, betrayal, loyalty, secrets, and murder. This compelling story placed me IN to the 1960s. My heart was broken, I fell in love, and I simply lived.

[Gail Choate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of novel that I can really get into. Ms. Lee has managed to weave an intoxicating blend of romantic intrigue, the turbulence of the 1960s South, public scandal, and courtroom drama into one seriously riveting tale. Her characters are intricately fleshed out and believable, reacting to the chaos around them in the ways their individual personalities would demand.

This would leave me triumphant one moment and then aghast the next, laughing, and then even shedding a tear. Ms. Lee has certainly done her homework with regards to the era this was set and also to the legalities faced. These alone could make or break a novel and fortunately, for Ms. Lee AND for us, they make this tome a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. Well done, Ms. Lee!!! Eagerly awaiting your next!

[Shy · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://versusthewriter.wordpress.com...

A few chapters into the book, I feel like walking away from it. "Great, another cheating story," was what I thought. And cheating is not really my cup of tea. But as this is a book I was requested to review, I thought I should at least try to read half of it before telling the author this book is not for me.

But I was surprised. It's not what I judged it to be. Somewhere by the end of the chapter at 30 percent, Savannah had my respect and I was now set to see this book to its end. And things went even more unexpected after that. I am surprised by the turn of events. The issue of diversity and legalities was handled well by the author there was no way to not enjoy the story. The last time I enjoyed a 60s story like this one was when I read Danielle Stewart's Flowers in the Snow.

I like how the author pictured the black issues. And I loved Neenie's character so much. Each character was also developed well that you can feel where each of them was coming from. That said, I can't even fault Angela for feeling the way she did.

Technically speaking, I like the writer's style. Every event goes smoothly. I don't know if this is her first book but I can tell that the author did a magnificent job at it.

All in all, I have a great time reading this story. I was even a bit emotional at some point and the romance aspect was well blended too. I will be looking forward for more of this author's work in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.

*I was provided a copy of Paper Castles by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

4.5 Stars!

In 1963, Georgia Socialite Savannah Palmerton has what looks like the perfect life: a successful husband, two children, and a beautiful house. But looks can be deceiving. Secrets hide behind that perfect façade, secrets that are just waiting to be let into the light. With Savannah’s marriage and family crumbling around her, she must search through the rubble for the woman beneath the garden parties and pretty dresses. She can’t even begin to love anyone else until she learns to love herself.

Paper Castles is an expertly woven tale of lies, betrayal, and murder. I became immediately invested in the life of the main character, and I was hooked to the story right up until the end. The story is set in the midst of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the civil rights movement, and the historical details added a layer of uniqueness. The author kept true to the time period in the characters’ actions, clothing, and outside occurrences. It was a different world 50 years ago, and women didn’t just divorce their husbands without becoming the talk of the town. Mental illness was a dirty little secret. Ms. Lee convinced me I was living in the 60s with the way her characters reacted.

The plot of the story was much more than just one genre. It was about family, finding yourself, finding romance when you thought life was over, and most of all it had suspense. The murder investigation was well executed, keeping me guessing until the end without unnecessary surprises.

The single reason for rating this book less than 5 stars is that it could use another pass by a proofreader. The errors were noticeable enough to catch my attention but thankfully not enough to draw me out of the story. With such a fantastic story and the wonderful talent with words Ms. Lee has, I hate to see it dragged down by incorrect punctuation.

I truly enjoyed this book and Ms. Lee’s writing and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Erin Fenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and I am so glad I was able to! Terri Lee gave the world ANOTHER wonderful novel! Throughout the entire reading experience I kept visually picturing each and every character and scene, like a movie was playing in my mind while I read each sentence. So many different emotions will be felt during this read, so be prepared! I for one, enjoyed every last bit of it! Do I recommend this book? You bet I do!

[♥︎♥︎Sofia♥︎♥︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm? The best I can do is a 2.5*. It took a while for me to get invested in this story and the characters felt slightly 'shallow', rather two dimensional at times. saying that the first half of the book was much more finely nuanced that the second half; the courtroom section felt rushed and I didn't buy the aptly tied-up-with-a-bow conclusion. Not complete waste of reading time but....

[NFLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1960s, around Kennedy's assassination. Savannah, a socialite in Savannah Georgia is arrested, allegedly murdering her husband, who cheated on her for many years. This book divulges Savannah's fear and struggles as she faces her family, her children, her social standing and allegation. This book feels real to me, I can feel Savannah's dread feeling as proof by proof and witness by witness presented by the DA. My heart is broken reading how her daughter turns against her violently, as much as accusing her mother as a killer.

One thing I don't understand: is the "F" word usage common around that time?

[Tiana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw Suanne Laqueur's name and I clicked and grabbed this book straight away. But as I was reading, I knew this book couldn't have been created and written by Suanne. I found this book disappointing, it couldn't hold my interest. The writing style wasn't bad, but there was nothing special about this. I haven't even finished this book yet, but I can't see myself doing so any time soon. When you start skimming paragraphs and then pages, I think it means I may as well close it altogether and move on.

[Anita Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Palmerton returns to her Georgian alma mater to take an art class. An affair quickly brews between Savannah and her instructor. But before it gets hot and heavy, Savannah brings the relationship to a halt. Savannah is a troubled woman, especially since her marriage is on the rocks. An unusual string of events unfolds between Savannah and her husband, Price, including a heated argument. The next thing Savannah knows, Price has been murdered and she is earmarked as his alleged killer. Tension rises when Phil Hannigan, an attorney, is willing to take on Savannah's case but demands transparency from her, which means that she will have to expose her family's well-kept secrets. Amid trying moments and other tragedies, Savannah is pleasantly surprised when a new opportunity for romance awaits her.

Lee's latest is an unexpected romance amid a murder mystery. Set during the early 1960s, Lee's attention-grabbing narrative offers a glimpse into a disturbing time in U.S. history and its stifling societal mores. Aside from the oppressive stigma placed upon females in a male-dominated society, Lee sheds light on the Civil Rights movement (i.e., segregation, protesting) and President John F. Kennedy's assassination. While balancing her plot with history and weaving in the stark contrasts between white female and male roles among the wealthy, Lee also gives an idea of life for black woman. In the case of Neenie, Savannah's long-time nanny, blending in with society is more complicated because of her mixed (white/black) background. Lee mixes her above-mentioned concepts with other various literary tools, which keeps her narrative fresh and constantly flowing. Such elements include engaging dialogue lightly sprinkled with tongue-in-cheek and sarcastic comments, elusive character traits, and red herrings, to name a few. High on the element list is her incorporation of romance by building sexual tension between her characters. Paper Castles is nothing less than a gripping read that carries wide reader appeal.
Reviewed by Anita Lock
Originally posted on San Francisco Book Review

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

In trying to cover too many struggles in the life of the " heroine " or anyway , main character, Savannah Palmerton, the author produced a book in which everything is very superficial. The paper castles of the title refers to the homes of the rich ( castles ) which from the outside looking in house happy families, well-adjusted and loving. But, it can be assumed from the travails of this pampered, protected almost 40 year old, they actually are made not of sturdy brick but rather of fragile paper. They hide lies and secrets and scandals and sadness. None of which seemed particularly surprising to me. The fact that all of this is hidden rather than aired in public also is not a surprise but, in this day and age of public self-revelation, may be perceived as unhealthy if not downright shameful in itself.
The time of the story is the 60's, 1963 to be precise. I graduated from college then at 20, so Savannah might have been an older sister or cousin. In my family we would have known she was an alcoholic and pill popper with an adulterous husband. We would not have bandied it about either but someone would have been urging her to pull herself together and get a life. Other than enrolling in a Community College art course she doesn't appear to do anything with herself. She doesn't take care of the house, she has a housekeeper/nanny/surrogate mother for that. She doesn't appear to have too much to do with her kids and she sure doesn't do much about standing up for herself in her marriage. She's kind of a shallow basket case with whom I could not relate.
I did stick with the book, though, hoping that the point was that she would become stronger and say enough is enough and become more than a one dimensional character--but alas, it did not happen. Her husband is gotten rid of fairly easily--as a plot point--and it sets the tenor for the rest of the book. Mental illness seems to run in the family, but does it? And if it exists at all in the family, how was it handled? At the end of the book it seems finding a new man, going to the ocean and dropping alcohol and pills takes care of everything.
While there were several " I didn't see that coming" moments in the story which kept me pushing on, there was just no meat on the bones. Everything, dalliances, mental illness, alienation from family members, alcoholism--all glossed over and superficial. Fortunately, it was a fast read or I would have tossed it aside.
I must admit, the personal thank you note from the author was a first and touched me but though Terri Lee sounds like a nice lady, not sure I'll seek out any other of her books. This was a GoodReads Giveaway in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jessyca Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Paper Castles” by Terri Lee was a reminder that money cannot buy happiness. The story starts off in 1963. Savannah Palmerton is a rich socialite who has an unhappy marriage. When a murder occurs in her family, Savannah is the prime suspect. She tries to hold it together while her family is being torn apart and dark secrets start to reveal themselves. Her only hope is that her lawyer, Phil Hannigan, can save her from a life in jail.

There were things I really liked about “Paper Castles” and there were a couple things I disliked. The thing I liked the most was the character of Nettie. Everyone needs a Nettie in their lives. She was a loving mother-like figure when Savannah needed her the most. She also spoke words of wisdom. My personal favorite was:

“Child, you’ve been trying to drown your sorrows for some time now. And the problem with that plan is, you can’t drown sorrows. They’re good swimmers. They’re gonna float back up to the top and be bobbing right where you left them last night.”

I also liked that Lee threw in some history throughout her story. Such as the assassination of the President Kennedy and how it affected people. The things I disliked about the story was that Savannah prided herself on being a mother, and was hurt when her daughter accused her of being a murderer. This obviously affected Savannah, yet the reunion at the end of the book was barely touched on. I also felt the ending was rather rushed. However I liked the surprise that occurred in the courtroom. After finishing the book I was left with unanswered questions.

Just like in the South, this story is slow to start moving. But once it started it was hard to put down. This story is not so much a murder mystery as much as it is was Savannah is learning to heal and to forgive those in her past that hurt her. Despite the few things I did not like about the book, I still enjoyed reading it. I absolutely loved the southern feel and sweet tea in this book.
*I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite

[Adrwe Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book sweeps you away, it's hard to come back to dry land. I've just been to Savannah GA and it was 1963. Savannah Palmerton is living the life she was expected to live. The soul has gone out of her marriage, her children are teenagers who no longer need the constant attention of their Mommy and she is left wondering: "Is this all there is?" Along comes Adam, a handsome, charismatic, talented young artist who's teaching an art class at the local college. A casual flirtation leads her down a path that has her questioning everything. Then her life takes a crazy turn and her entire world comes unglued. As she struggles to find her way back, she becomes the woman she was meant to be. The backdrop of the story is filled with just the right amount of historical detail to remind you that Savannah Palmerton is a woman of her time as well as a woman ahead of her time. I'm so glad I found her. I see from some of the other reviews that the gorgeous writing is a recurring theme, so I'll add my agreement right here. It's nothing short of joy to fall into a book and fall in love.

[Easin Arafat · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's one word for this book: Gorgeous. Not just beautiful, not just well written, those words don't begin to touch the soul of this book. It is simply, GORGEOUS. From beginning to end. It feels like Lee LOVED every single sentence. So that her readers could love them, too.
Savannah the protagonist and Savannah the city are lovingly drawn. The love scenes are LOVE scenes. Beautiful and provocative without ever falling over into the tawdry.
The bits of history that make up the background music in this book feel completely compatible with the story. Never thrown in as an afterthought or as filler. Therefore it's easy to slip into the world and the events swirling around Savannah Palmerton and get lost there. And that's a lovely place to be. I highly recommend this book. It's one of those books you'll want to talk about with friends.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically, Savannah is unhappy in her life, even though she has received everything she has every wanted. She starts to explore her options....

I found Savannah to be a little selfish and maybe just a tad whiney. I love strong women characters and Savannah did not make the cut. I also, truly, madly, deeply dispised her husband. Of course, it is 1963 and many things have changed, but he just absolutely tripped my trigger.

This is a story about family, secrets and betrayal on the largest level. There is a lot HEAT and many twists and turns. The tale keeps you fascinated, that is for sure!

I love, love, love the setting of this book!! Savannah, GA and Tybee Island, GA are wonderful places. I do wish the author talked more about these historic towns. Could have added a lot to the story for me.

I received this novel from the author for a honest review

[Yvonne Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper Castles is an expertly woven tale of love lost, love mourned and love searched for. Along with a heaping tablespoon of betrayal, and another of pain.

Sometimes we get what we wanted, only to find out it's not what we need. Savannah Palmerton was well married; she got the man of her dreams. But the dream turned ugly even before the wedding. Now her deceitful husband winds up dead, murdered in his law office. Could Savannah be the killer? Savannah can't say - she can't remember what happened right before Price Palmerton's murder.

All Savannah knows is there is damning evidence of a possible affair on her part, mental instability in her family, and a history of looking the other way. Now she's in the fight of her life, for her life, and only one man can save her.

Great story. Loved every page.

[Sony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I'm left with all kinds of feelings. The kind of stuff that always happens when you've been sucked into a book world and then turn the last page. You're left feeling a little lost. I'm sad to leave Savannah and Neenie and Phil behind. That's the hard truth when characters are written so realistically. The main character, Savannah is put through the wringer and I followed right behind her. Feeling every emotion. I love it when an author takes the time to make a secondary character so rich in detail. In this case, Neenie is written with as much love as Savannah. And it's easy to see why this powerful woman was so important to her 'Baby Girl'. I loved this book. I just bought it for my sister so we can talk about it.

[Juliet Aharoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper Castles is one of the best books I've ever read. And I've read thousands and thousands of novels. Terri Lee has the talent to make words bounce on the page and fall like sparkling diamonds.

The setting is just after President Kennedy's assassination where the people of the world are in shock.

The characters are all perfectly presented, even Roxanne, a very minor protagonist. Savannah, whose life has been filled with one tragedy after another, remains strong till the end. Neenie is always there to hug her and take away the agony when life becomes unbearable. When she dies, the reader is sure Savannah will crumble. She doesn't.

Terri Lee is a great writer who portrays characters that are both appealing and exciting.

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with this book. I love how the author just jumped right into it in chapter one. I literally fell in love with Savannah and don't even get me started on Neenie. There are deep issues running below the surface of the story and Lee handles them with grace. A beautiful love story, gorgeously written. I'm reading it again because when a book is good I usually devour it and then feel like I might have missed something by racing to the end. And with this book you don't want to miss a thing.

[Sajibb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away by this beautiful story. I love the time period of the 1960's and Lee captured the feel of the south perfectly without crossing over the line and preaching. The characters are all so real I just wanted to pull up a chair and chat with them. I found myself thinking about them long after I closed the book. A friend recommended this author to me and I'm so glad I listened.The writing is beyond gorgeous. Where has this author been? I know she'll be on my radar from now on.

[Sujana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a gorgeous book. So beautifully written, I had to stop several times to catch my breath. I fell in love with all the characters and Neenie has a special place in my heart. There’s nothing fluffy or cookie-cutter about this story. This is what a romance book should look like.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take a trip back in time to the early 60's in the south. There is infidelity but you don't get a front row seat. It's a by product really. Very low steam factor. I enjoyed the suspense!