Sarah Addison Allen is a must read author for me. This latest book did not disappoint. An inter generational story, I cared about all of the characters and couldn’t put the book down waiting to read the next chapter in their stories. Multiple story lines, mystery, and a hint of magic. This book has all my favorite elements.

This author never disappoints! She’s one of my top 5 all time favorites. This story has all her usual magic - characters you care about some suffering life altering decisions. Family loyalty and friendships or the lack thereof. I love the explanation of Paper Ghosts, bittersweet yet charming, that I will never forget.

Think "Practical Magic" meets "Fried Green Tomatoes." This story delivers the ultimate cozy, mystical vibe, following three generations of women blessed, or maybe cursed, with a unique gift.
Following their individual timelines, the plot unearths deep family secrets and digs into the wild things we do for love. From the very first chapters, one wonders if these women can finally break the generational trauma cycle.
The magical realism is beautifully done. If you know the genre, you will probably guess where the ending is headed, but the payoff is rather satisfying.
If you appreciate deep emotional bonds, cozy witchy vibes, and stories about women overcoming inherited trauma this is right up your alley.

Rating 4.25

Sarah Addison Allen at her best! Loved it! Any time a new book comes out by this author, I immediately put it on my list of must-reads. Paper Ghosts did not disappoint. As always, she has great character development and beautifully written small towns. The secrets in this one were a little darker than some of her other books, which I appreciated. It gave it a bit more grit. Absolutely in my top 5 Sarah Addison Allen books.

I absolutely loved Paper Ghosts. Set in Hen town, North Carolina where nothing goes unnoticed. The Wester house has been the most intriguing house in the town. It’s a story of hope, mystery and love and the lengths at which you will go to get it. Sarah Addison Allen never disappoints with her beautiful wording and magical realism.

Sarah Addison Allen is the QUEEN of magical realism and Paper Ghosts does not disappoint. I've never picked up an ARC faster than when I was approved for this one. I have read (and loved) every book of Sarah Addison Allen's, but Paper Ghosts isn't like the others. Paper Ghosts takes on mystery, magic, whodunnits, and romance and ties it in a perfect bow. The icing on the cake is the PERFECT title. I will forever think of photographs this way (and I'm a photographer). I will highly recommend this read to everyone I know. Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Sarah Addison Allen for the advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own. 5 STARS

Paper Ghosts is a beautifully written, quietly captivating novel that blends family legacy, emotion, and a touch of mystery with great care. At just under 300 pages, it’s a quick and immersive read, yet it leaves a lasting impression.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the way it introduces the Wester women. Each character is revealed in thoughtful glimpses that feel both intimate and intriguing, I found myself wanting to spend more time with each of them, which speaks to how vividly they were brought to life.

I especially appreciated the way the story unfolded through Bailey’s perspective. Watching her uncover her grandmother’s history added a compelling layer of discovery that gave the narrative both momentum and emotional depth. The subtle mystery woven throughout kept me engaged without ever overshadowing the heart of the story. I truly loved how it all came together at the end.

Sarah Addison Allen’s writing is elegant and purposeful, making each moment feel meaningful. This is the kind of book that lingers with you after the final page.

A memorable quote that captures the spirit of the novel:
“Experience the moments, even the bad ones, then leave them behind. And most importantly, when you find happiness, don’t hesitate. Run with it.”

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a beautifully written, character driven story that completely pulled me in from the start. Sarah Addison Allen blends family dynamics and magical realism in a way that feels natural and understated, creating an atmosphere that is both comforting and immersive.

I especially enjoyed watching the relationship between Wills and Bailey develop throughout the novel. The intergenerational aspects of the story added emotional depth, and the small town setting near the Piedmont region of North Carolina felt vivid and full of charm. The strong sense of place paired perfectly with the novel’s quiet magical elements.

The pacing kept me engaged the entire time, and I ended up finishing it in just two days. I can absolutely understand why Sarah Addison Allen has such a loyal readership, and this made me excited to explore more of her work.

A thoughtful and engaging read for anyone who enjoys character focused stories with a touch of magic.

Paper Ghosts has the quiet, intimate feeling of a story being told at night around a campfire. It is a brief novel, but it leaves behind a strong impression that will leave you thinking about it long after you're finished.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Sarah Addison Allen, and publisher St. Martin's Press for the advance review copy. This was such a beautiful, moving novel by a new-to-me author. 5 stars!

This story moves through several timelines of the Wester family with magical realism lyrically woven throughout. I especially loved how Wester House felt like a character of its own, breathing life into the family’s history. A wonderful read.