Paper Ghosts - Fiction Review

Goodreads: Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description:  For decades, the women of Wester House have unsettled and fascinated their small, timeless North Carolina town. Their home is full of whispers, old griefs, and uncanny knowing. But when Willamena Wester reaches out to the granddaughter she once pushed away, long-buried truths begin to stir.

1976:

Restless young Willamena falls for a stranded musician who brings freedom and the promise of another life to her carefully controlled world. Their brief, incandescent love story promises to escape the pull of the Wester legacy until Willamena makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Present Day:

Returning home is the last thing Bailey Wester wants. Yet as she reconnects with Willamena, the grandmother she feared, Bailey begins to understand the love, heartbreak, and impossible choices that shaped the women in her family and realizes the past may not have been trying to haunt them after all.

Genre: Fiction 

Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author.

My Impression:  I didn't love this one.  I found it incredibly readable and flew through it.  I never had any issue picking this one up and never considered DNFing it.  The characters were well drawn and felt very real as was the community of Hen Town.  Tasha's story was really interesting, and I really would have liked more of it.  

Unfortunately, this was missing the magic I usually associate with this author's books.   The power of the Wester women never felt fully realized though the repercussions are felt throughout the story.  Why the Wester women live the way they do also doesn't fully make sense nor does all the rules around Wester house.  Their lives just feel grim and tightly controlled to make the plot go along. 

I did like the epilogue though again I just wanted more.  I wanted to see more of these characters living lives they deserved versus what they went through in the bulk of the book.  I think when it all comes down to it that kind of sums up my full thoughts on this book.  I liked it but I just wanted more - more story, more development, more explanation, just more.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely.  While this wasn't my favorite I do love the author's writing style and ability to tell a story and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.  

Would I Recommend this Book? I would definitely recommend this author but this book isn't the one I would recommend starting with.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

By the Pricking of My Thumbs - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source: Purchased

Description: Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Agatha Christie’s delightful sleuthing duo, investigate the strange and troubling doings behind the scenes at a gothic British nursing home in By the Pricking of My Thumbs

When Tommy and Tuppence visit an elderly aunt in her gothic nursing home, they think nothing of her mistrust of the doctors; after all, Ada is a very difficult old lady.

But when Mrs. Lockett mentions a poisoned mushroom stew and Mrs. Lancaster talks about "something behind the fireplace," Tommy and Tuppence find themselves caught up in a spine-chilling adventure that could spell death for either of them.

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the August Read Christie Challenge pick. 

My Impression: I really really want to love this one.  I love this premise.  A chance remark and a gifted painting start Tuppence out on a mission to locate a house.  Then Tuppence being Tuppence ends up falling into a massive situation.  I've seen the focus on residents of nursing homes popping up more and more in modern mysteries which I thoroughly enjoy.  Just because someone is not physically strong or mentally together in present day does not represent how they always were and everyone has a past.  And some of those pasts aren't going to be nice.  

Unfortunately, this story feels disjointed and highly coincidental.  It's one of those that I enjoy pretty well when I'm reading it but reflecting back on it there is very little substance.  Also, I understand that England isn't the biggest country but the number of people from all across the countryside who are linked and know each and every obscure mention is a bit hard to believe.  

This was published in 1968 and is one of Christie's later books.  The Tommy and Tuppence stories aren't her best and this isn't the best Tommy and Tuppence (it's not her worst though -that is reserved for the final Tommy and Tuppence book Postern of Fate).  It's a fun read and I love the idea of it - I just wished the execution lived up to the premise.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  Next month's book is Endless Night which is one I remember enjoying.

Would I Recommend this Book? No not unless you're determined to read all the Christie books.  If you want to read a Tommy and Tuppence book I'd recommend A Secret Adversary.

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  Reading People by Anne Bogel - This was an interesting read and one I'm glad I read as a slow read.  I followed The Modern Mrs. Darcy for years and was an early listener of the What Should I Read Next podcast so when this came out I really wanted to read it.  I haven't followed Bogel for a few years - no reason just got more interested in other things - but I had a little reading time so thought I would pick it up.  While I'm not a huge personality test person I did find it interesting to see how the way you process and deal with emotions and actions can impact the choices you make and how you interact with other people.  It didn't make me want to run out and take a Meyers-Briggs test but it did make me consider why I react the way I do to things and what kind of reaction I'm wanting from those around me.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - I wasn't really looking forward to this one.  I really liked the first one but found the second book a bit long winded.  This was a pleasant surprise.  I really enjoyed this one both their exploration and the war.   I did really enjoy all the side characters - especially Riddick and their character development.  I find Violet and Xaden to be the least interesting characters so thankfully the romantic scenes weren't constant though they were a bit repetitive.  I'm going to continue with the series though I'm going to wait until it finishes up because this author has never met a cliffhanger she doesn't love and it drives me crazy!  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - This is the second book in the Paradise trilogy and I still have mixed feelings about it.  I find the story fascinating and I really enjoy the writing.  I like Irene, Huck, and Maia and Cash most of the time.  The rest of the characters are varying degrees of terrible though I will say they are realistic.  While this is the second book it doesn't suffer from second book syndrome.  The story is progressing for both the characters and for the mystery of just what Russ was up to.  I picked up the third book because I do want to find out what happens next but these aren't characters I will miss once the trilogy is done with.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

4.  The Last Lady B by Eloisa James - I haven't read Eloisa James in forever and this was a fun read!  I liked Evie and most of the residents of the haunted abbey (with the exception of a specific two).  The banter was fun and ghostly bits were entertaining.  I loved Evie finding her confidence and realizing that maybe she didn't have to be perfect all the time.  I liked the romance and the characters fit well together.   The language is very modern for the time period which pulled me out of the story a little.   I also would have preferred for a pivotal point to have happened earlier so as a reader we could get more time in Evie's future.  Overall, this was entertaining and was a good reminder to read more Eloisa James.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

5.  The Valentine Cipher by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley - This is the 8th book in the Homefront Sleuth series and it was just as fun as the previous books.  Evie is flirting with Nancy Drew territory with the frequency she gets hit in the head and kidnapped but it does make it fun.  I loved the investigation into just what is going on with the weddings.  My favorite about this series is the ensemble cast aspect and while Dorothy and Tom didn't have a big of roles as they usually do.  The mystery was good and I love all the characters.  The audio is always well done.  I look forward to new books in the series and spending more time with these characters.  My Rating: Really Liked!  (4 Stars)

Recipe Thursday - 1 Hour Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

One of my goals for 2026 is to sort through all the recipes I have laying around tucked into folders and notebooks as well as my gigantic Pinterest/food blog collection that hasn't been touched in years.  I've been having quite a good time with it.  I enjoy cooking but it can become a chore pretty easily and this has made it a lot more fun for me as I feel like I'm working on a project.   Around here we've taken to calling it Recipe Thunderdome as all recipes have to be auditioned before earning their place in the final recipe binder. 

*For context I'm a reasonably capable home cook but one who is often trying to multitask and who is pretty much completely self-taught. *

Today I'm Sharing:  1 Hour Buttermilk Dinner Rolls from Creme de la Crumb

Changes:  None.  I followed ingredients and directions and as exactly as I could.

Thoughts on Recipe Difficulty:  It was really easy.  It was a bit different from any rolls I've made before but I figured I'd try it.  Definitely quicker than other rolls I've made before.

Cook Time: About an hour though most of that time was either the rising or baking.  There was a few minutes of kneading but other than that it didn't take much messing with.

Served With:  Marinated chicken, roasted potatoes and zucchini.

Results: So good!  These also held up really well the next day which rolls don't always do.

Verdict: Survived - These might end up being my go-to dinner rolls.

Can't Wait Wednesday - Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released.  It's hosted by Tessa over at Wishful Endings and you can find out more here.

Goodreads:  Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley

Blurb:  High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. With glorious mountain views and exclusive access to powdery slopes, it draws guests from far and wide.
The notorious actress.
The high-flying politician.
The society wife.
The reckless friend.
The shrewd doctor.

But not everyone is here for a winter holiday.

Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice.

And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple.

When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…

Why I Can't Wait For This One:  I've had decent luck with Lucy Foley's books and the mystery on this one looks good.  I'm a little nervous about the Miss Marple character but this was authorized by the Christie estate and while I don't love all the Hannah books with Poirot they were at least respectful of the character.  As well, there was a short story collection a few years ago of Miss Marple stories and Foley's was my favorite.  

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books Set in Places I'd Like to Visit

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Bookish Places I've Visited. I can't think of very many bookish places I've visited though I do always try and check out any indie bookstore in any place we visit and I'm a frequent visitor to our local bookstores.  Instead, I'm going with 10 Books Set in Places I'd Like to Visit.

1.  Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie (Greenway House, Devon, England) - This was one of Agatha Christie's homes and is at the top of my list for Christie related locations to visit.  

2.  Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - Green Gables is probably my favorite fictional location and I'd love to see Anne's beloved Island

3.  Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates (Outer Banks, North Carolina) - I've been to OBX once and really enjoyed it (though I'm a Gulf fan when it comes beaches) and I'd love to revisit.

4.  A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie (Coral Reef Hotel, Barbados) - I love this book and I'd love to stay at this resort.  I also want to go to Guadalupe where they film Death in Paradise as well.  

5.  The Murder, She Wrote Series (Kennebunkport, Maine) - I love both the book and the TV version and would love to visit the inspiration for Cabot Cove.

6.  Sugar and Spite by Carol J. Perry (Salem, MA) - This is a fun series and I love that Salem is basically a character in this series.  I'd love to visit.

7.  Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly (Scotland) - There are so many reasons I'd love to visit Scotland and this series is top of my list.

8.  A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander (Ashland, Oregon) - I was thrilled when I realized that the setting for this mystery series is real.  Even though Torte doesn't exist I'd still love to visit Ashland.

9.  The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Yorkshire Moors, England) - This is one of my all time favorite books and I'd love to visit Yorkshire.  

10.  Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell (Newport, Rhode Island) - Granted the book is set in the time of the Vanderbilts when the "cottages" were newly built but I would still love to see them.  

What bookish locations would you like to visit?

Reading What I Love: Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett

The last few years I've made a list of 10 books - 5 books off my shelf, 5 books from the library - that I'm really wanting to read.  There's no real rhyme or reason.  I just go through my library list and my shelves and pick the books that are calling to me.  My focus in 2026 is reading books I think I'll love - or at least really enjoy.

Goodreads:  Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett 

Blurb:  It’s the roaring twenties, and San Francisco is a hotbed of illegal boozing, raw lust, and black magic. The fog-covered Bay Area can be an intoxicating scene, particularly when you specialize in spirits…
Aida Palmer performs a spirit medium show onstage at Chinatown’s illustrious Gris-Gris speakeasy. However, her ability to summon (and expel) the dead is more than just an act.

Winter Magnusson is a notorious bootlegger who’s more comfortable with guns than ghosts—unfortunately for him, he’s the recent target of a malevolent hex that renders him a magnet for hauntings. After Aida’s supernatural assistance is enlisted to banish the ghosts, her spirit-chilled aura heats up as the charming bootlegger casts a different sort of spell on her.

On the hunt for the curseworker responsible for the hex, Aida and Winter become drunk on passion. And the closer they become, the more they realize they have ghosts of their own to exorcise…

Why I Think I'll Love This One: Ghosts, romantic suspense 1920s setting - what's not to love?

My Thoughts:  This was a fun read.  I loved the time period, the San Francisco setting, and mystery part.  The romantic relationship feels a bit dated with Winter being a bit over the top with the "I'll do what I want" kind of attitude.  I loved the side characters and wish they could have had a bigger role - especially Winter's sister.  Aida is an interesting character as well.  She's had a tough time of it and has had to survive on her own.  Her reactions to what happens around her makes a good deal of sense most of the time.  I did like how it ended for both of the main characters and it makes me curious to track down the other book in the series.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)