Welcome to Paper & Vine Book Bar ✨📚🍷
Welcome to Paper & Vine Book Bar. A bookstore & wine bar in Midland, TX that was curated for readers, gatherings and making memories into stories worth sharing. Browse curated shelves, sip something cozy or light, discover your next favorite book and enjoy our amazing space. Whether you're visiting us in person or finding us online through our blogs, book lists, and reading inspo, we're so glad you're here. Let's be friends!!!
What You'll Find Here
Curated Books
From Best Selling fiction and romance to thrillers, fantasy, literary fiction and hidden gems we can't stop recommending
Wine, Coffee & Dirty Sodas
A thoughtfully curated drink menu designed for slow afternoons, girls' nights book clubs and lingering a little longer
Book Clubs & Events
Check out our community gatherings, themed nights and other ways to connect to literary lovers
Reading Lifestyle Inspo
Not local? No Problem. Plug into our blog for content designed to feel like the love we share in store.
Discussion Guides & Printables
Thoughtful book club discussion guides, themed pairings, and reading resources meant for book lovers everywhere.
A Place to Slow Down or Have Fun
Whether you're in or visiting Midland or following along online, we hope Paper & Vine feels like a cozy corner you'll want to return to again and again.
Shop Our Current Favorites
These are the books that people in store cant stop talking about! Any of these, and you can't go wrong.
Type: Book
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Explore Discussion Guides
Thoughtfully created discussion guides meant to make hosting a book club something that gets you excited again! No need to stress about questions, games, what to cook or serve. Just download and print the guide and enjoy connecting with friends again!
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Yesteryear : Book Club Guide Printable - Caro Claire Burke
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Dear Debbie - Book Club Guide Printables: Freida McFadden
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This Story Might Save Your Life: Book Guide Printable - Tiffany Crum
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My Husband's Wife: Book Guide Printable - Alice Feeney
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Theo of Golden: Book Club Guide Printables- Allen Levi
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Our Perfect Storm: Book Club Guide Printable - Carley Fortune
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Wild Reverence : Book Club Guide Printable - Rebecca Ross
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An Academic Affair: Book Club Guide Printables - Jodi McAlister
Get Plugged In To Our Events!
Click the link below to stay in the know on fun events happening in store!
Blog posts
Stay plugged in to our blog for fun DIY project ideas, book lists, challenges, reviews, and more!
The June 2026 Book Releases We’re Most Excited About
The June 2026 Book Releases We're Most Excited About Summer reading season is officially here, and June is bringing an incredible mix of literary fiction, thrillers, fantasy adventures, romance, and page-turning mysteries. Whether you're looking for a book to toss in your beach bag, pack for a road trip, or enjoy on the patio, with a glass of wine, these are the June releases currently topping our TBR. If your summer reading list is already growing out of control, don’t worry—we’re right there with you. Shop Our June New Releases Collection We’ve made it easy to browse all of these titles in one place. Shop our curated June 2026 New Releases Collection on Bookshop.org and support independent bookstores while building your summer TBR. Whether you’re looking for a twisty thriller, a magical romance, or a literary novel you’ll be thinking about for weeks, we’ve gathered our favorites into one convenient collection. Browse the collection here: June 2026 New Releases Whistler by Ann Patchett Whenever Ann Patchett releases a new novel, readers pay attention. Whistler promises the thoughtful storytelling, rich characters, and emotional depth that have made Patchett one of the most beloved literary authors writing today. Perfect for: Literary fiction lovers Fans of Tom Lake Readers who enjoy character-driven stories Land by Maggie O’Farrell Maggie O’Farrell has a gift for transporting readers into beautifully crafted worlds, and Land looks poised to become one of the literary standouts of the summer. Perfect for: Historical fiction readers Literary fiction fans Readers who loved Hamnet It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell Lisa Jewell continues her reign as one of the queens of psychological suspense. If you love secrets, twists, unreliable narrators, and stories that keep you guessing until the final chapter, this one belongs on your list. Perfect for: Thriller readers Fans of Freida McFadden Readers who love shocking twists The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston Ashley Poston has become one of our favorite comfort-read authors, blending romance with a touch of magic. The Someday Garden sounds like the perfect warm-weather read. Perfect for: Romance readers Fans of magical realism Readers who loved The Seven Year Slip Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver After generating major buzz among romance readers, Harvest Season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the month. Perfect for: Dark romance fans Readers who enjoy morally gray characters Fans of intense relationships The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson Summer, family dynamics, and a beachy atmosphere make this one of the season’s most intriguing contemporary fiction releases. Perfect for: Women’s fiction readers Beach-read lovers Fans of family-centered stories The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden Fantasy readers have been eagerly awaiting Katherine Arden’s next release. Expect lush worldbuilding, folklore influences, and unforgettable storytelling. Perfect for: Fantasy readers Fairy tale lovers Fans of atmospheric stories The Housewife by Natalie Barelli Natalie Barelli rarely disappoints thriller fans, and The Housewife looks like another addictive read packed with secrets and suspense. Perfect for: Domestic thriller readers Fans of hidden secrets Weekend binge readers Tropesick by Lauren Okie The title alone has us intrigued. Romance readers who love all the classic tropes—and maybe a few twists on them—will want to check this one out. Perfect for: Contemporary romance readers Fans of grumpy/sunshine Readers who love trope-heavy romance Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews Summer and Mary Kay Andrews practically belong together. Road Trip sounds like the kind of feel-good escape readers reach for during vacation season. Perfect for: Beach-read lovers Southern fiction fans Readers wanting something fun and light Heather by Caitlin Mullen A literary mystery with gorgeous atmosphere and plenty of intrigue, Heather is already generating excitement among suspense readers. Perfect for: Literary mystery fans Readers who enjoy slow-burn suspense Fans of atmospheric settings Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli One of the most talked-about thriller releases on Goodreads right now, Gray After Dark is attracting serious attention from suspense readers. Perfect for: Thriller readers Fans of fast-paced suspense Readers looking for their next page-turner Looking for More Book Recommendations? If you enjoyed this list, you’ll love being part of the Paper & Vine community. Every week we share: New release roundups Seasonal reading recommendations Book club ideas Reading challenge printables Discussion guides Independent bookstore favorites Join Our Email List Subscribe below and get our newest reading recommendations, book club resources, and literary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Because life is simply better with a great book and a community of readers. Scroll to bottom of page and put in email! :) What’s On Your June TBR? With so many exciting releases arriving this month, narrowing down our reading list might be the hardest part. We’d love to know—which June release are you most excited to read first? 📚✨
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Bring Back Letter Writing: A Beginner’s Guide to Meaningful Correspondence
Bring Back Letter Writing: A Beginner’s Guide to Meaningful Correspondence We keep this blog add free for your enjoyment! Please consider shopping our links if you love these blogs! It helps support our little bookstore and helps me keep writing to you guys! Y'all are the best. Recently, I finished reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, and it reminded me of something I hadn’t realized I was missing. Throughout the novel, letters become more than a way to exchange information. They become a way to build relationships, preserve memories, offer encouragement, and create connection across distances and seasons of life. By the time I turned the final page, I found myself wanting to bring a little more of that intentionality into my own life. The book inspired me to return to the art of correspondence, not only for special occasions, but as part of everyday life. A note to a coworker. A letter to a friend. A card tucked into a package. A thoughtful message sent simply because someone crossed my mind. In a world of texts, emails, and social media, a handwritten note feels different. It says, “I thought about you enough to slow down and write.” Since finishing the book, I’ve started keeping notecards close at hand at work and at home. What surprised me most wasn’t how much I enjoyed writing them, but how much people appreciated receiving them. Perhaps that’s why letter writing feels especially meaningful right now. In a world that moves quickly, intentionality stands out. Why Letter Writing Is Making a Comeback People are craving slower, more meaningful forms of connection. A handwritten note says: I thought about you. I took time for you. You matter enough for me to sit down and write. Unlike a text message that disappears into a conversation thread, letters are often saved for years. They become keepsakes tucked into books, memory boxes, and desk drawers. There is something timeless about receiving a handwritten note, and perhaps that’s why so many people are returning to the practice. Creating Your Own Correspondence Corner One of my favorite parts of returning to letter writing has been creating a small correspondence corner. Nothing elaborate is required. My essentials include: Notecards A favorite pen Stamps An address book A basket or tray to keep everything together Keeping these supplies visible makes all the difference. When inspiration strikes, you’re ready to write. When a Handwritten Note Says More Than a Text Message Some moments deserve more than a quick text. Consider reaching for a notecard when: A Friend Is Going Through a Difficult Season A handwritten note can be reread on hard days and often provides comfort long after it arrives. Someone Has Made a Difference in Your Life Teachers, mentors, coworkers, and friends rarely hear the full impact they’ve had on others. A thank-you note is a wonderful way to tell them. You Want to Celebrate a Milestone Birthdays, graduations, promotions, retirements, anniversaries, and new babies are all worthy of a handwritten note. A Friend Lives Far Away A letter bridges distance in a way a quick social media interaction never quite can. You’re Thinking About Someone These may be my favorite notes of all. No occasion. No holiday. Just a simple message that says, “You crossed my mind today.” After a Meaningful Gathering A dinner party, book club meeting, weekend visit, or girls’ trip can all be followed with a thoughtful note of gratitude. To Your Children or Your Spouse Letters become treasured keepsakes over time. A note tucked into a lunchbox or saved for the future often means more than we realize. Who Should You Write To? If you’re not sure where to start, begin with people who would smile when they found your note in the mailbox. Consider writing to: Grandparents Friends who live far away Former coworkers Your spouse Your children Someone who recently encouraged you You don’t need dozens of pen pals. One or two meaningful correspondences are enough. Making Correspondence a Monthly Ritual Like reading, letter writing becomes more meaningful when it becomes a habit. Set aside one evening each month. Pour a cup of tea. Light a candle. Put on your favorite playlist. Spend thirty minutes writing a few notes. The quantity doesn’t matter. The intention does. My Correspondence Corner Favorites One thing I’ve learned is that beautiful supplies make me more likely to write. I’ve always loved Rifle Paper Co. stationery, address books, and desk accessories. There’s something about having beautiful tools that makes the habit feel inviting. If you’re creating your own correspondence corner, I recommend starting with: Notecards you love A quality pen An address book Stamps A simple organizer or tray The Most Underrated Tool: An Address Book If there is one thing I recommend, it’s creating an address book. Having addresses organized and easily accessible removes the biggest barrier to writing letters. Whether you use a dedicated address book or a simple spreadsheet, you’ll be surprised how much easier correspondence becomes when you already know where to send it. When inspiration strikes, you can simply write the note, address the envelope, and drop it in the mail. Shop My Correspondence Corner Rifle Paper Co. Letter Writing Set Address Book Rifle Paper Co. Card Box Set Favorite Writing Pen Wax Seals Add Such a Nice Touch A Spiral for Journaling I made a whole collection of my Rifle Paper Co. favorites for you to browse here. Looking for Inspiration?? This all started for me by picking up a copy of The Correspondent. If you haven't read it, please consider! It will make you feel the desire to write more, just like I did! Get the book A Final Note If there’s one thing The Correspondent reminded me, it’s that thoughtful communication never goes out of style. A handwritten note won’t change the world. But it might change someone’s day. And sometimes that’s more than enough. Tell us, who are you going to write to? -Paper & Vine
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The Couples Book Club: 12 Books and 12 Date Nights You'll Actually Look Forward To
The Couples Book Club: 12 Books and 12 Date Nights You'll Actually Look Forward To We keep this blog add free for your enjoyment. If you try out our couples book club, please consider shopping links through our blog. It directly supports the store and helps me have the space to create these ideas and content for you When most people think about date night, they picture dinner reservations, movie tickets, or a weekend getaway. But some of the best evenings happen at home with a great book, a little creativity, and someone you love. A couples book club gives you something fresh to talk about beyond work schedules, household chores, and what's for dinner. It creates shared experiences, sparks meaningful conversations, and helps you spend intentional time together. The best part? You don't have to like the same genres. Whether one of you is a lifelong reader and the other is just humoring the idea, these twelve books offer compelling stories, memorable characters, and plenty to discuss. We've paired each one with a themed date night and discussion questions to help you create a year of cozy evenings, meaningful conversations, and new memories together. Book 1: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Date Night: Aquarium Night Start the year with a little wonder. Turn your dining room into a cozy seaside escape. Set the table with blue accents, light a candle, and serve seafood-inspired appetizers like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, fish tacos, or even simple fish and chips. Pour a crisp white wine or sparkling water and imagine you're sitting in a small coastal town overlooking the ocean. After dinner, curl up together with blankets and watch the new movie adaptation. If you have an aquarium nearby, make it part of the date. If not, a nature documentary featuring ocean life makes the perfect backdrop while having dinner and discussing the following questions: Discussion Questions Which character did you connect with most? What role does loneliness play in the story? How did Marcellus change the lives of those around him? What does the book say about second chances? Did any character surprise you? How did grief shape the decisions people made? What would you have done differently? What was your favorite relationship in the book? Did the ending satisfy you? What message will stay with you long after finishing? Book 2: Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino Date Night: Memory Lane Night This date night is all about nostalgia. Pull out old photos, wedding albums, ticket stubs, and favorite memories from your relationship. Order takeout from a restaurant you loved when you first started dating, recreate your first date meal, or simply enjoy dessert while flipping through old pictures together. As you discuss Matt and Grace's story, spend time sharing your own. Talk about first impressions, favorite memories, and the moments that changed everything. Discussion Questions Do you believe timing is everything? Which character frustrated you most? Could you forgive years of silence? What role does nostalgia play in our lives? Was their love story believable? How would the story change if it happened today? What memory would you relive if you could? Did the ending feel earned? What risks are worth taking in life and love? What does this book say about missed opportunities? Book 3: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Date Night: Stargazing Night Grab blankets, lawn chairs, and a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. Head outside after sunset and spend some time under the stars before diving into discussion. If weather doesn't cooperate, create a cozy indoor version with candles, twinkle lights, and a space documentary playing quietly in the background. The wonder and scale of this story make it perfect for discussing life's biggest questions. Discussion Questions What would you sacrifice for humanity? Which scientific challenge fascinated you most? What made Rocky such a memorable character? How important was friendship to the story? Could you survive that level of isolation? What moment surprised you most? Which decision would have been hardest for you? What strengths made Grace successful? Did the humor improve the story? Would you read more science fiction after this? Book 4: The Wedding People by Alison Espach Date Night: Fancy Night In The entire book revolves around a wedding, so embrace the theme. Dress up as if you're attending a reception. Set the table with candles, flowers, cloth napkins, and your nicest dishes. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant or cook something that feels celebratory. Pour a glass of wine, linger over dessert, and enjoy pretending you're guests at the wedding. Discussion Questions Which character experienced the most growth? What does happiness mean to you? Did your opinion of Phoebe change throughout the story? Which relationship felt most authentic? What expectations do people place on themselves? What would you tell Phoebe at the beginning? What lesson stood out most? Which scene made the biggest impact? How important is reinvention? What will you remember most? Book 5: Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan Date Night: Backyard Movie Night This book feels like a romantic comedy, so create one. Set up a projector outdoors or snuggle on the couch with popcorn, candy, and your favorite movie snacks. Watch a classic rom-com after your discussion and compare the stories. Keep the atmosphere light, cozy, and fun. Discussion Questions What made Nora relatable? Did the romance feel realistic? Which character would you most want as a friend? How did family shape the story? What surprised you most? What risks were worth taking? Did you like the ending? Which scene was your favorite? What did the book say about starting over? Would you recommend it? Book 6: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Date Night: Mystery Night Create a charcuterie board, dim the lights, and spend the evening playing detective. Buy one of those fun detective case file games online and solve your own mystery together! Couples who solve murders over a bottle of wine together stay together. Discussion Questions Who did you trust first? What twist shocked you most? When did your theory change? Was Evie a sympathetic character? Which lie had the biggest consequences? Could you live with that many secrets? What would you have done differently? Did anyone get what they deserved? Was the ending satisfying? Would you read another thriller like this? Book 7: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Date Night: Campfire Mystery Night This book practically demands atmosphere. Build a backyard fire, roast marshmallows, and wrap up in blankets. If you don't have a fire pit, use candles and low lighting indoors. As darkness falls, debate the mystery, share theories, and discuss which characters deserved your trust. Discussion Questions When did you suspect the truth? Which character was most misunderstood? How did family influence events? What role did privilege play? Which storyline interested you most? What surprised you most? Did the ending work for you? Which character deserved better? What themes stood out most? How would you describe the book in one sentence? Book 8: The Favorites by Layne Fargo Date Night: Dessert Debate Night Skip a big dinner and focus on dessert. Visit your favorite bakery, order several desserts to share, or create a tasting board at home. Then spend the evening debating every decision, betrayal, and relationship in the book. Bonus if you dance in your living room as if you were skating as one! This one is guaranteed to spark opinions. Discussion Questions Which character did you root for most? What role did ambition play? Were the sacrifices worth it? Did your loyalties change? What relationship interested you most? Who was most responsible for the conflict? What surprised you? Did anyone get a happy ending? What theme resonated with you? Would you reread it? Book 9: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Date Night: Patio Wine Night Find a quiet outdoor space and enjoy a slow evening together. Pour a glass of wine, make a simple cheese board, and settle in as the sun sets. This is the perfect book for discussing family stories, memories, and how our perspectives change over time. Take your time with this one. Like the book itself, it's meant to be savored. Discussion Questions How reliable are our memories? What did the daughters learn from Lara's story? How did Lara change over time? What role does storytelling play in families? Which relationship felt most authentic? What life lesson stood out most? How does perspective change with age? Did your opinion of any character change? What scene stayed with you? What would you ask Lara? Book 10: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Date Night: Dream Life Night Light candles, make tea, and pull out a notebook. After discussing the book, spend time talking about alternate paths your lives could have taken and the future you want to build together. Share dreams you've accomplished, goals you still have, and adventures you'd like to experience. This date often becomes part discussion, part goal-setting session, and part reminder of how much there is to appreciate about your current life. Discussion Questions What alternate life intrigued you most? Do you believe in destiny? What regrets do people hold onto unnecessarily? How did Nora change? What makes a meaningful life? Did the book change your perspective? What would one of your alternate lives look like? What lesson stood out most? Did the ending work for you? What are you most grateful for today? Book 11: Beartown by Fredrik Backman Date Night: Cozy Game Night Pull out your favorite board game, make hot chocolate, and spend the evening tucked inside together. This emotional story opens the door to conversations about community, responsibility, loyalty, and difficult choices. Between rounds of a game, discuss the characters and themes that stuck with you most. The cozy atmosphere balances some of the book's heavier topics. Discussion Questions Which character affected you most? What responsibilities do communities have? What role did loyalty play? How did power influence events? Which character changed the most? What decision was hardest to understand? What themes stood out? Did anyone surprise you? What conversation from the book needs to happen more often? Would you revisit Beartown? Book 12: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews Date Night: Christmas Market Night End the year with a little holiday magic. Bundle up and visit a Christmas market, tree-lighting event, holiday festival, or spend an evening driving through neighborhoods filled with twinkling lights. If you'd rather stay home, turn on your Christmas tree, play your favorite holiday music, and create a tray of cookies and hot chocolate to enjoy together. Light a seasonal candle, curl up under a blanket, and embrace everything cozy about the season. Like Ivy's story, this date is about finding joy in unexpected places, embracing community, and appreciating the magic that often appears when we least expect it. After you've finished discussing the book, spend a little time reflecting on the year behind you and dreaming about the year ahead. Discussion Questions What was your favorite part of Ivy's journey? How did the small-town setting contribute to the story? What role did community play throughout the book? Why do you think holiday stories resonate with readers? What did the Santa suit symbolize? Which relationship felt most meaningful? Did the romance feel believable? What holiday tradition means the most to you? What unexpected blessing have you experienced this year? What are you most looking forward to in the coming year? Free Printable: Your Couples Book Club Companion To make your year of reading together even more memorable, we've created a free printable companion to go along with this Couples Book Club journey. Simply download the printable, print both pages, and cut them apart. The first page serves as your year-long checklist, helping you track each book and themed date night as you complete them. The second page is a reflection sheet you can reuse throughout the year to capture favorite quotes, memorable conversations, date night highlights, and the moments you want to remember. Keep the checklist on your fridge, tuck the reflection pages into a binder, or create a special keepsake folder to look back on at the end of the year. After all, this isn't just about finishing twelve books—it's about creating twelve opportunities to connect, laugh, dream, and spend intentional time together. Download your free printable below and start your first chapter together. One Book, One Date Night, One Conversation at a Time The goal isn't to become literary critics. The goal is to spend intentional time together and shake things up by doing something together and giving yourself something in common that isn't your day to day lives. A shared story gives you something new to talk about, helps you learn more about one another, and creates memories that last long after the final page. After twelve books and twelve themed date nights, you'll have something more valuable than a reading list—you'll have a collection of shared experiences and conversations you'll remember for years to come. So pick a book, plan a date night, and start your own couples book club. Memories and plans don't have to be expensive to spark passion, love and interest. Happy reading.
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