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She Whispered through the Woods
Second hears a girl’s voice at an all boys camp. Is he losing it? Yes, maybe that’s it. Managing 12 rowdy boys and the stress of past mistakes would make anyone nuts. And yet, her voice is vivid. Her voice turns to cries until Second sees her: Ghost Girl. With only seven days left of camp, will Second save this Ghost he’s grown to trust with his heart or focus on the campers who need his help?
A slow-burn paranormal romance where he falls first… even if he may never see her again.
Themes include
- he falls first
- his POV
- summer camp vibes
- men's mental health rep
- found family
- adventure
- "I'll save her, even if it breaks my heart"
- she's a ghost
A slow-burn paranormal romance where he falls first… even if he may never see her again.
Themes include
- he falls first
- his POV
- summer camp vibes
- men's mental health rep
- found family
- adventure
- "I'll save her, even if it breaks my heart"
- she's a ghost
Unknown Binding
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208 people want to read
About the author
Sara Francis
12 books63 followersI write bittersweet stories to show you the light in the dark.
What you'll find in my books
- Found Family
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Secret Identity
- "Can I trust you?"
- Enhanced Humans
- Platonic Friendships
Expect to ride a roller coaster of emotions that contain all the feels.
I have over ten publications including short stories that have been published in Anthologies.
My next book?
The finale of "The Waiting Trilogy". A cozy contemporary fiction with a slow burn romance, a paranormal twist, a little magic, healing moments that hit home, and the most loveable, coffee addicted side characters.
What you'll find in my books
- Found Family
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Secret Identity
- "Can I trust you?"
- Enhanced Humans
- Platonic Friendships
Expect to ride a roller coaster of emotions that contain all the feels.
I have over ten publications including short stories that have been published in Anthologies.
My next book?
The finale of "The Waiting Trilogy". A cozy contemporary fiction with a slow burn romance, a paranormal twist, a little magic, healing moments that hit home, and the most loveable, coffee addicted side characters.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2024
I really really enjoyed this book and zipped through it so quickly! Both Second and the Ghost Girl were so loveable. The twists at the end were really exciting, and I did NOT know that this wasn't standalone so now I want the next book immediately 😂 I have so many theories!
I also thought Francis did an excellent job of normalizing trauma, mental health difficulties, and relational abuse for men. The messages in this book are so important. It's a story about healing through friendship and love 💕
I also thought Francis did an excellent job of normalizing trauma, mental health difficulties, and relational abuse for men. The messages in this book are so important. It's a story about healing through friendship and love 💕
May 6, 2024
Y’all.
So I’m here for the Merida vibes, the camp vibes, the silly quips and the powerful quotes.
But I INHALED the concept of a broken counselor trying to lead a pack of boys who’ve been hurt, too.
Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher and some of my worst experiences from the past two years coincided with school, so I accidentally shared a lot of grief and pain with kiddos who shared their grief and pain with me in turn. But Second and Glover’s relationship broke my heart in the best way.
It’s so important for men to know they can express emotions. And it’s SO SO SO important for boys to see those stories told, both in fiction and in the people around them.
This is an absolute gem of a book. And I WILL be making the sticky bun recipe in the future.
So I’m here for the Merida vibes, the camp vibes, the silly quips and the powerful quotes.
But I INHALED the concept of a broken counselor trying to lead a pack of boys who’ve been hurt, too.
Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher and some of my worst experiences from the past two years coincided with school, so I accidentally shared a lot of grief and pain with kiddos who shared their grief and pain with me in turn. But Second and Glover’s relationship broke my heart in the best way.
It’s so important for men to know they can express emotions. And it’s SO SO SO important for boys to see those stories told, both in fiction and in the people around them.
This is an absolute gem of a book. And I WILL be making the sticky bun recipe in the future.
May 3, 2024
4/5 Stars - I really liked it, but not for the reasons I expected
She Whispered Through The Woods is a paranormal romance set at a summer camp. The first part--paranormal romance--is what got me interested in the book. I was super excited to fall head over heels for the relationship between a ghost a camp counsler. But the weird thing is that I didn't really get into the romance between Second and Ghost Girl. Don't get me wrong, they were cute, but I wasn't overly invested. I was interested to find out who/what Ghost Girl really was, but I didn't get super invested in the romance. But, honestly, I don't mind that, because I got really invested in another part of the book.
Second and the campers. Second has a lot of trauma and pent-up emotions that he needs to work through. I was really invested in learning about his history and how he lost his eye throughout the book. And I was just as interested in his relationship with his campers. There was depth in these relationships, and I really liked seeing Second bond with the boys, especially Glover. She Whispered Through The Woods turned out to be a really wholesome story of platonic and romantic bonds and plenty of summer vibes.
Now, I mentioned that I didn't get super invested in Second's romance with the Ghost Girl during the book. However, that completely changed in the end. The way this book ends has me needing the sequel. I may not be fully invested in the romance (yet), but I am super interested in getting answers (seriously, the ending had my head spinning in the best way possible).
So, in summary, the platonic bonds between the campers and counselors were 10/10. Second's character development was amazing, and I'm very interested to see how the romantic elements progress (especially once we get some answers).
She Whispered Through The Woods is a paranormal romance set at a summer camp. The first part--paranormal romance--is what got me interested in the book. I was super excited to fall head over heels for the relationship between a ghost a camp counsler. But the weird thing is that I didn't really get into the romance between Second and Ghost Girl. Don't get me wrong, they were cute, but I wasn't overly invested. I was interested to find out who/what Ghost Girl really was, but I didn't get super invested in the romance. But, honestly, I don't mind that, because I got really invested in another part of the book.
Second and the campers. Second has a lot of trauma and pent-up emotions that he needs to work through. I was really invested in learning about his history and how he lost his eye throughout the book. And I was just as interested in his relationship with his campers. There was depth in these relationships, and I really liked seeing Second bond with the boys, especially Glover. She Whispered Through The Woods turned out to be a really wholesome story of platonic and romantic bonds and plenty of summer vibes.
Now, I mentioned that I didn't get super invested in Second's romance with the Ghost Girl during the book. However, that completely changed in the end. The way this book ends has me needing the sequel. I may not be fully invested in the romance (yet), but I am super interested in getting answers (seriously, the ending had my head spinning in the best way possible).
So, in summary, the platonic bonds between the campers and counselors were 10/10. Second's character development was amazing, and I'm very interested to see how the romantic elements progress (especially once we get some answers).
August 31, 2025
Stayed up till 3 AM reading this book because MAN this book was INCREDIBLE.
Sara Francis managed to mangle my emotions and wreck my sleep schedule all in one night. The Waiting Trilogy is a fitting name for a series that I have had to wait (and will continue to wait for book 3) so long to read.
-Christopher Pennington
Sara Francis managed to mangle my emotions and wreck my sleep schedule all in one night. The Waiting Trilogy is a fitting name for a series that I have had to wait (and will continue to wait for book 3) so long to read.
-Christopher Pennington
December 6, 2024
The secrets, the mystery, the humor…what a great experience for my first paranormal romance!
A traumatized camp counselor tries to bury the truth behind his eyepatch. Then he hears a ghost girl calling for him from the forest. So he takes it upon himself to find a way to set her free. He didn’t expect to fall in love…
Narrative Voice: 1st person
Cussing/profanity: 1/5*
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 1/5
I love a good, fast read with an impactful message! Now, I’m not a romance reader, but when I heard about this one, I wanted to give it a try. It’s also in 1st person, which I’m not a fan of for the most part, but I LOVED how Sara Francis wrote this one!
I was more invested in the paranormal aspect than in the romance (I wasn’t a fan how FAST Second fell in love, but hey, maybe some men think that way.) but that changed once the twist hit, then I was shipping them so hard!
The mystery of who Ghost Girl was, Second’s past, and the reason for Glover’s animosity is what fueled my addiction to the plot. Oh, that and Huerta’s humor, which rivaled that of Leo Valdez. What pulled my heartstrings the strongest was actually the bonds between Second and his boys (especially Glover. That rain scene?? AGHCK.) Second is the sweetest in how much he cares for the boys in his charge! The balance between the camping plot and the romance I think is what really made this enjoyable for me as a non-romance reader. This story is a beautiful advocate for men’s mental health, which seriously needs to be told way more often. This is a reread for sure.
For readers who love ghost stories, perilous hiking, mystery, and sweet romance, this book is heavy, humorous, and wholesome!
4/5 would recommend
*characters use alternative swear words to be “camp friendly” 1 damn, 1 ass
A traumatized camp counselor tries to bury the truth behind his eyepatch. Then he hears a ghost girl calling for him from the forest. So he takes it upon himself to find a way to set her free. He didn’t expect to fall in love…
Narrative Voice: 1st person
Cussing/profanity: 1/5*
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 1/5
I love a good, fast read with an impactful message! Now, I’m not a romance reader, but when I heard about this one, I wanted to give it a try. It’s also in 1st person, which I’m not a fan of for the most part, but I LOVED how Sara Francis wrote this one!
I was more invested in the paranormal aspect than in the romance (I wasn’t a fan how FAST Second fell in love, but hey, maybe some men think that way.) but that changed once the twist hit, then I was shipping them so hard!
The mystery of who Ghost Girl was, Second’s past, and the reason for Glover’s animosity is what fueled my addiction to the plot. Oh, that and Huerta’s humor, which rivaled that of Leo Valdez. What pulled my heartstrings the strongest was actually the bonds between Second and his boys (especially Glover. That rain scene?? AGHCK.) Second is the sweetest in how much he cares for the boys in his charge! The balance between the camping plot and the romance I think is what really made this enjoyable for me as a non-romance reader. This story is a beautiful advocate for men’s mental health, which seriously needs to be told way more often. This is a reread for sure.
For readers who love ghost stories, perilous hiking, mystery, and sweet romance, this book is heavy, humorous, and wholesome!
4/5 would recommend
*characters use alternative swear words to be “camp friendly” 1 damn, 1 ass
June 3, 2024
Okay, I typically don't read much romance. BUT THIS BOOK?? Let's just say it may have changed my mind.
I loved the men's mental health rep. (Wanted to hug all of those poor boys, oh my goodness!) But the character dynamics were immaculate, the decaf coffee was glorious, and I love how Second's conflicts resolved. A bunch of the romances I've heard about seem to be "sacrifice everything else for the one person I'm pining after". But I appreciated that Second actually considered what he was supposed to be doing and put the boys first. It left the romance as more of a mystery which was a really intriguing concept because being a role model was that important to him. And Second's connections to each and every one of his boys at camp was the sweetest thing, especially because it meant opening up about his past and facing some hard truths he really didn't want to acknowledge again.
This book was just so well written, and I loved every single page! Absolutely cannot wait for the second book because gahhh that cliff hanger!!
I loved the men's mental health rep. (Wanted to hug all of those poor boys, oh my goodness!) But the character dynamics were immaculate, the decaf coffee was glorious, and I love how Second's conflicts resolved. A bunch of the romances I've heard about seem to be "sacrifice everything else for the one person I'm pining after". But I appreciated that Second actually considered what he was supposed to be doing and put the boys first. It left the romance as more of a mystery which was a really intriguing concept because being a role model was that important to him. And Second's connections to each and every one of his boys at camp was the sweetest thing, especially because it meant opening up about his past and facing some hard truths he really didn't want to acknowledge again.
This book was just so well written, and I loved every single page! Absolutely cannot wait for the second book because gahhh that cliff hanger!!
June 21, 2024
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
She Whispered Through the Woods by Sara Francis
STAR RATING: 5/5⭐️
Review:
Where do I begin? This was a beautiful story with heartache, but with an overwhelming love and care for others. Sara showed real, true emotions with a large cast of young boys and their camp leader. The ups and downs of life, the mysteries, and the fleeting moments of one week at summer camp. Ghost Girl and Second’s first meeting, and their blooming relationship… oh I cherish it. This story wove together so well. I may have cried.
Favorite quote:
“I got up early to see if she returned. I glanced into the thick forest, praying she was there. I wanted to run towards her, scoop her into my arms, and take her away. I fantasized about kissing her forehead and promising a life where she’d be safe. A home where she wouldn’t be threatened. A man who wouldn’t treat her as a burden. I would show her love and become the man to send her home…”
She Whispered Through the Woods by Sara Francis
STAR RATING: 5/5⭐️
Review:
Where do I begin? This was a beautiful story with heartache, but with an overwhelming love and care for others. Sara showed real, true emotions with a large cast of young boys and their camp leader. The ups and downs of life, the mysteries, and the fleeting moments of one week at summer camp. Ghost Girl and Second’s first meeting, and their blooming relationship… oh I cherish it. This story wove together so well. I may have cried.
Favorite quote:
“I got up early to see if she returned. I glanced into the thick forest, praying she was there. I wanted to run towards her, scoop her into my arms, and take her away. I fantasized about kissing her forehead and promising a life where she’d be safe. A home where she wouldn’t be threatened. A man who wouldn’t treat her as a burden. I would show her love and become the man to send her home…”
June 13, 2024
This book had me absolutely curious from the start, considering it was described as a 'paranormal romance.' I'm not usually into romance as a genre, but Sara does an amazing job of making the romance so sweet, innocent, and wholesome that you can't help but love it! Not to mention, I love me a good ol' slow-burn romance!
I'll admit that it took me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but it didn't take long for me to get so invested that I could hardly put it down! I finished it in two days and easily could've finished it sooner, except I made myself drag it out as long as possible!
PLUS, the ending was so unexpected and immediately made me need Book 2 desperately.
Bonus: Huerta and his coffee was an excellent addition, humour-wise.
I'll admit that it took me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but it didn't take long for me to get so invested that I could hardly put it down! I finished it in two days and easily could've finished it sooner, except I made myself drag it out as long as possible!
PLUS, the ending was so unexpected and immediately made me need Book 2 desperately.
Bonus: Huerta and his coffee was an excellent addition, humour-wise.
July 18, 2024
She Whispered Through The Woods was such a cozy, fast paced read filled with real and amazing characters. I loved how Sara worked together all of the boys' personalities to make such a lovable cast of characters.
And then there's Ghost Girl! She's such an intriguing character and her story is well written. Her and Second make my heart happy and boy if you want a book where the MMC is over the heels in love with the girl, this is definitely the book for you.
Originally starting this book I didn't realize there would be more books to come and I cannot wait to learn more about all of the characters and watch more of the romance unfold!
And then there's Ghost Girl! She's such an intriguing character and her story is well written. Her and Second make my heart happy and boy if you want a book where the MMC is over the heels in love with the girl, this is definitely the book for you.
Originally starting this book I didn't realize there would be more books to come and I cannot wait to learn more about all of the characters and watch more of the romance unfold!
July 9, 2024
This was so good! The perfect read for the summer time and I found myself enjoying the story all the way through! It’s about finding one’s self, loving yourself, and healing emotionally and mentally, and I love how the author approached this with the characters in this! This was such an emotional story, especially the interactions Second has with Ghost Girl and that cliffhanger? Good gosh I am excited to read the second book when it finally comes out! Please check out this story, you won’t regret it!
August 18, 2024
Gripping. Beautiful. Vulnerable. It's hard not to root for Second and Ghost Girl's budding love story as Second navigates caring for his campers, while trying to be there for her. Sara Francis tackles PTSD, abusive relationships, and healing in a graceful way in her first romance novel. Follow along as Second, his co-counselor, and their campers endure harrowing conditions on the mountain, build bridges between one another, and slowly wear down the armor each of them puts up to protect their hearts.
October 10, 2024
Okay, this was really cute. Normally I'm not a fan of journal entry type books but this was good. I would say my only complaint was that I didn't get how he could be so infatuated with the ghost so fast. Or how he kept thinking "if she's real or I just want to be with her forever" she was a ghost though! At least that's what he thought anyway. Then at the end nothing was explained and it was left in a cliffhanger. I just want to understand what kind of magic or supernatural something is going on.
June 6, 2024
Absolutely addicted to this sweet story and can't wait for the next!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews