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The Weight of Shadows
In a town with deadly secrets, where love is lost to time and ignited by it, and mysterious deaths and disappearances go unexplained, one woman's discovery of the unbelievable could be the key to everything.
The Mountain has always been shrouded in mystery, with stories shared to scare and intrigue the tourists to the town of Juniper Hollow.
For a local like Lillian, the stories are just that, rumors and tales, laughed off and easily ignored as a superstition... but when a body is discovered, and another follows soon after, the stories begin to sound more like warnings.
Through a web of connections, Lillian finds herself drawn into the middle of investigations, torn between two unexpected romances, all while digging into the truth of The Mountain, uncovering a pattern that leads to more questions than answers...
... an unimaginable possibility with a terrifyingly deadly reality.
The Mountain has always been shrouded in mystery, with stories shared to scare and intrigue the tourists to the town of Juniper Hollow.
For a local like Lillian, the stories are just that, rumors and tales, laughed off and easily ignored as a superstition... but when a body is discovered, and another follows soon after, the stories begin to sound more like warnings.
Through a web of connections, Lillian finds herself drawn into the middle of investigations, torn between two unexpected romances, all while digging into the truth of The Mountain, uncovering a pattern that leads to more questions than answers...
... an unimaginable possibility with a terrifyingly deadly reality.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
20 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Angela Franklin
1 book26 followersAngela Franklin is a practicing dental hygienist with degrees in biological clinical science and finance. When she’s not spending family time with her husband and three sons, she can be found writing her next best-selling novel, painting the landscape of her dreams, or letting loose as many arrows as it takes to hit the bullseye; a woman of various talents and interests, which can best be described as research for her creative outlets. She resides in The Ozarks of Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 13, 2025
The Weight of Shadows (The Juniper Hollow Collection #1) by Angela Franklin
In a town with deadly secrets, where love is lost to time and ignited by it, and mysterious deaths and disappearances go unexplained, one woman's discovery of the unbelievable could be the key to everything.
Rating: ****
Feels: Curious, Brave, Surprised, Twisty
Style: Mystery, Paranormal romance
First published May 1, 2025 : 580 pages, Kindle
This book totally had me hooked throughout the story. Really easy to read and follow but then you found out things that had you going back re reading things from earlier in a new light.
Favorite quote: I'm Prepared to wait for you to figure things out and I'll be here when you do. He's your right now. I'm your forever. Lots of twists and turns and really good mystery in this one. Just a hint of the paranormal in the form of .. the mountain. It will keep you guessing through out the story. I am not one for scary stories and this did have a bit of scare in it but was handled really well as to make it more a very slightly scary mystery. I really am a whimp when it comes to scare so it really is a small amount as I was able to enjoy the whole book very much. The love triangle was really fun to see progress and I honestly do not know who I would pick or who I want her to pick at all. I really love that for this story. Ending was a cliffhanger sp be prepared !!!
This book has:
Love Triangle
Found Family
Mystery
Secound Chances
High School Sweethearts
In a town with deadly secrets, where love is lost to time and ignited by it, and mysterious deaths and disappearances go unexplained, one woman's discovery of the unbelievable could be the key to everything.
Rating: ****
Feels: Curious, Brave, Surprised, Twisty
Style: Mystery, Paranormal romance
First published May 1, 2025 : 580 pages, Kindle
This book totally had me hooked throughout the story. Really easy to read and follow but then you found out things that had you going back re reading things from earlier in a new light.
Favorite quote: I'm Prepared to wait for you to figure things out and I'll be here when you do. He's your right now. I'm your forever. Lots of twists and turns and really good mystery in this one. Just a hint of the paranormal in the form of .. the mountain. It will keep you guessing through out the story. I am not one for scary stories and this did have a bit of scare in it but was handled really well as to make it more a very slightly scary mystery. I really am a whimp when it comes to scare so it really is a small amount as I was able to enjoy the whole book very much. The love triangle was really fun to see progress and I honestly do not know who I would pick or who I want her to pick at all. I really love that for this story. Ending was a cliffhanger sp be prepared !!!
This book has:
Love Triangle
Found Family
Mystery
Secound Chances
High School Sweethearts
April 14, 2025
This was my first ARC read and it delivered! I loved this book so much that I have a book hangover from finishing it and not having the second book to go onto. I loved the ups and downs and all the feelings it created for me. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time which made the book so great!
Angela has a great writing style and I cannot wait for the next book.
Angela has a great writing style and I cannot wait for the next book.
May 2, 2025
rounded up from a 4.5.
A small town, a love triangle, a few dead bodies, a little spice, and a lot of great characters.
Juniper Hollow is a quaint small town where everyone knows everyone, but just through the woods is the Mountain. A former military base that has become the towns ghost story.
Lillian loves her home town & her diner. Ryder, a police officer, wants to prove to Lillian that he's changed. He's not the same guy from her past. August, the handsome stranger, wants to be Lillian's future.
When bodies start appearing in the woods around the Mountain, this love triangle has to figure out what is going on in their sleepy town.
The characters were great and so different from each other. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Gary drove me a little crazy (in a good way). Rain was just too much. Harvey can be my grandpa too. August is the nice guy. & Ryder...❤️ He's the reformed bad boy in a uniform. (Yes, please.).
The pacing was consistent with a great flow and the writing was easy to read without being juvenile.
I was invested the entire time & must know what happens from here. I figured out a few pieces but there were some I had wrong.
In a couple of areas the "who do I choose" became a little repetitive, but these were not enough to be cumbersome to the story.
I read this book in 2 days & I loved every minute of the journey Angela Franklin took me on. Now ...can Teddy Hamilton read for Ryder in the audio?! That would be perfection.
However, at about 80% I realized this isnt going to be wrapped up ... So please know that this is first in the series. Not all is resolved at the end, so you will absolutely have to read the second one.
A small town, a love triangle, a few dead bodies, a little spice, and a lot of great characters.
Juniper Hollow is a quaint small town where everyone knows everyone, but just through the woods is the Mountain. A former military base that has become the towns ghost story.
Lillian loves her home town & her diner. Ryder, a police officer, wants to prove to Lillian that he's changed. He's not the same guy from her past. August, the handsome stranger, wants to be Lillian's future.
When bodies start appearing in the woods around the Mountain, this love triangle has to figure out what is going on in their sleepy town.
The characters were great and so different from each other. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Gary drove me a little crazy (in a good way). Rain was just too much. Harvey can be my grandpa too. August is the nice guy. & Ryder...❤️ He's the reformed bad boy in a uniform. (Yes, please.).
The pacing was consistent with a great flow and the writing was easy to read without being juvenile.
I was invested the entire time & must know what happens from here. I figured out a few pieces but there were some I had wrong.
In a couple of areas the "who do I choose" became a little repetitive, but these were not enough to be cumbersome to the story.
I read this book in 2 days & I loved every minute of the journey Angela Franklin took me on. Now ...can Teddy Hamilton read for Ryder in the audio?! That would be perfection.
However, at about 80% I realized this isnt going to be wrapped up ... So please know that this is first in the series. Not all is resolved at the end, so you will absolutely have to read the second one.
April 15, 2025
I received this book as an ARC knowing only that it was a mystery/romance and that if I liked “Outlander” I would probably enjoy it. After finishing the book in two days, I find that assessment correct.
The book is set in a small town next to a Mountain with a tragic history. It follows the main character, Lillian, as she navigates life changes and romantic options. I was unaware about the love triangle when I started the book, and while at times there is a lot of miscommunication, the mystery plot is very engaging outside of the love issues.
I’m excited for book 2 and already have theories and questions. It was enjoyable to read, pick out a potential hint, and later on have an “ah-ha I knew it!” moment.
Overall, solid 4, would recommend!
The book is set in a small town next to a Mountain with a tragic history. It follows the main character, Lillian, as she navigates life changes and romantic options. I was unaware about the love triangle when I started the book, and while at times there is a lot of miscommunication, the mystery plot is very engaging outside of the love issues.
I’m excited for book 2 and already have theories and questions. It was enjoyable to read, pick out a potential hint, and later on have an “ah-ha I knew it!” moment.
Overall, solid 4, would recommend!
April 25, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Weight of Shadows. Wow this book! This was my first foray into the mystery/romance novel genre and Weight of Shadows did not disappoint! It follows our FMC Lilliana and two MMCs, Ryder and August as they navigate relationships while death is happening around them. Unexplained deaths and disappearances. Lots of theories but things are just not adding up. Things seem to make sense until they don’t. Relationships seem to make sense until they don’t either.
The writing was excellent- the story had me hooked from the beginning. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the book either. It is PACKED with so much. The pacing is great and I didn’t have a chance to get bored- I was busy turning to the next page because I HAD to know what was going to happen next! The storyline is excellent and despite the twists and turns, easy to follow. The ending will have you FLOORED.
I can’t wait until the next installment of this series- I know it’s going to be amazing!
The writing was excellent- the story had me hooked from the beginning. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the book either. It is PACKED with so much. The pacing is great and I didn’t have a chance to get bored- I was busy turning to the next page because I HAD to know what was going to happen next! The storyline is excellent and despite the twists and turns, easy to follow. The ending will have you FLOORED.
I can’t wait until the next installment of this series- I know it’s going to be amazing!
June 13, 2025
The Weight of Shadows is Book 1 in The Juniper Hollow Collection and is listed as a Love Triangle Mystery Romance.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! There isn’t a strong enough word to describe how much. It is about a small town that starts experiencing mysterious deaths and disappearances. It takes you on an action-packed mystery adventure that had me thinking Bermuda Triangle x Area 51.
I thought it was an amazing and very thought-provoking story. It kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. I think it is unique in its own right and why I couldn’t stop reading. It isn’t like anything else I’ve read. There were some instances I thought I knew what was going to happen and was way off. I love that it is not predictable, and it sent me into a conspiracy theory spiral. The entire time I was trying to think of what could happen next and my mind kept spinning. I am in awe of how amazing this story is!
I loved all the characters and side characters and thought they were all necessary and perfect for the story. I have my favorites, but I still don’t want to admit it in case they end up turning out to be very different in the end of the collection. There are so many twists I didn’t expect, and I was thrown for a loop. I have my theories!
I thought the pacing was perfect, at least from my perspective. It kept me on the edge of my seat where I was flipping through pages so fast because I needed to know what was going to happen. I had to read the ending a little slower to digest what was happening, while my mouth was hanging open.
The story was easy to follow. I thought the writing was very well done and fluid. While I was reading, I could help but think how much research must have been done on certain areas and I was really impressed.
I recommend going in fresh with no spoilers for the full experience. I feel like everyone should stop what they are doing and read this book. It is amazing and I highly recommend it! I can't wait for the next installment!!!
Thank you so much to the author for a gifted copy.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! There isn’t a strong enough word to describe how much. It is about a small town that starts experiencing mysterious deaths and disappearances. It takes you on an action-packed mystery adventure that had me thinking Bermuda Triangle x Area 51.
I thought it was an amazing and very thought-provoking story. It kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. I think it is unique in its own right and why I couldn’t stop reading. It isn’t like anything else I’ve read. There were some instances I thought I knew what was going to happen and was way off. I love that it is not predictable, and it sent me into a conspiracy theory spiral. The entire time I was trying to think of what could happen next and my mind kept spinning. I am in awe of how amazing this story is!
I loved all the characters and side characters and thought they were all necessary and perfect for the story. I have my favorites, but I still don’t want to admit it in case they end up turning out to be very different in the end of the collection. There are so many twists I didn’t expect, and I was thrown for a loop. I have my theories!
I thought the pacing was perfect, at least from my perspective. It kept me on the edge of my seat where I was flipping through pages so fast because I needed to know what was going to happen. I had to read the ending a little slower to digest what was happening, while my mouth was hanging open.
The story was easy to follow. I thought the writing was very well done and fluid. While I was reading, I could help but think how much research must have been done on certain areas and I was really impressed.
I recommend going in fresh with no spoilers for the full experience. I feel like everyone should stop what they are doing and read this book. It is amazing and I highly recommend it! I can't wait for the next installment!!!
Thank you so much to the author for a gifted copy.
June 13, 2025
Ummmmm what the hell happened!!!!!!!
Seriously though one of these days I might actually read the blurb on the back of a pretty book. I had absolutely no idea what this book was about when I started reading it, but it didn't take long and I was hooked.
Reading this book was like riding one of those really big roller coasters. you know the ones that have a really gradual incline but once you hit a certain point you feel like you are falling face first into the next one.
Seriously though one of these days I might actually read the blurb on the back of a pretty book. I had absolutely no idea what this book was about when I started reading it, but it didn't take long and I was hooked.
Reading this book was like riding one of those really big roller coasters. you know the ones that have a really gradual incline but once you hit a certain point you feel like you are falling face first into the next one.
August 23, 2025
3.75☆
IMO could have been about 200 pages shorter.
IMO could have been about 200 pages shorter.
July 16, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
The category is Annihilation x Twin Peaks x Briardark. Really if that doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what to say.
The Weight of Shadows is the beginning of a very compelling series, and I was locked in on page two of the prologue. It’s centered on Lillian, daughter to the Sheriff of Juniper Hollow, but more importantly, a waitress at the local diner, Wisteria (along with a cast of side characters who add to that quintessential small town diner feeling, (Lana is the queen of my heart and I’d be right beside her trying to get the juicy gossip from Lillian)). She finds herself in the middle of a love triangle (which I’m not the biggest fan of this trope but I felt like it was handled well) between the (hot) mysterious August she’s drawn to and her (hot) high-school-heartbreaker-ex-turned-deputy Ryder. But beyond her love triangle, strange happenings are going on in Juniper Hollow.
Juniper Hollow is home to not only an adorable small town and local diner, it’s home to an ex military base colloquially called The Mountain. No one really knows what happens on the Mountain. Just that folks who go past the boundary line- don’t come back alive. It’s the source of a lot of local lore that brings in tourists and adventure seekers. Most of it gets written and laughed off, until a body is discovered.
And friends, that’s when it kicks off. Like I wasn’t expecting the twists, turns, and reveals. Multiple times I thought I had it solved and figured out. I was sure one of the characters was the villain, and kept screaming at Lillian whenever she wrote them off. I couldn’t have been more wrong about where this story was going and ultimately went.
Do yourself a favor, read this, and then come back to me so we can scream and theorize what happens next. Like who was the person who spoke to Lillian at the end?? Is it the same person from the beginning?? UGH I need the next book ASAP.
Thank you so much Angela for this absolute trip of a book. I’ll be eagerly watching for the next one when it’s ready.
——-/———
Oh my god?????
The category is Annihilation x Twin Peaks x Briardark. Really if that doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what to say.
The Weight of Shadows is the beginning of a very compelling series, and I was locked in on page two of the prologue. It’s centered on Lillian, daughter to the Sheriff of Juniper Hollow, but more importantly, a waitress at the local diner, Wisteria (along with a cast of side characters who add to that quintessential small town diner feeling, (Lana is the queen of my heart and I’d be right beside her trying to get the juicy gossip from Lillian)). She finds herself in the middle of a love triangle (which I’m not the biggest fan of this trope but I felt like it was handled well) between the (hot) mysterious August she’s drawn to and her (hot) high-school-heartbreaker-ex-turned-deputy Ryder. But beyond her love triangle, strange happenings are going on in Juniper Hollow.
Juniper Hollow is home to not only an adorable small town and local diner, it’s home to an ex military base colloquially called The Mountain. No one really knows what happens on the Mountain. Just that folks who go past the boundary line- don’t come back alive. It’s the source of a lot of local lore that brings in tourists and adventure seekers. Most of it gets written and laughed off, until a body is discovered.
And friends, that’s when it kicks off. Like I wasn’t expecting the twists, turns, and reveals. Multiple times I thought I had it solved and figured out. I was sure one of the characters was the villain, and kept screaming at Lillian whenever she wrote them off. I couldn’t have been more wrong about where this story was going and ultimately went.
Do yourself a favor, read this, and then come back to me so we can scream and theorize what happens next. Like who was the person who spoke to Lillian at the end?? Is it the same person from the beginning?? UGH I need the next book ASAP.
Thank you so much Angela for this absolute trip of a book. I’ll be eagerly watching for the next one when it’s ready.
——-/———
Oh my god?????
December 28, 2025
**4.5 Stars**
Where do I even begin? I picked this book up at a SYK event, and it had been on my TBR for far too long. I should have read it much sooner! I also want to mention that this isn’t my usual genre.
This book had me hooked from the start. I don’t typically enjoy books with this many POVs, but it worked really well in this case. The character development was spot on; each character was layered, and their motives were clear (Lillian, Ryder, August, Bill, and even Rain's).
The pacing of the story was just right for me, with enough world-building to include little Easter eggs that kept my mind racing as I tried to uncover the mystery.
What didn't work for me was the ending (I'm biased, I wanted something different, so sue me!). I loathed the ending (won't give any spoilers!), which is an impressive feat for any author to make a reader love love love the book and hate the ending. Franklin is a very talented writer, and I know that I will be picking up anything she writes in the future!
Where do I even begin? I picked this book up at a SYK event, and it had been on my TBR for far too long. I should have read it much sooner! I also want to mention that this isn’t my usual genre.
This book had me hooked from the start. I don’t typically enjoy books with this many POVs, but it worked really well in this case. The character development was spot on; each character was layered, and their motives were clear (Lillian, Ryder, August, Bill, and even Rain's).
The pacing of the story was just right for me, with enough world-building to include little Easter eggs that kept my mind racing as I tried to uncover the mystery.
What didn't work for me was the ending (I'm biased, I wanted something different, so sue me!). I loathed the ending (won't give any spoilers!), which is an impressive feat for any author to make a reader love love love the book and hate the ending. Franklin is a very talented writer, and I know that I will be picking up anything she writes in the future!
July 20, 2025
Mind blown. It has a slow beginning but you are on your toes. You don’t like Rain in the beginning but she grows on you. There isn’t much spice if that’s something you like.
Somethings I didn’t except. Looking forward to book two! That cliffhanger leaves you wanting more!
- mystery
- small town
- love triangle
- second chance at love
Somethings I didn’t except. Looking forward to book two! That cliffhanger leaves you wanting more!
- mystery
- small town
- love triangle
- second chance at love
April 16, 2025
I am very thankful to the author, Angela Franklin, for the ARC version of this debut novel! Actual review - 4.5/5. I was thoroughly invested in the outcome of this book, but found it easy to put down sometimes (hence the half star deduction). For a book to be 5 stars for me, I have to be so invested that I can’t even put the book down!
The Weight of Shadows has a bit of everything - there’s mystery, romance, a love triangle, some found family, and a jaw dropping twist at the end that will leave you wanting more!
Juniper Hollow is a quaint little town with all the charm and personalities of Stars Hollow. Lillian, daughter of the local sheriff, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Ryder, her womanizing high school sweetheart and newly reformed bad boy, and August, the intriguingly handsome newcomer who just drifted into town. At the centre of the town is the mysterious Mountain - a former top secret military base, where many have ventured in but none have come out alive. Bodies start showing up near the Mountain, and despite her best efforts not to be, Lillian appears to be connected somehow to each death. Will Lillian solve the mystery of the Mountain before it’s too late? Will she figure out why she’s connected to the bodies?
Angela’s writing style made this a quick read, and while I initially struggled to get invested in the characters, by the time I was 5-10 chapters in, I was hooked. I was desperate to solve the mystery of August, Ryder and the Mountain. I liked that there was enough foreshadowing that I could predict some of the outcomes, but not enough that the ending was obvious - in fact I didn’t see the twist coming! I love a good multi POV book if we don’t hear the same thing from different characters, and that’s exactly what Angela avoided. Every time the POV switched, it was either to further the plot or for character development, but we didn’t just see multiple characters react to the same information.
I am itching for book 2 already!
The Weight of Shadows has a bit of everything - there’s mystery, romance, a love triangle, some found family, and a jaw dropping twist at the end that will leave you wanting more!
Juniper Hollow is a quaint little town with all the charm and personalities of Stars Hollow. Lillian, daughter of the local sheriff, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Ryder, her womanizing high school sweetheart and newly reformed bad boy, and August, the intriguingly handsome newcomer who just drifted into town. At the centre of the town is the mysterious Mountain - a former top secret military base, where many have ventured in but none have come out alive. Bodies start showing up near the Mountain, and despite her best efforts not to be, Lillian appears to be connected somehow to each death. Will Lillian solve the mystery of the Mountain before it’s too late? Will she figure out why she’s connected to the bodies?
Angela’s writing style made this a quick read, and while I initially struggled to get invested in the characters, by the time I was 5-10 chapters in, I was hooked. I was desperate to solve the mystery of August, Ryder and the Mountain. I liked that there was enough foreshadowing that I could predict some of the outcomes, but not enough that the ending was obvious - in fact I didn’t see the twist coming! I love a good multi POV book if we don’t hear the same thing from different characters, and that’s exactly what Angela avoided. Every time the POV switched, it was either to further the plot or for character development, but we didn’t just see multiple characters react to the same information.
I am itching for book 2 already!
April 21, 2025
ARC Review ... may contain spoilers
LOVED this book! The small town, mystery, love triangle with crazy dead bodies popping up was amazing. The butterfly effectish ending definitely wrapped this book on the right note and leaves you begging for book 2!
The Good:
This story is immaculately written. I loved everything about it, the world building, the characters, the story itself. The story is so original and different. I haven't read anything like this before and it was wonderful.
The author spins the story in a way that you feel like you are IN the town, living the events as they happen.
The Bad:
Maybe it was too much story? I love how in depth the author went and all the details. But some of the conversations between characters felt like repeats.
That being said, I will take too much story over not enough ANY day.
The Ugly:
I just get the ick from the one MC. No means no dude, let it go! I started skipping pieces with him in it because it was nonstop "you should be with me" "wanna jump in bed" stalker showing up in random places and leaving flowers on windshield vibes. Ick.
LOVED this book! The small town, mystery, love triangle with crazy dead bodies popping up was amazing. The butterfly effectish ending definitely wrapped this book on the right note and leaves you begging for book 2!
The Good:
This story is immaculately written. I loved everything about it, the world building, the characters, the story itself. The story is so original and different. I haven't read anything like this before and it was wonderful.
The author spins the story in a way that you feel like you are IN the town, living the events as they happen.
The Bad:
Maybe it was too much story? I love how in depth the author went and all the details. But some of the conversations between characters felt like repeats.
That being said, I will take too much story over not enough ANY day.
The Ugly:
I just get the ick from the one MC. No means no dude, let it go! I started skipping pieces with him in it because it was nonstop "you should be with me" "wanna jump in bed" stalker showing up in random places and leaving flowers on windshield vibes. Ick.
April 22, 2025
I went into this book completely blind. The only thing I knew about this book was that it was labeled as a Mystery/Romance book, which is right up my alley when I need a break from fantasy. When I tell you that Angela Franklin delivered, I mean that in every way! From just the prologue, I was on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going on. Angela did a great job weaving the mystery aspect throughout the book. Just when I think I have it all figured out, another twist pops up. But let’s not forget the romance side of this book because we all need a little romance in our lives! Both elements were woven so well together. Neither the romance or the mystery overshadowed the other and you couldn’t have one in this book without the other. Yes there is a bit of a love triangle, but it is done in such a way that you kind of like both of the MMCs (even though I have a favorite). I don’t want to give anything away but this was such a great book! I am sad that it is over but I can’t wait for the next book! I have to know what happens next!
April 22, 2025
Addictive in all the best ways possible. That's exactly how I described this book. It literally sucked me in and didn't let me go and I was one hundred percent okay with that.
I received this as an advanced reader copy and I am so grateful that I was able to just sink my teeth into this story. The love triangle between Lillian, Ryder and August was perfect for me. However I won't lie, there were times when I wanted to shake Lillian and just say "please choose".
The combination of a romance story with mystery made this to where I didn't want to put the book down. There was a slight sizzle when it came to the romance but I was ok with that. That allowed me to focus on the story as a whole and really get to know who the characters were.
I do feel like the book had a little bit of a slow start but not enough for me to put it down honestly. Angela Franklin has crafted a phenomenal story that everyone should read.
I received this as an advanced reader copy and I am so grateful that I was able to just sink my teeth into this story. The love triangle between Lillian, Ryder and August was perfect for me. However I won't lie, there were times when I wanted to shake Lillian and just say "please choose".
The combination of a romance story with mystery made this to where I didn't want to put the book down. There was a slight sizzle when it came to the romance but I was ok with that. That allowed me to focus on the story as a whole and really get to know who the characters were.
I do feel like the book had a little bit of a slow start but not enough for me to put it down honestly. Angela Franklin has crafted a phenomenal story that everyone should read.
April 18, 2025
Wow, definitely recommend you read when it comes out! I was invested the whole time! I had theories and guesses throughout the whole book, some were correct and some not at all but that was what was great about it because you didn’t know where it was going to go! The love triangle is *chef’s kiss* I was rooting for one then the other and then both ;) lol the cliff hanger is insane! And I can’t wait for the next book! Angela did a great job!!! ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
This small-town thriller oozes tension. From the first chapter, I felt like I was reading a true ‘who dun it’ that kept me in my toes the entire time.
Murders. Disappearances. Intrigue.
Sprinkled with spice, an adorable old couple, and an infuriating side character (Rain).
@author.angela.franklin doesn’t hold back—the writing is eerie, intense, and just twisty enough to keep you second-guessing every character. It gave me True Detective vibes and kept me constantly guessing. Literally at 99% I was like WHAT!?
Perfect for fans of dark mysteries, spice, and stories that feel like a slow descent into madness.
Murders. Disappearances. Intrigue.
Sprinkled with spice, an adorable old couple, and an infuriating side character (Rain).
@author.angela.franklin doesn’t hold back—the writing is eerie, intense, and just twisty enough to keep you second-guessing every character. It gave me True Detective vibes and kept me constantly guessing. Literally at 99% I was like WHAT!?
Perfect for fans of dark mysteries, spice, and stories that feel like a slow descent into madness.
July 15, 2025
WHAT!! What was that ending?? You just let me hanging and now i don’t know what is gonna happen!
This is a book with a lot of twist! You think you know something only to realise that you didn’t know anything!
I didn’t like lillian because she chose a wrong man, i know i know, it’s not a reason. But for me it is!
Ryder is everything! Hot, kind, funny and a cop, c’moon what more do you want!
August is kinda hot i think, i just did not like him. There is something that just didn’t work for me
This book has a lot of good characters and some that you just don’t like
Story went on smoothly and i would have read this faster if life could just give me a break!
Angela is a very good author and i adore her so much and i liked this book too!
I know, this isn’t a good review but i just don’t know what to write because i wanna scream and tell everything but i can’t because i don’t know how!
This is a book with a lot of twist! You think you know something only to realise that you didn’t know anything!
I didn’t like lillian because she chose a wrong man, i know i know, it’s not a reason. But for me it is!
Ryder is everything! Hot, kind, funny and a cop, c’moon what more do you want!
August is kinda hot i think, i just did not like him. There is something that just didn’t work for me
This book has a lot of good characters and some that you just don’t like
Story went on smoothly and i would have read this faster if life could just give me a break!
Angela is a very good author and i adore her so much and i liked this book too!
I know, this isn’t a good review but i just don’t know what to write because i wanna scream and tell everything but i can’t because i don’t know how!
July 13, 2025
Picture a quaint small town, where relationships flourish, secrets unfold, and the Mountain, a former military base, looms as a reminder of the town's history and people's secrets. Lillian a sheriffs daughter who adores her small town is somehow connected to these unexplained occurrences with Ryder, a police officer and August, a mysterious newcomer, both vying for her affection. Talk about a triangle!
Masterfully written and not cliche, I was immersed into the midst of their quiet town, as mysterious series of events unfolds and bodies are discovered in the woods around the Mountain, prompting this trio to take action. As they dig deeper, the characters strengths and personalities emerge, making their journey all the more riveting. Another great twisty mystery romance with a thrilling plot landing you into a cliffhanger. Gotta love those edgy surprises!
Masterfully written and not cliche, I was immersed into the midst of their quiet town, as mysterious series of events unfolds and bodies are discovered in the woods around the Mountain, prompting this trio to take action. As they dig deeper, the characters strengths and personalities emerge, making their journey all the more riveting. Another great twisty mystery romance with a thrilling plot landing you into a cliffhanger. Gotta love those edgy surprises!
December 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟
😮🫣 <— this is me right now. The ending to this book, you guys! Wowza. I spent the majority of this book trying to figure out who I could trust and I worried a long time over a specific character just to kind of be right but NOT EXACTLY! The twists are turny. And the cliffhanger is steep. Be ready for it. I mean you can think you’re ready for it but you probably will still be trying to turn pages at the end needing more.
This is a mystery set in a small town. There’s a love triangle and so much to unpack with literally everything! There’s open door spice but it isn’t descriptive. I’d rate it 1/5 🌶️. This book kept me up late at night. It’s a page-turner, that’s for sure. If you enjoy a good mystery book, then you need to give this book a read. I laughed, I was super tense, I gasped, I neeeeed to know more. That makes this a 5 star read for me. This book is written in 3rd person multi POV. I can’t wait for the next book!
Just a couple quotes that I loved:
“If we only ever listen to the rumors about people and our misconceptions, never allowing ourselves to dig in and make our own observations and decisions, wonderful things can be easily overlooked.”
“He heard the car engine start and fade away as she drove out of his life, leaving his heart to flounder, powerless to live but unable to die.”
5/5🌟
😮🫣 <— this is me right now. The ending to this book, you guys! Wowza. I spent the majority of this book trying to figure out who I could trust and I worried a long time over a specific character just to kind of be right but NOT EXACTLY! The twists are turny. And the cliffhanger is steep. Be ready for it. I mean you can think you’re ready for it but you probably will still be trying to turn pages at the end needing more.
This is a mystery set in a small town. There’s a love triangle and so much to unpack with literally everything! There’s open door spice but it isn’t descriptive. I’d rate it 1/5 🌶️. This book kept me up late at night. It’s a page-turner, that’s for sure. If you enjoy a good mystery book, then you need to give this book a read. I laughed, I was super tense, I gasped, I neeeeed to know more. That makes this a 5 star read for me. This book is written in 3rd person multi POV. I can’t wait for the next book!
Just a couple quotes that I loved:
“If we only ever listen to the rumors about people and our misconceptions, never allowing ourselves to dig in and make our own observations and decisions, wonderful things can be easily overlooked.”
“He heard the car engine start and fade away as she drove out of his life, leaving his heart to flounder, powerless to live but unable to die.”
July 15, 2025
Everyone, please listen to me! This is serious business okay?!?!
READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!!!!
I was so surprised but the good surprise after I finished this. I was like holey money, GIVE ME MORE!!!
And please, Ryder has me 😭
And the grandpa? 🥺🥺🥺🥺
This book is busting open with so much but at the same time, it such an easy flow and the pace is perfect.
Please be aware that you're going to wait for the next book! I know! I feel you!!
READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!!!!
I was so surprised but the good surprise after I finished this. I was like holey money, GIVE ME MORE!!!
And please, Ryder has me 😭
And the grandpa? 🥺🥺🥺🥺
This book is busting open with so much but at the same time, it such an easy flow and the pace is perfect.
Please be aware that you're going to wait for the next book! I know! I feel you!!
July 4, 2025
Small town paranormal Romance.
Love triangle? Rekindled past relationship or new hottie? Forgive a betrayal from the past or jump into the unknown or at least what you think is the unknown? And what secrets are being hidden up the mountain? Who else knows what’s going on? Why has no one started to connect the clues?!
I have so many questions about this book! Does Lillian make a decision or is the decision made for her? Where’s August? And what the hell happened on the mountain? Do they remember when they come back? Are they from the past or the present When they return? Sooo many more questions, which to me is a sign of a good book!
Love triangle? Rekindled past relationship or new hottie? Forgive a betrayal from the past or jump into the unknown or at least what you think is the unknown? And what secrets are being hidden up the mountain? Who else knows what’s going on? Why has no one started to connect the clues?!
I have so many questions about this book! Does Lillian make a decision or is the decision made for her? Where’s August? And what the hell happened on the mountain? Do they remember when they come back? Are they from the past or the present When they return? Sooo many more questions, which to me is a sign of a good book!
July 8, 2025
WHAT THE HELL!!!
I knew going into this book that it would have a cliffhanger, because my mom read before me but I was not expecting THAT! I honestly don't even know what I feel about the ending.
I 100% recommend 👍🏻
I knew going into this book that it would have a cliffhanger, because my mom read before me but I was not expecting THAT! I honestly don't even know what I feel about the ending.
I 100% recommend 👍🏻
April 26, 2025
Honestly I don’t know how to make a coherent review without making any spoilers, so please bear with me while I try.
⠀
Basically we are in a small town that is full of deadly secrets. And a series of disappearances and deaths have been going unexplained for a long time. There are many stories about The Mountain, but for the locals is just another Monday, and basically this is what they are to Lillian, just stories. But then the connections start to pile up and maybe there is more…
⠀
And basically that is all I can say without making any spoilers. But I do not want to say much more, because I am pretty sure I enjoyed this book as much as I did because I went to it completely blind. I did read a blurb at some point, but I am good at forgetting those, so I can read books and getting surprised.
⠀
So what I have liked this most about this book? The Mountain as a character. I think it was so well done, that it is something that you have a the back of your mind constantly while reading the book. And you do not realize that it is another character up until the 60% mark. But it is done in such an organic way that is just really entertaining.
⠀
What is my least favorite part about this book? That even when I was completely hooked, the first half of the book was a bit slow for my taste.
⠀
The characters were really interesting and I do appreciate that we are not only getting one POV thought the book. This enriches so much the story and it does help to find more about the secondary characters. I have particularly enjoyed reading Bill’s POV.
⠀
As you can imagine because the book is marketed that way and because I have been saying as much, thought the stories I have been posting while reading the book. This has a romance aspect, that was really well done. There are two love interests that will have us all going like “I am team X” or I am “Team Y” and I am pretty sure that I am in the team that will lose… But still a girl can hope.
⠀
Plot wise this book was solid. It’s a plot that it takes a while to develop, and laying the ground for it was what made the first half feel a bit slower. But once you get the gist of it, it’s simple so unique that will blew your mind away. And the plot twist were done in a way that felt really satisfying for me as a reader: there were some that I could see coming, and those are the ones that will get you even more excited for the story. But there are also the ones that you do not see coming and they will definetly blew your mind away; and all you can do is being shocked; the best part about the later ones, is that the actually make sense with the story and they are not there for just the shock value which is something that tend to happen on mystery books and I cannot stand.
⠀
So if you are into thriller, mystery, romance and paranormal books, just go check this one, it’s available to purchase and it’s also on KU.
⠀
Overall it was a book that I highly enjoyed and had me completely sold into the whole mystery aspect of it. And with that ending I cannot wait for the next part to be released becase all I have left now is staring at a wall in shock while I bite my nails waiting to know what’s next.
⠀
Basically we are in a small town that is full of deadly secrets. And a series of disappearances and deaths have been going unexplained for a long time. There are many stories about The Mountain, but for the locals is just another Monday, and basically this is what they are to Lillian, just stories. But then the connections start to pile up and maybe there is more…
⠀
And basically that is all I can say without making any spoilers. But I do not want to say much more, because I am pretty sure I enjoyed this book as much as I did because I went to it completely blind. I did read a blurb at some point, but I am good at forgetting those, so I can read books and getting surprised.
⠀
So what I have liked this most about this book? The Mountain as a character. I think it was so well done, that it is something that you have a the back of your mind constantly while reading the book. And you do not realize that it is another character up until the 60% mark. But it is done in such an organic way that is just really entertaining.
⠀
What is my least favorite part about this book? That even when I was completely hooked, the first half of the book was a bit slow for my taste.
⠀
The characters were really interesting and I do appreciate that we are not only getting one POV thought the book. This enriches so much the story and it does help to find more about the secondary characters. I have particularly enjoyed reading Bill’s POV.
⠀
As you can imagine because the book is marketed that way and because I have been saying as much, thought the stories I have been posting while reading the book. This has a romance aspect, that was really well done. There are two love interests that will have us all going like “I am team X” or I am “Team Y” and I am pretty sure that I am in the team that will lose… But still a girl can hope.
⠀
Plot wise this book was solid. It’s a plot that it takes a while to develop, and laying the ground for it was what made the first half feel a bit slower. But once you get the gist of it, it’s simple so unique that will blew your mind away. And the plot twist were done in a way that felt really satisfying for me as a reader: there were some that I could see coming, and those are the ones that will get you even more excited for the story. But there are also the ones that you do not see coming and they will definetly blew your mind away; and all you can do is being shocked; the best part about the later ones, is that the actually make sense with the story and they are not there for just the shock value which is something that tend to happen on mystery books and I cannot stand.
⠀
So if you are into thriller, mystery, romance and paranormal books, just go check this one, it’s available to purchase and it’s also on KU.
⠀
Overall it was a book that I highly enjoyed and had me completely sold into the whole mystery aspect of it. And with that ending I cannot wait for the next part to be released becase all I have left now is staring at a wall in shock while I bite my nails waiting to know what’s next.
June 10, 2025
Absolutely captivating right from the start! The Weight of Shadows jumps right into the action one the first paragraph and does not disappoint with all of the emotional and psychological twists and turns as you navigate through the mystery of the Mountain, an old military base that mysteriously vanished with no explanation other than it’s prohibited federal land. While juggling her full time job, Lillian has to navigate the love triangle she has found herself in between Ryder, her high school sweetheart and deputy of the town she tried to escape from after their bad breakup, and August who she is instantly captivated by although she knows he’s just passing through and shouldn’t get hung up on. As the sheriff’s daughter, Lillian gets herself wrapped up in the recent deaths that seem to be connected to the Mountain after a fellow employee goes missing in the midst of a hike. the question is, why are all of these deaths cause by a heart attack to very seemingly healthy individuals and potentially covered up by what appears to be freak accidents? What secrets are being hidden after the military base vanished into thin air?
June 17, 2025
This isn’t my usual genre. I’m a fantasy fan at heart, but I was hooked from start to finish. Angela really weaves complex tale here. There’s mystery, a murder, and romance. I thought I knew what was gonna happen and that was not what happened. I honestly thought I was gonna write. This was slightly predictable, but it’s not. I’m definitely going to be reading book too when it comes out. While it is a romance book, there is very little spice. It did not bother me, though at all.
May 25, 2025
5 OMG ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!!!
Get ready to dive into one of the most thrilling and unique stories l've read recently!
The Weight of Shadows transports you to Juniper Hollow, a town cloaked in secrets and dark history. Here, love is entwined with the mountain, it's lore, and it's secrets. As mysterious deaths and disappearances mount up, one woman's shocking discovery could hold the keys to it all.
Meet Lillian, a local whose has been unsure how she feels towards the chilling tales of The Mountain, is put to the test when bodies start showing up. Those once laughable rumors morph into sinister warnings, pulling her into a storm of intrigue and danger. As she digs deeper, Lillian finds herself balancing two unexpected romances, all while trying to uncover the haunting truths of The Mountain-a journey that reveals a pattern of events leading to terrifying possibilities.
Whether you are Team August or Team Ryder (I'm totally Team Ryder, just saying!), you'll undoubtedly find yourself rooting for The Weight of Shadows! With well-crafted characters and twists that will leave you gasping "what the F did I just read?", this story is sure to have you spinning your own wild theories. Be prepared to binge-read because once you start, you'll be left shouting for the next installment! Seriously, book 2 needs to be in our hands already!!
If you love a thrilling mix of mystery, romance, and those jaw-dropping moments that make you question everything, add Angela Franklin's debut to your TBR pile right now!
Get ready to dive into one of the most thrilling and unique stories l've read recently!
The Weight of Shadows transports you to Juniper Hollow, a town cloaked in secrets and dark history. Here, love is entwined with the mountain, it's lore, and it's secrets. As mysterious deaths and disappearances mount up, one woman's shocking discovery could hold the keys to it all.
Meet Lillian, a local whose has been unsure how she feels towards the chilling tales of The Mountain, is put to the test when bodies start showing up. Those once laughable rumors morph into sinister warnings, pulling her into a storm of intrigue and danger. As she digs deeper, Lillian finds herself balancing two unexpected romances, all while trying to uncover the haunting truths of The Mountain-a journey that reveals a pattern of events leading to terrifying possibilities.
Whether you are Team August or Team Ryder (I'm totally Team Ryder, just saying!), you'll undoubtedly find yourself rooting for The Weight of Shadows! With well-crafted characters and twists that will leave you gasping "what the F did I just read?", this story is sure to have you spinning your own wild theories. Be prepared to binge-read because once you start, you'll be left shouting for the next installment! Seriously, book 2 needs to be in our hands already!!
If you love a thrilling mix of mystery, romance, and those jaw-dropping moments that make you question everything, add Angela Franklin's debut to your TBR pile right now!
July 31, 2025
4.75⭐️ (rounded up to 5)
3🌶️
WOW! This book was a bit different than what I normally read so I had no idea what to expect. It was the perfect blend of mystery and romance. It was slightly spooky/thriller-y to me, but I’m also a bit of a baby when it comes to creepy stuff so take that with a grain of salt. We’re thrown right into a small town with a mysterious and dark background, and right out the gate there are bodies being found and we get to experience the investigation that follows. The FMC, Lillian, ends up in a bit of a love triangle with her ex high school sweetheart, Ryder, who is looking for a second chance with her and August, a mysterious hottie who she’s never seen around town before who she is instantly drawn to. She is conflicted in her love life, and sometimes you just want her to choose (or just decide to have her why choose moment if you catch my drift 😏). They’re both dreamy in different ways, but I certainly had a favorite. Lillian is also the daughter of the town’s sheriff and Ryder is his deputy, so she gets a little involved in the investigations and does some sleuthing of her own. The secrets that are uncovered will keep you on the edge of your seat! This book is fairly long, but it is paced nicely and very well written. It does end on a cliffhanger and I am still shook after finishing it! I need book 2 like right now! Thank you to Angela Franklin for the review copy, I can’t wait to see where the story leads.
3🌶️
WOW! This book was a bit different than what I normally read so I had no idea what to expect. It was the perfect blend of mystery and romance. It was slightly spooky/thriller-y to me, but I’m also a bit of a baby when it comes to creepy stuff so take that with a grain of salt. We’re thrown right into a small town with a mysterious and dark background, and right out the gate there are bodies being found and we get to experience the investigation that follows. The FMC, Lillian, ends up in a bit of a love triangle with her ex high school sweetheart, Ryder, who is looking for a second chance with her and August, a mysterious hottie who she’s never seen around town before who she is instantly drawn to. She is conflicted in her love life, and sometimes you just want her to choose (or just decide to have her why choose moment if you catch my drift 😏). They’re both dreamy in different ways, but I certainly had a favorite. Lillian is also the daughter of the town’s sheriff and Ryder is his deputy, so she gets a little involved in the investigations and does some sleuthing of her own. The secrets that are uncovered will keep you on the edge of your seat! This book is fairly long, but it is paced nicely and very well written. It does end on a cliffhanger and I am still shook after finishing it! I need book 2 like right now! Thank you to Angela Franklin for the review copy, I can’t wait to see where the story leads.
April 29, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Angela Franklin’s debut novel, The Weight of Shadows, and I can confidently say—this book is a gem. A gripping blend of mystery, suspense, romance, and a dash of sci-fi, it delivers a reading experience that’s both emotional and thought-provoking.
While I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, the dynamic between Lillian, August, and Ryder was written so flawlessly that I found myself torn right alongside Lillian. I genuinely couldn’t decide who to root for—and that emotional tug-of-war only deepened my connection to the story.
The dialogue in this book is superb. I actually messaged Angela mid-read just to gush about how natural and true-to-character it felt. And the characters themselves? Complex, layered, and fully fleshed out. Every single one brought something unique to the page.
The mystery surrounding the town had me in full theory mode—guessing, questioning, texting my thoughts to Angela like I was solving a real-life puzzle. If you’re into Twilight Zone or Interstellar vibes, with a hint of The Vampire Diaries love-triangle angst, you’ll feel right at home in this world.
The Weight of Shadows is a fantastic debut that absolutely delivers. It releases Friday, May 2nd and will be available on Amazon and KU for all you e-book readers. Don’t sleep on this one!
While I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, the dynamic between Lillian, August, and Ryder was written so flawlessly that I found myself torn right alongside Lillian. I genuinely couldn’t decide who to root for—and that emotional tug-of-war only deepened my connection to the story.
The dialogue in this book is superb. I actually messaged Angela mid-read just to gush about how natural and true-to-character it felt. And the characters themselves? Complex, layered, and fully fleshed out. Every single one brought something unique to the page.
The mystery surrounding the town had me in full theory mode—guessing, questioning, texting my thoughts to Angela like I was solving a real-life puzzle. If you’re into Twilight Zone or Interstellar vibes, with a hint of The Vampire Diaries love-triangle angst, you’ll feel right at home in this world.
The Weight of Shadows is a fantastic debut that absolutely delivers. It releases Friday, May 2nd and will be available on Amazon and KU for all you e-book readers. Don’t sleep on this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
❤️ One of my favorite underrated read from last month FR 😭 I’m so surprised with it’s crazyy good writing and plot it’s not talked about more 🫠 The foreshadowing is soo good that I was literally SAT for the remaining 1/4 of the book because everything made so much sense and idk if I want to cry or vomit at the mindbloww 😭😂
Crime/suspense is definitely outside of my usual fantasy/romance read but a girl’s gotta venture out of her comfort read once a while and I’m SO glad it’s this book because yep, it’s in my to read genre now 🥰🤌 AND IT’S LITERALLY FREE ON KU COME ON 😭 We love a mystery queen with a soliddd plot-driven book 😍
📚 Summary:
The Mountain comes with all sorts of rumours and stories from the locals in a small town where mysterious accidents and disappearances can’t seem to stop occuring. Lilian, being the daughter of the sherif chief, always believed stories of the Mountain are just that, stories. Until one day her troubled employee and childhood friend joined the missing and dead list. With the appearance of a mysterious new boy in town who seemed to be suspiciously drawn to the Mountain, and her local cop ex-boyfriend with a past she has yet to move over, an inconvenient alliance is form to discover the truth of these disappearances, and to unfold the mystery of the Mountain the locals so fear.
Crime/suspense is definitely outside of my usual fantasy/romance read but a girl’s gotta venture out of her comfort read once a while and I’m SO glad it’s this book because yep, it’s in my to read genre now 🥰🤌 AND IT’S LITERALLY FREE ON KU COME ON 😭 We love a mystery queen with a soliddd plot-driven book 😍
📚 Summary:
The Mountain comes with all sorts of rumours and stories from the locals in a small town where mysterious accidents and disappearances can’t seem to stop occuring. Lilian, being the daughter of the sherif chief, always believed stories of the Mountain are just that, stories. Until one day her troubled employee and childhood friend joined the missing and dead list. With the appearance of a mysterious new boy in town who seemed to be suspiciously drawn to the Mountain, and her local cop ex-boyfriend with a past she has yet to move over, an inconvenient alliance is form to discover the truth of these disappearances, and to unfold the mystery of the Mountain the locals so fear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews