The Hidden Gods of Appalachia: A Spicy Folkloric Horror-Romance Novella

by Jessica Leigh

My mama always said "Don’t fly too far or you may forget where your nest is".

So, naturally, I flew thousands of miles away—because when there’s nothing left in the nest, what else is there to do?

After her death, I couldn’t sit still.

And when my little brother Daniel disappeared two years later, I knew there was nothing left for me in North Carolina.
Oregon took me in, as well as I could’ve hoped for a lonely girl from Appalachia who showed up with only a single suitcase and the hollow ache that comes with a family that’s fallen apart.

But that was ten years ago.

Now, a random phone call has left me with more questions than answers. A distant aunt’s passing has necessitated my return home to handle her final affairs, as I’m her only living relative.

But there's more. . .

People are vanishing into the dense woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Strange sigils are being found all along the Parkway.
. . .And there's a private detective with a dangerous magnetism, who thinks I might be the only one able to help him work out why.

Home is nearly unrecognizable.

Industry and development have crept into the heart of something ancient, and it feels as though the old gods are angry . . .

Genres: Southern Gothic, Folklore

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2024

About the author

Jessica Leigh is a folkloric romance author. Her stories draw from the eerie side of legends and lore—tales of love, loss, and the kind of magic that never really dies. She loves exploring where myth meets emotion, and how ancient tales can still speak to us today.

When she’s not writing, you can find her perusing the bookstore with her husband, soaking in a Colorado sunset, or commuting to her 9-5, dreaming up new stories on
the train.

Reviews

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
📚 Standalone Novella
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F
🏔️ Appalachian Folklore

This was a quick novella, that was jam packed with interesting twists and turns. I was invested from the beginning and devoured this book super quickly. I would have loved if this was a full length novel so that we could get more depth from the main characters, and more details on the creatures but for this being a novella it was still really well written. Highly recommend giving this a try if you love Appalachian folklore, and want a quick horror-romance to read. I will be keeping an eye on Jessica Leigh moving forward to read more from her, she hooked me.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟 2 🌶
This novella has it all!!!!! Thank you Jessica Leigh for trusting me to be an early reader for The Hidden Gods of Appalachia. I'm not gonna be specific because I don't want to give it away. Can't wait to read more!!!

The Appalachian Folklore is a rabbit hole I can down and never leave. I wasn't raised in true Appalachia but I was raised by family who grew up there. And lemme tell ya, Jessica blows it out the park with this!

Charlie is basically summoned back to her roots in North Carolina as she is listed as the only kin alive to her aunt who had passed. It was initially deemed a suicide, but there was/is some questionable ideas on that. Not for this book though.

Warren, a Scottish detective who found himself contacting Charlie as he is tying to investigate the deaths that have been occurring and seem connected yet suspicious.

Spicy scenes are GREAT! Love the dowsing sticks and memories Charlie has. Warnings for violence, the psychological aspects, death, pregnancy loss/deformities/miscarriages, substance abuse and a few others.

There is scary folklore instances, multiple deaths that seemed centered around actions taken towards Charlie. Voices of past love ones being mimicked to confuse said characters to doing things that make no sense.

The ending is great, as Charlie begins to find closure. And loving that she names her child after her father.

[Emily Casilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this from start to finish as soon as I got it. If you like anything Appalachia, this is a must read. I do wish there was a little bit more with the creatures. Great description on the not deer, haints, and skinwalkers. This is a nice Horror Romance with plenty of Southern Gothic vibes and folk horror. My only complaint was the build up for the romance was spur of the moment more times than a brew or heated rush.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible for a one-hundred-fifty-page novella to pull you in by its claws and thrust you deep into a world of myths and lore, where fates collide and forests whisper? When written by Jessica Leigh, it absolutely can. Trust me.

One hundred fifty pages of a story rooted deep in Appalachian folklore. One hundred fifty pages of supernatural mystery woven with long-forgotten family curses, wilderness suspense, and a murderous spree.

One hundred fifty pages of a romance between two people haunted by both their pasts and their present. One hundred fifty pages of sizzling tension and slow-building suspense. One hundred fifty pages of love born out of chaos and darkness.

The Hidden Gods of Appalachia may be a novella, but it is so much more. It's a folk-horror romance ignited by eight generations of untamed feminine rage and sharpened with ancestral reckoning. A tale concealed in rural isolation and set against the lush atmosphere of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A tale of attraction evolving into something far deeper.

The forests are calling your name. Will you heed their call?

Thank you, Jess, for another opportunity to ARC read for you. It's always a true honor.

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked through the whole book. I did not want to put it down. It was so good definitely kept you on your toes.

[Jordyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I received this book, I absolutely devoured it. As someone who’s grown up in the Appalachian area, I was curious how this would play out and I have to say, I was very impressed. A quick, cute, mysterious book with perfect amount of spice and storytelling. I highly recommend this book!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 so rounding up to 5 for Goodreads

I had the privilege of being selected as an ARC reader for this spicy Appalachian folklore romance novella, and wow, what a ride.

Pros:
I loved the dual POV, and I’m always a sucker when the MMC falls first. It’s a fast-paced, short novella, but it never felt rushed. The pacing felt tight and intentional in the best way.

The blend of Appalachian and bits of Scottish folklore was one of my favorite parts. I went into this knowing nothing about Appalachian mythology, and I kept stopping to Google terms and creatures because I just wanted more of it. The worldbuilding completely pulled me in.

I also appreciated the darker historical thread about how women were treated, especially when religion was used to erase them so men could claim what they owned. It gave the story an emotional depth I didn’t expect.

Cons (sort of):
I’m not usually a fan of insta love/lust, but it actually worked here. Both characters are dealing with some past and current demons, and the stakes felt high right from the start. Their connection felt frantic and dark at first, but eventually turned into something safe and lasting.

My biggest “complaint” is simply that I wanted more. More backstory, more creatures and magic, more history surrounding her ancestors. This world deserves extra pages.

One small historical note: the mention of witch “burning” isn’t quite accurate. Women accused of witchcraft were definitely killed, but in the U.S. they weren’t burned. Hanging was the primary method during the Salem era. I still loved how the story wove in generational feminine rage and revenge, though. That theme hit perfectly.

Overall, this novella delivered atmosphere, spice, folklore, and heart. If the author expands this world, I’ll be first in line to read it.

[Inara Reads Dark and Twisted · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book. When I saw the chance to get an early copy, I didn’t hesitate at all and signed up. Honestly, though, the book just wasn’t for me. It’s very well written and the story is well put together, but I felt the characters lacked depth, and I wanted more background on the area, more darkness, more horror. Maybe it’s also because I’m used to reading darker stories, and this one felt quite light to me.

It’s not a bad book—the writing is good, and if you enjoy this type of story, you might love it. For me, though, it didn’t capture me, it didn’t excite me, and I found myself bored. I couldn’t connect with the characters or the story. I genuinely feel sorry because I was really looking forward to loving it. But given the kind of books I’ve been reading lately, this one didn’t feel particularly dark. Everything was told very superficially, and very little was explored in depth.

I understand it’s a short novel, but I would have preferred it to be longer, with more detail about the area’s history, folklore, magic, rituals, and events, and more character development. We do get a little of both characters’ pasts, but it’s all quite surface-level.

Because of this, I’m giving it three stars. I can see why others might give it four or five, but for me, at this moment, it didn’t convince me. Still, the book is well written, the story is good, and I’d recommend reading it anyway—just because it didn’t captivate me doesn’t mean it won’t captivate you. I’m very grateful to the author for giving me this opportunity

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I’ve never read a book that had me so invested in the lore, I was googling because it was so interesting. The mystery 5/5 ⭐️; the spice 5/5 ⭐️; the plot 5/5 ⭐️; and the ENDING OMG I LOVED IT. Seriously love our MMC Warren who protects our FMC Charlie at all costs. Yall this book is amazing and I want more!!

[Melissa Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes of this book are a cross between Blair Witch Project, Highlander ( for the accent 😉 Jaime Fraiser iykyk) and some nice spice that will hit just right.
This is a novella so it moves pretty fast and their is a lot of back story and folklore I wish we got just a bit more detail on. The chemistry between Charlie and Warren is instant and HOT! Again I wished it could have built up a little more.I felt like The world description was incredible, I felt like I was in the woods with Charlie. That being said , this is a novella and I knew that going in. I finished in one sitting and enjoyed every part of it.

[Kristina Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: 4.5 ⭐
I thought this book was great! Quick, efficient read. It is a novella, so short and fast, as the author describes. But the native elements and horror vibes in the book were great; they could have been touched on a little more, but I enjoyed it enough I'll be checking out some of the author's other books!

[Ayee C.]

A horromance novella about the power of grief, rage, love, and curses spawning throughout generations and lands.

I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the landscapes and the creepy elements.

I feel compelled to read as many Appalachian-themed stories as possible. All the lore surrounding those mountains is fascinating.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
Right when I started this novella, it pulled me in. I loved the writing style. It has enough mystery, intrigue, & spice. I also loved the setting and how well everything was described to really allow you to picture what was happening. I’ll be checking out more from Jessica Leigh after how much I loved this one!

[Alexis Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark, twisted tale explores love, loss, reconciling with the past, and self-discovery. It follows two people, both haunted by their past and present, as they navigate a tense journey to uncover the truth. Charlie, the FMC, has a troubled past and is called back to her hometown after the passing of a distant aunt. Warren, the MMC, is the detective assigned to investigate her aunt’s death.

I especially loved Charlie and her journey to understand and accept herself, I’m always a sucker for those moments when we recognize our true strength. Charlie and Warren’s chemistry sparks instantly, but the lines blur as his investigation unfolds and his attraction to her complicates matters.

The author masterfully weaves folklore, romance, and suspense into a story so gripping that I couldn’t help but sigh every time life interrupted my reading, lol.

I do wish this book had been longer, as I wanted more of the folklore behind the story. Thankfully, Jessica includes plenty of references and articles at the end of the book for further reading.

The tension and suspense made this such a thrilling read, & in true fashion, what’s suspense without a little spice?! 😏


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5

[Alli Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Just the right amount of spooky & mystery. As someone from the area & familiar with a lot of the lore, I loved the local Appalachian lore & the colloquialisms used in this book.
The author does a great job capturing both of the main characters voices, too. 10/10 will read another book by Jess Leigh!

[TBRBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is called back home after the death of a family member and is thrust right back into the deadly world she tried to leave behind.

The Hidden Gods of Appalachia is a quick read filled with Appalachian folklore, horror-tinged mystery, and the occasional graphic intimate scene. I appreciated the incorporation of real Appalachian folklore, though I did pause at a reference to witch burnings. I couldn’t tell whether it was included for dramatic, fantasy-leaning effect or was just an unintentional historical error as there were no witch burnings ever documented in the US. As a history lover, that detail snagged my attention, but overall I still enjoyed the story.

If Appalachian folklore and the entities said to roam those haunting forests interest you, this one is definitely worth the read. Remember to check the trigger warnings before starting this one! A Thank You to Jessica Leigh for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read and review this book!

[Kara Herzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always wanted to opportunity to be an ARC reader, but not for the next Amazon-rush-publish book... I'd never want my first reviews to potentially be bad.

Then I finally stumbled on @authorjessleigh looking for ARC reviews for her new novella, The Hidden God's of Appalachia.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, a place near and dear to my heart. The heroine, if you could call her that, is gritty and mysterious-but so REAL in terms of the lifestyle so many experience outside of the shiny tourist traps of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Jessica Leigh also perfectly captures the folklore and culture so unique to Appalachia, everyone there knows you dont answer to the haints that haunt the woods. You dont look too hard, you dont try to know too much.

This book is a genius blend of that unique folklore, the actual struggle of many of those trying to make their lives in those mysterious mountains, and just enough romance to leave readers curling their toes a little bit!

You definitely want to pre-order this one!
Www.authorjessicaleigh.com


#thehiddengodsofappalachia #authorjessicaleigh #blueridgemountains #bookreview #arcreader

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and appreciate Jess for providing it!

This novella as similar vibes to Fairydale with an American Scottish twist, that being said I enjoyed the story line significantly more than Fairydale. THGA stays true to its dark, Gothic themes and while it is a short read, it's packed full of twists and turns as Charlie explores the lurking paranormal depths of her home town.

Charlie's character does project small town, American girl vibes and you can see her through the novella desperately try to reach above the difficulties she's experienced in her life with her mother and brother. The magic of her character shines in her memories, particularly about her father; which tie in later to the story and connect pieces that were hiding throughout the early parts of the book.

Warren is a Scottish PI with a whiskey addiction and his own personal traumas. The chemistry he has with Charlie is certainly spicy. While their connection still remains a mystery, it is incredibly clear that these two have a strong twin flame energy that they certainly explore.

What was done well in this book was the strong paranormal folklore that the Appalachian mountains are known for. If you're familiar with the lore such as skin walkers, haides and whatnot, then its in like with those traditions. The imagery that Jessica Leigh provided about the entities was beautifully done and I could easily picture the myths that I grew up hearing as a North American. I enjoyed reading about the spooky small town and lived the dark tonality that hung across the book. It is very transparent that this book is a fast paced read and I had to remember this a few times as the story catalysed into deeper plot points.

I wish that this could have been made into a longer story to provide more clarification and in depth tones. while things were explained, it lacked the depths that I wanted the story to dive into, particularly when the climax of the story hit. at times, the spice appeared to be the focus point and while it was done well, I would have really loved to have seen this come to light deeper into the pivotal plot points, as these at times appeared rushed or unfinished

overall, it was a great quick read that truly embraced the odes to the folklore that was written!

[Kayla Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I came across this story I just new I needed to read it. Ancient folklore and mystery. A location with a rich history that has always fascinated me, and characters with nuance and depth.

When I first sat down to read this, I got through almost half of it! I will say its not very long however, it is a captivating read.
The author sets the tone for the story immediately, giving you a feel for not only the surroundings but the MC's emotions.

After having had a busy day I found myself really longing to continue reading this story. I just had to know more. The paranormal/ folk magic elements in this felt so real, because it takes place in a location where the belief in the things that go bump in the night is very much alive. It felt less like a story someone wrote and more like I was reading someone's experience.

There weren't too many side characters, the few that did appear served to aid the stories progression and the MC's interactions. It primarily follows the 2 pivotal characters journey together. I think this aided in the sense of immersion, there was no distracting side quests or confusing details.

I love a good bit of 'romantic' tension. The push and pull between the individuals builds to a crescendo however, this had more of a soul tie vibe. I wouldnt say its insta-love. It was more like the characters souls recognised each other and despite their pasts and their fears, the pull to know one another was so strong that they couldnt resist. I love this almost as much as I love tension!

Whilst I'm on the topic of things I love, give me a tall, dark and mysterious MMC every day of the week! Warren absolutely fits the bill for this! He gave off the vibe that whilst, big strong and gruff on the outside he would use that strength to protect his woman no matter what! on the inside however he was soft and generous if you catch my drift! The author definitely gets bonus points for including the Scottish phrases and colloquialisms, it just gave that extra bit of spice that made Warren so hot!

All in all i thoroughly enjoyed this read and if your looking for a short story that has a good spice to plot ratio, with fascinating dark folklore elements this is the book for you!

[Veronica Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of The Hidden Gods of Appalachia and can I just say—WOW.
Dual POV (FMC/MMC) packed with folklore and lush, vivid prose...I found the story to be dark, dangerously spicy, and above all haunting.

The storyline captivated me from the start. I liked Charlie a lot and LOVED Warren (scot with tats and emotional damage—yes, please).

some parts of this book literally chilled me to the bone. Leigh does a wonderful job of building up to these horrifying moments and painting lasting (some what disturbing, hehe,) imagery.

The spice was great. tasteful. exciting. Very well written.

My complaints? Mostly that I wanted more!! I went into this knowing it was only a novella and feel a deep sadness that it was...only a novella (😭) the book itself is so layered and rich, I wanted more backstory on both characters and I feel like the plot has SO much potential to be expanded on! gimme, gimmie!
(spoiler part...proceed with caution!)
The ending was my second complaint. Gods, I LOVE a HEA (thank you, Jessica!!!) but I do fear because of the shorter length of the book, the ending especially was rushed and a bit anticlimactic. There's so much tension and build up. I was gloriously at the very tippy edge of my seat only to have it be that the solution was right in front of them, so accessible, and so easily/quickly solved that I felt a tiny bit let down. I had expected more gruesome struggle simply because of the tone of the book overall.

however, that epilogue filled my heart to the brim!! I'm so happy for these fictional characters. I only wish Charlie would have recognized Daniel someway, maybe introduced Ezra to him (like she did her dad's grave) or something more here because she cared about him so much.

Wow, this is getting long. But what a great read! So happy to have been included in this ARC distribution. looking forward to reading more books by this author 🖤

[Draculise A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the old mountain stories no longer sound like fiction, this book will feel like a warning whispered too late. The Hidden Gods of Appalachia is not about distant divinity, but about inheritance, silence, and the slow rot of forgotten faith. Jessica Leigh builds a world where belief does not save. It watches. It weighs. It waits.

This story follows a woman shaped by grief and bloodline, standing on land that refuses to forget what it has swallowed. The gods here are not merciful. They linger in bone and soil, in towns that have learned to survive by pretending not to see. Appalachia is not a backdrop but a witness. Every ridge remembers. Every hollow holds its breath.

Leigh writes divinity as pressure rather than light. Faith as inheritance, not comfort. The horror comes not from spectacle but recognition. How easily belief becomes obedience. How easily reverence becomes erasure. And yet, within the weight of it all, there is a stubborn will to remain. Not hope. But endurance.

A Glimpse into the Hidden:

A vision of Appalachia where folklore and theology bleed together.

Gods that are not saviors, only ancient forces.

Generational trauma carried like scripture.

A protagonist caught between reverence and resistance.

A land that does not forgive, but remembers.

Trigger Considerations:
Includes religious trauma, generational abuse, emotional manipulation, cult influence, grief, violence, loss of autonomy, and psychological harm linked to faith and control.

If you seek a story that does not romanticize its gods or soften its land, but asks what devotion becomes when left too long in the dark, take this one. It will not comfort you. It will remain.

Note: I received this book as an ARC.

[Lara Loves Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still reeling from this Dark Southern Gothic Romance which literally blew me away with its lyrical writing style and well paced suspense. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for other books by this author.

📚What’s it about?
After the death of her mother and the disappearance of her brother, Charlie moves to Oregon and doesn’t look back until ten years later, a mysterious call brings her home to settle her Aunt’s estate. Arriving home comes with some unwelcome memories and as the town deals with unexplained disappearances and strange sigils left at the scenes, Charlie finds herself at the center of something powerful and frightening while a hot, Scottish detective seems to think she’s the key to unraveling the strange events.

💭My Thoughts:
The book’s gothic atmosphere sets the backdrop for this supernatural thriller, and I could literally see the foggy forests of Appalachia in my mind thanks to the author’s descriptive writing. Charlie’s character is that of a survivor, and I loved her strength and determination not to be defined by her heritage. Warren’s character has a dark past, and I found myself swooning for this Scottish detective and his dangerous eyes. The attraction between these two adds another layer of suspense to the story, and the tension was palpable.

I connected strongly with the author’s correlation between the landscape and lore of Scotland and that of Appalachia—especially as she touched on the sentient aspects of nature itself and the wounds done to her by industry and development. Told in dual POV, this enthralling story includes tropes such as ancestral reckoning, witchcraft, feminine rage, and childhood trauma. The Hidden Gods of Appalachia will live rent free in my head for some time to come. Highly Recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Anne-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spicy…yes.
Folklore…somewhat.
Appalachia…not quite.

This book is 166 pages. That leaves only so much room for the author to artfully develop characters, their interpersonal journies, and to describe an expansive region in our country that is rich in culture.

I would have preferred the author going deeper into the culture of the region and expanding more on the actual folklore. While reading, I felt the journey to the haints, along with Charlie’s personal connection to the ancestry of the land felt only touched upon. I also would have liked the author to delve into Charlie’s ability to manipulate water. I felt that was another missed opportunity to expand the folklore aspect.

The relationship between Charlie and Warren felt very rushed and unbelievable. There wasn’t a meaningful or thoughtful relationship built between the two that would lead to realistic spicy scenes. The characters were hot and cold with each other, so the intensity of their physical scenes didn’t seem to make sense. They didn’t have a playful, teasing, or even tension building dialogue. They were obviously drawn to each other, but I would have liked a little more show-not-tell description and banter to lead to their intimacy.

I think because of the number of pages, there was only room for one character’s murky past. Making both characters troubled was too much for a short book. The ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. I walked away from the book not knowing or feeling any real connection to the characters. When characters are not properly developed, it keeps me from truly connecting to and feeling compassion for them or their experiences.

This book had potential, but was unable to deliver. I’ve read shorter novels and novellas that were able to pack a good punch into a shorter story. Timing and development are crucial. If someone is looking for a lighter, more surface read that provides some spice without a lot of context, this is will scratch that itch.

[Ann Adolphson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice/ 🌶️🌶️
I was given an eARC of The Hidden Gods of Appalachia by author Jessica Leigh, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.

This book is a haunting blend of horror romance and folk horror, and despite being a shorter read, it delivers atmosphere, tension, and dread in all the right ways. From the very beginning, it pulls you into the eerie quiet of Appalachian woods and doesn’t let go.

Charlie is called back home by a detective after the sudden and mysterious death of a family member. Returning to North Carolina is the last thing she wants, and stepping onto her family’s land forces her to confront memories she’s spent years trying to bury. The farther she digs into the estate and the past the more the shadows around her begin to feel alive.

Then there’s Warren, the Scottish detective determined to uncover what’s really happening. His search for answers pulls him deeper into the strange, unsettling events surrounding Charlie’s family, and he quickly realizes that what’s stalking the hills is far beyond anything he’s prepared for. His desperation to stop the spreading danger intertwines effortlessly with his growing connection to Charlie.

This story gave me serious Blair Witch vibes in the best way dense woods, whispered legends, and a sense that something ancient is watching. The folklore is rich and chilling, especially the haunts and skinwalker-like creatures woven throughout. It strikes that perfect balance of eerie supernatural elements and emotional tension.

If you love horror laced with romance, Appalachian folklore, and a fast-paced story that keeps you turning pages long after dark, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW ****
Thank you to the author for letting me be part of the team!

I feel like a lot of the books I have read this year have centered around the feminine rage and lack of respect for women. This novella was no exception. The idea of a woman running from the place she was forced to grow up in but unable to escape the generations pulling her back to encounter the darkness both within herself as well as all around sucked me in so quick!

Our characters Charlie (FMC) and Warren (MMC) have to confront their own demons in both the figurative and literal sense. People in the town are being murdered and it all ties back to Charlie and her family for reasons Charlie isn't ready to face. The relationship that develops between the two characters wasn't too much of a slow burn: it was edging at its finest. The darkness inside of them called out to the other.

The suspense and the idea of the unknown created enough for me to imagine the worst scenarios when it came to the scary bits of the novella. As a reader, I appreciated the extra descriptions of the folklore and what certain things meant, not having grown up in that region. I did go to college out there, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the pitch-black nights are unreal. Anything can come out at any time, and you're just surrounded by trees and darkness.

I always want so much more from novellas because I get sucked in with the characters and storyline and then get left wanting more. With this one, I felt like I got everything I needed and was able to let go at the end. The epilogue wrapped it up nicely and gave the characters the healing ending they deserved.

[Elaine Arentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this novella grabbed me from page one and did not let go. There’s something about Appalachian folklore that feels like coming home to a story you were always meant to hear — even if you weren’t raised deep in the mountains, the roots still tug at you. Jessica captures that perfectly.

Charlie gets pulled back to North Carolina after the death of her aunt, and from the moment she steps back onto that land, nothing feels right. The shadows are too aware. The forest watches. And every strange death seems to inch closer to her. Enter Warren — a Scottish detective with more patience than anyone has any right to have — who’s trying to make sense of a case that doesn’t play by normal rules. Their dynamic? I ate it up.

For such a short novella, it’s packed: eerie folklore moments, unsettling mimicry from things that should stay dead and quiet, family secrets, trauma, grief, and more than a few scenes that absolutely turn up the heat. (The dowsing sticks? Yeah. That whole thing lives rent-free in my brain.)

The atmosphere is chef’s kiss — creepy without being confusing, emotional without being heavy-handed. And what surprised me most is how much heart this story still managed to carry. Charlie’s journey toward closure, her connection to her father, and that final choice with her child’s name? It hit me harder than I expected.

If you love Appalachian lore, quick but immersive reads, and a blend of horror, mystery, and romance, this one delivers. I would’ve happily read a full-length version, but for a novella, it’s incredibly satisfying.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you, Jessica, for letting me be an early reader.

[Darian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure fully what to expect when I started this book. I was looking for something new to read that was similar to my taste but a little different. I was intrigued by the folkloric aspect and thought it could add an interesting twist to the concept of this story.
I enjoyed Charlie and Warren as characters. I think they were both very strong characters throughout the whole book. Especially given all that may or may not have been leering around every twist and bend in that town.
They both spent so much time keeping things from one another while trying to fight whatever they were feeling inside.The chemistry they feel for one another though can not be ignored and neither can resist each other for long before those flames ignite.
However, whatever unseen things that were trying to reach out to pull them in can’t seem to resist that pull either and they just keep creeping closer. What lies in those forests, in that town waiting for Charlie to have come back and why? What didn’t Charlie know about that has been creeping in all this time?
Was there something there or were they going crazy? There’s no telling what is or isn’t real in the Appalachian forests or who & what caused it to show up. One thing is for certain though, “If there’s one thing I know about these woods, it's that if you hear something out here calling you by name, no you didn’t.”
I promise you don’t want to miss Jessica’s book and you need to grab it and read it. I am so glad I did, I was hooked as soon as I picked it up.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because my soul left my body, wandered into the Blue Ridge woods, and is now refusing to come back until it gets book two.

This spicy Appalachian mystery FEASTED on my brain, my emotions, and my need for just a little bit of danger in my fiction. From the very first line—mama’s warning about flying too far—I knew I was done for. This novella has that perfect blend of melancholy, forest magic, and “I definitely should not be attracted to this man but here we are.”

The atmosphere? Thick enough to drink.
The lore? Deliciously eerie.
The spice? Let’s just say the old gods aren’t the only things awakened in these woods.

I loved following a heroine who’s basically running on trauma, instinct, and sheer feral Appalachian willpower. Oregon hardened her, but the mountains called her home—and ohhh the way those mountains bite back. The missing people, the sigils, the unsettling hush in the trees… I caught myself doing that slow horror-movie head turn at least three times.

And the private detective with the dangerous magnetism? Yeah. Um. Sir? Please leave me alone OR don’t, actually—who am I kidding.

This novella is a vibe:
✨ Appalachian folklore
✨ Slow-burn dread
✨ Secrets buried in the pines
✨ A heroine who refuses to break
✨ Spice that hits like moonshine

If you like your stories atmospheric, witchy-adjacent, and just a little unhinged (in the best way), this one’s going straight to your favorites shelf.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

​The Hidden Gods of Appalachia is a powerful synthesis of dark romance and folk horror rooted deeply in Appalachian lore, offering a high-impact, atmospheric reading experience in a compact novella format.
​Jessica Leigh’s work is essential reading for fans of the genre. The book expertly weaves genuine Appalachian folklore—including detailed, chilling descriptions of the not deer, haints, and skinwalkers—into a narrative steeped in Southern Gothic vibes and ancestral reckoning. The atmosphere, set against the lush backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is immediately compelling, making the 150 pages feel surprisingly deep and rich.
​The novella follows a fast-paced dive into a world of family curses, wilderness suspense, and supernatural mystery. The tension surrounding the protagonist, Charlie, is gripping, keeping the reader hooked until the final page.
​While the emotional core of the story—the dark romance—is sizzling and integral, the execution occasionally feels abrupt rather than slow-burn. However, this is a minor critique; the compelling supernatural mystery, the high stakes, and the overall tension successfully carry the narrative.
​Leigh has successfully demonstrated how much atmosphere, spice, and fear can be packed into a short format, delivering a memorable and high-impact journey. This is a must-read blend of suspense, myth, and passion.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Hidden Gods of Appalachia is an atmospheric blend of Appalachian folklore, slow-burn romance, and creeping supernatural tension. Jessica Leigh does an impressive job capturing the eerie quiet of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the dense woods, the strange symbols appearing on back roads, and the feeling that something ancient is watching from the tree line. The setting is easily the strongest part of the book and kept me turning pages.
The story follows a woman returning home after tragedy, and the mix of grief, mystery, and “something old waking up” creates a compelling setup. The romance thread adds warmth, though it sometimes competes with the horror elements instead of fully intertwining with them. The novella length also means some parts, especially the mythology, feels a little rushed. I found myself wishing for more depth, more time in the world, and more clarity around the lore of the “hidden gods.”
That said, it’s an engaging read with a unique vibe, especially for fans of folk horror with a romantic edge. If you enjoy atmospheric stories rooted in regional myth, this one is worth picking up. It’s not perfect, but the mood, the setting, and the emotional undercurrent make it memorable. A solid, spooky 3.5 stars, a story with great bones that leaves you wanting just a bit more.