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The Weight of Ashes

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She was the one who got away. Now she’s back, and trouble’s right behind her.

Tristyn Henderson was my best friend. The girl I wanted more than my next breath.

Then she disappeared—no goodbye, no explanation—just gone.

Now she’s home in Colson Creek, showing up at church and Sunday dinners like a ghost.
Won’t look me in the eye. Won’t tell me why she left—and she’s furious with me.

My situation changes overnight, and so does hers when danger shows up on her doorstep. So I don’t give her a choice.

She stays with me.

Under my roof.

In my space.

Too damn close to forget what we were… and everything we never got to be.

But Tristyn’s secrets run deep. And the closer I get, the more I realize she’s protecting more than her heart.

To keep her safe, I’ll have to lean on my brothers, face what came between us, and fight like hell for the second chance I should’ve never lost.

Because this time?

I’m not letting her run away again.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2026

9 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Erin FitzGerald

28 books153 followers
Erin believes every story should have a happy ending and that very few characters are completely irredeemable.

She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Nahabedian.
831 reviews26 followers
January 2, 2026
*𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄*
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 (𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗸 #𝟰)
𝗕𝘆: 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝟯𝟰𝟮/𝟮𝟯𝟬

Rating: Obsessed

👯‍♂️➡️😈➡️❤️ Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🫶🏽 Found Family
🔁💕 Second Chance Romance
🧁🥰 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🐈‍⬛🔥 Black Cat FMC
⚠️🔪 Danger & Suspense
🔥🔥 Fiery Chemistry
😂👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Banter
🤫💣 Wild Secrets
🏡🌲 Small Town

Immediate TBR chaos 📚🔥

This series just keeps getting better. Ben and Tristyn have been teased for the first three books, and let me tell you, they were so worth the wait. These two absolutely delivered, and I cannot gush enough about how much I loved this book. 🔥

The banter? Top-tier.

The reveal behind why Tristyn hates Ben so much? Painful and perfect.

The Benson family, Lancaster, the suspense, the crossover moments...all chef’s kiss. And Leah?! That little girl has my whole heart, and I need her in every future book forever. If you do not feel the same way after meeting her, I will never trust anything you say ever again. 🤣

Ben and Tristyn were childhood best friends, bonded by the loss of their mothers…and then Tristyn up and disappeared. Ben has no idea why or what he did...if he did anything at all. But it’s very clear something went down, because she’s back and putting him through the emotional wringer. Their chemistry is off the charts, and as the clues started to drop, so did my heart. Tristyn is fierce, stubborn, and unwavering in her anger, but Ben is still the one she turns to when she needs help, and he never hesitates to show up. Watching them go head-to-head, using sparring as foreplay? Absolutely feral behavior (in the best way).

And Lancaster having a bigger role in this story? DID. NOT. SEE. THAT. COMING. My completely unhinged DMs to Erin were necessary...I had too many feelings to contain.

I am so ready (and not ready at all) for the final chapter of this series.

Thank you so much, Erin, for the ARC and congratulations on yet another home run. 👏📚
Profile Image for Marie Girulat.
521 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2026
Huge congratulations and a massive thank you to @erinfitzgeraldwrites for the #gifted e-book and for letting me be a part of her incredible team!

This is the fourth book in the electrifying Colson Creek series, and it dives deep into the lives of the unforgettable Benson brothers and their amazing family!

I have absolutely adored this series, and I was beyond excited to finally dive into Ben’s story. Ben Benson is a hot mess, and his long-time crush on Tristyn is real, too bad she’s not interested! As their backstory unravels, I was completely hooked and couldn’t tear myself away. Adding Leah, Ben’s adorable daughter, was the perfect catalyst for Ben’s journey toward settling down. Watching him form a bond with this sweet, traumatized girl was so heartwarming, and seeing the family embrace her just melted my heart. The whole family dynamic is phenomenal and adds so much richness to the story. Plus, the banter between them is nothing short of hilarious!

This book is a whirlwind of fast-paced action, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists that kept me on the edge of my seat! Erin’s writing has a magical way of pulling you right into the story, ensuring you’re completely engaged from start to finish. Her books perfectly blend romance, suspense, and that warm, fuzzy feeling of family who truly go above and beyond for each other.

I absolutely loved Lancaster's role in the story, and it’s so heartening to see him welcomed into this family with open arms. I can’t wait to see more of him in the future!

If you’re a fan of second chances, small-town charm, and a family you’d want to be a part of, this book and the entire series are definitely for you!
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,382 reviews135 followers
January 6, 2026
My thoughts:
This….Finally Ben and Tristyn’s story has arrived!
The Weight of Ashes is a very suspenseful second-chance romance that will have reading way late into the night.
So much chemistry, banter, romance, family!
I love alllll the main characters in the story. It’s always nice to meet up with the Benson family as well as their extended family.
This series will definitely pull at your heartstrings. There is so much to love about each story in the series.
A newish person that interests me is Lancaster….will we be hearing more about him?????
With that said, you need the Colson Creek series in your life….
Profile Image for JanFromNJ.
751 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2026
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬
Releases January 6th
By Erin Fitzgerald

❤️‍🔥ARC REVIEW ❤️‍🔥

𝘼 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡-𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙩𝙤-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙.

This is book 4 in the Colson Creek series and once again, Erin grabs the reader page one. Benjamin Benson is the youngest Benson brother and has just discovered he’s a dad at 46 years old after living a playboy lifestyle for years. Well, that’s about to change. And to complicate his life even more, Ben’s best friend from high school, the one he shared everything with, secretly pined for, Tristyn Henderson, has returned to Colson Creek and for the last year, she’s been sharing Sunday family meals with the Bensons, ignoring Ben and acting like she can’t stand the sight of him. Ben’s confused. What did he do to her? Why does she hate him? She left! That’s only one mystery in this romantic suspense story that I stayed up very late to finish with no regrets.

This book can be read as a stand alone and something that Erin excels at in her writing is giving us more than a glimpse into the history of the characters from her previous books. This helps new readers get to know the other characters. For those of us who’ve read the previous books in this series, we get to remember their personalities and revisit their own HEAs.

I can’t tell you how much I ADORE the Benson family, all of the brothers and their women. The humor, sarcasm, loyality and of course the love shines thru. There is so much wonderful family banter that I never wanted it to end. The Benson women are fierce and there’s nothing better in my opinion to enjoy in a romance novel than strong, fierce women. Bless you Erin for giving us this family.

Then there’s dad Erik Benson and the sainted Donna. Donna has been a virtual godsend to the family since their mother left so many years ago. We should all be so fortunate to have a “Donna” in our lives. She’s taken over as a wife, mother, and a grandmother who arranges Sunday family dinners and weekly church attendance for the Bensons and many times their friends who become family. Enter the mysterious Lancaster. He’s got a dark past. And a soft heart. Can’t WAIT for his book next!

Back to Ben and Tristyn. Ben is desperately trying to soften her heart. Bring down her walls. They have secrets between them. Big ones. Tristyn is hiding from danger that has followed her to Colson Creek and Ben is determined to protect her.

Buckle up. You won’t be able to put down this book. When danger hits too close to home, the Benson family step up as they naturally do and, well, this beautifully written story ends with a well deserved, hard earned HEA that will have you smiling ear to ear.
Profile Image for ReadIntoWonderland.
216 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2026
Five beautiful, bright, and shiny stars for my first read of the year! What can I say, I am positively in love with Erin's writing, I may even say she has stolen the place as my favorite author! It was such a beautiful and heartwarming narrative that truly felt like coming home.

I have come to fall so in love with every amazing character in the bustling Benson family. If you give this series a chance, I am confident you will feel the same way. Ben and Tristyn make such a good pairing, as I knew they would. The chemistry was truly flowing off the page.

I must give Erin massive props for the respectful, honest, and kind autistic representation in this book. It was so thoughtfully done and not overly at the forefront for brownie points. So often with neurodivergent representation, it can feel like it is there to check off a box or simply to pull in readers. I appreciate how much care was put in without cramming it with an overly analytical take. It felt realistic and portrayed well how for many autists it is not constantly a major hinderance, but simply shapes how we approach things.

There was a fantastic blend of swoony, tense, and heart-warming moments. I could see this series making a fantastic screen adaptation one day if Erin goes for that because it has the pacing and intrigue required for sure.

Overall, this and all of the other books in the series are a must-read in my book!

Thank you to Erin for the ARC! My review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,826 reviews50 followers
January 7, 2026
This book is about second chances at love, letting go of the past and connections….connections between a couple, between friends and among members of a family. The chemistry between Ben and Tristyn is superheated and palpable. I enjoyed their snark and banter, but loved when their interactions changed into bonding over and with his little girl, then evolved into flirtation and lots of heat. Ben is the protective golden retriever hero with alpha tendencies. Tristyn is the strong, confident heroine who doesn’t need the hero to save her, but doesn’t mind letting her hero take control on occasion. Both of them have abandonment and trust issues, but once they find their way past the pain and erroneous assumptions of the past, they can face anything together. His little girl, darling little Leah, is the catalyst to finding their way back to each other after more than two decades apart. His family and friends are the kind of people everyone would want around them. The love, loyalty and support they show each other is wonderful. I enjoyed the meddling and teasing, as well as the way they all rallied to protect Tristyn, Ben and little Leah. I appreciate that so many familiar characters from the previous books in this series make an appearance in this book. Lancaster is particularly intriguing and I hope to read more about him in a future book.

This emotional and mesmerizing book has my heartfelt recommendation.
Profile Image for Susan .
1,050 reviews
December 23, 2025
The Weight Of Ashes by Erin Fitzgerald
Erin really dropped the bombs on us in this one starting right out the gate! I wasn’t expecting the secrets but I was here for them. I just loved the first one so much. Leah really has everyone all twisted up for her. She was just the sweetest addition to the Benson tribe.
This Benson family has grown so much and it has been a pleasure seeing it has it has grown and all the love this family has for each other. We have the family banter and the crazy unhinged family group chat. They have my whole heart. If you enjoy a second chance romance with heart, chemistry and a love that has always been there Ben and Tristyn’s story is one you will love. Just as with the rest of this series there is danger and suspense surrounding Tristyn and the Benson family pull together with some outside help to stop and eliminate the threat and man do we get a whooper of a secret and even more about Lancaster…. Will he be the next story?!
Another great story in the Colson Creek series.

—“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚.”

“𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚.”—

𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 | 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 | 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 | 𝘊𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘔𝘊 | 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘢𝘵 𝘍𝘔𝘊 | 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 & 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 | 𝘍𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 | 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 | 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 | 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯
Profile Image for Kell X.
312 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2026
I love this family. All of it and all of them!
Their connection and love for each other makes me melt in every interaction. It makes me a little envious too, if possible. Who wouldn't want people to always be there (through good and very bad), to have their backs always no questions asked and love them even with their flaws and accept them! Just love them!
In this one we have a secondish chance to enemies to lovers between Ben and Tristyn. We discovered at the end of the previous book that they are married. But how? And why? And how long? And why can't they stand each other? What happened?
As we go through the story we first realise tht Ben is now a single dad, and he needs all the help he can get. And that amazing family provides. And Tristin can’t help but help him too, and starts to be closer to him and that resentments start to melt and dissolve. When she is is danger and they all come through for her some lost bonds are reunited and we see a love that has been there since forever take place and grow.
I loved the suspense and how these lovable characters take on some morable and questionable decisions to protect their own.
As usual Donna is the glue in that family and Lancaster is the cherry on top and I fell for his character even more in this one and I can't wait for his story next!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews23 followers
December 28, 2025
Tristyn Henderson has to see her old friend and love of her life, Ben Benson, on a regular basis. She still has feelings for him but can’t forget their past, so she repeatedly gives him the cold shoulder. She’s kept a secret for a long time and can’t forgive Ben for the way he handled something in their past. Ben just discovered a jaw-dropping surprise of his own and needs to make some quick changes to his lifestyle. He still loves Tristyn and hopes she’ll be a part of his future.

Now trouble has come to Colson Creek, and it’s headed for Tristyn. She thought she’d hidden herself from another part of her past, but it’s found her and threatens everything she holds dear. She finds she not only needs Ben’s help, but that of his brothers and other family members and friends. But will they be enough because what’s coming for her is bigger than anyone could have imagined?

Past secrets and misunderstandings revealed, forgiveness, favors called in, family and friends are there when needed under any circumstances, new beginnings, second chances and more!

And it appears that more trouble is headed for Colson Creek. Can’t wait!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
607 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2025
I think this is my favourite so far in the Colson Creek series. Like his brothers, Ben Benson has much more depth than what is seen on the surface. Although he comes across as really confident he is probably the most insecure. Tristyn Henderson has always been his first love and they’ve always had a unique connection. However circumstances meant that she left and since she’s been back they have had a very tenuous relationship. Tristyn though has secrets and Ben gets a massive surprise. This story follows them as they support each other and tackle what life has decided to throw at them head one. Can what is actually a vert deep friendship develop into something more? This has some wonderful moments that are so sensitive and heartwarming as well as a lot of drama! One thing I really like is how Erin’s characters are slightly older and have more life experiences. Great backstories that are woven throughout give an insight to the family dynamics and history. A brilliant read and although can be read as a standalone I can’t recommend highly enough the rest of the Colson Creek series along with Erin’s other books. Thanks to Erin for sending me an ARC for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Ashley .
569 reviews70 followers
January 5, 2026
Erin has this way with her writing and it never fails... there will be a moment that completely hooks me and then I can't put the book down. I've been so ready for Ben and Tristyn's story. Tristyn has always been the one that got away. But now she's back and it seems like trouble is following her. Ben's not without some issues of his own when he finds out some surprising news too. I loved seeing the back story between Ben & Tristyn along with them trying to find their footing with all the current events happening. And can I just say I absolutely adore everyone in the Benson family! Seriously, talk about a family full of love and one you can count on no matter what.

This one is full of unexpected twists, fun banter, suspense and secrets and I just had to know what was going to happen. Ben & Tristyn had to work hard for their HEA but it was totally worth it.

And my goodness.... the build up to Lancaster's story?!? I am SOOO here for it!!!!!

Thank you to Erin FitzGerald for this ARC!
Profile Image for Live2readbookluva.
474 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2026
The Weight of Ashes is book 4 in the Colson Creek series. It's a small town, second chance, romantic suspense read that will keep you curled up and ignoring life. This is a read that you won't want to put down. It follows the MCs Ben and Tristyn. I truly enjoyed their characters and getting to know their backstories. I also loved the found family element in this book. The story jumps right into some action and never lets up on the gas. There were plenty of twists and secrets to be revealed. This book was entertaining, heartfelt, romantic, and layered with a touch of Erin's signature suspense. She certainly made them work to get their HEA, and it was journey well worth the bumps and bruises. If you enjoy small town, suspenseful romance make sure that you venture down to Colson Creek.

✨Themes & Themes: ✨

💛Small Town
🩵 Frenemies to Lovers
🩶 Found Family
💛 Suspenseful Plot
🩵Neurodivergent Representation
🩶Second Chance

Overall, liked this read.
178 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2026
This book started out really, really great and promising. I see a good plot and good characters. I see the complexity of the story and the depth of the emotions of the MCs. It was a page turner -- at a certain point. It got dragging and repetitive at around 60% of the book. I was so invested with all that is happening to Tristyn. I expected a big bang of a resolution to the incident that she was involved in California. But the reconciliation fell flat. It was such an easy resolve after such a very, very good build up. That's the first disappointment.

Second, this thing between Tristyn and Ben dragged on and on and on for years so I was expecting that this book will wrap everything up in a timely manner but oh no, it dragged on and on and on. I feel like this is the longest book I have ever read and it's not even 400 pages! I stopped reading at 84% and just skimmed through it because I just can't take it anymore. I got so bored with it!
Profile Image for turn_the_page_lady.  (sue mc).
290 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2025
I have loved all the books in this series but have always had a soft spot for Ben so was really looking forward to his story. This book does not disappoint !
This book is fast paced and full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. As the back story of Ben and Tristyn unfolds it had me totally hooked and I could not put this down.
Leah was an added bonus and an unexpected surprise for Ben - watching this wonderful family embrace her was so heart warming. This family are amazing and so integral to all the stories - the banter is very funny too.

What also really stood out was Lancaster and his involvement in the story but his colourful past that has been hinted at - knowing this will make a future story had me clapping for joy! What a character!

Great read - check your triggers before reading.

I read this as an ArC - these are my honest views - given voluntarily
492 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2025
Another page turner by Erin Fitzgerald! I didn’t want to put this book down! It was about Ben and Tristyn. Their story started back in the day and now it’s time for them to find their way back to each other.

We have Sunday dinners, Ben’s daughter Leah-who he found out was his, a family of Benson’s who know how to rally together in hard times and not so hard times, secrets and danger. I loved how Tristyn accepted Leah from the beginning. As the story goes on, I feel the connection Ben and Tristyn had only grew. I felt as time went on, it was harder for them to hide the true feelings for the other person. Also, wait til you hear their secret-does his family know what it is? I was definitely shocked. In the end, is there a happy ending for these two and Leah? Wait til you find out!
Profile Image for Jen.
1,078 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2026
The Weight of Ashes is part of the Colson Creek Romance series. Tristyn has been gone from Colson Creek for years, but now she’s returned and danger is following her. Ben isn’t going to sit back and watch while she is being threatened. Even with his life changing in the blink of an eye, Ben isn’t going to back down from a challenge. Tristyn is all he’s wanted for years and maybe now he can finally have her.

I have loved this series since the beginning and I was so excited for Ben and Tristyn’s story. It doesn’t disappoint! The romance between them was so dynamic and the danger element of the story just amped it up. I was instantly pulled into this story and couldn’t put it down as everything unfolded. This was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next installation!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,415 reviews30 followers
January 6, 2026
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 is the 4th book in the Colson Creek series by Erin FitzGerald, featuring the much-anticipated enemies to lovers, second chance romance of Ben and Tristyn. I was swept away by the deep emotion, surprising secrets, and the irresistible connection between the MCs that brought amazing banter and a palpable slow burn chemistry under all the hurt and misunderstanding. The family was on point as usual, and a special little girl stole my heart as I watched her light up the pages as she brought joy to every member of that family. The suspense plot was fantastic… bringing plenty of intrigue, action, and it brought attention to Lancaster, who has me desperate to peel back his layers! He’s one enigma I need in my life! I am loving this series!
1,842 reviews49 followers
January 9, 2026
Holy moly..what a book. I laughed, cried and absolutely fell in love with these amazing characters.

Erin’s writing is so beautiful, engaging and filled with emotion. Her characters are at crossroads, sometimes living in fear yet find themselves involved with protective men, families and communities.

There is drama, suspense, a second chance at love and an unexpected child. Ben and Tristyn have a past and are trying to manage how to move forward. They still have deep feelings but both are scared to admit/act on them.

Their journey back to one another is filled with forgiveness, revelations and a sweet child that’s faced her own trauma.

A remarkable story in this incredible series - Colson Creek.
Profile Image for Ashlee Moore.
103 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2026
I thought the last book in this series had me riding an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. Well let me introduce you to Ben and Tristyn....

Two people who leaned on each other in a time of need as children. A trauma bond indeed was formed. One misstep and that bond was shattered. Tristyn left and to this day Ben still has no idea why their friendship ended. The amount of tension between these two is so palpable everyone can see it, but they also see the way Ben looks at the only women he ever loved, but knew was out of his league. Throw in a surprise he never saw coming, the mafia, some banter, bickering
just the right splash of spice and phew this book... This one has friends who became enemies who became lovers and back to friends, a major miscommunication trope, and all the suspense you could ever need. Love it, loved the characters, and as always I cannot wait for the next one....
Profile Image for Denisa Podea.
287 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2026
The Bensons are always fun to read about, but Ben’s story is a special one. He needed his HEA for a while now, and I think Tristyn is perfect for him.
Like always we get the late in life romance story, second chance and found family. But the suspense and drama around it only makes it better.
I loved seeing Ben in his dad role, he stepped up immediately which only shows us that this was the thing that he was missing. The way he was with Leah is simply amazing. His and Tristyn’s story is very interesting and I love how it unfolded. A great story that deserves to be taken into consideration if you like the tropes and the description.
Profile Image for Maryann.
562 reviews
December 29, 2025
Tropes:
-found family
-enemies to lovers
-romantic suspense
-small town
-second chance

The Weight of Ashes is book four in the Colson Creek series and is Trystin and Ben’s story.

Erin is one of those authors for me that really a write a story that is more than a romance. She blends suspense with romance into a compelling story. Her characters are usually a little bit older, which is refreshing.

Trystin and Ben have chemistry and banter and if second chance is your thing, it is a must read.

Releasing January 6, 2026. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
789 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2026
I have been looking forward to Ben’s story. Tristyn moved back to Colson Creek a year ago after being gone for a long time. Ben and her had been best friends growing up. But when she just left and he never heard from her he was heartbroken. Now she’s back and Ben’s dad and stepmom have included her in the family. Ben is still in love with her despite the hate that she gives him and he doesn’t know why. But when unexpected things arise they will always be there for each other. This is a good story that has an element of suspense.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,110 reviews28 followers
January 7, 2026
I loved this! These books just get better & better!! This is Ben & Tristyn's story & it was awesome! He's loved her for a long time & she rebuffs him every chance. But they have a secret; he's found out he's a dad after a playboy lifestyle & he's got to make some major changes in his life. There's a lot that happens here; her past has caught up to her & has put a lot of people in danger. I love the family & how they all pull through for each other. I loved catching up with everyone. This is a slow-burn & I loved the story & the spice! Highly recommend this book & author!
4,246 reviews52 followers
January 13, 2026
Ben although not perfect ended up being the perfect father. He stepped up when he found out he had a daughter, and I loved how his family banded together to help him give his daughter, Leah a home. Tristyn and Ben have a past and it is full of angst, hurt and secrets. When she finds herself in trouble, he and his family band together again and holy moly Lancaster, everyone should have a Lancaster in their corner on a rescue mission. There is suspense, healing, a family coming together, and love. The way Tristyn took to Leah and became the mother she needed was heartwarming.
Profile Image for Katy Metzger.
Author 4 books59 followers
January 13, 2026
The book 3 epilogue reveal that sets up this book was just the tip of the iceberg. Tristyn finally explains her long grudge against Ben as he works to thaw the ice between them (that may already be a little melty on Tristyn’s end). I loved this book for its development of their dynamic and growth, as Ben steps up and takes charge after receiving life-altering news. Tristyn’s secret past makes for the most dangerous stakes so far in the series, but as always, they are able to lean on the stubbornly loyal Benson family to fight on their behalf.
158 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2025
This is the latest book in the Colson Creek series and I'm totally in love with it. Ben and Tristyn have been friends forever and each is pining for the other. Ben makes some bad choices and Tristyn leaves. She ends up back and needs him to help her. Secrets, this book has them in spades. I love the world building and all the characters that make up this fantastic family! Love them all and can't wait for the next one.
8,822 reviews63 followers
January 4, 2026
Ben and Tristyn were childhood friends and Ben would doxanything for her only one day she was just gone with no goodbyes and when she returns shes full of anger directed at him but he doesnt know why, but as secrets unravel everything changes, and nothing will be the same but will a second chance be on the cards? Well written, high emotions! Twists galore! Hold on to your seats! A great addition to the series
Profile Image for Alicia Luechtefeld.
384 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026
The Weight of Ashes by Erin FitzGerald is the 4th book in the Colson Creek Series. I was so excited for Ben’s book and sometimes you get it so hyped up that the book doesn’t live up to expectations but that wasn’t the case. Erin did a remarkable job with this one. I loved Ben, Tristyn and Leah. The suspense kept you guessing and the romance kept you rooting for the characters. I cannot wait for the next book! This is a good one but I do recommend reading the others in the series first.
Profile Image for Nicole Marie Johnson.
817 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2026
I have been waiting for my sweet Benny Boy and this did not disappoint one bit! Not that I didn’t have any doubts that Erin would blow me away! Such a heartwarming and beautiful story that melted me completely. These two had so much to work through and I felt every single emotion as I read this! Happiness, sadness, anger, love, a broken heart… they were all there as I lived this book! I didn’t want to leave. I’m so ready for more of this world!
Profile Image for Tiffany W.
468 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2026
This series just keeps getting better, but now I already grieving the fact that we’re running out of single men in Montana?! 😭 So Erin needs to find us more handsome cowboys lol. Ben’s book was my most anticipated, and it was so worth the wait,. Lastly Erik, turn that heating pad up and get better my heart cannot handle any other outcome.

The banter between Ben and Tris was top tier, the Benson men are still unhinged (in the best way) when it comes to their women, this was the perfect mix of romance and drama ( thank you for not dragging it out)

Our girl Leah?! The best plot twist ever. Watching her finally feel safe had me smiling from ear to ear, I was also shocked by her first words (not telling y’all what they were), go read it and find out lol

Linc’s story is up next, and based on the little bit of information we got, it’s about to be a doozy lol
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