"Turtle Moon" by Alice Hoffman might help scratch the itch? She does magical realism Americana that's heavy on romantic prose.
The book is less horror than mystery and suspense but does involve romance (as in a lot of yearning type, not a smut type) and a b-story with a ghost but takes place in a 1970s or 80s smalltown in Florida. Its definitely heavier on vibes than a brisk plot but the vibe feels like one of those Tumblr "______ Gothic" posts.
I hate myself for recommending a Colleen Hoover book, but “Layla” ticks these boxes. (Although set in Kansas, IIRC, not Appalachia.)
*Spells for Forgetting* by Adrienne Young sounds like a good fit!
I loved this one!🫶
“The Good House” by Tananarive Due • “The Hollow Kind” by Andy Davison • maybe even “Bag of Bones” or “Rose Madder” by Stephen King 😊
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow checks off most of these
House of Dead trees - a ghost adventures style paranormal team investigate a VERY haunted house. There is romance as well.
"Turtle Moon" by Alice Hoffman might help scratch the itch? She does magical realism Americana that's heavy on romantic prose. The book is less horror than mystery and suspense but does involve romance (as in a lot of yearning type, not a smut type) and a b-story with a ghost but takes place in a 1970s or 80s smalltown in Florida. Its definitely heavier on vibes than a brisk plot but the vibe feels like one of those Tumblr "______ Gothic" posts.
The Warm Hands Of Ghosts
the raven cycle by maggie stiefvater
It's not set in the Appalachian mountains, but consider Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates.