This is an unusual story, with a hint of the paranormal, about a grieving girlfriend (Fiona) who receives a mysterious house plant into which she adds her boyfriend Ed's ashes.

Previously active online as @FoliageFifi, Fiona has become somewhat reclusive since Ed's dead, but she steps out into the world beyond her home again when the plant starts start talking to her and telling her what she needs to do! Or is it all in her head?

Be that as it may, we follow Fiona's journey back into the wider world, which is facing a climate crisis. The story deals with challenging themes, including mental health, racism and police brutality, but is beautiful in it's own way as it taps into emotions that many readers will have experience with. And the narrator does a delightful job. It gets 3.5 stars.

What an oddly beautiful little book. A touch of the supernatural flavours this tale of grief … of is it all in Fiona’s head? When a sapling is left on her doorstep Fi believes it is the reincarnation of her boyfriend, a green activist. Following her heart she sets out on a trip with the plant to visit her dad leading to an awakening and new life. This one left me with a nice cosy glow

Thank you to W.F. Howes, Emily Buchanan and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC, it's out now!

Imogen Mackie Walker brings Fiona, better known as eco-influencer @FoliageFifi, to life in this debut novel with a full performance of side characters to the point where I forgot it was the same narrator the entire way through. I'm partial to a Scottish accent, so I was sold from the moment I hit play. It was Imogen's first audiobook, but I'm adding her to my list of auto-listen narrators!

The story itself is a unique take on the climate crisis and said activism, but the feel of the book reminded me of Everyone I Know is Dying and It Might Never Happen, which I devoured!

There is a graphic depiction of injury and death about halfway through the book, which some readers/listeners may find triggering or hard to read/listen to. It's not a jumpscare, but I was not expecting it to go into so much detail. I got a bit weepy after the fact.

What a debut! I'm excited to see what's next for Emily Buchanan!

Send Flowers is a unique title, set in the present day and speculating on the future of the climate, the novel has its roots firmly planted in a call to action. Greenfluencer, Fi, has lost her partner Ed in a horrific accident at a climate change rally, she is fully submerged in the madness of grief, neglecting her home, her cat, her plants, her work and herself until she finds a plant on her doorstep with a note. Not just any plant, Ed’s favourite plant, Fi fully believes that Ed has returned to her, and in a bid for forgiveness and redemption she listens to the messages that the plant gives her, and with its encouragement she sets out to rejoin the movement and make changes.

Entirely unlike anything I’ve read before, while there is an obvious message about climate change, for me, the author has captured grief perfectly, the fear and the self loathing that comes with it with a stark honesty, but she’s also managed to add humour and highlight the need for a purpose and a community to find your way back, this is really what bumped the rating from the intended 3 to 4 🌟 rating.

Imogen Mackie Walker delivers a full performance in the narration of the title, but before anyone else mentions it I’ll try to be diplomatic and say that the laugh was slightly grating.

Huge thanks to W F Howes Ltd via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧