Whispers of Apple Blossoms

by Brett Mitchell Kent

A love story spanning decades. A lonely widow mourning her husband and daughter. A trail of missing people all leading to one unpredictable source. Edna Mann, a lonely widow longing for the family she’s lost, finds companionship in an unlikely source when her late husband begins communicating with her through her houseplant. As those around her begin to disappear, Edna must confront the reality that something much worse may be at play… and has been for longer than she could have ever expected. An atmospheric and haunting tale of love, heartache, fear, and obsession. The warped reality of an elderly woman filled with regret interlaces with the story of the past she desperately longs to relive. Whispers of Apple Blossoms is as romantic as it is heartbreakingly sinister and, as each petal falls, pulls you further into the darkness and toward the unforgettable finale.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Supernatural

302 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the excellent horror elements there was a lot of sadness and loss. But also longing and love. Heavy feelings.
The language of flowers was so beautifully implemented.

All in all, a very tragic book, heavy fare - and yet also a lot of female strength, what I adored especially in this context.

Anyone who likes this type of books will definitely love it.

Thank you for trusting me with an ARC, Brett 🖤

[Emma E. Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Apple Blossoms arranges a bouquet of suspense, family drama, and horror that is equally lovely and terrifying. Kent's range is incredible as he takes the reader from the safety of a picturesque love story into the dark and gnarled depths where unexpected twists and turns seem to sprout and bloom every few pages. Definitely recommend this debut from a talented new voice in horror.

[Kiki Marie Bookish Wh0r3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when UP meets The Notebook and then have a baby with Don't Go in the Basement (Goosebumps) meets Alfred Hitchcock ???

You get Whispers of Apple Blossoms!!!

This romantic horror story will have you flipping through your emotions rolodex trying to figure out what it is you are feeling. In moments where you are enjoying the love story between Henry and Edna you still have a sense of dread knowing there is no such thing as happy endings in horror.

I felt love, joy, sadness, anger, dread, fear, claustrophobia, confusion, and everything in between. My head continuously came up with guesses on where the story was going and every single time I was wrong.

This story is so beautifully and lyrically tragic. Add this to my top reads ever!! If it does not become a movie...I will be disappointed because its such a consuming story with everything anyone could possibly want in a Romance - Horror mashup!!

Thank you so much Brett Mitchell Kent (with Lethe Press) for sending me my very first physical ARC and more importantly for sharing such an amazing story with me and the world!!! I can not wait for your next masterpiece!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler free review!
Kent’s writing sucks you and does not let you go till the last page. This book was so hard to put down. Amazing characters and family dynamics flow with an underlining sense of dread. Twists and turns will have you gasping aloud throughout the book. Cannot wait to read future books from Mr Kent!

[David-Jack Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was quite surprising. Kent has a beautiful way with words, the characters are believable and I fell in love with all of them. At one point, I thought I was reading a romance, but there was always an undertone of darkness that pushed the story forward.

Moving, unsettling, and atmospheric, this is a book that will stay with you for long after the last page.

[—lex♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta historia fue realmente sublime.
En principio parecía una historia de amor y el duelo que viene con ella al perder a tu ser más amado. Y me tenía contenta, feliz. Aunque no soy consumidora de romance, creía que Edna y Henry eran la pareja perfecta. Completamente enamorados. Era un concepto tan tierno que eso fue lo que me tuvo leyendo por las primeras páginas, a pesar de que los flashback son un recurso literario que detesto y la historia está plagada de ellos.
De todas formas, cuando empiezan las desapariciones y los sucesos extraños, el libro da un giro de 180 grados, que además es muy entretenido, porque se juega con la mente del lector. Así que no sabes si estás enfrentandote a una enfermedad mental o a algo más siniestro. Realmente espectacular!
Puntualmente lo que no me gustó:
-Los flashbacks, aunque una vez terminada la historia comprendo la necesidad de los mismos, como gusto personal hubiera preferido que encontraran otra forma de colocarlos allí.
-Los dialogos de cuando son niños o adolescentes no se sienten muy naturales.
- Siento que el final no fue tan impresionante como pudo haber sido dado el ritmo trepidante que se estaba construyendo en esas últimas páginas. En mi opinión, un final muy abrupto.
Lo que me gustó:
-La historia de amor de Edna y Henry, ya lo dije. Encantadora.
-La forma en la que se juega con lo que el lector conoce para llevarlos hasta pistas que no podemos saber si son reales o falsas.
-Lo del lenguaje de las flores. Bien, me lo salté, no voy a mentir. Pero creo que si algún día tengo curiosidad, puedo volver a este libro y encontrarlo facilmente.
-La forma en la que mezclan el terror con la naturaleza, siento que es innovadora. Al menos yo nunca había leído algo como esto antes y quedé gratamente sorprendida.
-Las motivaciones detrás de los individuos involucrados.
Creo que es una idea maravillosa. Quizás le faltó algo de construcción, pero yo seguiría diciendole a todos que le den una oportunidad a la historia, ya que me pareció dulce y misteriosa a la vez, todos deberían conocer este amor y este misterio.

[Tori Baz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett writes in a way that makes me feel like I am there and living it!!! I loved every moment of this book. His characters made me laugh and also made me cry. The horror aspect slowly creeped in and caught me by surprise, which is exactly how I like it to happen. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel, it feels like he has been in the writing game for a LONG time. Thank you for trusting me with an ARC of this book, and thank you for your newfound friendship!!!!

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like romance in any form in fiction, and this goes double for horror! I hate romance in horror, and try to avoid it whenever I find I've unintentionally stumbled upon it. The synopsis for this book, however, intrigued me with its emphasis on the sinister aspects of the story, its promise of an unpredictable finale, and the enticement of wonderful prose.

It delivered aplenty and more! The author has stellar storytelling skills, the writing is precise, enjoyable, compelling, the voices sound natural and convincing, and the emotions… Wow! Filled with more than simply atmosphere or a sense of the tragic, the story is brimming with depth of feeling and moments of unexpected dread. The love story between the two MCs, Edna and Henry, truly consumed me.

There are flowery themes, but the prose never gets flowery - there's horror as well, but it never loses sight of the humanity of the story. 'Whispers of Apple Blossoms' is, simply put, an incredible book. I doubt I'll find another like it again. What a unique achievement!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot!

the love story part is kinda sappy and cliche, but that is acknowledged a few times by other characters lol (which makes it semi-forgivable i think).

I did find myself confused a few times about the “monster’s” objective at different points, and I am not sure that was the intent. It did seem like the author wanted mystery surrounding it, which I got, but the motive part I feel could have been more clear in some sections, even if mysterious as well.

I loved the definitions of flowers that started every chapter, it was a little nugget of information that I got to store away in my mind lol.

Overall, a very good and enjoyable debut - i would recommend as a psychological horror book (w/ a low level of gore, though there is still some present)

Thank you to BookSirens and the publishing team for granting me a free and advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Paige Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!? That was AMAZING!! 🤯🤯🤯 I feel like I will be processing this book until the day that I die. This was such a thrilling story and I devoured it from start to finish.

I have read a lot of books in my life, and I have literally never read a book like this before. It was so unique and so special. I was sucked in from the beginning. It was such a blending of genres. I can’t even begin to tell you what it’s similar to because it truly is its own epic tale.

I cried at the end, I fell in love with these characters, I was giddy and sad and happy and scared. I don’t think one singular book has ever made me feel such an array of emotion. He is a masterful storyteller, and he needs to write more books!!

If you like a wide variety of genres, and like a little weird in your story, you have GOT to GOT to read this book!!! Like, why is it not on the main table right when you walk into a B&N!?

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Kent’s debut novel, ‘Whispers of Apple Blossoms’ delivers a unique telling of a family mystery and offers a safe space to process grief alongside the protagonist, Edna Mann. Told through a continuous shift between the Great Depression and its aftermath, and the novel’s present year of 2000, Edna’s story slowly begins to unravel, revealing the tragedies nestled within her memories. We witness a blossoming romance between Edna and her husband, Henry; the tragic loss of their daughter, Betty; the rapid decline of her grief-stricken mind; and the eventual breakdown of her reality as the truth is unveiled at last.

I found that the use of flowers and their meanings to convey emotions and thoughts throughout the story was extremely clever. I didn’t fully expect this story to have a fantasy element to it, but Kent executed the introduction of it so well that I welcomed it. His inclusion of a homosexual character arc was so beautifully done without it being the main focus of the character’s storyline. You could tell that other sensitive subjects within this story were not only well-researched and implemented carefully, but that they were important to the writer himself to spotlight. We write what we know and love in our lives.

Which brings me to grief. Because grief is so different for everyone, it’s hard for me to find a book that perfectly personifies it. Kent did an incredible job with presenting grief in various forms, and then handling the grief with compassion (through Noor).

This story was exactly what I needed and I hope it resonates with others the same.

[Shelby Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a horror novel that made me so emotionally attached to the characters, I cried. Amazing writing. Some of the spooky bits were so spooky, I felt scared reading it at night, just how I like a good horror.

[Ann Feutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a PDF copy of this book through a giveaway. I found it absolutely captivating and eerie. As a young widow, I felt a connection to Edna, that longing to be reunited with her greatest love. As a young woman, I loved Noor and her strength and bravery.

Brava!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read! It reminded me of a spooky Little Shop of Horrors. This book really kept my attention and I devoured it!.

[Shrike]

Equal parts heartbreaking, thrilling, and inspiring, this debut is like nothing else.

Past and present interweave in this tapestry of a book. A family divided by trauma reunite under the shadow of adversity. Foreshadowing that had me gasping "OH NO WAY" as the big reveal crashed headlong through the pages. Kent tackles so much with this book and does it so well.

Of course...I also adore the plant motif, especially how Kent uses the language of flowers to frame each chapter.

Thank you so much to the author for the chance to read this ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

[Lumi ✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for granting me an E-ARC. I want to start off by saying that I really tried to like this one. I almost DNF’d at 21% but kept trudging through as I felt I owed it to the author to continue on. Reading through other reviews had me thinking that not jiving with this novel was a me problem, so I persevered and I truly wish I hadn’t.

My first issue was BookSirens labelling this as LGBT+ fiction, which isn’t Kent’s fault, but still set me up with poor expectations. I’ve made an effort to read primarily queer centred books this year, especially during pride month, so reading this story featuring a straight couple’s love story was just a huge let down. I acknowledge that there are queer characters in Kent’s story and that Kent, himself, is a queer man, but the LGBT+ tag indicates a certain level of focus that this book just did not have.

Next, I was extremely uncomfortable with the frequent references by 7-year-old-Henry to 7-year-old-Edna’s “bubs”, which continued into their teen and adult years. A one-off joke from a silly boy is fine, but repeated comments on a child’s breasts, especially after she asked Henry to stop, is just gross and made me really hate the character.

Later in the book, we follow Noor, Edna’s “niece”, as she travels with Officer Troy. Noor is a “Special Education” teacher and likes to drop that fact into every conversation, which is fine, but Troy’s follow up comment is gross. “Great! I have a niece like that. Special, I mean.” I thought that we, as a society, had realised by now that disabled folk HATE being called “special” and that “special needs” is an extremely outdated term. There was no need for it here. Replacing “special education” with “disability educator” and having Troy informed on his literal family member’s actual diagnosis would have been a far better alternative, instead of using harmful terms. As an Autistic reader, this made me immediately distrust all of Kent’s research and efforts.

Further into that same section, Officer Troy sexually harasses Noor, which is also completely unnecessary. Though, I do like that he dies later on!

My final “ick” with this book is the way Louise’s deafness is handled. She “prefers sign language” but then communicates in perfect, unaccented, unbroken, spoken English? She doesn’t use the phone because the pitch upsets her hearing loss and causes physical pain, but it’s okay this time because her girlfriend (who’s never outwardly claimed to be her girlfriend, even to young and accepting Noor) is scared by what she hears? A lot of the ways Louise’s deafness was handled just felt like lazy story telling. Especially in sections where Kent describes how hearing loss forced her to rely on body language and now she’s an “expert in non-verbal communication and body language” so that’s how she knows that someone clutching their chest whilst on the phone means they’re shocked! There was so much telling not showing in Louise’s scenes that just read as someone milking the poorly researched representation, which is really disappointing.

All in all, this was just a major let down of a read and I’m regretful that I forced myself to finish it. A lot more research was needed into the disability representation and BookSirens needs to be more scrutinising in how it assigns labels to its submissions.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form. 

Whispers of Apple Blossoms, by Brett Mitchell Kent, is a supernatural, gothic horror that illustrates how one person’s fragility can infect an entire family. Edna is struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved husband, Henry. Despite concerns she is unable to take care of herself, Edna steadfastly refuses help and clings to a plant that Henry had given her when he proposed. Meanwhile, Noor decides to go to her Aunt Edna after her mother's disappearance, not understanding the danger she’s walking into or the darkness desperate to imprison her. 

The mandrake reminds me of the Vietnamese Ngai, a plant that, when given offerings, will do your bidding. Many “evil” practitioners in Vietnam use Ngai to manipulate people, steal money, and enslave others. The problem is that you need to continue to feed the Ngai, and if you don’t, you could wind up its next meal. Of course, this is an oversimplified version of how Ngai works, but it doesn’t stop my parents from telling their horror stories (apparently, there are a lot of Ngai practitioners in the nail salon world). Even so, from what I can understand in Western magic, the mandrake was a popular herb that had many uses in sympathetic magic. That the mandrake had a deep longing for love as other humans do speaks volumes of its potency. It also had that twisted child-mother bond with Edna, and it desired her, even if it wasn’t human.

Speaking of child-mother bonds, I liked how Kent explored the relationship between Edna and her mother, and again with Edna and her daughter. It seemed that, even though Edna might not mean to, she passed down her resentments towards her mother and then to Betty Lou. She could’ve had her real daughter, but unfortunately, as mentioned above, Edna chose a substitute and a poor one at that. It was the reason why Betty Lou disappeared in the first place. Without meaning to, the mandrake became her golden child, and even before it killed, there were times she prioritized its safety and well-being over Betty Lou’s. Her relationship with the mandrake was a poor imitation, nothing at all like the relationship Noor had with her mother. Then again, if Betty Lou had tried to develop that relationship, she would’ve ended up a victim as well. It seems that for all the support mothers are supposed to give their daughters, Edna was severely lacking.

I appreciate Kent incorporating the language of flowers into the book. Some of them I know, others I don’t, but I liked how Edna fell for their symbolism. She’s so ingrained with the past that it was easy to deceive her using something as simple as a flower. It was Henry’s love language to her, and it corrupted that.

Because of this, I would like to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edna Mann, a widow longing for the family she’s lost, finds companionship in an unlikely source when her late husband begins communicating with her through her houseplant. As those around her begin to disappear, Edna must confront the reality that something much worse may be at play… and has been for longer than she could have ever expected.
Nonlinear storytelling is an art. Sometimes it turns out excellent and other times it falls flat.
Whispers of Apple Blossoms is in the first category. It is a captivating exploration of love and loss through the lens of nonlinear storytelling. It weaves together the past and present, alongside the mysterious presence of Henry’s spirit without the houseplant and adds layers of intrigue and emotion to the narrative.
Edna and Henry Mann met when they are both seven. But that’s not where the story begins. It begins when Edna is 81 years old and is moving around her house. Her only companion is a houseplant that her now deceased husband gave her when he proposed. Edna is getting old. Too old to live on her own, despite her insistence that she is not alone. When her grandniece, Noor, arrives to find her missing mother and grandmother, events twist and turn in such a way that the reader is hanging on to every paragraph. There is something else at play in Edna’s house. Is Edna hiding an abusive past? Was she more than the confused, harmless woman people see now? Or is there something more to her insistence that her husband is still with her.
This storytelling approach allows the readers to uncover the complexities of Edna and Henry’s relationship over time. And by revealing parts of their history in non-chronological order, the reader is encouraged to piece together not only the puzzle of their lives but how that history shapes the unfolding events in the present.
The exploration of themes such as love enduring over decades, the impact of loss and grief, and the hidden depts of characters like Edna and Henry add a richness to the narrative. The mystery surrounding the house Edna currently lives in and its connection to Henry’s spirit creates a tension that keeps the reader engaged, eager to uncover the truths behind what’s happening and how it all involves a confused and lonely older woman.
I loved this book more than I expected to and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the whisper of the supernatural. This is Brett’s debut book and I cannot wait to see what else he produces.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasha Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is a plant mom this book was... well... unsettling. It's a novel about love, loss, and a darkness that haunts one family.

At 81, Edna has lost almost everything. All that's left is her sister-in-law Ruth, her niece Grace, and a plant her husband Henry gave her when they were children. The story twists through the decades, detailing the mysterious way people close to Edna and Henry kept disappearing. When Ruth and Grace go missing, it's up to Edna and Grace's daughter Noor to solve the mystery once and for all... if they can escape the darkness around them.

Kent's writing sets the mood from the beginning without being too obvious. His writing transports you to a world that unsettling, and you're really not sure why. He takes you through Henry and Edna's love story, and you begin to wonder when things might have gone wrong.

This almost felt like a folktale, unique and quick and definitely scary. You're given little snippets throughout about when things started to go wrong and how they've translated into the present. The characters may not all be the most pleasant, but I think the loss they've experienced through their lives make up for some of the gentleness they lack.

I loved Noor's character. She's tough and not going to give up on the search to find her mom, even when things take a turn for the worst. She was a great complement to the old and frail Edna who may or may not be losing her mind.

You follow along with Noor through this little home shrouded with mysteries that keep unveiling themselves. The short chapters makes this such a quick and easy read that I read it in 3 hours! It kept my attention the entire time.

****Thanks to BookSirens for lending me an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!****

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5 (rounded up!)

This book was so much fun (in a creepy horror kind of way)! I also think it would be a great introduction to horror for people that are new to the genre - it's a nice slow burn that incorporates aspects of other genres as well.

My favorite kind of horror books are books where the reader starts questioning their OWN sanity/thoughts - and this book pulled this off with me. The characters and history were really well-developed, and their stories (mostly) told in such an engaging way that it caused me to stay up late because I needed to know what happened next to them. There was a lot of emotion built into this book, too - it didn't feel like just a horror novel; it also had a genuine romance. The stark contrast of that romance with the horror is what made this SO much fun because it keeps you guessing every moment at what you're reading. The love and romance and deep relationships in this also set the story up for some truly creepy moments. Like I said, though, this is a slow burn horror - so be prepared for it to take a while to get into the main action.

Really the only frustration I had with the book was towards the beginning - it took me a little while to get used to the writing style and the jumping between characters/timelines. It felt unnatural to read at first. After I DID get to know the characters enough, I actually enjoyed that format - but it was a bit frustrating and overly choppy to read in the beginning.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book!

[Carlos E. Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Haunting Story About Love and Loss

Brett Mitchell Kent's debut novel is beautiful. If you're expecting a violent, in-your-face, splatterpunk gorefest, this might not be the book for you. Kent's Story is a refined slow burn; rising, building, and getting its vines around your heart before crushing it. The payoff definitely comes, and it's definitely worth it. It doesn't shy away from horror but it's not cheap scares or simple grossout, it's a haunting kind of horror.
This is a love story told by a horror lover. It's melancholic, tragic, uplifting, scary, and heartbreaking. It will first make you care about its characters, and understand their lives, their emotions, and the reasons they do things. At the center of the story is Edna and Henry's love story, because without it it would be impossible to truly grasp how loss changes the person you are, and the things we can do to hold on to our loved ones.
The creativity in the story is through the roof, especially once you're introduced to the notion of the language of flowers, which is something we all are at least passingly familiar with. We give roses for romance, white lillies for funerals, But this story puts it to use in a way I can honestly say I had never seen before.
If you are a horror fan, but also a romantic, read this novel. It's truly beautiful.

[Kelsey Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror story and a love story that speak in the language of flowers spanning decades -

Edna and Henry have been together all their lives. From their childhood running through the apple orchard… to the end, when cancer has taken Henrys life. Henry is not gone, however, Edna believes he is communicating with her through a beloved house plant. Unfortunately, things may be a little more sinister than that.

This was a such a poetic, light horror story. It has mystery elements, and constantly changing POVS and timelines. There is no confusion as to the flow of the story though. It flows very well and the flashbacks serve to help solve the mystery.

Not to mention, we have tons of flowers and plants appearing throughout the book that are also telling us a story. I LOVED how each chapter coincides with a different nature element and the meaning/origin was integrated into the storyline. That must have taken a lot of work on Brett’s part. It was very appreciated by me though!

I highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys nature horror like ‘Together We Rot’ or ‘House of Hollow’. Also for anyone who wants a light horror without too many scares.

[adam Kyriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!

I am not quite sure what I expected from this book, but I was very happily surprised. There isn’t any one good genre for this. It blends elements of memoir, love story, coping with loss, mystery, and I struggle to say more without giving away the ending. It was mixed well and after the first few chapters, I could hardly put the book down.

I would and have recommended this book to friends. I felt it moved something within me and made me recall what it was like to be truly, properly in love. The ending was thrilling, and I liked the twist midway through. It had me doubting reality, which I really enjoy. If you like horror, psychological thrillers, or tales that delve into family and the ties that bind us, I highly recommend this book. I will be putting it on my read again shelf.

The following paragraph contains a non-exhaustive list of triggers in this book. If you do not wish to be spoiled, please do not read on.


Cramped/trapped, dementia, missing loved ones, hunger, economic instability, impaling, grief, loss, drug use, and fire.

[Hannah Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you so much to Brett Mitchell Kent for sending me an ARC of Whispers of Apple Blossoms. I'm generally a bit of a wimp when it comes to horror, but when he told me it was not super scary soft horror and involved a woman who believes her dead husband is communicating with her through a houseplant, I had to give it a try!

This is an incredible strong debut with a beautiful love story, a complicated family, and a lot of the interpretation of flower correspondences built into the plot. If you're also a horror wimp, I think you'll be just fine. If you live in a house full of houseplants like I do.... be prepared to look at them just a bit differently!

I am genuinely a huge fan of this book. I'm often leery of female POVs written by men, but Kent does it phenomenally well, even reflecting on aging in a graceful way. The writing is great, the character are lovable, and the plot will have you guessing the whole way through!

[Winona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an ARC for this one from Book Sirens and I was concerned at first that it would be a DNF. I'll say why later but...instead of being a DNF I read it in about 6 days.

This novel does what I love in a book, and that is it makes you FEEL for your characters. A story about love, loss, and haunted house plants that had me bawling by the end of it. When a horror novel makes me cry you know its good.

This is not a book full of blood and gore, but a more subtle horror. I guess its what people would call a slow burn. Or is that just romance? I'm not up on all the hip terms these days.

It would have been a 5 star read but I knocked off one star because the entire book consists of time jumps back and forth from past to future. That is why I thought I was going to have to DNF and why it took me 6 days to read instead of just 2 or 3.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might start off sweet, but things take a dark turn pretty quickly, and you'll find yourself held in this book's grip from cover to cover. There were so many twists, I could never be totally sure of where the book would take me next, which just hyped up the tension even more. I love how this feels equal parts romance and horror, and there are moments that make you smile among the ones that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up, while you're reading as fast as you can to find out what happens next. My heart really went out to Edna, and the heartbreak she experiences. She and all the other characters just feel so real that it immerses you even deeper in the story. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys horror!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story of grief, transitions, denial - so many things. I felt sad, frustrated, and scared throughout. I really enjoyed the lead up between past and present and how it convinced us to be just as present in the grief and loneliness Edna felt in her life. We were along for the ride rather than being spoon-fed. The surprises were definitely ones that made me gasp and I really enjoyed the refreshing angle on the horror in this story - it felt very human. This was a read unlike any other I’ve read. I’m removing the one star because I would’ve liked for a little more fleshing out right at the end - the revelation for Noor came and went kind of quickly for my liking and I would’ve liked to sit in that and be able to feel it. Overall, I think it was a great read and I’d recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens with a quiet and reflective moment that hooked me right away with the characters, and a great hook. A grieving old woman goes through her daily routine with her husband, but he’s been dead for a year. You start to wonder if she’s in denial, has some form of memory loss, or just enjoys remembering him in the ritual. Or maybe it’s something more…

The story spans multiple characters and timelines, and quickly becomes a creepy mystery. There is a shocking twist as the story progresses, and the story weaves in layers of grief, horror, and family secrets. It all comes together in a satisfying end that ties things up in a natural way while still feeling real and true to the characters.

Because it feels thoughtful, reflective and literary, while also delving into a fast paced mystery with horror elements, I think most people would enjoy this book. It’s got a bit of everything!

[alyssa . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️. Whispers of Apple Blossoms is a beautifully written novel that starts by introducing a grieving widow and her love story. The story progressively gets darker and darker. A wonderful debut novel by Brett Mitchell Kent that I would recommend to those who appreciate horror with little gore.

Great character building, you really connect with all the characters. Each chapter time jumps from the past to the present, which is generally something that deters me from finishing a book. In this case, it was executed wonderfully and added more emotion to the story.

I received an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was so much fun to read! It’s told from a small handful of perspectives at different times in the narrators’ lives but is done in a way that is very easy to follow. As the story and mystery unwound I found myself unable to put this down! Short chapters also made the book fly by. Starting each chapter with a different flower type and what the flower symbolizes was really neat. I don’t want to give too much away but there are some mysterious, sometimes sinister, events over the years that surround our characters all coming to a head in 2000. I look forward to more from this author in the future!