Whispers in the Branches

by Brandy Heineman

Note: This eBook version is for kindle paperwhite, windows phones, and windows 8 specific kindle app. specifically. The other version is for all other devices.
Tending a void in her heart that demands to be filled, Abby Wells uproots her life in Ohio to move into the ancestral home in Georgia. Now that her mom is gone, it's her best chance to connect with the last of her family, and she can't deny the pull of the supposedly haunted house. The seductive comfort of believing that ghosts could be real drives her search, but Aunt Ruby's plans for Abby don't include revealing secrets kept for seventy years. Oh, there's dirty laundry she'd like to air—just not her own.
Indulging in the attentions of the house's handsome caretaker helps numb her pain, but Abby's ex-boyfriend won't let go of the past. He hounds her about his newfound religion in hopes of reconciling, but why reach for him or the God who couldn't or wouldn't spare her mom? In the stillness of the old house, the spirit world feels so close she can almost touch it.

But she doesn't know yet that there's more than one way to be haunted.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2015

About the author

BRANDY HEINEMAN is a book hoarder, cat herder, and Christian author of romantic mysteries. She fuels her day job in marketing and life as a novelist with endless cups of tea. Her perfect Saturday entails either curling up with a book or deep diving in genealogy databases. Brandy was a 2014 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest. Her latest novel, Like Honey for the Bones, is a split-time story with Scandinavian influences. Brandy lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Michael. Visit her online at https://brandyheineman.com.

Reviews

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me in a Goodreads Giveaway, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the first book I ever won in a Giveaway, and I was extremely excited because many religious books don't have ghost hunting or genealogy as themes. However, I found myself disenchanted with the book the more I read. Half way through the book I debated to stop reading because up to that point the book is very slow paced and the main female characters, Abby and Ruby, seem too prickly of characters. It's clear they're extremely traumatized from past events in their lives, but they use these as excuses to be conceited, rude, or have pity on themselves most of the time to truly care for. If not for the curiosity in reading what happens to ex-boyfriend, Greg, and stand in landowner and local dream boat, Will, I probably would have stopped. I'm glad I read more because that's when the book started getting livelier. Still these chapters were still too slow paced and the ending seemed anticlimactic. This book reminds me of those weekend movies that people have never heard of but give a chance because they sound interesting and have free time. At the end, you either feel like it was time well spent, or it was something to do with your time. When the book was done for me I was one of the latter mentioned; I had hoped to enjoy this book more than I did.

[ChrisGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author’s debut novel is delightfully well-written and well-developed. Her characters are made vibrantly alive by their colorful expressions. Abby, the protagonist, explains her search for meaning as “I need my life to be different. Right now it’s the same it’s always been, but with holes.. . . . .It’s about filling the holes. Staying alive.” Of course, she acknowledges that “uprooting her life to become a ghost-hunter? Certifiably nuts.” We quickly identify with her and her problems and root for her to find peace and contentment. Ruby, on the other hand, is a bundle of secrets and contradictions. In her late eighties, she is feisty and wily. “A little excitement did the job of an egg-white facial—it didn’t halt time, but for a short while, at least reversed its effects.” She laments the restrictions on her life, but “they buzzed along…., til Death picked ‘em off like flies in a bug lamp. “ So far she has “escaped the bug whacker”. Other characters are similarly intriguing and filled with mysterious behavior and motivations. Altogether, we are presented with a cast that grabs us from the beginning and leads us on an adventure of discovery along with Abby. So many questions arise to be answered.
As a Yankee who moved to near Kennesaw, Georgia, 45 years ago, I related to Abby’s reaction to Southern accents and Southern cuisine, especially sweet tea and grits. (Like Abby, I still don’t eat grits, cheesy or otherwise.) She shares her perception of some Southern cultural traits. “People back home either answered a question or told the asker to back off, but Will dangled by his good manners, helpless”. The vague lingering distrust of Northerners was humorously portrayed.
The exploration of Southern living is interesting but plays a minor role, however. The real focus of the story is on the house and its secrets. Once again, the author paints vivid pictures for us. Was the “ghost flattened and trapped beneath the layers of paint”? And “The mood hung around like a sour smoke.” and “The eager welcome feeling shifted to a sense of being overshadowed. Consumed even.” Abby hopes the house will lead her to the truth about its history and her own. Is the ghost real? What is the deal with Will? What is the explanation for the weird lease? What is Ruby hiding? What family secrets will be revealed, and what effect will they have on everyone involved as they come to light?
An underlying theme is the story of Abby’s faith journey. She looks for hope and answers in the past, but Will and Ruby know the only hope for her is found in relationship with God. I heartily recommend this engaging story of family, relationships, forgiveness and redemption. I received this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for this my honest opinion.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I enjoyed reading this book. It describes a lot of issues for a young woman who gets to know family that she had never seen before. One of these is her father. I don't want to spoil the story so pick up and read it for yourself. You will be glad you did.

[C.D. Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy Heineman is a master of metaphors and vibrant writing. Her meticulous attention to detail in this book is what brings the book alive. Set in the author's hometown, Kennesaw takes on a new look as the author takes us back to the days of Ruby's youth long ago. In addition to discovering secrets and uncovering pain in the past, Abbey journeys to find her new identity with her mother gone and everything she knows still in Ohio. She's vulnerable and easy to relate to in that she doesn't really trust what she sees, but isn't sure that what is unseen is any better. I found this story to be rewarding in the end with twists and turns along the way. Great book. I recommend it!

[Jennifer Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Brandy's ability to write one sentence with multiple meanings. Her metaphors are sneaky and sometimes only understood after a second or third reading. This book, as with her short stories, unfolds in different ways every time I read. The first, of course, I was focused on the mystery. The second, the message. And every time since, I've found those little hidden gems that made the story so beautiful the first time but not in an overt, bash-me-over-the-head kind of way. I do recommend this book, but even more than that, I recommend multiple visits with it.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. Psalm 39:6

The story opens Jan. 18, 21012 with Ruby Watts, an 88 year old causing others to whisper things like, 'she ain't right" or "old and funny", assuming she can't hear, but she can and has her memory too. Her nephew, 54 year old Blake often comes by for food and/or money, but has no real relationship with his aunt.

Then there is Abby Wells, great niece to Ruby, whom after losing her mom to cancer, contacts her Aunt to visit and hopefully do some filling in of the missing information on her family tree. One would think it would be about her father, Richard but she was more interested in finding out about her grandparents and before. She lives in Akron, OH and has also recently lost her job and her boyfriend, Greg.

Abby immediately gets into things while looking for somewhere to put her stuff in the room she has been assigned. Not only does she find something, she adds it to her bag. When Abby's questions get too much for Aunt Ruby, she sends her off on an errand for lunch, and a visit by the old family home, a real haunted house, where she lived until she married John. Ruby's caretaker Will will meet her there.

Snooping must run in the family as once Abby leaves Aunt Ruby starts her search through Abby's things.

Will turns out not to be some old caretaker, but a young man, perhaps college age. This definitely throws Abby for a loop. Not at all what she expected.

The visit leaves her with more questions than answers and when her room mate, Sarah, and sister of her ex-boyfriend Greg speaks of moving out, Abby makes a bold move to be closer to her family and learn more about them first-hand.

Only problem is no one really wants to share, in fact she feels as if they, Aunt Ruby and Uncle don't really want her there. And as she reads and rereads her lease she is taken aback with one part especially.

"Rent payable by cash or check in person or by mail is due the first of the month unless it's a Sunday and then the second, and payments don't count toward any post or future debts." pg. 50

Abby is not sure what to make of this or her aunt, but moves in, and then has to deal with a ghost...or is it just her imagination. Is that a murky figure of a man watching her, or just a gnarly cobweb?

"If you're real, fine. Haunt me. I want to be convinced." pg. 65

Her aunt is less than forthcoming and Will is of little help, so she does what she does best, and starts digging through old files at the town office. What will she find? Whom will she find?

I have never read a book like this one! It was interesting, to say the least, even if you are not into family history, more so if you are! The characters well developed, and easily liked or strongly disliked. The story is well written and easily transitions from earlier years to now, and you just may find yourself believing in ghosts. I highly recommend this read which has a little bit of everything, and kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Pick up this book today, make yourself a tea and sit back and enjoy. You'll be glad you did.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by bookfun.org. Thanks so much!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel would probably be of interest to those who are investigating family history. That's what the main character, Abby, in this novel does. It was interesting reading about how she went about it. I really didn't like Abby. She has a big hole in her soul and she hopes to fill it by filling in the missing pieces of her heritage. She treated people poorly and it was hard for me to not dislike her. I was a little confused at times and it may be this Pacific Northwest Yankee person trying to understand southern ruminations. Abby travels to her Aunt Ruby's to get information. Ruby does everything she can to keep information hidden. When it all comes out, it seemed like Ruby was more intense than the secret demanded. There is a possibility of ghosts and a haunted house and some may like that. There is a firm message, however, that Jesus is the only One who can fill that hole in the soul.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1HICRbx.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Abby Find Self, Family, True Love?

What to do when your fiancé fires you instead of defending you; your mother has recently died, leaving you bereft; and your questionable "best friend" decides she's moving in with her fiancé? Abby, in Brandy Heineman's first go at the fiction world, leaves Ohio to trace her relatives in Georgia.

There Abby encounters a great-aunt, a creepy old house with rumors of ghosts, a good-looking young caretaker, and secrets in the family tree. Added to the mix is the former boyfriend, following Abby,unwilling to give up.

The characterizations and situations are so true-to-life, it is like watching reality tv. Will Abby ever find the father she's looking for and the purpose in life? Two young men are vying for the chance to show Abby the way back to Jesus, one especially reminding me of how patiently Jesus woos the lost sheep to Himself.

This was a page-turner as I anxiously wondered whether Abby would find herself, her family, and her true love.

I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

New-to-me author Brandy Heineman delivered an intriguing novel that held my interest throughout. The book was somewhat different than what I am used to but interesting nevertheless. Its reasonably slow-moving plot fits perfectly with the Southern background of the story.

Filled with characters with secrets or unresolved issues, the story revolves around Abby Wells who after her mother’s death and loss of her job, leaves everything to attempt to discover her family roots. Her Georgia relatives are somewhat weird to say the least and Abby’s Aunt Ruby soon has her believing that the family home is inhabited by a ghost. Needless to say, secrets are revealed and Abby discovers the truth about her ghost. Abby is a character who is difficult to like or understand but I found myself pitying her and her plight. I did admire her ex-boyfriend Greg whose persistence won me over.

“Whispers in the Branches” will appeal to those with interest in genealogy and Southern literature. I enjoyed it immensely.

This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.

[Brandy]

Oh, it was fun revisiting Abby and Aunt Ruby to release this refreshed second edition of Whispers in the Branches! I won't rate my own book, but I will admit to falling in love with my characters all over again...

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandy Heineman's book "Whispers in the Branches" is a great story that follows the main character Abby while she searches for answers to questions about her family. She leaves her home in Ohio after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend, Greg. She goes to Kennasaw, Georgia to visit her Aunt Ruby after her mother dies.
Aunt Ruby sets her up in the old, run down house that she owns but Abby hears that it may be haunted.
Is there really a ghost or is it just the secrets from her past?
By the end of the book it was a "page turner" and I couldn't stop reading until I had finished it.
I received a free digital copy from the Book Club Network at www.bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Abby contacts her 88 year old Aunt Ruby asking to visit and hopefully do some filling in of the missing information on her family tree. She finds herself researching and finding more that she hoped for. Genealogy research isn't always a good, wonderful experience and she finds some things in the past family members would just as soon be left there! I found a little mystery and her experiences with a ghost entertaining. I received a copy from The BookClub Network (bookfun.org) for my opinion which I have given.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandy Heineman has done a good job with her new novel, Whispers in the Branches. The main character, Abby, is on the run from a broken relationship and has uprooted from Ohio to Georgia to find out more about her Southern heritage. Octogenarian Aunt Ruby welcomes Abby and helps to fill in some of the family tree, until some secrets begin to pop up. Abby wants "stories. Scandals, secret weddings, jailbirds. Any family legends" but Aunt Ruby is not quite so forthcoming as Abby would like. About the boxes of papers stored in her home, Ruby says she's "seen most before and lived the rest, Once was enough!." So Abby is off on some ghost hunting adventures, with a young caretaker, a cranky uncle and the ex-boyfriend livening up the search. As Abby is walking through cemeteries, talking to would be ghosts and combing county records her faith in God and purpose in life is challenged. Can forgiveness bring healing? Is Heaven real? Heineman develops her characters well, and gives descriptive word pictures such as when Abby's supposedly haunted house is described with "foggy mottled windows and weather beaten porch steps leading up to a crooked front door." and "Malevolent ivy." Included with the book is a discussion guide. The author touches on several subjects with this story, i.e., depression, family relationships, forgiveness and wraps it up nicely in a likable debut novel.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookfun.org and GoodReads.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby Wells is a young woman who is searching for meaning in her life, moving from Ohio to Georgia at the invitation of an elderly great aunt. Fleeing from a failed relationship and hurting from the loss of her mother drives Abby on to look for the missing branches of her family tree. What she finds will open her eyes and heart in ways she could have never imagined.

Abby's genealogy research shakes up a few skeletons in her family closet, upsetting a few people who seem equally as determined to keep them there. The story gets interesting the more she finds, and the pieces come together. A little confusing at first, but after sorting out who the characters were and how they relate to each other, this story kind of teases you into wanting to know what her roots search will reveal, and if the old house she stays in is indeed haunted. Her great aunt Ruby is a kick, and friend Will seems like the image of a perfect Southern gentleman. The lyrical descriptive writing style of the author makes it feel like a tale told on a warm day sitting on a large covered porch drinking sweet tea; not to be rushed, best taken with a dose of patience, and rather enjoyable in the end.

Fans of Meg Moseley, Alice Wisler, Ann Tatlock and Southern fiction would probably like this story. Recommend Gone South by Meg Moseley if you enjoy this style of writing. 3.5 stars
(This book was provided by The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest unsolicited opinion.)

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whispers in the Branches" by Brandy Heineman is the first thing I have ever read by this refreshing author. She did a good job! Her writing style of using two different times was flawless. They melded together smoothly. The story was interesting and flowed smoothly. Her characters were unique yet relatable. I loved her main and secondary ones. Her plot was well thought and interesting. It had elements of romance, genealogy, adventure, mystery, surprises, and inspiration.

"Whispers in the Branches" is a tale about a girl from Ohio, Abby, searching for information about her family. Abbey goes to Georgia to live with her Aunt Ruby to find out more about her family. However, Aunt Ruby and other relatives are uncooperative in providing the information. It also is the story of old friends coming back together.

I really liked how some characters were devoted to God. It sends a great message. This book shows how to turn to God, trust Him, and turn to Him. I loved all of the twists and surprises in the story. That makes reading much more interesting.

I would recommend this book. It was very interesting. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Billie Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like genealogy research, you will enjoy Abby Wells’ delving into her family history in Whispers in the Branches by Brandy Heineman. Abby writes to her great aunt with questions about her family. Aunt Ruby, quite the character herself, invites Abby to visit. Since Abby is currently out of work, she goes to Georgia for an extended visit. Abby has to deal with relationships with both her family in Georgia and her Ohio friends. She has real questions about a young man she meets in Georgia. Abby learns about the history of the area in Georgia where her family resided as she searches for her roots. She has real questions about a young man she meets in Georgia. And she wonders if there really are ghosts and is the old house really haunted. Through it all Abby is searching for what has real meaning for her life. I enjoyed reading Whispers in the Branches and recommend it to readers of contemporary Christian fiction. I received a copy from the publisher by way of The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story by Brandy Heineman. Abby feels betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, her roommate is moving out, and her mom just recently died of cancer. Abby decides to head to Georgia to trace her family history and hopefully get answers to questions from the past that can explain circumstances in the present. There are a few surprises along the way. Here aunt implies that the house Abby is renting from her is haunted but is very vague about who or why and she is not quick to give up any secrets. The mysterious young man that has been the caretaker of the house is intriguing as well, and I love how the author weaves his and Abby's stories together. I feel that this is a fine debut novel for this author and look forward to reading more.

I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Sherri Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this debut novel by newcomer Brandy Heineman. Such an unusual read and not at all what I expected. I couldn't imagine how the author would pull off a "ghost" story in a Christian novel, but she did. Like the book says, there is more than one way to be haunted. Abby Wells is haunted by her past and pretty much paralyzed from moving forward to her future until she figures out where she came from and who she really is. The author uses a great mix of past and present to tell this story, including researching the family tree, which is one of my favorite things to do and is something that drew me to this book in the first place. I'm familiar with the setting, and Heineman did a great job of describing the small town of Kennesaw, Georgia and the surrounding areas. If you're looking for a mysterious book that will leave you wondering what's going to happen next, this is a great one!

[Lindi Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had Whispers in the Branches on my TBR pile since it came out. Now I wonder why I didn't read it sooner. Loved the story, loved the writing. Brandy Heineman can paint word pictures with her pen. I honestly didn't know what was about to happen from one chapter to the next. I'm not going to give away spoilers, but know the ending is just as it should be. Nothing cheesy or dramatic, but real and hopeful. I can't wait to read my next Brandy Heineman story---one that WON'T sit on my TBR pile at all, because I'll read it right away. :)

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story! Whispers in the Branches was a very intriguing story. Yes, I wanted to know what Abby would discover about her family, but more importantly I wanted to know what she would discover about herself. I will admit that it took me a minute to get into this story because I did not care for Abby in the beginning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Club Network for my honest review.

[Jenny Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was such an enjoyable read! I loved the blending of past and present to tell Aunt Ruby's story and especially enjoyed the path that Abby takes to solve her mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the characters and the family history. I think all families have these hidden secret. Well done.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love family genealogy, so this was an interesting story on finding out who your family really is.

This is the story of Abby Wells who after visiting her aunt in Georgia, decides to move there to find more about her family on her father's side. Abby has recently lost her job, so she has no ties to Ohio, other than that is where she is from. She just lost her mom, so moving to Georgia to be by family makes sense. Her Aunt Ruby, her grandmother's sister, rents her a house to live in. But with it comes the secrets of a life long past. Her pseudo-landlord is a young man who works for Ruby and befriends Abby. With many twists and turns Abby finds who her family is, but in the end, she finds who her real family is, back in Ohio.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, but I wanted more depth to the characters and story. I liked Aunt Ruby, she was a feisty old thing, but I wanted more to her story with Christie. We got a little bit of it towards the end, but I wanted more. Why was he buried in among the trees at the edge of the cemetery? Why did she have such a big account balance, but never did anything with it after 1942? Where did that money come from? Abby wanted to learn her family history, but Aunt Ruby was of course very tight-lipped about it. I wanted to know more about George Hart and why he was a Union soldier, not a Confederate soldier. There has to be some story through the years of why. Abby did some research, but very little. Will was a quiet character, it wasn't until the very end that we learned who he was and why he was so close to Aunt Ruby. What made Blake and Richard such horrible men? The story was good, but there were a lot of gaps that needed to be filled, in my opinion. If you bring the characters in to make them a main point of the story, I want to know why, why are they so important to the story, tell me.

I like the story, based on the gaps I think were in the book, I give it 3.5 stars, but round up to 4. Thank you Netgalley and Elk Lake Publishing for this advanced reader copy.

[Nicole Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Branches is a debut novel by Brandy Heineman. It is an enjoyable and unique story about finding out who you are and where you belong.

After several losses in a short period of time, Abby moves to a small town in Georgia to try and connect to her roots with help from her Great Aunt Ruby. However, she finds more than expected while hurdling roadblocks, difficult family members, a re-emerging ex, and a handsome landlord who may be more than he seems.

I really enjoyed the family history aspect of this story. As a genealogist myself, I could feel and relate to Abby's emotions at discovering her family tree and the brick walls that can pop up in research.

Overall, the novel was a little confusing and disjointed to me. The first couple of chapters were difficult to get through but I'm glad I pushed through them.
The character development was good, but left me scratching my head in a couple of cases. Aunt Ruby has an intense desire to keep her past hidden and when the truth is revealed, that intensity seems a little extreme. Abby herself has some issues, as anyone would in her position, but some of her decisions made me want to pull her off the pages and shake her!

Brandy Heineman is a wonderful author and can paint beautiful pictures with her pen, but I think this just needed a little more finesse. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, IBPA, and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicole Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Branches is a debut novel by Brandy Heineman. It is an enjoyable and unique story about finding out who you are and where you belong.

After several losses in a short period of time, Abby moves to a small town in Georgia to try and connect to her roots with help from her Great Aunt Ruby. However, she finds more than expected while hurdling roadblocks, difficult family members, a re-emerging ex, and a handsome landlord who may be more than he seems.

I really enjoyed the family history aspect of this story. As a genealogist myself, I could feel and relate to Abby's emotions at discovering her family tree and the brick walls that can pop up in research.

Overall, the novel was a little confusing and disjointed to me. The first couple of chapters were difficult to get through but I'm glad I pushed through them.

The character development was good, but left me scratching my head in a couple of cases. Aunt Ruby has an intense desire to keep her past hidden and when the truth is revealed, that intensity seems a little extreme. Abby herself has some issues, as anyone would in her position, but some of her decisions made me want to pull her off the pages and shake her!

Brandy Heineman is a wonderful author and can paint beautiful pictures with her pen, but I think this just needed a little more finesse. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, IBPA, and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandy Heineman’s “Whispers in the Branches” is a story filled with ghosts, family relationships and dealing with ghosts from the past.

After her mother’s death, Abby Wells is searching for answers about her enigmatic family, so she heads from Ohio to visit her Great Aunt Ruby Watts in Georgia. When Ruby allows Abby to rent the old family home — a house that may or may not be haunted — she digs into the mysteries of her family’s past.

As she seeks answers about the family, Abby finds herself looking for answers about herself — what she wants from life, including love, employment and just where home is.

Heineman creates an intriguing plot filled with some twists and turns. Readers will relate to the inquiring Abby and will enjoy the quirky Aunt Ruby.

She also includes some great themes in “Whispers in the Branch,” including overcoming pain and grief; the power of grudges; and healing old wounds.

“Whispers in the Branches” is a story of identity and finding one’s path.

Four stars out of five.

Independent Book Publishers Assoc. (IBPA) provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Branches held immediate appeal to me! The summaries hinted at spookiness and that got my attention! Reading this book was like a puzzle, gradually filling the pieces and answering questions of the unknown. What did Abby do to get fired? Does someone broken-hearted kill themselves? Why does Aunt Ruby not reveal everything she knows? Since there are possibilities of a ghost in Abby's house, is it real? What difference does God make? Reading that, "There is more than one way to be haunted" you will have to read this book to see the completed, delightful, ending! Complete the eerie reading, if you dare!
I appreciate being allowed to read this book on NetGalley, compliments of Independent Publishers Book Association. My thoughts expresseed are my own.

[Penny Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Branches by Brandy Heineman is a delightful story of Abby from Ohio, who has had recent losses in her life, her fiancee who is also her boss, fires her from her job and her mother passes away. She travels to Georgia to find her roots and long lost relatives. She finds herself digging up ghosts and a forgotten past for the her family. This well written mystery has many twists and turns throughout the book and captivates you from the first chapter. I hope to read more by this talented author! I was given an ARC of this by the author but it didn't sway my review at all - excellent and highly recommended read!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Branches held immediate appeal to me. The summaries hinted at spookiness and that got my attention! Reading this book was like a puzzle, gradually filling the pieces and answering questions of the unknown. What did Abby do to get fired? Does someone broken-hearted kill themselves? Why does Aunt Ruby not reveal everything she knows? Since there are possibilities of a ghost in Abby's house, is it real? What difference does God make? Reading that, "There is more than one way to be haunted" you will have to read this book to see the completed, delightful, ending! Complete the eerie reading, if you dare!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby leaves Ohio to find family members she never knew and to find answers to questions her mother was unable to answer before her death. She goes to her great-aunt Ruth in Kennesaw Georgia. This book is all over the place and doesn't know if it wants to be a southern ghost story, a Christian book, or a mystery dealing with family secrets. The book is ok but will not be on my favorite list. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.