Send Flowers: A Magical Realism Exploration of Love and Loss — A Heartfelt Contemporary Climate Fiction Debut

A heartfelt debut about a “greenfluencer” who becomes convinced that her late boyfriend has been reincarnated as a houseplant, perfect for fans of Margo's Got Money Troubles and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Fiona, better known as eco-influencer @FoliageFifi, hasn’t left her apartment since her boyfriend, Ed, died. It’s easy to self-isolate when your heart’s shattered and the planet you’ve spent your whole life trying to save is dying right outside your window. But when a houseplant randomly appears on her doorstep with an anonymous note, Fiona feels a flicker of hope—it’s not just any plant; it’s Ed’s favorite. Thinking it’s a sign, Fiona pours Ed’s ashes into the soil, only to wake up to find the plant has vibrantly flowered. And can…talk? There’s only one logical explanation: Ed is back. This time as a houseplant.

As Fiona knows all too well, plants have needs—sunlight, water and fresh air—all of which she can’t adequately provide from her dark, stuffy apartment. Intent on keeping Ed alive, Fiona slowly ventures back out into the world, the plant’s voice and budding flowers her guiding compass. But when Ed becomes more demanding in his botanical needs, urging her toward the people and places that left her scarred, Fiona realizes that preserving Ed’s life could mean risking her own. How far will she go to keep him blooming?

Whip-smart and inspiring, Send Flowers is a poignant exploration of the human spirit, the importance of community in weathering life’s storms, and love’s enduring presence, even in the wake of profound loss.

Emily Buchanan is an author and environmental activist from Thanet. She studied English Literature at the University of East Anglia with a focus on Creative Writing and worked for Greenpeace as a Creative Campaigner. She now freelances as a graphic designer and illustrator for nonprofits. Emily wrote her first novel at twelve―a bedtime story for her little sister―and has been telling stories in one way or another ever since. She lives in Norwich, UK, with her pianist spouse and a brood of four-legged friends.