Thank you, thank you, thank you #RBmedia & #NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this fantastic book. I don't think there was anything I did not like about the book. Even the difficult subject matter was handled with expertise. The utilization of the perfect words in a concise, but finely constructed way, avoided redundancy or being overly descriptive.

I was hooked on this book with the first sentence.
"Ghosts started whispering to me by name the spring I turned twelve, the same spring the flesh mounded up under my nipples and the dark moon blood began its monthly flow from between my legs."
Rarely will a first sentence cause me to stop and replay the line. I even borrowed the eBook from the library because I had to see these words in print.

I am not usually interested in a supernatural storyline, unless it is a great story. This is a great story!
The audio book was superb with a multicast of characters.

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford’s debut, a Southern Gothic story of trauma, grief, pain, and enduring bonds of family and friendship, is hauntingly beautiful. Solid narration by Laura Jennings as Wreath and Matt Godfrey as Mercer. Zuru Johnson’s voice as Genevieve is mesmerizing!

It has many content warnings, but the information is portrayed without being graphic or gratuitous.

This debut novel was a five star binge read for me! It has a richness of language that that captures beauty of nature.

Genevieve Charbonneau is a complex yet endearing protagonist, one whom I hope will return on the pages of another Hayford novel!

Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for an audio version of this title for an honest review.

I had the privilege of enjoying the audiobook of The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford has been praised for its haunting and visceral storytelling. Set in 1967 Arkansas, it follows Genevieve Charbonneau, a woman with a unique connection to ghosts and rattlesnakes, as she returns to her childhood home. The story delves into themes of trauma, family, and redemption, blending Southern Gothic elements with magical realism.

Listeners have highlighted the audiobook's ability to bring the characters and setting to life, making it an immersive experience. The narrative explores dark and emotional depths, offering a powerful tale of resilience and human connection. If you're a fan of Southern Gothic or stories with complex characters and rich atmospheres, this might be a captivating listen for you!

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford is a mesmerizing blend of folklore, mystery, and emotional depth that completely swept me away. The audiobook narration is nothing short of magical—bringing each character vividly to life and drawing you deep into the heart of the story. Hayford’s writing is rich and lyrical, painting scenes with such beauty and authenticity that I felt like I was walking beside the characters, hearing the wind through the trees and the haunting call of the blue bottle tree itself. The blend of magical realism with deeply human themes makes this a truly unique experience. It's rare to find a story that feels both timeless and fresh, and this one struck that perfect balance. I laughed, I held my breath, and yes—I cried. The characters are unforgettable, especially the strong and soulful protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and healing feels incredibly real and relatable. Highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves beautifully told stories that stir the soul. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

This does have content that could trigger some people- explicit physical abuse and child sexual abuse especially.

I was on the fence about picking this up due to the whole magical element of the book. I did, and I was find until the climax. That pushed over my tolerance for anything fantasy. So, basically, I am not the target audience, so take my rating with a grain of salt.

I did enjoy the setting and characters- well MOST of the characters. Bigger was my favorite. I liked how they overcame adversity.

Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings narrate the audiobook. It is told from many POVs, so while I enjoyed the narration a lot, I kind of prefer either one narrator or one for each POV. The in-between, like this, is kind of confusing from a listening aspect. You associate a voice with a POV, but that was not the case.

I received an advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Im sorry to say, that I had trouble following this story. There were time jumps and so many characters that I didn’t under what it was supposed to be about.

I’m sure it’s a great book but as an audio book I’m not sure.

1967 Arkansas and Genevieve has returned to her childhood home. She escaped a mental hospital, worked at a circus and danced to earn money. She meets a trouble Vietnam veteran and family members. She sees abuse dispensed by the local Preacher, both to his family and parishioners. He must be stroked.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good complicated characters who have lots in their lives to resolve. Can they help others who need rescuing from the Preacher or is life just too difficult or dangerous?

The story takes place in the 1960s with the main character Genevieve, who has a unique personality and talks to ghosts. She's traveling around the south with a circus escaping issues from her past and meets a Vietnam vet also struggling with his past, and he takes her into his home to provide a place of safety. She then meets a family whose father is a preacher, and we find that the family has been suffering abuse at the hands of the preacher. The book is written so well. The characters are beautifully complex, each one bringing out a range of emotions that make them feel incredibly real. Their depth and the way they were written stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Overall, this was a powerful, unforgettable read. The violence in the book is disturbing but people need to stop hiding truths like this and make sure others understand they can help if someone is asking. I think there is many mental health issues including trauma, trauma bond and others that are touched uoin. To like the book is not appropriate for this book and the story line. The book is complex, deep, and quite the tale woven within the pages and unique presentation of many issues. If you are looking for something that makes you think, wince in violence and get angry you can't help this may be something you would read. I will be reading additional books by India Hayford. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity.

Genevieve Charbonneau has wandered throughout the South, escaping a mental hospital in Alabama, working for a Louisiana circus, and dancing at a hoochy-kootch in Texas. Now she is visiting the site of her grandmother’s Arkansas farmhouse. She runs into a haunted young Vietnam vet and reconnects her with the remnants of a family. However, she soon discovers she may have to make a decision to run or fight!

Y’all, this story made me mad, sad, and yes, murderous! Trust me when I say I wanted to kill the father/preacher/abuser! The control this man had on his family…

To say this story is going to stay with me for a while is an understatement. And the way the author weaves in ghosts is brilliant. And yes there are snakes…not my favorite. But in true southern, religious fashion, this is a brilliant addition as well. Just makes the story more creepy, compelling and authentic!

There are quite a few characters, each with their own issue, and the narrators, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings, are OUTSTANDING!

Need a haunting story which will have you gasping for air…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! Very reminiscent of novels by my favorite author Kristin Hannah. The imagery was so clear and beautifully written, I could imagine every scene as it unfolded. I could not stop listening and finished it in a day and a half. The female narrators were excellent, but I felt like the male narration was flat and a little awkward. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This novel surpasses *The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek* while maintaining a similar narrative style. It exemplifies India Hayford's talent as an author capable of multi-dimensional storytelling. This was the most impressive NetGalley read for me this year, and I anticipate it will perform exceptionally well upon its release. I extend my gratitude to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance copy and share my insights.
Genevieve possesses the unique ability to communicate with spirits, not in a conventional manner associated with ghost stories. Additionally, she has a remarkable talent for handling snakes. Misunderstood during her youth, Genevieve returns to Arkansas, where she encounters Mercer in an unexpected location. They establish a platonic household together.
While this constitutes the straightforward plotline, the more intricate aspect revolves around the Preacher and his family, all of whom maintain connections with Genevieve. The question arises whether Genevieve can covertly influence salvation and retribution within this family without necessitating another departure. Note: I listened to an audio version of this book and the narration is outstanding!

This story had some parts that really held my attention, but others that seemed to drag on a little too long or seemed repetitive. Overall, a unique, interesting book.

4.5⭐️

Oh dear. Nothing could have prepared me for how brutal this would be. This book explores a number of themes, but the ones that stood out to me the most were religion and the abuse of power. It felt truly depressing to read, like something horrible was happening on every single page. If you're someone who doesn’t like to feel that way while reading, you might want to steer clear of this one. But sometimes, I appreciate when books take me to those dark places to serve as a reminder of the raw, hard truths about the evil that exists in our world.

This is a historical fiction novel with major historical elements, but it also weaves in magical realism to further explore its themes like PTSD, for example. There are many POVs, and I’ll be honest at first, I was still wondering what kind of story this was supposed to be, even after reading the blurb. But as it went on, and especially by the end, it all came together beautifully.

Every single character in this book (and I mean every single one) was written with such intention. Their strengths, their flaws, the hurt they’ve endured, and the hurt they’ve inflicted. There’s just so much to unpack. Honestly, I could talk about each of them for hours. My heart goes out to every single one… except, of course, the truly evil ones.

The writing style was a bit different for me, but still this is such a powerful debut. I’m so glad I read this in 2025 and in my lifetime. And to anyone who finds pieces of themselves in the pain within these pages, my heart goes out to you.

This book is about Genevieve who is in need of much healing. She is alone in the world and after suffering from abuse at the hands of someone she should have been able to trust, she leaves and takes on a new identity. After awhile, she ends up back where she grew up and learns that others have suffered from the Sam abuse she has. And now she is determined to bring about justice.

This was a good book but a hard story! A lot of mention of domestic violence and sexual assault and grooming. And unfortunately all of this abuse happens at the hands of religious men. I think the representation of this is a very small percentage of what actually happens. This is an example of an extreme religious community. I would not agree that this is accurate of your average church going person. This representation rubbed me the wrong way but I can understand that for some this is reality. I was intrigued with the idea of Genevieve being able to communicate with ghosts but I felt that the author didn’t follow through with this very well. I was a bit let down. I felt that the narrators did a pretty good job with this. There were moments where I was confused about which POV I was listening to but I think that was because the two female narrators voices were similar. Overall, this was a good book.

Thabk you to Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

5 Stars – Lyrical, Lush, and Absolutely Enchanting

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree is a hauntingly beautiful tale that weaves folklore, magic, and emotion into a story that lingers long after the last page. The writing is pure poetry—lush, sensory, and full of soul. Every sentence feels deliberate, painting a world that’s both earthy and otherworldly.

At its heart, this book is about memory, healing, and the deep-rooted pull of ancestry and place. The characters feel lived-in and real, especially the protagonist, whose journey through grief and transformation is handled with depth and grace.

The magical realism is subtle yet potent—more felt than explained—and the use of the blue bottle tree as a central symbol is powerful and unforgettable.

Bottom line: The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree is a masterfully told story that sings with myth and meaning. A must-read for fans of literary fantasy, Southern Gothic, or stories that feel like spells.

This has to be the heaviest book I've ever read. It checks all the trigger warning boxes. And yet...the writing was haunting. Fitting the genre of southern historical fiction, it has elements of magical realism throughout. If you are a fan of Barbara Kingslover's "The Poisonwood Bible", this is similar, only MUCH more intense.

Genevieve Charbonneau talks to ghosts from her childhood home in 1967 Arkansas. Strolling through the graveyard of her ancestors after escaping a mental hospital in Alabama, she meets Vietnam vet, Mercer Ives. She had only intended to visit briefly, but Mercer and Genevieve realize that they are family. Their union suddenly becomes a catalyst for change when she is awakened to the severe abuse endured in Mercer's family at the hands of the local Pentacostal preacher. Genevieve begins to see him for the predator he is, and with the help of ghosts, finds the courage to help Mercer's family step into bravery.

This story still holds power over me. I am actually ready to finish writing about it because it literally haunts me. I could barely make it through and almost DNFed it because of the intensity of the abuse. As a preference, I found the ending to fall flat. I felt cheated, in fact. I think I even said out loud, "You've got to be kidding me". It was hard for me to reckon with abuse present in EVERY single chapter.

The voice actors, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings, were stunning at creating characters and moments that gripped me. They fully lifted this story off the page into reality. Their brilliant acting choices kept me hooked in the moment. All three have brilliance in accents, focus, and characterization.

Thank you India Hayford, RBmedia, and NetGalley for this haunting audio ARC that will live on in my nightmares in exchange for an honest review.

This book is beautifully written but emotionally heavy. So heavy, in fact, that the magical realism and ghost story hinted at in the synopsis often feel buried beneath the weight of repeated trauma and abuse. While the Southern gothic setting and supernatural elements are rich with potential, they take a distant backseat to the book’s frequent depictions of sexual assault, including disturbing accounts involving minors.

The main character, Genevieve, is compelling and unconventional. Her connection to the spiritual world and her history of resilience had all the makings of a haunting, powerful narrative. But as the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay grounded in anything but the violence and suffering that dominate so many pages. The author clearly has something meaningful to say about religion, justice, healing, and female empowerment, but the constant barrage of graphic content makes it hard to engage with the deeper themes.

There’s value in stories that confront dark realities, but readers should be prepared for just how dark this one gets. I appreciated some of the symbolism, especially the explanation of the blue bottle tree tradition at the end but overall, this wasn’t quite the atmospheric ghost story I expected.

THE SONG OF THE BLUE BOTTLE TREE
by India Hayford

Narration by, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings was very good.

3.5 stars
A haunting Southern gothic story with sprinkles of magical realism, that takes place in rural Arkansas in 1967. Genevieve, at a young age has lost her mother, father and grandmother and after suffering abuse from trusted family, decides she must find her way in life on her own. She returns back to her childhood home where she discovers that her own need for healing is part of a larger tapestry of suffering.

Exploring themes of family, loss, fundamentalist religion, the resilience of women, and folk magic. I like reading Southern gothic stories and with the magical realism thrown in made this debut a good read. At times I didn’t understand the reasoning and choices some women chose, but after reading an article of how the author created her story, helped me to understand. Her writing is good and I look forward to reading more from her.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC of this.

Genevieve Charbonneau is a complex, strong, and interesting FMC. This multi-POV story needs to come with some major TW's but is worth the discomfort.

I don't typically read historic fictions, but a dose of magic and the FMC description drew me in. If you're someone who is disturbed by sexual abuse, domestic abuse, violence, murder, child abuse, and religious abuse, you might want to skip this one. However, this powerful story is one of justice and strength with a dash of magic. This book was disturbing to read at times. The TW's were definitely what made these characters so complex and interesting. However, I did find myself cringing a lot. Would I recommend it to my book club? Maybe? I think that the reader should really consider the TW's and their comfort level with reading about those things. They are prevalent and graphic. It made my heart hurt. Regardless, it was a fantastic story, well written, and interesting to the very end.

I always enjoy a good work of historical fiction, and this audiobook was no exception. The narrators, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings did an excellent job of telling this story and representing the different characters throughout. The flow was easy to listen to and follow, and the different perspectives of the characters keeps you engaged and wanting to know what comes next.

This book touches on many topics, such as abuse, loss, and religious trauma. Despite these themes, the overall story doesn't drag you down, but lifts you up and shows that you can find the light on the other side. The addition of two MCs being able to see ghosts (one a bunch, and the other just one) was a nice addition to the plot, and definitely made things interesting. I real enjoyed the ending, though I won't spoil it for anyone reading this.

If you like historical fiction with a touch of paranormal mixed in, I highly recommend this book.