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After the Storm

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Three young people pick up the pieces of their lives after a devastating hurricane ravages their small town.

Sean’s head chef is responsible for his restaurant’s success. He’ll do anything to make Carla happy, including inviting her to live with him at his parents’ waterfront estate. But Carla’s five-year-old son has anger management issues, and Carla lacks the parenting skills to handle him. To make matters worse, Sean’s twin brother, Cooper, is back in town with a mysterious problem of his own. When tension mounts, Sean is forced to choose between family and business.

Lizbet, in the middle of a hurricane, walks out on her husband after only two years of marriage. She offers no explanation except to say she needs time to herself. She doesn’t dare tell Jamie the real reason. She’s certain she can take care of the problem herself. Seven months later, however, she’s still living in Charleston with her sister. She’s flat broke and her crisis is unresolved. She yearns to tell Jamie the truth, but she fears doing so will drive him away forever.

Jamie immerses himself in his work to avoid his lonely home. He co-manages his family’s gourmet seafood market with his mom while restoring the marina across the street. He understands his wife’s need for space, but his patience is wearing thin, and the possibly of Lizbet’s return looks less likely with each passing day. His attraction to a beautiful and sexy property developer confuses Jamie. As his relationship with Lizbet grows more complicated, he must find the strength to deny his attraction to this other woman.

The much-anticipated return of the beloved Sweeney family. A sweet and clean romance set in the heart of the Lowcountry.

246 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2023

202 people are currently reading
1959 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Farley

56 books2,367 followers
⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.

A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.

Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...

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5 stars
313 (60%)
4 stars
131 (25%)
3 stars
60 (11%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,607 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2023
Normally, I like Ashley Farley’s stories, but this one not so much. Characters were irresponsible, childish, stubborn, and overly dramatic.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,089 reviews
June 4, 2023
It is always a treat to read one of Ashley Farley's novels, and this one is no exception. She takes us into the lives of her characters and caring about them as if they are our friends.

Three young people try to pick up the pieces of their lives after their small town is ravaged by a devastating hurricane.

Farley weaves her magic once again in an addictive story about family, secrets, grief, health issues, business ventures, and love. From start to finish this was an enjoyable read and I am ready for more!
5 stars
Profile Image for Sue .
2,045 reviews124 followers
April 16, 2023
After the Storm takes readers back into the lives of the Sweeny Sisters. This book is about the grown children of the sisters but we also get to catch up with what is going on in the sister's lives. When a hurricane hits the area, the three grown children have to work to get their lives and their businesses back on track.

Sean is opening a new restaurant. He wants his head chef to be available to work long hours and when he finds out that she has a five year old son with anger management issues and no day care, he invites them to move into his home and finds someone to watch him. To make Sean's life even more complicated, his twin brother has returned home and is having problems that he won't discuss.

Lizbet walks out on her husband of two years with no explanation. She moves to Charleston to live with her sister. Jamie keeps hoping that Lizbet will come home but after seven months with no contact, he makes an effort to bring her home. He is starting a new business and is becoming interested in another woman but really wants the love of his life to return home.

I thought it was great to catch up with the Sweeny sisters and meet their grown children. It was interesting to see how the cousins worked together to support each other when they had problems. This was a fantastic book set in the low county!

Note - This book is a standalone and you won't be confused if you haven't read the Sweeny sister series. However, the earlier series is so good, that you don't want to miss it.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
699 reviews62 followers
May 11, 2023
LOVE DOES CONQUER ALL!

After the Storm is the dynamic start of the new series where author Ashley Farley features the younger generation of Sweeney cousins. Fans of the original Sweeney sisters will be delighted to know the sisters make several appearances in this novel as well. Farley has brought her trademark writing skills to this story and has filled the plot with all the family drama imaginable. She starts her novel with a massive storm and introduces how the extended Sweeney family are all seemingly being thrown into facing major storms in their own lives. They will face such terrifying challenges as major depression, infertility and the guilt of not being able to carry a child for their spouse, separation, misunderstandings between extended families, death of a beloved parent, relationships running aground, and bipolar disorders. Even in the midst of all this, Farley introduces new beginnings and two delightful lab puppies that bring smiles all around. This is going to be a wonderful new series that proves love does conquer all.
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
558 reviews37 followers
May 17, 2023
I don't know what it is about books by Ashley Farley but, from the minute I pick one up, I am gone to another world. After the Storm was another one of those books for me. This book is supposed to revisit characters from the Sweeney Sisters Series. If you haven't read that series yet, that is ok. I haven't either and I was totally immersed in this book from page one. She did a beautiful job making it a stand alone novel. There is another one coming out in August that will also be a stand alone and I can't wait that long!

The main characters in this book are in their mid to late 20's. Even though I am much older than that, I still enjoyed the story. The characters live mostly in the same town and are mostly cousins considering they are offspring of the Sweeney sisters. There are spouses and girlfriends of these youngg adults and a few friends. Most of them are likable. You have to have a villain in a story to dislike. Right? Oh, and there are puppies too!

There are many problems going on and there is the typical angst that happens in everyday life but, the book is full of hope and lighthearted fun and dreams. I was entertained and involved with what was happening and couldn’t wait to get back to reading when I had to put it down. If you love a book that brings joy and happiness, one that will take you to a town on the beach then this book is for you! If you are a fan of Ashely’s, this book is definitely for you! Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you love by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Anne Wolters.
476 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2023
This is a delightful spin-off of the Sweeney Sisters series. It features the grown-up kids of the sisters. It is heartwarming to see the cousins are close as ever and still live in the Lowcountry. As a bonus several of the sisters make an appearance as well

The story begins as a hurricane crashes into the coast of South Carolina. Once the storm settles down, it is obvious the Sweeney cousins are each dealing with a personal storm of their own, including a few failed relationships, a new business, and other unexpected events. As their parents before them, they come together to offer support and help to one another no matter the situation.
Anyone who has read the Sweeney Sisters books will love the continuation of this lovable family and if the earlier series has not been read yet, after reading this delightful, heartfelt story, you will want to go back and catch up on the lives of the five sisters.

Ashley’s books remind me of the feeling when returning home after a long trip, however, this one includes an appealing visit with the beloved Sweeney family. I can almost taste the sweet tea as I anxiously wait for book number two of this heartwarming southern fiction series.
Profile Image for Susan (The Book Bag).
982 reviews89 followers
May 29, 2023
Once again, Ashley Farley has created a world that I want to escape to, filled with characters that I came to love and enjoy. I miss them already.

After the Storm deals with the aftermath of a hurricane that has torn through the small community. Not only did the storm leave damage in its wake, it also blew in plenty of drama for the main characters. There was a lot of physical damage done but there was also just as much emotional damage left behind. Sean, Carla, Cooper, Lizbet, Jamie—they each have their own demons to work through. Will they be able to figure it all out and come out on the other side and in a good place?

I loved After the Storm, and felt comfortable in the community as well as loving all of the characters. I would love to visit again and hope there are more stories coming.
Profile Image for Sam.
637 reviews35 followers
June 12, 2023
The master of women’s fiction has returned with a story interlocking the characters from her Sweeney Sisters series and I am so here for it. I actually have not read the series but, I will be after reading this one.

After a horrible hurricane ravages town, three people are on a quest to make their lives better. With Sean’s new restaurant, he’s eager to help his new chef but, she comes with a lot of extra baggage. Sean’s brother Cooper arrives during the hurricane unexpectedly. Lizbet walks out on her two year marriage during the hurricane and moves in with her sister. All of these lives are intertwined and some even revolve around each other.

The suspense is very present in this book and the drama makes for a really great read. The characters show their inner issues with great depth. It was an easy story to get into and continued to keep me interested. I loved it! Four stars!
Profile Image for Jane.
1,108 reviews62 followers
May 30, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads, the author, and the publisher for this ebook.

I won this more than a year ago, but just getting to it now for some reason but that's here nor there. Probably because it's an ebook and I hardly read them or request them on Goodreads.

A lot of family members that's for sure and it took me a while to get it all together since some are related to each other somehow, some coming back and some live there in Prospect, SC, some in Charleston, SC, and other people who work there.

Everyone has issues/family problems it seems which is typical for a family. It was a good book but not my favorite one as far as family books go.

I wanted more closure with some of the characters at the end as I sometimes do but I read between the lines with most of the main characters.
Profile Image for Rachel (storybookcorner).
256 reviews
May 10, 2023
I absolutely devoured this story. I felt all the emotions and the tension through the pages. I love the Sweeney family and enjoyed getting a new series with updates on them. I felt Lizbet's pain from infertility on a personal level, and my heart ached for her.

Fun fact about me: Ashley Farley is one of those authors that I always and quite literally stop everything I'm doing to read her new release every single time, as long as there's no emergency at that moment that needs my attention. My husband and kids just know to leave me alone until I'm finished. I want to hand Ashley's books to every single person I know. I just love her stories so much.

I don't think anyone will be disappointed in this book. I look forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,124 reviews
April 20, 2023
I was so happy to be back in the low-country once more.
We learn how the Sweeny children, now adults, continue to try to rebuild their business's following a devastating hurricane.
These folks need the help to have their town and livelihoods flourish.
Finding assistance is not an easy task these days.
Add some family troubles and stress and it makes for interesting times for all!

I truly loved this story and I was glued to the book!
Ashley Farley always makes me feel as if I am walking alongside with these wonderful characters! Do yourself a favor and come and meet these folks!
Thank you to Ashley for another fabulous book!


Profile Image for Carla Suto.
902 reviews85 followers
May 7, 2023
AFTER THE STORM by Ashley Farley is a delightfully entertaining spin-off of her wildly popular Sweeney Sisters series. This story features grown children of the sisters, but the sisters make appearances, too. This book can definitely stand on its own even if you haven’t read the previous series. The three main characters, Sean, Lizbet and Jamie are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives and businesses after a hurricane hits their small town. Sean is opening a new restaurant and knows it success will de dependent on his head chef, Carla. But the long hours and intense pressure are proving difficult for Carla because she is a single mom to a five-year-old with anger management issues. Sean makes the rash decision to invite Carla and her son to live with him at his parents’ waterfront estate. Sean’s twin brother, Cooper, has suddenly returned to town under mysterious circumstances her refuses to discuss. He is living with Sean and soon the tension between Cooper and Carla rises to a fever pitch. Will Sean have to choose between family and his business? Only two years into her marriage, Lizbet walks out on Jamie with no explanation. She moves in with her sister and her sister’s partner in Charleston, but seven months later, it is clear she will have to move out and find a way to support herself. Can she ever tell Jamie the real reason she left or would that jeopardize any future they might have together. Meanwhile, Jamie throws himself into his work managing his family’s seafood market, while also undertaking a massive restoration of the marina across the street. But when a beautiful property developer catches his eye, Jamie wonders how long he can wait for Lizbet to return when his attraction to this other woman grows stronger every day. As the Sweeney cousins struggle with their respective issues, they really come together to support one another. I enjoyed reading about these wonderful characters and their strong family relationships. The lowcountry setting added to the charm of the story. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Ashley Farley. Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review an early copy of this book.
377 reviews17 followers
August 29, 2023
I just love Ashley Farley's books. They just suck you in and you feel like you are right there with all the Characters. After the Storm takes you back to the Sweeney Sisters but this time it is focused on their grown children. The story started with a hurricane and how they rebound from the fall out. The Sweeney children are still so very close and help each other with issues and problems. Ashley's writing makes you feel every emotion they are feeling. This story is about family coming together when they are needed and emotional and suspenseful. Everything you want in a great book. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
642 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2023
After the Storm introduced me to characters from another of Ashley Farley's series. I really enjoyed this book and the multiple story tellers. Sean, Lizbet, and Jaime were all well rounded characters with a lot going on in their lives. The supporting cast and the setting of the book just added to my enjoyment. This book is an offshoot of the Sweeney sister books which I have not read but will be reading in the future. I am looking forward to more books with these characters.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,113 reviews28 followers
April 13, 2023
Ashley Farley is absolutely one of my favorite authors and was so excited to read an early copy of this book. What fun to revisit the LowCountry and the Sweeney family. So much going on with the sisters’ adult children. The marina, restaurants, chefs, medical issues, relationships broken, relationships mended, attempted robbery, the seafood market and puppies! It’s a win for all! Can’t wait (and hope) we read more of what happens with new beginnings.
298 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2023
Another hit by bestselling author Ashley Farley. The Sweeney cousins are all grown up and dealing with the responsibility that comes with adulting. I love that the Sweeney sisters also make an appearance in the story. It is like coming home to Prospect for this reader. The love and closeness of the cousins is still there even as they each are discovering their strengths and weaknesses. I definitely recommend this book. I hope there are more to follow.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
987 reviews23 followers
May 19, 2023
Do you ever wonder how the lives of characters plays out once their story is done? Ashley Farley takes readers back to South Carolina and the Sweeney sisters' families n this story. There were great characters, romance, drama and most importantly family in this story, all tenets that Ashley Farley writes about so well! I enjoyed every moment of it, even the roller coaster of emotions. Thank you to Ashley Farley for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Robin.
648 reviews22 followers
May 26, 2023
After the storm is the next generation of the Sweeney sisters.Great story,family issues,Romance,Health issues, and a hurricane to boot! Ashley manages toAfter the storm is the next generation of the Sweeney sisters.Great story,Family issues,Romance,Health issues, and a Hurricane to boot! Ashley manages to weave all this together and make it all work. I love her . weave all this together and make it all work. I love her .
140 reviews
May 29, 2023
The Sweeney Sisters books were the first series that I read. Now the years have passed and the Sweeney sister's children are grown and have problems of their own. It was great catching up. No one needs to read the series to understand this book (but they all are good stories). In fact, I have forgotten some of the family dynamics, but it did come back to me. I feel that the story has ended, but perhaps Ashley can figure out how to make another book using the Sweeney family.
Profile Image for Laurel.
90 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
Family is the key to open doors in the heart.

I fell in love with the Sweeny family a few years ago. The Sisters and their journeys with their differences and their similarities. I loved their children as they grew and matured. Now seeing new families growing from the cousins is, I hope, going to grow new adventures and new joys.
I love the way the sisters and their sons interact as a family through problems and emergencies in this story. You will love it, too.
Profile Image for Debbie.
401 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2024
This was an engaging story with many characters I wanted to cheer for! I loved the location and the daily activities of the main characters. Then there was Carla, a single mother, who I certainly did not like and found it hard to have any sympathy for. But, we all know meanies add much color to stories ands get us fired up!
Well done!! Five stars from me for the pure excitement and the way this book kept my interest even during the last month of school which is exhausting.
Profile Image for Nana.
919 reviews17 followers
April 18, 2023
I read the Sweeney Sisters series and reading After The Storm, brought back so many wonderful memories. Now we meet their grown up children, and they are still in the heart of the lowcountry.
Sean, Jamie, and Cooper, are creating their lives, and learning about being an adult. After a hurricane hits, they are left picking up the remnants of the storm, but also navigating the path of their lives. They are faced with challenges, and challenges changes you, and we get to see how they change, what they are learning, and what is happening.
I received an ARC from Ashley Farley. If you haven't read the Sweeney Sisters series, you will still enjoy this book. If after reading this book, you would like to meet their parents, then check out and see how it began.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books189 followers
May 5, 2023
Family, secrets, grief, business ventures, health issues, and love bring this story to life. Author Ashley Farley takes the reader into the lives of fascinating everyday people who struggle with situations and seek ways to deal with life. Another great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Profile Image for Gwen.
60 reviews
May 8, 2023
Loved, loved, loved this book. I absolutely loved reading about the second generation of the Sweeney sisters. I was so happy when Ashley revisited this family. I will read anything Ashley Farley writes because you know it’s going to exceed your expectations. Fabulous writer and never disappoints. I highly recommend this book and the Sweeney Sisters series
431 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2023
Fantastic romantic life drama
She brings back the Sweeney sisters and their adult children! Tells of how life throws us all curve balls and how we react, learn lessons, and grow. Another EXCELLENT novel! Eager to read what comes next with the Sweeney clan!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,381 reviews18 followers
May 10, 2023
Another wonderful read by this author! She gives you a story that has characters and a storyline that are totally relatable. It's about family and change and of course the challenges that go with all of that. You go on a emotional journey that you'll enjoy. A definite must read!!
Profile Image for Beatrice.
119 reviews
May 23, 2023
After the Storm by Ashley Farley.

I did not read the series on the Sweeney Children. I believe you can start with this one and go back to the others. This is a great story about this family and how they pull it all together because of family and love.

Great book.
Highly recommend
6 reviews
September 12, 2023
great Ashley Farley books

I lover ready Ashley family sagas. The Sweenys sisters books were among my favorite Farley books can’t wait till she continues this series. Already read second book
Profile Image for Frenchie51.
30 reviews
September 16, 2023
Very good book

I liked the story line, it was interesting to read about the people and how their lives changed. I was a little disappointed how the book ended, I wanted to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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