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Every Beautiful Mile
A widowed bartender, a summer road trip, the detour she never expected.
Penelope ‘Nel’ Crawford is stuck. At least that’s what her family tells her. A year after losing her husband of seventeen years, she’s still so deep in her grief that she’s barely hanging on, let alone living. She hardly recognizes her teenage kids and finds no joy in doing the things she once loved.
Her solution? An attempt to heal herself and the relationship with her kids with a summer road trip. From one destination to the next, Nel not only has to navigate life on the road, but the trials and tribulations of motherhood after loss.
When a detour leads her to a flirtatious restaurant owner she’s been emailing off and on for months, she starts to remember that life—no matter how unpredictable—is made for living. And the heart, even if broken, finds ways to love again.
Every Beautiful Mile will make readers laugh, cry, and remind them of the healing powers of nature, family, and love itself.
Penelope ‘Nel’ Crawford is stuck. At least that’s what her family tells her. A year after losing her husband of seventeen years, she’s still so deep in her grief that she’s barely hanging on, let alone living. She hardly recognizes her teenage kids and finds no joy in doing the things she once loved.
Her solution? An attempt to heal herself and the relationship with her kids with a summer road trip. From one destination to the next, Nel not only has to navigate life on the road, but the trials and tribulations of motherhood after loss.
When a detour leads her to a flirtatious restaurant owner she’s been emailing off and on for months, she starts to remember that life—no matter how unpredictable—is made for living. And the heart, even if broken, finds ways to love again.
Every Beautiful Mile will make readers laugh, cry, and remind them of the healing powers of nature, family, and love itself.
392 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2024
845 people are currently reading
19884 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Manley
5 books462 followersGive me all the unexpected characters, snark, and gasms. Please and thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 625 reviews
November 1, 2025
Update:
Just finished my second time reading Every Beautiful Mile with the new audiobook and it was just as wonderful!
Debut book! It did not feel like a debut book at all. After I finished Every Beautiful Mile, I thought about how in 2024, every popular published author in this contemporary romance genre disappointed me. Their writing was weak. Their story was surface level. Yet- they get the accolades because of their name on the front cover. This book yall!!!!!! The development of Nel was a beautiful thing to be part of. Every moment in this book was done in the right way to keep the reader engaged and curious. I had one thought in the back of my mind that I was hoping the author wouldn’t make happen (no spoilers!) and I’m so glad the ending finished up the way it did.
Get a copy!
*a bit of language and some spicy scenes towards the end that you can skip, you know it’s coming!
Just finished my second time reading Every Beautiful Mile with the new audiobook and it was just as wonderful!
Debut book! It did not feel like a debut book at all. After I finished Every Beautiful Mile, I thought about how in 2024, every popular published author in this contemporary romance genre disappointed me. Their writing was weak. Their story was surface level. Yet- they get the accolades because of their name on the front cover. This book yall!!!!!! The development of Nel was a beautiful thing to be part of. Every moment in this book was done in the right way to keep the reader engaged and curious. I had one thought in the back of my mind that I was hoping the author wouldn’t make happen (no spoilers!) and I’m so glad the ending finished up the way it did.
Get a copy!
*a bit of language and some spicy scenes towards the end that you can skip, you know it’s coming!
June 7, 2024
REVIEW TO COME😭😭!!!!!!!!
January 31, 2025
**Yea, this was my 2nd time around and it's still so motherforking perfect! Shoutout to my pal, Paul! And the thighgasm! Here here!**
I really just wish I could start all over and read it again for the first time.
Got dammit😩😩🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏻👏🏻 That was a helluva debut! And it needs to be leveled up somehow. It's so deserving of attention and gobbs and GOBBS of readers!
No BS, y'all do not wanna miss out on this gem.
I really just wish I could start all over and read it again for the first time.
Got dammit😩😩🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏻👏🏻 That was a helluva debut! And it needs to be leveled up somehow. It's so deserving of attention and gobbs and GOBBS of readers!
No BS, y'all do not wanna miss out on this gem.
Read
February 19, 2025This was fine
February 16, 2025
If Abby Jimenez and Lucy Score had a baby it would be Ashley Manley; she is that good!
You will laugh, you will cry and most importantly you will relate to this wonderful, beautiful family I loved so much. I don’t know who I loved more, but right now I will say Marin. Come back to me in two weeks, and I may say someone else because there were so many I adored.
“Of every beautiful mile we drive this summer, my favorite are the ones that led to you. You brought me back to life and made me remember who I am. A river that ran through me, changing me forever.”
This was Ashley’s debut novel and thanks to Meagan’s Book Club, I found a new author that will be an auto buy for me. I hope my review convinces you to grab this book; you will not be disappointed.
“Some people are lucky enough to have one person to love for their entire life. One person they Feo with, change with, and experience every big moment with. One person who knows them better than they know themselves. Despite my best efforts, that is not how the story is written. My story gave me two. Two great men who changed me to my bones. Without one, there could never have been the other.”
You will laugh, you will cry and most importantly you will relate to this wonderful, beautiful family I loved so much. I don’t know who I loved more, but right now I will say Marin. Come back to me in two weeks, and I may say someone else because there were so many I adored.
“Of every beautiful mile we drive this summer, my favorite are the ones that led to you. You brought me back to life and made me remember who I am. A river that ran through me, changing me forever.”
This was Ashley’s debut novel and thanks to Meagan’s Book Club, I found a new author that will be an auto buy for me. I hope my review convinces you to grab this book; you will not be disappointed.
“Some people are lucky enough to have one person to love for their entire life. One person they Feo with, change with, and experience every big moment with. One person who knows them better than they know themselves. Despite my best efforts, that is not how the story is written. My story gave me two. Two great men who changed me to my bones. Without one, there could never have been the other.”
July 8, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Apparently this was a debut and I devoured it! Mixing grief along with a lot of lighthearted moments, I was drawn in immediately. I loved this book, but there were a few things holding me back from 5 stars. At times I loved the MMC and other times I did not. I wish we had gotten to know him on a deeper level. I also didn’t always agree with the FMC’s parenting choices. Her constant blurting out her random thoughts was a bit much at times.
One thing I loved was seeing a FMC in her 40’s though. It was refreshing!
Overall I loved this book, but there were a few things I could’ve done without.
🤬: some language but not a ton
🔥: 🌶️🌶️ two scenes towards the end. Easy to skip. Moderate detail.
Apparently this was a debut and I devoured it! Mixing grief along with a lot of lighthearted moments, I was drawn in immediately. I loved this book, but there were a few things holding me back from 5 stars. At times I loved the MMC and other times I did not. I wish we had gotten to know him on a deeper level. I also didn’t always agree with the FMC’s parenting choices. Her constant blurting out her random thoughts was a bit much at times.
One thing I loved was seeing a FMC in her 40’s though. It was refreshing!
Overall I loved this book, but there were a few things I could’ve done without.
🤬: some language but not a ton
🔥: 🌶️🌶️ two scenes towards the end. Easy to skip. Moderate detail.
May 9, 2024
You would never guess that this was Ashley Manley’s first novel. She belongs on top of the best seller list with the greats like Rebecca Yarros, Colleen Hoover, and Christina Lauren, but her style of storytelling is uniquely her own. Ashley's writing is deliciously descriptive, in a way you almost feel like you're right there in the book experiencing it all first hand. She has a beautiful way of mingling humor and deep sadness. I obnoxiously laughed out loud on page two, even though the main character, Nel, was going through the deepest pit of despair after the death of her husband. This story treats you to moments that make you laugh, some that make you cry and scream out loud things like "wow, that was such a great line!". My kids thought I was nuts when I was reading this book. They'd hear me laugh or see me cry, or hear me shout out and ask what was so funny or was I okay? Never before have I read a book that has caused such a visceral reaction in me, laughing out loud to the point of tears, crying literal tears, screaming like a crazy person. It left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way and I wish I could read it for the first time again.
As an ARC reader, I had the most special opportunity to pre-read the book and simultaneously give feedback to Ashley. I sent an abundance of dms quoting lines I found to be quite exceptional, and no lie, they are on every page of the book. Ashley nailed the creation of her characters and their relationships. She paid such perfect attention to the details in this book, the places they visit, the people they meet, the things they see and smell. You can feel it all. The chapters flow effortlessly from one to the next, giving all the important details you need without being overly wordy. Every single word Ashley put to paper was necessary and enriches the story. I am no expert, but I do read a lot, and without hesitation I can say this is my most favorite book ever. Ashley's writing is so layered in a way that made me fall in love with the story little by little but also all at once. Ashley is an incredibly gifted writer who has mastered the art of storytelling. I couldn't read it fast enough and I didn't want it to end. The story is incredible, the writing is impeccable. I purchased a copy (plus another one, because why not?) for my personal library, and will read it again. It was just that good.
As an ARC reader, I had the most special opportunity to pre-read the book and simultaneously give feedback to Ashley. I sent an abundance of dms quoting lines I found to be quite exceptional, and no lie, they are on every page of the book. Ashley nailed the creation of her characters and their relationships. She paid such perfect attention to the details in this book, the places they visit, the people they meet, the things they see and smell. You can feel it all. The chapters flow effortlessly from one to the next, giving all the important details you need without being overly wordy. Every single word Ashley put to paper was necessary and enriches the story. I am no expert, but I do read a lot, and without hesitation I can say this is my most favorite book ever. Ashley's writing is so layered in a way that made me fall in love with the story little by little but also all at once. Ashley is an incredibly gifted writer who has mastered the art of storytelling. I couldn't read it fast enough and I didn't want it to end. The story is incredible, the writing is impeccable. I purchased a copy (plus another one, because why not?) for my personal library, and will read it again. It was just that good.
February 18, 2025
2. I cannot believe I’m rating this book a generous 2, when I had such high high high expectations. But dang a lot of other people did like it.
Maybe it’s because a book or two ago I read After Annie, which was so much better. In fact after reading this, I realized After Annie was better than I originally reviewed.
It started off very strong. I liked the characters — But then the more I read… And the more meandering the story was… the less I cared about cheering Nell on… I did like her children… And the less believable her parents seemed… And oh my goodness, what’s his name… I liked him at the beginning of the emails… But then when he shared… OK, let this be the secret saying… I was like really… How old are you… 18? I didn’t like his character at all, and other than the fact that he was apparently very good looking I have no idea why Nell had any interest in him. And really at that point when she got up to the northeast… Everything was so so so so predictable…. Even the ending, she’s meeting a new client… And she has no clue. It’s really him. Ridiculous. And the fact that she couldn’t be honest about what she was thinking and feeling. Just a big miss.
So, for me, this was a total waste of time. And I’m not sure I would read another book by this author. I just didn’t think the writing was all that impressive after the first few chapters. It seemed redundant. Nell’s feelings and thoughts… Redundant redundant… Smh
Maybe it’s because a book or two ago I read After Annie, which was so much better. In fact after reading this, I realized After Annie was better than I originally reviewed.
It started off very strong. I liked the characters — But then the more I read… And the more meandering the story was… the less I cared about cheering Nell on… I did like her children… And the less believable her parents seemed… And oh my goodness, what’s his name… I liked him at the beginning of the emails… But then when he shared… OK, let this be the secret saying… I was like really… How old are you… 18? I didn’t like his character at all, and other than the fact that he was apparently very good looking I have no idea why Nell had any interest in him. And really at that point when she got up to the northeast… Everything was so so so so predictable…. Even the ending, she’s meeting a new client… And she has no clue. It’s really him. Ridiculous. And the fact that she couldn’t be honest about what she was thinking and feeling. Just a big miss.
So, for me, this was a total waste of time. And I’m not sure I would read another book by this author. I just didn’t think the writing was all that impressive after the first few chapters. It seemed redundant. Nell’s feelings and thoughts… Redundant redundant… Smh
June 4, 2025
Absolute PERFECTION. I’m now an obnoxious Ashley Manley fan for life. And Odey the dogggg? 😭😭😭 Are you kidding me? So so so good.
February 14, 2025
This is the perfect book to review on Valentine’s Day. Why? Because I loved it so much. And also because it’s one of the best romance novels I’ve read in a while. EVERY BEAUTIFUL MILE by Ashley Manley is a must read for every contemporary romance reader over the age of 40.
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘈 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘤𝘳𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
The female protagonist, Penelope Crawford is a character who you can root for. She’s down-to-earth, real AF, and super relatable. She’s grieving the loss of her husband and needs a change of pace, so she decides to go on a summer road trip with her two teenagers. What follows will provide you hours of entertainment!
THINGS I LOVED:
- 40+ female protagonist
- Summer road trip
- Insight on raising teenagers
- Reflections on loss, grief, and healing
- Great character development
- Nature, hiking, and adventure
- Family drama and dynamics
- Tons of food references
- Some spicy and steamy scenes
- Self discovery and improvement
- Lots of LOL moments
This novel isn’t all spice, steam, and open-door bedroom scenes. Oh no. It’s SO much more than that. It’s a story about love, family, loss, grief, and healing. It’s multi-layered and has so much depth. It will give you all the feels. Manley’s writing style is just perfect. It flows so well and is so easy to read. I stayed up way too late some nights tap, tap, tapping away on my kindle because I did not want to put this book down.
5/5 glowing stars for EVERY BEAUTIFUL MILE! It’s currently available on kindle unlimited, so download it now if you’re a subscriber!
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘈 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘤𝘳𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
The female protagonist, Penelope Crawford is a character who you can root for. She’s down-to-earth, real AF, and super relatable. She’s grieving the loss of her husband and needs a change of pace, so she decides to go on a summer road trip with her two teenagers. What follows will provide you hours of entertainment!
THINGS I LOVED:
- 40+ female protagonist
- Summer road trip
- Insight on raising teenagers
- Reflections on loss, grief, and healing
- Great character development
- Nature, hiking, and adventure
- Family drama and dynamics
- Tons of food references
- Some spicy and steamy scenes
- Self discovery and improvement
- Lots of LOL moments
This novel isn’t all spice, steam, and open-door bedroom scenes. Oh no. It’s SO much more than that. It’s a story about love, family, loss, grief, and healing. It’s multi-layered and has so much depth. It will give you all the feels. Manley’s writing style is just perfect. It flows so well and is so easy to read. I stayed up way too late some nights tap, tap, tapping away on my kindle because I did not want to put this book down.
5/5 glowing stars for EVERY BEAUTIFUL MILE! It’s currently available on kindle unlimited, so download it now if you’re a subscriber!
February 4, 2025
EVERY BEAUTIFUL MILE by Ashley Manley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Delightful in every way! You guys, this book! It had me giggling, tearing up, falling in love with multiple characters, and just fully enjoying every chapter. I love a romance with an older main character, and this was no exception. I fell in love with the love interests, but also her kids! I wanted to give Marin a big hug. But also, these characters are FUNNY! Nell had me laughing constantly with her lack of filter. I loved watching Nell heal and find herself again. Highly recommend this book!
Penelope, a recent widow, decides it’s time to pull her life back together. She takes her teenage children on a cross country road trip to reconnect and try to find joy again.
Perfect if you like:
•Middle aged FMC.
•Healing after loss.
•Widower / mom.
•Cross country road trip.
•Hilarious characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍩🍫
🚪: 42, 43
⚠️: explicit language.
Penelope, a recent widow, decides it’s time to pull her life back together. She takes her teenage children on a cross country road trip to reconnect and try to find joy again.
Perfect if you like:
•Middle aged FMC.
•Healing after loss.
•Widower / mom.
•Cross country road trip.
•Hilarious characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍩🍫
🚪: 42, 43
⚠️: explicit language.
December 2, 2025
5.0 Soooo good stars. Women's fiction/contemporary romance, I loved every minute. It grabs your attention from the beginning and never lets go. The story just feels so real. Penelope/Nell's sudden loss of her husband was very relatable. Family ready for her to move on from grief sooner than her timetable, the anguish over the clothes in the closet, taking off the wedding ring, and taking that anxious first step to dating again.
To reconnect with her two teenagers, Nell decides a 3 month healing journey cross country in an old van is just what this family needs. It's highly entertaining, especially with that unexpected Maine detour. This is where the story takes a turn Nell didn't see coming, and I couldnt wait for. 😉
Loved all the characters: Nell, her funny parents, her awesome kids, Ethan (swoon, BIG) and his kids. Adding this author to my favorites list. I can't believe this was her debut book. Hit it right outta the park. I've also read "Forever and Back" which I also loved. Can't wait to read book 2 out next. Now it's on to "When Flowers Bloom".
To reconnect with her two teenagers, Nell decides a 3 month healing journey cross country in an old van is just what this family needs. It's highly entertaining, especially with that unexpected Maine detour. This is where the story takes a turn Nell didn't see coming, and I couldnt wait for. 😉
Loved all the characters: Nell, her funny parents, her awesome kids, Ethan (swoon, BIG) and his kids. Adding this author to my favorites list. I can't believe this was her debut book. Hit it right outta the park. I've also read "Forever and Back" which I also loved. Can't wait to read book 2 out next. Now it's on to "When Flowers Bloom".
April 25, 2024
A beautiful story about love, loss and finding oneself. I instantly fell in love with Nel, the main character, and her quirky and hilarious family. The descriptions of the family's road trip destinations, adventures & disasters were so well done I could envision each scene. This novel was a feel good read with a happy ending
June 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about two single parents and the FMC finding herself within motherhood and as a woman. Sometimes I get tired of reading about young 20 year olds romance and this was a great change of pace. The road trip aspect was fun for me as it reminded me so much of our last one and it had me reminiscing. I would’ve rated this 5 stars if it weren’t for the amount of times the poor guy was completely slut shammed and I did want a little more from the ending.. BUT consider my reading slump conquered! Beautifully written. I loved it!
January 23, 2025
I loveeeeeed this book so much!! It made me tear, smile, laugh, get second hand embarrassment lol just all the feels! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 20, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the people that recommended it, loved it. I absolutely loved it because the main character is middle aged, set in her work, has kids and it was truly relatable. My favorite quote in the book is “never quit on your worse day”. I loved the depth of the story and I keep thinking about the book the day after I finished. I am looking forward to the next book! I wish it was on audible!
May 9, 2024
Ashley Manley coming in HOT with her debut novel! Nel became my new best friend as she took me on a journey of grief, adventure, and a little spice — reminding us all that life is not over when we turn 40 (or become mothers, or become widows, or…) This book made me laugh and cry; I devoured it in a few sittings yet felt so sad for it to end. I can’t wait to see more from this author!
September 18, 2024
So I'm not sure how to rate this. I loved Nel, I loved the story but I disliked Ethan intensely. I thought he was a walking talking red flag. The scene at the camper right before she takes off to Bangor just felt icky and cruel. So 3.5 stars.
August 23, 2024
This hit ya in all the feels!! It's got heartbreak, family drama, love, struggle... and Finn, the teenage son, acts exactly how my 17 year old does! Fantastic love story!!
September 1, 2025
A story about finding yourself after loss of a partner. Penelope hits the road with her two teenagers. Which sounds like total hell to me. Haha. I enjoyed their adventure and watching their relationships change. Penelope’s attitude was a lil toxic at times when it came to Ethan but how relatable lol. And the lil dash of smut was chefs kiss 💋
December 8, 2025
3.5 🌟
I'm not confident in the rounding up to 4. but 3 seems too low? enjoyed most of it
I'm not confident in the rounding up to 4. but 3 seems too low? enjoyed most of it
March 20, 2025
The last 20% of the book bumped it up to a 4 star and redeemed the love interest character for me.
September 26, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
This author just knows how to write the most beautiful books! I can’t get over this being her DEBUT book.
This book was about grief, loss, heartache, hope, discovery, growth, change — all the painful and beautiful aspects of life that we are all guaranteed to experience at some point. And through it all learning to find the joy, and laughter, in all stages. This book did not feel rushed nor did it drag, it felt like every part of this book was the exact right pace for the FMC, and you were on that journey with her.
Even with “heavier” themes this book felt light and optimistic. I was laughing out loud and cheesing at the pages more than anything else and I absolutely loved the banter between the two MCs. I also loved reading a book about discovering yourself from the pov of a 41 year old woman — was a very refreshing perspective.
Can’t wait to read more from this author, but ‘When the Wildflowers Bloom’ is still my number 1.
This author just knows how to write the most beautiful books! I can’t get over this being her DEBUT book.
This book was about grief, loss, heartache, hope, discovery, growth, change — all the painful and beautiful aspects of life that we are all guaranteed to experience at some point. And through it all learning to find the joy, and laughter, in all stages. This book did not feel rushed nor did it drag, it felt like every part of this book was the exact right pace for the FMC, and you were on that journey with her.
Even with “heavier” themes this book felt light and optimistic. I was laughing out loud and cheesing at the pages more than anything else and I absolutely loved the banter between the two MCs. I also loved reading a book about discovering yourself from the pov of a 41 year old woman — was a very refreshing perspective.
Can’t wait to read more from this author, but ‘When the Wildflowers Bloom’ is still my number 1.
March 15, 2025
I know it’s only March, but this is absolutely my favorite book I’ve read this year so far. This book was so beautifully written and tugged at my heartstrings countless times. You can’t help but absolutely fall in love with Nel and root for her to pull herself out of the void of grief and loss as she travels with her kids on a summer trip that is life changing for them all. What a remarkable read… Ashley Manley has rocketed to the top of my list as one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more from her.
June 21, 2024
This book resonates with anybody who has suffered a massive loss. For anybody that had to change their life when that one person you grew to count on isn’t there anymore. To managing grief and learning you don’t have to live a life of guilt because they aren’t here to celebrate with you. It puts in perspective that your life is still worth living just as much for yourself as it is for those around you that still love you. 5 stars for this ❤️
June 9, 2025
Ebook
5 stars
This is one of those books that I feel like I will think about for years to come. It was so much more than a romance!! But the romance was also great!
I really love the people that they meet along the way on the road trip. I also really love that there was no rushing the romance/relationship. I feel like the author did a really nice job letting the characters grow on their own before getting into anything too serious.
5 stars
This is one of those books that I feel like I will think about for years to come. It was so much more than a romance!! But the romance was also great!
I really love the people that they meet along the way on the road trip. I also really love that there was no rushing the romance/relationship. I feel like the author did a really nice job letting the characters grow on their own before getting into anything too serious.
December 28, 2025
3! Maybe 3.5 after the MMC POV 😂🙈
I loved a lot of this - the family dynamic, the grieving, the emails, the road trip, the Maine scenery (who wants to go??), etc etc. also something about a chef MMC is so enticing always!!!!
But I found the FMC just too cringey sometimes! I wanted to Edna Mode (GET. YOURSELF. TOGETHER) her half the book. Maybe Ethan found the outbursts endearing but I wanted her to be just a tiny bit cooler and less quirky insecure girl.
I loved a lot of this - the family dynamic, the grieving, the emails, the road trip, the Maine scenery (who wants to go??), etc etc. also something about a chef MMC is so enticing always!!!!
But I found the FMC just too cringey sometimes! I wanted to Edna Mode (GET. YOURSELF. TOGETHER) her half the book. Maybe Ethan found the outbursts endearing but I wanted her to be just a tiny bit cooler and less quirky insecure girl.
October 7, 2025
This book brought me out of a stretch of just "ok" reads. The relationship with Nel and Ethan was just alright, but what I absolutely LOVED most was the relationship Nel had with her kids. The chapters that Nel spent making memories and reconnecting with them were inspiring for me. It makes me want to force my own teenagers to spend more time with me!
August 25, 2024
Another amazing book by Ashley!! I loved this story! She just has a way of making you feel what her character is feeling and going through. Such a great story of heartbreak and healing and growing and parenting. And I loved her character Nel and how she was just a babbling mess sometimes!
November 2, 2024
I stumbled upon this book in one my Kindle groups and I am so grateful I gave it a shot. I instantly connected with Nel and could feel her pain. I was a puddle by 8% and downloaded Manley's second book by 10%. This book was an incredible journey I want all my book loving friends to go on. You won't be disappointed!
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