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Sandy Island #3

Southern Simmer

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Love, lies, and Lowcountry heat—this summer’s about to simmer over.

Bibi’s marriage is unraveling, and her manipulative stepdaughter, Scarlett, is to blame. Feeling ignored and desperate for Beau’s attention, Bibi vanishes for a few days to make a point. But instead of rushing to find her, Beau reports her missing—along with the family’s heirloom jewels. Now, Bibi’s quiet escape has exploded into a media frenzy, and she’s the prime suspect in a crime she didn’t commit.

Kate doesn’t trust the newcomer one bit. Who leaves home without a phone? And why is Silas—Kate’s almost-something—so captivated by her? After spotting him slipping out of Bibi’s room in the middle of the night, Kate’s jealousy turns to suspicion. Bibi may be hiding more than just her whereabouts.

Shelby’s unplanned pregnancy is the one thing grounding her in the chaos of her life. She’s not interested in naming a father—especially when there are two contenders. But the Maybe Daddies, Josh and Matt, have other plans. As tensions rise, so does the risk of losing everything Shelby’s just begun to hope for.

Bless their hearts—nobody’s ready for what comes next.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

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About the author

Ashley Farley

56 books2,375 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
233 (66%)
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87 (24%)
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25 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Williams .
957 reviews29 followers
January 28, 2025
Ashley Farley’s newest installment in the Sandy Island series could be the best! The drama and intensity of romantic entanglements and mystery kept me glued until I finished - in one day! These characters stay with me and I hope to get more of them in the future!
Profile Image for Lori Walton (Personal).
79 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2024
Southern Simmer by Ashley Farley is book 3 in the Sandy Island series. This was one of my favorites, and that is saying a lot since I love ALL of Ashley’s books!

In this book, we meet Bibi who is taking a break from her marriage and home life and escapes to Magnolia Shores, a family-run bed & breakfast. Meanwhile, she’s being accused of stealing family jewels! While that is going on, she’s finding her niche working at Magnolia Shores and feeling useful and appreciated. She’s enjoying meeting the family and even pitching in to do some work for them while she stays to collect her thoughts on her failing marriage.

Shelby is weighing the pros and cons of the two ‘potential’ fathers for her unborn child: Which one would make her happier? Which one would be the better father? Which one does she care about the most – and it comes down to the one who treats her the best! I was happy with how that story all played out.

And then there’s Blossom, the literal miracle worker/family confidante. You have to suspend your imagination a bit with Blossom and her magic - and you will grow to love her!’

I read my first Ashley Farley book in 2018 and have been enjoying her books ever since! If you love women’s southern fiction with plenty of drama, please give my friend Ashley a try! I love that she has many series books and you can get lost in the characters for a while! You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
710 reviews64 followers
October 31, 2024
SIZZLING!

Author Ashley Farley has brought the sizzle in Southern Simmer (Sandy Island Book 3)! She has wrapped this novel around three main characters: 1) Newcomer Bibi is a mystery but soon becomes an integral part of the Team at the B&B and almost like family. Will her past catch up to her and keep her from the Dream Job of Events Coordinator that Pritchard offers her? 2) Kate is still trying to come to grips with ending her thirty-year marriage and her possible interest in Silas. Is she reading things between Silas and Bibi, or is she hypersensitive and jealous? 3) Shelby, who will confirm whether or not she is pregnant, and if so, what will she do about the two possible Baby Daddies? One loves her for all the right reasons and wants to make a future with her, yet never pressures her. The other says he wants to marry her but never gives the peaceful feelings that should come with the offer. And if these storylines aren’t enough, just as they prepare to close the B&B for the massive renovation and opening of The Sanctuary, Hurricane Harriet is headed straight for them! Yes, it is a sizzling novel!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,368 reviews
December 13, 2024
“Respect and honesty are the two most important ingredients for a successful relationship”

“Big decisions define more than just the path ahead-they shape who you become. Ask yourself not only what you want, but who you want to be.”

“Sometimes, what you’re searching for isn’t out there - it’s within you, waiting to be discovered”

Bibi decides to go away for a while and take a break from her marriage problems. She arrives at Magnolia Shores B&B. She is a mystery to everyone, yet feeling useful as she helps out. Will her past catch up to her?

Kate still has a lot of baggage and trust issues from her 30 year marriage. Can she move on? Is she interested is Silas?

Shelby is pregnant and doesn’t know who the baby daddy is. Will she make the right choice for her and the future of the baby?

Blossom, an angel, a miracle worker, that friend you need to talk things through with. I loved Blossom, her magic if you believe.
So many real issues, struggles, drama, family dynamics as these characters try to find themselves and possibly love.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,067 reviews
April 4, 2026
Listened on audio. Enjoyed the last half more than the first.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,893 reviews51 followers
January 28, 2025
What a good book! This was a quick easy book! I was caught up in the story from page one! It has some family drama, romance and a bit of a mystery. You won’t be able to put it down and I’m kinda sad it’s the last one in the series. Definitely recommend
Profile Image for Laura.
267 reviews
November 3, 2024
"Carrying a burden alone only makes it heavier, buttercup. Sharing it with someone you trust doesn't just lighten the load - it helps you see the path forward more clearly. "

"Sometimes, what you're searching for isn't out there - it's within you, waiting to be discovered."

These two quotes are an example of what Ashley Farley writes about.....people struggling with real issues and overcoming adversities to become the best that they can be and find love. Southern Simmer is the third novel in the Sandy Island Series. We revisit characters, who have become the reader's friends, and we meet new people. The book is so much more than women's fiction....there's a hefty dose of mystery and intrigue. Ms. Farley has put the "Southern" in women's Southern fiction!
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
563 reviews40 followers
January 17, 2025
Oh my goodness. After Southern Simmer by Ashley Farley I am officially having a book hangover! I went to bed last night thinking about the end of the Sandy Island trilogy and how much I am going to miss these characters. I lost a bit of sleep wondering what was going to happen to some of my favorite characters. Blossom has been one of the best things to come into my reading life in a long time. She is priceless!

Southern Simmer officially releases on January 28th. You can, however, go directly to Ashley Farley’s store and buy it directly from her today! How awesome is that? I love an author that lets us in on the fun early. Don’t you?

Bibi is the new character in this book. She left her husband for a little alone time. She shows up at the new family run B&B on Sandy Island in a taxi at night without a cell phone and no reservation. Kate worries about losing Silas to Bibi and Shelby; her daughter is unexpectedly pregnant! Blossom is there to help them deal with their problems. She is the angel we all need in our lives.

The character development and the creation of the storyline will keep you hooked to the Sandy Island trilogy. I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were unique which I love. They are not hard to remember either. The storyline is so fun and interesting. It is creative and not the same old thing. I highly recommend Ashley Farley’s Sandy Island trilogy to you. This should be high on the nightstand reading pile.
Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Nana.
946 reviews16 followers
January 28, 2025
Bibi’s had a good marriage, until her stepdaughter moved back in. Then she starts to see things differently. Her stepdaughter is trying to drive a wedge between her and her husband, Beau. The night of a dinner party for her husband, things, change, and she decided to leave and take a break from her marriage and her stepdaughter.
She went to a B and B, and when she arrives, she ends sleeping at the pool because they have no vacancy. The next morning, she wakes up, and helps get breakfast ready. A lot is going on, and she steps in a helps out in so many areas. They are expecting a hurricane, and turn on the TV, and she sees her husband saying his wife is missing, cash is missing, and some family jewels.
I couldn't put the book down until I read the whole book to find out what happens. There is a lot of mystery, a lot of things that are happening that make people suspicious, but as the story unfolds, many of the people are seeing things different, and also seeing what they have been doing, that they need to fix. Bibi is starting to see who she really is. She isn't the maid that married the rich man after his wife died, she is Bibi that is good at so many things, and discovers now that she is truly happy what her life was like. I am so happy, I read the series, and even though the series is done, I take with me, all the things they learned, and when something happens, it can change the way look at things, and when that happens, they begin to change. That is a nice thing to take with me, because things are always changing. I also learned that, they had a choice to not see what was going on, and don't change and we see what happens then. Life lessons, I didn't know I needed to see.
Profile Image for Sue .
2,083 reviews124 followers
January 4, 2025
This has been a fantastic series and I think that this final book is my favorite. The story mostly concentrates on three women and the problems that they are facing.

Bibi left her rich husband in Charleston to re-think their marriage. She isn't happy because his daughter dislikes her and tries to occupy all of her father's time. BiBi soon becomes part of the extended family at Sandy Island and begins to find real happiness. Then she finds out that her husband has reported her missing and accused her of leaving with the family heirloom jewels. What will the accusation of robbery do to her future plans?

Kate is still dealing with the end of her marriage. She's bitter towards her ex but begins to find happiness with Silas. Can she let go of the past and dream of the future.

Shelby is Kate's daughter. She had finally gotten her life together and now finds out that she's pregnant. This is happy news for her but the problem is that the baby daddy can be either Matt or Jason. She wants to raise the baby herself and doesn't plan to do a paternity test. How will she deal with the future?

Wrapping up the entire series is Blossom - an angel who has come to help this family through their problems and hopefully find happiness.

Southern Simmer is the third and final book in the Sandy Island series. It wraps up all of the issues from the earlier books but I sure would like a chance to visit Sandy Island again in the future and check up on the lives of these strong women. This is a series that you really need to read in order to keep up with the story. Trust me - it's a fantastic series and you're going to be happy that you read it.
Profile Image for Susan (The Book Bag).
1,004 reviews90 followers
January 28, 2025
Going into this book, I knew it was probably going to be the last in this series, which made me sad. That's just how Ashley does it, writing in threes. So I knew a lot of the drama and issues were going to resolved, for better or worse. But you know what? It was an awesome way to spend my time, time with these characters who I came to love and who felt like family to me.

I loved the growth that Shelby and Kate went through to get to their 'better' place. All of the characters grew in their life experiences and were wonderful to be around. Psst, some need a little more work, maybe? But overall, I'm sad to see them all go. Hopefully they will show up in future books. Wink, wink, Ashley. As with all of Ashley's stories, this place feels like home and the characters became my family and friends.

One of the most fun characters is Blossom. She appears in people's lives, just when they need her. Such a wise woman (or angel?). Anyway, she is going to be getting her own spin-off series and I can't wait! I am excited to see what adventures Ashley has in store for her.

I love this series and highly recommend it for a little bit of escape reading. Grab your drink of choice, your snugly blanket, and settle in for a wonderful time!
400 reviews18 followers
January 4, 2025
Southern Simmer is the 3rd book in the Sandy Island Series by Ashley Farley. I think this is my favorite of all of them and that is saying a lot because I loved them all. This was about making hard decisions, respect and trust. In this book Blossom is getting ready to leave right after she helps everyone with all their issues with her magic spells. They are going to deeply miss Blossom. One of my favorite quotes in the book is "I realized you were as broken as me on the inside. I'm hoping we can help each other heal". You can not miss this series or this book. They are a must read and you won't be able to put it down until the end. Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for Diane Jewell.
560 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2025
Southern Simmer by Ashley Farley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book 3 in the Sandy Island series. Although they are best when read in order but if you read just this one, Ashley does a great job writing that you won't feel lost.

A missing person, a baby, a remodel are just a few things happening at Magnolia Shores Bed and Breakfast.
If I've piqued your mind, pre-order your copy today for a January 28th release day.
Profile Image for Carla Suto.
921 reviews85 followers
January 22, 2025
SOUTHERN SIMMER is Book 3 in the Sandy Island series by Ashley Farley. I have enjoyed this whole series and hate to see it end. In this story, we meet Bibi, whose marriage to Beau and entire home life has been disrupted by her meddling stepdaughter, Scarlett. To get Beau’s attention, she takes off for a few days and winds up at the new B & B at Magnolia Shores. But her plan goes terribly awry when Beau reports her missing and claims she stole his family’s heirloom jewels. Kate is already suspicious of Bibi when she arrives unexpectedly with no reservation and not even a cell phone, but becomes even more wary when her current beau, Silas, appears to show interest in the newcomer. Shelby is also facing a life-changing moment. She is pregnant, but doesn’t know which of two men is the father. Both Josh and Matt pressure her to take a paternity test, but Shelby is determined to raise the baby as hers alone. The wonderful “angel” Blossom is helping all her friends navigate their situations with charm and a bit of magic. The storylines of the three characters are woven together seamlessly and keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end. I love that these stories are packed with family drama, relationship issues and plenty of mystery. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. I can only hope we see more about Sandy Island and this family in the future. Thank you to Ashley Farley for providing an early copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Paulette.
1,020 reviews24 followers
January 19, 2025
A lot is simmering on Sandy Shores at the Magnolia Shores B&B…an unexpected guest with secrets of her own, missing jewels, simmering tempers, a pregnancy and not to mention a hurricane bearing down on them. This is a delightful series with wonderful characters, with relatable problems and one character in particular who brings happiness and truth sprinkled with a little magic. A three book series that leaves you wanting more and to never leave these Southern Shores.
1,161 reviews26 followers
February 3, 2025
What a conclusion

Sandy Island has a new member in the form of mystery woman Bibi. She shows up late one night and ends up helping around the B&B. So much is happening for all. Pritchard , Kate and family are embarking on an expansion, Kate is starting a new business. Shelby is confused about her feelings for Matt and Josh, then finds out she's pregnant. Then Bibi's past catches up and she has decisions about her future. How will everything end up?
Profile Image for Cathy Cottrell.
116 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2025
As always, Ashley has knocked it out of the park! The new character, Bibi seems to throw a monkey wrench in Kate & Silas's summer fling. And Shelby's pregnancy is the talk of the town. Oh, and please Ashley, don't let this be the last of Blossom! I can only hope to have a Blossom in my life, someday!
299 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2025
The third book in this series and it did not disappoint. Love this series it is a must read. You meet new characters and explore more of other characters from the other two books. You learn how family drama hits everyone differently from love, betrayal, trust, babies, and divorces. Lots of twists and turns hard to put this one down. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Gwen.
62 reviews
January 20, 2025
I’m so sad to see this series come to an end. I fell in love with not only the story but the characters. You are drawn in from the first page and unable to put down. The new characters are blended in so perfectly. The storm is coming in more ways than one. This book / series is filled with love, betrayal, hard decisions and an unexpected crime.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,121 reviews28 followers
January 8, 2025
I loved this wrap up as third in the series. Page turning drama for a broken marriage, spoiled stepdaughter, baby daddy’s, healing broken hearts and more. Loved the ending and really wish this characters would continue! A great
read by a favorite author.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books191 followers
January 9, 2025
A bit of mystery, stolen jewels, an unexpected pregnancy, family troubles, the hope of love, and much more. Author Ashley Farley brings the reader into each scene with her descriptions and details. Great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
145 reviews
February 15, 2025
This was the last book of this series and I'm going to miss this family. I will especially miss Blossom the resident angel. The story got real because not all the couples survive their love but they are in a place that they are meant to be in.
25 reviews
April 11, 2025
Sad

I truly love this series. I hate that it is ending. I would really love to read more about Shelby, Kate , and the gang. I really want to read more. Ashley I truly love your books. Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Diane.
310 reviews6 followers
January 18, 2025
I am sad this is end I would love more of this lovely series and want to move there and get a job! Lots of drama and love how they pull together and help each other! Ashley love your writing!
Profile Image for Virginia Mackmin.
163 reviews
January 19, 2025
Wow what a ending. It's sad that this is the last book. Once a gain a new character is Introduced and fits in with the family. Also a main character leaves. Wish there was more books.
Profile Image for Tammy Hudson.
206 reviews35 followers
January 28, 2025
This is the last book in the series. The best one yet. This book has it all drama, forgiveness, mystery, and new beginnings. This is a must read. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for KANDI AULTMAN.
31 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2025
great series

Great series! So sad it has come to an end. Great writing and the story pulls you in. Can’t wait for the next series to come out.
12 reviews
February 9, 2025
She's awesome!

Its a great series! She does the best series!
I've never been disappointed in any of her books. She's one of my favorite authors!

42 reviews
February 17, 2025
Read it so fast I was sorry to finish it. Excellent series.First time reading this author. Will definitely check out more of her books
37 reviews
April 5, 2025
3rd book in the Magnolia Shores series, all plot line are wrapped up nicely. Very enjoyable series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews