A mother's death. A daughter’s reckoning. A family's darkest hour.
After her mother’s passing, Lydia Meyer returns to Marsh Hollow, the isolated estate on the Chesapeake Bay where she spent her childhood. She hasn’t set foot there in over two decades—not since escaping the rigid, haunting life her mother created. But when she arrives, strange things begin to surface. A vandalized house. A hidden journal. A graveyard in the woods that haunts her dreams.
As long-buried memories rise to the surface, Lydia begins to question everything she thought she knew. What really happened to her father? Why did her sister disappear? And who is behind the force determined to keep the truth hidden?
With the help of Blossom, a mysterious woman who appears just when Lydia needs her most, she must confront the past before it consumes her. But some secrets don’t stay buried—and each step toward the truth brings her closer to a danger she never saw coming.
For fans of When Crickets Cry and Where the Crawdads Sing—a gripping story of buried secrets, quiet strength, and the healing power of home.
⭐️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.
This book was a lovely read. When I started it I thought the writing was a little too slow, but I realize it may have been to reflect the emotions of our protagonist Lydia. Once she arrives at Marsh Hollow, the things she discovers make the story a ton more interesting and exciting, I personally didn’t see the ending coming. Much recommend
Wow such a beautiful and heartwarming story about family. Liddy and Mellie grew up so isolated from reality thanks to their overly protective mother. The story starts out spooky but quickly turns warm and magical. I loved watching how the FMC grows to fall back in love with her hometown and find her passion in life again not to mention the handsome handy neighbor.
I am always thrilled to get to read an early copy of Ashley’s books and love every one of them. This might be one of my favorites. I loved the story which includes many secrets, murder, mystery, betrayal and a touch of romance. Even better, the wonderful Blossom arrives to help guide our main character on her return to Marsh Hollow. Wonderful read!
Incredible story that grabs you from the beginning and then you can’t put the book down. Lydia & Mellie had a very secluded, unusual upbringing with very little love & affection from their mother. They are able to escape and start lives away from marsh hollow and each other. After 20 plus years Lydia returns to find the house ransacked which leads to more questions than answers. Lydia is overwhelmed unsure of what to do or even where to start but Blossom appears almost out of nowhere. With her help Lydia uncovers family secrets that put her in danger and gives her a better understanding of her mother and choices she made. Will Lydia return to her home in Richmond? This book has many family secrets that changed the trajectory of each of their lives.
The first book in the Soul Seekers series by Ashley Farley finds Lydia Meyer shocked to learn that she has inherited Marsh Hollow, her childhood home from her mother. A place that holds no love or happy memories for Lydia. Only the memories of her strict mother, a mystery, secrets and a betrayal haunt Lydia. But she eventually decides to return to Marsh Hollow to see it one more time before she sells it. As she contemplates her future a special someone shows up at Marsh Hollow. Can Blossom spread some of her ‘goodness’ to help Lydia see that by making new memories, they can help banish the heartache that she has carried for twenty years? A must read if you enjoy a heartwarming book with just a touch of angel magic. I received an eARC from the author and this review is my opinion.
Wow, I don't have the word to describe this amazing story in Ashley Farley's new series, " Soul Seekers." It is an amazing story of multigenerations keeping, lies, deception, betayals & secrets thru mutiple generations. It's one of my favorite books by the talented Ashley Farley. I am honored to be part of the advance reader team and highly recommend it. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Love this book! It starts off really spooky and gets better with all twists and turns of story ! Love That Blossom came to help out ! I need a Blossom in my life ! Ashley writes the best stories can’t wait for next one
This is something special and I just love it! A mystery and love story…truly inspirational! A must read! Thank you to Ashley Farley for being such an amazing writer and please continue writing your great stories!
Oh my stars! Ashley, you have managed to do it again. This book is nothing like any of your others, but yet it has the markings of you. I so loved getting to know Mellie and Lydia, but Blossom is the star of the show. I wish I had a Blossom in my life. Thanks Ashley, for trusting me with this book.
“You can take the girl out of the marsh, but you can’t take the marsh out of the girl.”
Bestselling author Ashley Farley has launched a new series titled “Soul Seekers”, and her first release, “Return to Marsh Hollow”, is spectacular! I highly recommend this book. Farley’s signature style of writing dynamic plots centered on family drama shines through in “Return to Marsh Hollow”. She also stretches her skills by incorporating a multilayered mystery filled with multigenerational secrets, deceptions, lies, and the betrayal between sisters.
The characters are memorable and intriguing, keeping you invested in the story. The setting of Marsh Hollow feels almost like a character itself, featuring a beautiful marsh, a home filled with painful memories but also vast potential, and a family cemetery that not only holds the remains of generations past but also conceals the key to one of the darkest chapters in local history. BONUS: Beloved character Blossom is back!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own and without influence.
You can take the girl out of the marsh, but you can’t take the marsh out of the girl.
“Here’s the thing about new chapters. You don’t get to pick and choose which parts you carry forward. You have to turn the page, even when the words make you ache.” “Sometimes, the hardest stories to face are the ones that still need an ending.”
Ashley Farley has launched a new series called Soul Seekers. Return to Marsh Hollow is the first in this series. Once I read the last page I couldn’t put into words my thoughts that had kept me captivated as I read. It has taken me a while to find my words. The story is beautifully written, was so intriguing, inspirational, that putting it down became impossible. A multi-layered, multi-generational mystery with so many secrets, lies, deceptions it left my head spinning. A story that I still can’t stop thinking about. This book is not to be missed! If you loved Blossom don’t miss out on her return!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
My favorite character ever in my reading life is Blossom created by Ashley Farley. I’ve been missing Blossom and she has made a comeback in her own series. I’m in heaven that I am able to spend time with her again. She is a heavenly devine character! The new series is called Soul Seekers and the first book is Return to Marsh Hollow. Each book in this new series will be a stand alone book featuring Blossom.
This story is about Lydia Meyer. Her mother has recently died and she is heading home to the family estate on the Chesapeake Bay to take care of things. Lydia has not been back home since she escaped more than 20 years earlier. She finds she has a lot to deal with when she gets home including the circumstances of her mothers death.
If you have read any of Ms. Farley’s books in the past you know she packs them with interesting characters and there is always a lot going on. I can’t think of one book I’ve read by her that she hasn’t kept my interest from page one until I turn the final page. I’m always looking forward to the next book and the time I will get to spend in the world of her characters.
There are several things that draw me to Ashley Farley books. One of them is that they most often take place in small towns or areas. In her series you will get to know most of the characters as friends. Her characters in each book are of a large range of ages and readers will be able to find the ones that they like who will draw them into the story.
What more can you ask for in a story? Great settings, great characters, lots of things going on and always the most interesting story lines. I simply can’t wait to get more time with Blossom. I would love someone in my life that was like her. She is a true Guardian Angel put on this earth to help those that need her the most. Do you need a Blossom? If so, pick up this first book in the Soul Seeker series, Return to Marsh Hollow for your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!
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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.
I've read and loved every book that Ashley Farley has written and am thrilled that she is starting a new series. The Soul Seekers series bring back the wonderful character of Blossom from a previous series. Is Blossom just a woman or an angel? She always manages to show up when she's needed the most to help woman who are going through a struggle in their lives.
Lydia has stayed away from her family home in Marsh Hollow for over twenty years. She has no desire to have anything to do with her controlling and often cruel mother. When she gets a call that her mother has died and left the family home to her, she has to decide if she even wants to the see the house again. She decides to leave her safe life in Virginia and travel back to the Chesapeake Bay area to fix up the family home and sell it. When she arrives, she finds the house is in worse shape than she remembered plus it has been ransacked and is a total mess. After Blossom mysteriously shows up, she asks Lydia lots of questions and wants her to remember her past so that she can create a new future for herself and her art talent. She reluctantly agrees to start working on the house and a neighbor who is a contractor starts to help her. Soon he becomes more than a worker - he becomes a friend and really wants to become more than a friend. As Lydia finds the answers to many of the secrets that had colored her past memories, she has to decide if she wants to stay in Marsh Hollow.
The author has done a fantastic of telling the story by moving seamlessly from Lydia's past to the present day. Blossom helps Lydia discover the past secrets of her family so that she can move forward to a happy life without her past memories. Lydia is a fascinating main character and Blossom is once again a wise woman who helps Lydia find her happiness.
You can always depend on Ashley Farley to write a meaningful story about women facing life's challenges as they find the grace and resilience to make changes in their lives.
From the very beginning, this captivating story was nearly impossible to put down. Having read all of Ashley Farley’s other books, I found this remarkable tale to possess an intriguing element of suspense that enhances its depth. Sisters Lydia and Melanie, now adults and estranged for over twenty years, are notified of their mother's death, who left no will. The older sibling, Melanie, opts to decline any inheritance, leaving the entire family farm, where they grew up, to Lydia. The narrative beautifully captures their challenging childhood under the strict rule of their mother, isolated from friends and schooling. In adulthood, Melanie has achieved success in her career and lives in New York, while Lydia has spent the last two decades working as a waitress in Richmond, Virginia, raising her son alone. The structure of the story, alternating between the present and their youth, is expertly written. Lydia, a talented artist who hasn't drawn or painted in years, takes her neglected art supplies to the farm, seeking artistic inspiration and faced with the important decision of whether to accept a generous offer from a developer to buy the farm. What a delightful surprise to encounter the much-loved character of Blossom, who has appeared in another series written by Ashley. Blossom could be considered an angel sent from heaven to come along side those who need help. Lydia definitely fits the category of needing help, not only in making an important decision, but to clean up the horrific mess she finds when arriving at the farm. This is a beautifully written, heartfelt story that I’ll thinking about for the next few days. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Ashley has brought to life a well-loved character from another one of her series and has given her her own stories. Blossom is a caring, beautiful, warm women who is always there when you need her and knows exactly what you want and need.
Lydia doesn't even know she needs help when she arrives back home to tie up loose ends so she can get on with her life. As secrets unfold and memories start to resurface, it all becomes more than she can handle. Blossom to the rescue, right on cue. I really wish there was a Blossom in my life!
I love Return to Marsh Hollow because, just like all of Ashley's stories, it is filled with wonderful, interesting characters, plenty of drama, and heartwarming emotions. I always feel so comfortable in her settings and stories. I want to spend as much time there as I can, surrounded by all the wonderful people. I'm so excited that Blossom will be featured in more stories.
I highly recommend Return to Marsh Hollow and I'm looking forward to the next stories in this series.
Another book by one of my favorite authors. I hope Ashley Farley never stops writing because I eagerly look forward to the next one as soon as I finish one.
I love when Ms. Farley writes a series and the series contains characters that we get to know and grow to learn. Return to Marsh Hollow is no different. In this novel we meet Lydia, a woman returning to Marsh Hollow after the death of her mother. After Lydia has been back for awhile strange things start happening. Enter Blossom, a divine creature we have met in other stories of Ms. Farley. (I want a Blossom!)
Blossom helps Lydia unravel the past but will it be good for her?
If you have not read any books by Ashely Farley – now is the time to start! 05.10.25
I was excited to read this new book, new series by Ashley and she did not disappoint. Definitely a rollercoaster with twists and turns with every page.
Family secrets are finally revealed after being buried for centuries. Not are secrets are good or bad, you'll have to decide for yourself are their secrets good or bad. Will these secrets bring these 2 sisters back together or separate them even more.
I hope you decide to read this book 1. You won't be disappointed. But you will have to wait till later in the year for book 2🥲 It will be worth the wait.
I believe I have read all of Ashley Farley's books. Ashley is now back with a new series, and YAY! Blossom is back. I just love Blossom. Sisters Lydia and Melanie, now adults and estranged for over twenty years, are notified of their mother's death, who left no will. There mother only left bad memories and therefore Melanie disclaimed her portion of everything. Lydia is now faced going back home to face the memories and deal with the house. What will she find? This is about family, suspense, mystery and wonderful characters. I Just loved it. Thank you for the ARC!
I always enjoy Ashley Farley's books and, this first book in a new series really showcases this authors talents and growth! The death of a parent, a rift between sisters, secrets kept, secrets revealed, and revisiting the past maybe the only way to embrace the future. With a bit of mystery and suspense, a touch of romance, and a lot of drama, this book will keep you engaged right to the end! I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this, and very much brought the characters to life. Can't wait to start the next one!
Interesting and readable. Just two issues for me. Page 13 has Lydia giving her credit card to Brandy. They don't know each other well, but are just finishing up their meal at the cafe. Lydia gets a call and hands her card to Lydia to pay as Lydia steps outside for her call. Brandy never gives the card back. Hmmmm.... The other issue is just plain ridiculous. Lydia has such animosity towards her sister that she hasn't seen or spoken to her in twenty years. Yet, Lydia was trying to "protect" her sister's marriage? Makes no sense.
RETURN TO MARSH HOLLOW is the latest heartwarming story from author Ashley Farley. It is the first book in a new series called The Soul Seekers and it is a winner! Lydia Meyer is shocked learn of her mother’s death and that she is meant to inherit Marsh Hollow, her childhood home on the Chesapeake Bay, after her estranged sister Melanie declined her half of any inheritance. Lydia hasn’t been back to Marsh Hollow in over twenty years, but when she arrives, she finds the house ransacked and vandalized, a mysterious journal and a haunting graveyard in the woods. As Lydia is forced to confront her past, she is helped by a mysterious woman named Blossom, who just might be an angel in disguise. Soon long-buried family secrets are unearthed that may put Lydia in danger. Can she solve the mystery of her family legacy and find peace in her new home? I truly enjoyed the first book of this new series and can’t wait to see what comes next. So happy to see beloved character Blossom back, too! Thank you to Ashley Farley for the chance to read and review and early copy of RETURN TO MARSH HOLLOW.
When I want to have an easy and compelling read with rich characters, Ashley Farley is always a go-to. All of her books draw you in quickly and keep you there to the end. Return to Marsh Hollow fits that bill. Whenever I finish one of her books, there's a little disappointment to be completed. Her characters stay with me.
The past doesn't always stay in the past. Painful memories, dysfunctional family relationships, love, hope, and much more are found in this amazing story. Returning home can offer new perspectives. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
This is another well written book by this author. It’s a fast moving edge of your seat story! It’s a bit of a twisted story with family drama and romance. I really liked Blossom too. I don’t think I was quite ready for this book to end
Secrets abound in this story. Strong women characters that span three generations. Evil men that hide their sins from the world. Sisters that have been apart for years. Very different from each other
I love all her books. I have read every one. The only dislike is I wish there were more. Keep up the good work. Can't wait until the next one comes out.
One of the better books I've read this entire year. It was a very fast, interesting read which I read in one afternoon. I really like and enjoy Ashley Farley's writing.
This book was fantastic from page one to the end!! Wonderful fresh new story that had love mystery excitement and some bad situations. Edge of your seat fast read. Highly recommended
This is a great book it has murder, mystery and family secrets. I love that we get to see Blossom again she is so wise and always there when needed. I was privileged to get to read an early copy.