The Ballad

Discography #2

by Ashley Pullo

Two Lovers.

Two Dreamers.

One Love Song.

Locations: New York City (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, TriBeCA)
Las Vegas, San Francisco

Setting: 2003-Present day

Characters:
Chloe LeGrange Ford - talented musician craving resolve
Adam Ford - handsome attorney longing for a revelation
Natalie LeGrange Brooks - creative free-spirit dreaming of the stars
Chris Brooks - sexy Texan waiting for the right time

Objective:
Authentic situations and original characters capture the intimate moments in a timeless love story.

Themes:
Patience, impulse, pride, joy, and undeniable sexual attraction.

Genre:
Indie/Romance/Drama/Humor

The Ballad is a love song following dreamers and lovers over a span of ten years. Set against the picturesque backdrop of New York City and paired with a reverse narrative, their story is an original retelling of what it means to find the happily ever after in the midst of the journey.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2013

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!

"Every great love story has a beginning, whether it's a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it's the middle of the story that really counts, the part when life happens - either propelling the relationship into a beautiful romance, or dissolving into a predictable wasteland of misconceptions."

This is a beautiful and powerful quote that is the perfect opening for The Ballad, a unique, funny, and extremely honest telling of an epic romance. As it was with The Album, the first book by Ashley Pullo, The Ballad does not follow the typical romance formula, which is a very good thing.

There is such amazing dialogue in this book that I wanted to highlight everything I read, just to go back and re-read it again, to swoon or to chuckle. No author can depict New York City better than Ashley Pullo!

Both The Album and The Ballad have officially made it to my Top 5 List of Favorite Books of 2014. I highly recommend these books to readers of any genre.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Timeless Romance that Can Be Told Again and Again…Always

How do you put into words the best love story you’ve ever read?

On a rare occasion, a book comes along and it's so touching, so riveting, so passionate and so relevant that it just seeps into your soul. You become so immersed in that world that you take those characters into your heart and they stay with you forever. That is how I feel about The Ballad by Ashley Pullo.

The Ballad, quite simply, is the love story of Adam and Chloe Ford. This character-driven romance highlights their journey of self-discovery and love together over an eleven-year period. Adam, an attorney who craves control, and Chloe, a musician who craves impulsiveness, are living their life in a relationship that is constantly evolving in Brooklyn, New York. What is so fascinating is they are an ordinary married couple that has everyday life experiences…good, bad, humorous, emotional, but the author’s descriptive writing takes this story to the next level. Ms. Pullo takes the reader on an authentic journey and makes it extraordinary with her quick wit, smart dialogue and eloquent description. It becomes a true sensory experience, and I savored every minute of it.

The Ballad is written in a reverse narrative, so readers get the “happily ever after” in the beginning. But trust me, this only enhances the reading experience. It’s like peeling back layers and getting an intimate look inside Adam and Chloe’s relationship going back in time. Ms. Pullo gives the reader unique front-row access into Adam and Chloe’s private cocoon – where the emotion is intense, the connection is real and the lovemaking is highly sensual. Adam and Chloe become so real, that in my mind, they are currently living out their lives in a Cobble Hill brownstone with Chloe singing in her music parlor and Adam smiling as she sings to him their private love song.

The Ballad is the companion book to The Album and conclusion to the story of five friends who are living out their dreams in New York City. Although The Ballad focuses on Adam and Chloe’s romance, the author includes an extended epilogue with characters from the first book, The Album. She takes the reader on a fun summer vacation with Natalie, Chris, Chloe and Adam, which is reminiscent of the “vacation episodes” from 90s sitcoms. It’s a charming read that had me grinning from ear-to-ear. Ms. Pullo comes full circle with the ending. It's emotional, poignant and just perfect.

The author was able to build this world of everyday people and evoke so much emotion. Throughout this journey, I laughed...I cried...and I loved with all of these characters. I experienced life right along with them.

I would like to thank Ashley Pullo for creating one of the best series I've ever read. It's truly a sensory experience, and I appreciate you sharing these wonderful characters with us. I am truly sad that the journey is over, but then again, every great story can be told again and again. Le Fin.

Favorite Quotes:

“Every great love story has a beginning, whether it’s a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it’s the middle of the story that really counts, the part when life happens – either propelling the relationship into a beautiful romance, or dissolving into a predictable wasteland of misconceptions.”

“Our time will come, Chloe, and everything before that will be memories.” – Adam Ford, The Ballad

"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning - a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it's simply a journey. And if we're lucky, one to be shared with friends and family." – Adam Ford, The Ballad

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did you like best about The Ballad? What did you like least?
I really loved all the life observations and how they were linked to music and television shows that were popular when I was growing up. Adam's toast below is just one of many cool observations that season this wonderful ensemble novel.

"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning – a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it’s simply a journey. And if we’re lucky, one to be shared with friends and family.” Adam

I did think it was a tiny bit weird when Nat played peeping Tom on her cousin Chloe and Adam when they shared a suite in Vegas. I was relieved when she quickly gave them their privacy.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?
Hell yeah!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I seriously laughed so hysterically that I had a coughing fit and a Facebook laughter sticker war with my live buddy reading partner, Beth Simkanin, when I read the below scene, one of many, many funny moments.

“You haven’t been Naughty Nat this enter trip. It’s like you’re avoiding sex – you wouldn’t even let me eat you out last night.”

“That’s not true! I’d f@#k you in the bathroom right now if I wasn’t wearing pants. It’s just that, well, my period can start at any minute – which explains all this hormonal behavior. Ugh, now you think I’m gross.”

“Nat, I watched our daughter bloom from your flower garden – nothing about you is gross.”

“Ew, that’s gross!”

Chris shakes his head and laughs. “And, I’m pretty certain you had your period two weeks ago.”

“You know my cycle? Creep.”

“I’m creepy because I can add?”

Which scene was your favorite?
Chloe's labor scene and her internal monologues leading up to it, during it, and after it were fantastic and so authentic sounding to me. So I guess I should say that my favorite chapter was the Sophie chapter detailing all of that from Chloe’s POV.

If you could take any character from The Ballad out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Adam would be an obvious choice, so I’m going with the not so obvious choice of Chris. Nat is a firecracker, and I was just impressed with how well he complimented her. He was her match in every way and a great 2nd love after the tragic death of Zach, who will always have a special place in my heart.

‘Chris kisses me, consuming my salting tears and breathing life into me, so much life I can actually see my future as clear as the present.’ Natalie

Author, Ashley Pullo is planning to write more with these characters, and I for one am more than a little excited at the prospect of hanging out with them again.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible. Such real life and love combined to make a masterpiece! The bond between each of these characters is amazing. Cousins, friends, lovers truly on a life journey. Reading from ending to beginning is something I really enjoyed. You understand the story from a whole new perspective. A must read - author Ashley Pullo is a genius.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I thought Ms. Pullo was speaking to me in the first book, The Album. Little did I know, she could capture another stage of my life so eloquently with her latest release, The Ballad.

"I, Chloe Ford, am the target audience for wrinkle cream, weight loss, and poorly written romance novels. I might as well prepare for my move to one of those Adult Retirement Communities…spending my golden years in rayon pantsuits and bragging about my collection of tiny porcelain frogs."

"And that’s when I realize – thirty-five is ten years better than twenty-five."

The Ballad opens with Chloe, about to celebrate her thirty-fifth birthday. She really takes a look around her to inventory her life in the here and now. She has two beautiful children, a successful husband, and an understanding that while she may not be the young, hip girl she once was, she has underwent an evolution to become a different person, one whose life choices have made her the person she is. She couldn’t be the person she is today had she not experienced all of the challenges life has thrown her way. All of those decisions have influenced her relationships with others and each birthday becomes a celebration of those changes, rather than a chance to mourn the loss of youth.

"Closing the door, I step on a goddamn Lego for the hundredth time."

"And there’s my gift, the red, bulls-eye Mecca for every woman in her thirties…Target!"

What can I say? Every parent knows that feeling and Pullo’s use of the familiar again lends an air of authenticity to the book. The characters are real. There are no housekeepers, or drivers, or nannies; they are real people and their experience resonates with the rest of us. This alone makes their story more relatable. I know that I read a lot of romance novels that deal in fantasy, whether it is a rock god or a Navy SEAL, so it is refreshing to read a story that again could easily be my own. Both of the books in this series, at least in my eyes, should be elevated above the “romance” or “chick lit” labels. Labeling them as such seems to discount the ways in which the books reflect real life.

"I tell him about all my crazy French Club adventures and how I always wanted to come back to Paris with my husband – and then I realize, experiencing Paris with the man I love is nothing in comparison to sharing my life with the man I love.
Jokingly, Adam squeals and claps his hands. “Let’s take a picture!” Pointing to the bed and lowering his voice, he adds, “And then we should f--k.”"

In addition to evolving as an individual, our relationships with our loved ones evolve as well, especially our spouses. We fall in love with not only the idea of love itself, but also with a person that we tend to idealize, and when the patina begins to fade as the relationship changes, we are faced with the true test. As we move along the so-called journey of life, we see life through different lenses. First as children and adolescents, then as young singles, then as newlyweds, then parents, and so on. The way that we view things changes over time and the way that we react to those changes can mean the beginning or end of relationships. People come in and out of our lives for different reasons, but it is our responsibility to work to make those relationships we hold dear stand the test of time.

"However, no amount of planning or first-hand horror stories can actually prepare a hormonal pregnant woman for the devastating news that chld birth is an endorphin-induced what the fuck just happened cerebral experience that spans over several days kind of party."

"Before I was given my wonder drug injection, I was examined and cleared by the dreaded latex hand, again. At that point, I didn’t consider myself modest, but did there really need to be seven people in there looking at my vagina? Should we’ve called in a few bored people from the waiting room to have a look-see while we’re at it?"

"Natalie, standing in horror behind Dr. Wong, mouthed dramatically, “Your beaver is huge.”
“Nat, I love you, but get the f--k out!” I yelped in embarrassment."

"“Oh shit, he has a tail!” I screamed.
“It’s the umbilical cord, babe.” Adam assured me with a smile."

Have I mentioned Pullo’s use of familiar to really tell the story? The story of Chloe and Natalie and their birth stories are quite frankly, hilarious. It’s easy to look back on those times ten, twelve years later and laugh, but when you’re in the thick of it, it is all so ridiculous. Pullo’s use of humor is amazing and the dialog in the book is brilliant. She manages to capture those candid moments and express them with ease.

"“How’s the intimacy? Are you both finding time to connect sexually like we discussed?”
She looks at Adam, and I swear her lip is quivering. I smile and dramatically kiss Adam’s hand, preparing my wicked response to her provoking question.
“Yep, we f--k a lot. And it feels good.” As soon as my vulgar words hit the air she frantically writes in her notebook with a deep frown. Adam lowers his head and snorts."

While The Album left me feeling nostalgic for my 20s heyday, The Ballad is a reminder for us, as women especially, to embrace the here and now. As soon as we get married and start having kids we start to leave a piece of ourselves behind, which is exactly what we see with Chloe and Natalie. We can no longer throw caution to the wind knowing that there are other humans, the tiny ones especially, that count on us for their welfare. We can no longer drop everything and go to a show, or step on a plane for a new adventure. Not only do we lose that freedom, but we also lose parts of our identity. One of the greatest expressions of our sexuality is the birth of a child, yet it is that act alone that also strips us from our identity as sexual beings. Pullo managed to capture that exchange perfectly with Chloe and Adam’s relationship. Like most Americans these days, therapy, either individual or couples, is a way of life. We need to employ others in order to deal with our emotions and that is the case even in Chloe’s fictional world.

"The first few days on medication are okay, and I’m doing a nice job moving through the daily tasks. It’s all about regulating my emotions, and I’m doing it. Almost instantly, my morning dosage of Zoloft changes my fear to nothing. My sadness turns to nothing. My happiness dissolves into nothing."

"When the fear governs the anxiety, it’s time for another pill. The cycle repeats itself until I’m huddled up in my room, dry tears rolling down my face, Sophie wailing and Will whining, and I hate myself. But mostly, I f--king hate Adam."

Real life isn’t pretty. Real relationships aren’t all hearts and flowers and there is nothing that expresses that better than Chloe’s battle with depression. Again, her experience is real and raw and is told in a way that is very genuine.

While the bulk of the story is about Chloe and Adam’s relationship, I would be remiss to not discuss Natalie and Chris. Natalie too undergoes a transformation from single, to newlywed and finally to mother. We also see her come to terms with Zach’s death and how she is able to carry on his memory without being weighed down with the guilt of moving on. In the first book it was Zach that set off the water works and it was Zach again that affected me so greatly. The way Natalie came to terms with her past was so innately human it is easy to relate. Natalie comes across as the loud, confident, woman in control but as she begins to evolve we see her letting down her guard and showing her vulnerability, a sign of maturity.

"“Sometimes life can make you pause without warning – a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it’s simply a journey. And if we’re lucky, one to be shared with friends and family.”"

"Because every great story can be told again and again."

The Ballad begins with Chloe and Adam in the present day and starts a reverse narrative to the night that they meet in the bar. The next part of the book picks up with present day Natalie and moves a little ways into the future. The use of the reverse narrative is incredibly effective with this story. Each landmark moment in Chloe and Adam’s lives is deconstructed so that we find out what decisions were made and what emotions they felt leading up to that event. Pullo again manages to capture all of the emotions; fear, elation, happiness, sadness, and it culminates in a crescendo, a testament to living life on your own terms. The Ballad, much like The Album have taken a special place in my heart as they were both able to elicit both emotion and reflection. If I were to write the story of my own life, Ashley Pullo would be the first I would call. Her use of passion, emotion, humor and pop culture references make this story familiar. Again Pullo knocks it out of the park. From the moment you pick up the book you will be drawn in and won’t want to put it down. You’ll fall in love with the characters all over again. Thank you Ms. Pullo for taking us lovers and dreamers on the journey of a lifetime.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai préféré le précédent car je suis moins "fan" de la chronologie inversée. Ça gâche un peu mon plaisir. Mais, quand même, un très bon moment !

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about both The Album and The Ballad is that you can read them over and over and over again, and you'll find new things to connect to each time. This is why these books are worth every cent! How many books do you feel like you can re-read over and over again and never grow tired of and/or find new meanings each time? With the Ballad, in which the story of Adam and Chloe is told in reverse, I could imagine re-reading it in chronological order and gaining a whole new appreciation for their story. Or I could re-read one favorite section when I need that feeling of being back with favorite characters once again. It's like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure story!

Both books are just about life and all that happens in between. In so many ways, I connected stronger to the books and the characters because of that. Their stories never end. I know them more because I've seen snippets of their lives at various stages over 17 years. And this time, I got a deeper understanding of Adam and Chloe's beautiful love story. Plus a whole new epilogue that feels like a vacation special with all my favorite characters!

I'll never get enough of Adam, Chloe, Natalie, Chris, and Zach!

[Rebecca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read of a 2014 favourite, back when it was called The Bridge. This wonderful story has since had a prologue, extra chapters, and an epilogue added, which ties it in beautifully with the release of The Ballad, which needs to be read first.
A palette cleanser, a departure from billionaires, bikers, fighters and rockers, this is simply a wonderfully lyrical story about a married couple. It starts with a happy picture of a couple in their mid thirties, with children, celebrating her (Chloe's) 35th birthday. Only each chapter goes back in time, and you learn that their happiness today, has been fought hard for, through difficult events and stages through the years. You are effectively peeling back layers to reveal the places that they have come from: normal everyday events like children, births, depression, family, death, wedding, engagement, etc. it has been a wonderful mystery. There is no created drama, everything is incredibly real.
Underlying it all, is this incredible passion and romance between Chloe and Husband Adam. Hot, hot delicious sex scenes, I spent a lot f time admiring and swooning over Adam!! He is such an incredibly strong character, who's strength carries Chloe through some of her dark times.
I'll never forget this story, I highly recommend this series.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ballad is the heartwarming follow up to The Album which tells the tale of four friends and their journey towards happily ever after. If you enjoy witty characters, plots that will tug on your heart and a reading experience that is unique, this is the story for you.

***Must be read after The Album***

I was thrilled to spend more time with the charismatic and witty Chloe and Natalie. If they were real, we would definitely be BFFs. I enjoyed the comedic relief each provided as these couples navigated the ups and downs of relationships and marriage, respectively. They have certainly left their mark on me and won’t soon be forgotten.

The story is told in a reverse narrative which provided a unique reading experience, true to the author’s style. Though I ultimately knew where the story ended, I found myself picking up on the little details that connected the dots of the bigger picture. It was a new experience for me and even though I did not love the format, I enjoyed the story and am content with where things concluded.

[Erin McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin??? This is a book that you can be assured will be read over and over and over. I love that the happy ever after is at the beginning, then the story is told in reverse narrative and we see just how they got there.

Adam and Chloe are sheer perfection. I usually go for the darker reads and let me tell you, there is nothing dark about this book. It's real. It's honest. It's a journey that many married people find themselves on. I think that's why it spoke to me so much, I could relate. The writing style is unique, I love the story and The Ballad, along with The Album are going to go down as 2 of my all time favorites.

5 stars

**arc was generously give by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart stopping

I loved this book! Adam and Chloe are the couple that made me laugh and left me in awe of their love for each other but Chris and Nat's story left me weak while at the same time gave me hope that their love would only grow. A perfect romantic tale full of imperfect people.

[Sarah Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this 7 years ago when it came out. The sequel to The Album it really mostly focused on Adam and Chloe (Adam Ford.may be my new book boyfriend). One of my favorites of 2020.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began this book, I was slightly concerned. What if it is redundant? I loved The Album SO MUCH! What if this book somehow diminished or tarnished my opinion? Ridiculous, I am! It was a return to the characters with whom I fell in love in The Album, yes. Oh, but this was a different story. This was yet another uniquely delivered story that gave a great deal more depth and insight for Chloe and Adam. Chloe and Adam were key players in the other book. However, in The Album, the author revealed just enough to tantalize. In The Ballad, they are fully realized. The most refreshing note to this second book...the timeline! Oh, my goodness, Ashley Pullo has some mad storytelling skills!

Formulaic stories that include the same character types and a predictable outcome? No, thank you. Tropey tales or overly sarcastic people? Irritating. Characters who take you on a journey through experiences that you can totally relate to, but with a response that is unique to them? Love that. Characters who might even take you a bit outside your comfort zone? Cool. Nostalgic settings or time periods are a huge bonus. I think we all appreciate and enjoy that feeling of connection with a novel and the sentimental "ahhh" that results from that connection. The Ballad is full to overflowing with my favorite elements. It was also full of surprises that were unveiled...in a surprising way!

Chloe. Chloe's self-description in the beginning was just so amusing and familiar. That realization that comes over you when you discover that, though you aren't yet really old, you are no longer young. Ah, yes. I remember that so well! The story of Chloe's struggles with anxiety and the fear of failure were revealed with the raw and very real emotion that Ms. Pullo used in The Album. It felt honest. There weren't ANY aspects that felt contrived. I felt Chloe's pain and fear. It was gut-wrenching at times and my heart hurt for her. I wanted to see how she found her way out. Pivotal to her doing so...her relationship with a remarkable man. A man who reassured her over and over again that their love, their life together was "Always."

Adam. Dear goodness, Adam! Still waters do run deep! Just to imagine that amount of focus and devotion from this man! The honor to be his safe haven, his home. Again, the peeling back of this character's layers felt organic. It was just a pleasure to sit back and "watch" it all unfold. Such an interesting and thoughtful man! AND SEXY, OH, MY GOOD GOSH! There is a moment when Chloe playfully asks him how he feels...his answer " I---feel---you." I might have lost consciousness for a moment there.

I loved loved loved that all of the characters had loving, healthy relationships with their parents. No drama with the mamas! The struggle to get your sea legs when striking out on your own simply presents itself with different challenges for different people. Also, sometimes the Big Sea is calm and other times, turbulent. I really appreciated the lack of the tropes and the formulas.

In the beginning of the book, Chloe is being interviewed and makes an important statement about herself, "Maybe I just like the happy resolution up front-knowing the outcome yet still craving a purpose." And so it begins! Buckle your seat belts and settle in for a story that grips your heart from the start all the way to the finish line.

I was fully immersed in this story. I was equal parts reading non-stop and thinking "I don't want this to end! I am going to miss these people!" I do. I do miss these people.

[Colleen Oppenheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It’s quite an accomplishment for a musician to build a story in reverse

and maintain the momentum of a ballad.”


The Ballad is quite an accomplishment, indeed. Telling a story in reverse not only takes talent, it takes balls. What Ashley has done in one book, many writers strive for their whole careers. She wrote perfection.

A story of four friends – four unique, lovely, extraordinary friends – in one story, woven together like a seamless work of art. I laughed, I cried, I felt as if I knew these people instead of experiencing them in pages of a book.

“Sometimes life can make you pause without warning – a crossroad

of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality.

But in the end, it’s simply a journey. And if we’re lucky,

one to be shared with family and friends.”

I read this book in it’s original state over the summer and adored it then. Ashley has since reworked the storyline and made it flawless. Start to finish, beginning to end, exquisite perfection. C’est magnifique !


My Favorite Quote

“Every great love story has a beginning, whether it’s a planned meeting,

a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown.

But it’s the middle of the story that really counts,

the part when life happens – either propelling the relationship

into a beautiful romance, or dissolving into a predictable wasteland

of misconceptions. This is the story of the ballad.”

[Bff Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Album is one of BFF K's Bestie Reads for 2014! It is an incredible, wonderful, funny, heart-warming, tale of five friends written in the most unique style and format we've come across in a long time! I LOVED it!

So, I was thrilled with the recent release of The Ballad. This is a companion novel to The Album sharing stories and vignettes from the lives and loves of many of the same characters in The Album. The Ballad is like going to a reunion, but only seeing/spending time with your most favorite people! This book is an opportunity to slip back into their stories and get a deeper look at some of the most significant moments.

You'll be a guest at Chloe and Adam's wedding, have a ring-side-seat at the births of babies, experience career changes and even a Vegas vacation. In many cases, it expands on the epic narratives started in The Album or tells new ones that you'll love to read. The unique format and writing for The Ballad is one of the things I love most about the book. It's like getting little glimpses into the lives of the characters over several years and learning about their thoughts and all the things that make them tick. The characters are so well developed, parts are LOL-funny, there is lots of romance and a little steam. Through everything: cousins Chloe and Natalie are the heart of the story, their friendship is the very best love story told and music makes the memories! A 4.5 rated read on BFF Book Blog.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning - a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it's simply a journey. And if we're lucky, one to be shared with friends and family." ~Adam Ford, The Ballad

The Ballad is the story of Chloe, Adam, Natalie, and Chris. Told in reverse narrative (which I loved!!!), it truly is a journey. Babies and marriage, death and life, happiness and sadness. This book has it all. As I read, I felt like I was reminiscing with old friends. Filled with music and pop culture references, The Ballad will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, through all the ups and downs in the life of an ordinary couple and their friends. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love with these characters.

Author Ashley Pullo's writing is unique, hilarious, and yet heartwarming. The Ballad should be read after The Album - and these books should be added to your must read list immediately!!

"Darlin', our story has no before or after - no sand. And our story is my favorite."

"Because every great story can be told again and again."

[Melissa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning- a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it's simply a journey. And if we're lucky, one to be shared with friends and family."

I finished the first book The Album (an amazing 5 star read) and couldn't wait to get started on The Ballad...to get more of the characters and story I'd already fallen in love with and more of this talented authors wonderful writing!!! I never dreamed that this book could be any more unique/original than the first one but I was in for a surprising treat because The Ballad is a one of a kind with originality and uniqueness pouring from every chapter. The beauty of this book and the previous one is the combination of the authors wonderful writing style, her talented storytelling through all the different characters and their relationships, and her way of connecting the reader through music, movies, TV shows, and other random things and happenings that are simply classic and unforgettable! The Album and The Ballad are special books that I will remember "ALWAYS"!!!

" Because every great story can be told again and again."

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the album is about the love between two cousins who are also best friends then The Ballad is about the love between a husband and a wife.

The Album features three viewpoints: Chloe, Adam and Natalie (in that order). Chloe's viewpoint makes up 75% of the book. Its told in reverse narrative from different points in time. We see Chloe and Adam's relationship and marriage through its ups and downs. And even in their down's we realize that the love is still there.

This was beautifully written. And I think I fell in love with Adam. He just might be my new book boyfriend. And when I wasn't smiling or crying I was laughing out loud. The references to the 80's and 90's were awesome. I couldn't stop laughing when Natalie pretended to send a fake abduction text to Chloe's husband. "Kidnapped by drug dealers in Chinatown. Bring $140,000 and the original Nintendo with Duck Hunt to the warf by 7PM."

Its rare for me to find a second book in a series to be even better than the first.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~~Doris's ★★★★★ Review~~~

A wonderful story that takes you through a journey of discovery in the luves of a married couple. Like everyday couples that have romance, self-discovery, humor, and hardship all of this is in this phenomenally written story. This is a "real" story. Excellently written, grabs you and pulls you into the pages. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this remarkable book 5 stars!

~~~Dee's ★★★★ Review~~~

This book used an unusual approach to telling the story of love and life. The narrative begins with the traditional ending of "Happily ever after" and then moves backwards in time with each succeeding chapter. While I enjoyed certain episodes, I was always lost with the beginning of each chapter. It was a strange, unsettling experience. The love story of Chloe and Adam was well written and interesting. Overall it was
entertaining, a good read. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Four Stars.

[Joyce Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant follow up to the album. I shed a tear or two but I laughed my ass off. Absolutely brilliant humour. Well done Ashley.

[Always Addicted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this again with more details. I so want to be friends with Chole and Nat! I love being reminded of so many details of past culture I lived.

[Ray Charles · Rating 1 out of 5]

make.it.stop.

I read it because I bought it. I did not like it. the backwards story, the re-telling of things from book one, so dull.

[Andra Colman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Adam and Chloe in The Album, now they are married with children. Chloe is retelling her life with Adam to a magazine reporter, backwards. It's fun to catch the references and then realize how it fits together. There is a lovely segue into Natalie' s story about their couple vacation and the surprise for her friends upon returning. It takes a truly talented mind to tell a story in reverse and have it make sense. You'll enjoy the pop culture references and immediately remember the 90's. The series has been a joy to read again as this is the remix. The story has ultimately remained the same with expanded chapters and subtitles changes making The Ford's history more enjoyable. My copy was given for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

I loved loved LOVED being able to see deeper into the lives of Chloe, Adam, Natalie, & Chris. After I read The Album I was eager and curious to see what else happened in their lives. Like in The Album, you see that life isn't simple or easy, but that getting through all the crap there is definite sunshine at the end. I love books where I feel a range of emotions and I was definitely laughing, smiling, crying, & at times cringing my way through it.

[Kristen Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 loved. could read again

[Loni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 beautiful stars!