A Life Rewritten

by Laura Ashwood

Get lost in an absolutely fabulous read, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer.

One woman’s life falls apart in a single night. What she builds in its place will change everything.

Abby Whitney had it all—or so she thought. A glittering Manhattan life. A powerful husband. A future that seemed secure. But when her husband, Michael Whitney, dies suddenly, Abby discovers the shocking the man she loved was living a double life, and he’s left behind a daughter who has no one else in the world.

Becoming guardian to eight-year-old Cami forces Abby to confront the wreckage of her marriage and the emptiness of her own existence. Trading the scrutiny of New York’s high society for the quiet shores of Bluefin Bay, North Carolina, she begins to uncover the strength she never knew she had.

As Abby attempts to mother a grieving child, she discovers friendship, purpose, and the stirrings of a love that’s honest and true. But will she be able to let go of the woman she used to be?

A heart-stirring novel of betrayal, resilience, and the healing power of love, this is an unforgettable story about finding home where you least expect it—and becoming who you were always meant to be.

Based on the original book, Summer at Bluefin Bay.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling and award winning author Laura Ashwood writes deeply emotional romance and women’s fiction about love, resilience, and the power of second chances. Her novels are known for heartfelt characters, uplifting endings, and stories that linger long after the final page.

Set against the rich backdrop of small towns and close-knit communities, her books explore what happens when people risk their hearts again and discover grace waiting on the other side.

Laura lives in northwestern Wisconsin with her husband and their very spoiled Chihuahua. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
A Life Rewritten by Laura Ashwood
NOW AVAILABLE AND ON KU

Thoughts
Honestly? This book reminded me why I love reading! The way I got lost in this storyline is just- I want to cry this was just so beautiful 🥹 pierced my heart and soul in the most beautiful way, genuinely felt like a hug❤️‍🩹 pain, betrayal, secrets and somehow there's always light at the end of the tunnel whatever you go through or life throws at us! This is my first experience with this author and most definitely not the last!

Plot Summary
Abby's seemingly perfect life is shattered when her husband dies suddenly, revealing a second life, and a daughter no one knew about. Now responsible for Cami, Abby is forced to face the truth about her marriage and her own sense of identity. Leaving behind her old life in New York, to start over in a quiet coastal town, where caring for a grieving child pushes her to grow in unexpected ways. As she begins to rebuild, Abby discovers new connections and a different kind of future—but moving on won’t be easy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers

My Bookstagram

[theliterateleprechaun]

3⭐

I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, my enjoyment was SEVERELY hampered by the lack of editing; random symbols were inserted into words, and it soon became a chore to keep reading.

❗When I have to stop and try to figure out what word is supposed to be there, it takes away from my concentration and the flow of the story.

I wanted to learn from Abigail Whitney because she showed us what happens next when everything we have painstakingly built crashes rapidly and we’re then faced with a future we hadn’t planned. It would be wonderful if everything went according to the blueprint in our mind, but that’s not life. It’s good to read about others who face life’s unexpected challenges with resilience because we’ll all face a season of change and need to rely on hope and grace for healing.

😏 I might consider coming back to this book for another read as I admittedly skipped many pages out of frustration.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Ashley Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, emotionally driven read that felt like a Hallmark movie in a good way. I guessed most of the plot early on, but I still genuinely enjoyed it.

The character development really carried the story for me. I just wish there had been a bit more romance to make it stand out.

Overall, a cozy, heartfelt read that’s perfect when you want something comforting and predictable but enjoyable!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read

A Life Rewritten is a powerful story of love, betrayal, hope, and new beginnings. I have not read a book this good in a long time. It blew me away. Ashwood is a master storyteller. This story will stay with me for a lifetime. Truley a masterpiece.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean, women’s fiction novel.

Abby has been married quite a long time to Michael. However, the marriage has not been going well. He has gotten colder towards her and never wants her to travel with him on his business trips. She missed the marriage the used to have. However, living among the rich, there are just certain thing you don’t say or do. He gets mad at her during a dinner with clients and friends when she suggests she wants to go with him and that she wants a child and maybe they should adopt. He is upset by that and says this is not the place. He leaves for California and she is trying to figure things out when she receives a call that he was in a car accident and may not make it. She goes there to find that he is “married” and the wife did not make it and he ends up not making it. He has a daughter with his other family. Abby is named the guardian. What can Abby do to get through this? How can she cope learning he has another family and had a daughter with someone else? Will she take care of her?

This was such a good story that I could not put it down. I stayed up way too late to finish it. I felt for Abby and the betrayal. And you feel for Cami, her husband’s daughter. Finding their way through grief and betrayal they rely on each other. It was a really good book. I did want the story to continue into a romance with Abby and Logan. Maybe a second book is needed? But, I did really enjoy the storyline and characters. A definite must read.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night shatters Abby's life. Her husband is dead, but her sorrows are just beginning as she finds out her husband was living a double life.

A box of tissues were my best friend as I read this emotional story. My emotions were all over the place as I got deeper into the story. Betrayal is a hard pill to swallow in and of itself. Abby's betrayal is compounded when she is tasked with raising her husband's eight year old daughter, Cami. Her husband's double life had everything she longed for - a child and a husband who truly loved her. I admired Abby so much as she reached deep within her heart as this precious child was innocent and played no part in the betrayal. Cami was grieving two lost parents while being thrust into the care of a woman who was a stranger to her. They were two souls who needed each other.

Though this was book was very emotional, it was also satisfying. I will admit I shed a tear or two, and I also ranted and raved at her dead husband for his ultimate betrayal. I did not read the blurb about this book before I read it, so I was shocked when I realized what this book was about. However, it was the good kind of shock as I should have expected nothing less from an author who knows how to write a heartfelt, emotional romance that will tug on your heartstrings.

Thank you to Harpeth Road and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby Whitney’s elite New York lifestyle and marriage have become stilted and superficial, if not routine. Suddenly, her life is turned upside down by the death of her husband in a horrific car accident on the other side of the continent. Her shock at this unexpected loss is compounded when she discovers that her husband has been leading a double life complete with a wife and child. What ensues is an emotional tale of betrayal, loss, love and a second chance at motherhood.

I enjoyed the storyline, which moved at a good pace and had sufficiently realistic challenges for the protagonist to engender both believability and empathy for her dilemmas. I appreciated Abby’s mixed emotions and her journey to discover for the first time in her adult life what it meant to be responsible for decisions and choices based on her own wants, needs, and desires. The descriptions of the town of Bluefin Bay and its residents fostered a sense of calm and belonging that shifted the focus from confusion and betrayal to opportunity and fulfillment.

Overall, I found this novel a quick, enjoyable read with a satisfying ending that left me wanting a sequel.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

One woman’s life falls apart in a single night. What she builds in its place will change everything.

Abby Whitney’s glittering Manhattan life changes in an instant when she receives a phone call stating her husband has been in an accident. As secrets and lies come to light, she is forced to come face to face with the truth about her marriage and her own hollow existence. Becoming guardian to eight-year-old Cami and a summer in Bluefin Bay forces Abby to find the strength she never knew she had and become the woman she always meant to be.

Wow, what an emotional story. I was drawn in from the very first page. The story is very well written and will take you through a range of emotions. The characters are wonderful and the setting of Bluefin Bay in the second half of the story felt like the perfect place for healing. A story of found family and unexpected blessings. This is the first book I’ve read by the author but it certainly won’t be the last.

Thank you Netgalley, Books Go Social, and Laura Ashwood for the advanced readers copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer in Bluefin Bay
My Amazon review for the original title (Sept 27, 2022): “I was pulled into the book from page 1: the writing is excellent, the story is well-paced and, although I predicted the ending, it didn't detract from the unfolding events.
Abby's development from a wealthy nonentity, with no clue about real life, into a strong, independent woman with opinions that she was willing to stand by, and Cami's confused feelings and impulsive reaction to the upheaval in her life were described in realistic ways.”
My updated review is almost identical! I don’t usually read books twice and felt a little resentful (almost deciding not to read it!) when the author revealed this was an old title that had been rewritten. However, whether it is due to the added depth to the story, or an unclear three year+ memory, this novel, which I received as a free ARC, has been well worth re-reading.
The slowly developing relationship between Abby and Cami, is easy to empathise with and the supporting cast of characters add a greater depth to Abby’s personality. The setting and description of Bluefin Bay invites readers to share Abby and Cami’s experiences, both good and not so good.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Whitney, a vibrant woman living in Manhattan with her powerful husband, Michael, is shocked when he unexpectedly passes away. Amidst her grief, she uncovers a shocking truth about her husband’s life—he was living a double life.

Determined to move on, Abby becomes the guardian of Cami, Micheal’s eight-year-old daughter. Seeking a fresh start, they relocate to the serene Bluefin Bay, North Carolina. Abby realizes the profound impact Cami has on her journey towards finding a new life filled with hope and purpose.

“A Life Rewritten” by Laura Ashwood is a remarkable tale of resilience and triumph over life’s most challenging circumstances. Abby emerges as an incredibly strong and hopeful individual, brimming with compassion and empathy for Cami. As fate would have it, they complement each other perfectly, embodying the essence of one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story from beginning to end, unable to put it down. I highly recommend this exceptional read; it left an indelible mark on me.

Get your copy today: https://amazn.so/ALifeRewritten

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Life Rewritten’ was heartfelt. The moving plot involved an upscale couple including a demanding husband and an easy-going wife, a horrible accident, learning about her husband’s past and his ultimate betrayal, meeting the husband’s daughter, an interesting will about guardianship, returning home with the child, getting off to a rocky start, not being cut out to be a parent, calling in reinforcements, going on vacation, getting a new outlook, an adorable puppy, taking horseback riding lessons, staying in contact with the lawyer, making new friends, clearing the air, uh oh…eavesdropping on an uncomfortable conversation, figuring things out, and taking the high road.
Moreover, Abby and Cami, the protagonists, encountered some rough patches, but they persevered to make the best of their situation. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, which included imagery, figurative language, and just the right word choices that created a passionate tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the sincere narrative.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Abby Whitney's husband dies suddenly her perfect world in Manhattan falls apart. Not only was he living a double life, a life she wanted with him, she is now left as the guardian of his child with another woman. Abby is at a loss of what to do. She has no where to turn. She decides to take Cami who is eight years old and head to Bluefin Bay, North Carolina. What she finds in Bluefin Bay is just what she needs, real friends, a purpose and the love of a mother and child.

I really enjoyed this novel by Laura Ashwood. The story was well written and the story moved seamlessly from a devastated woman and child to them both finding a family. The supporting characters were so lovable and it just warms your heart at what a small town can do to heal your past. My thanks to Harpeth Road Publishing, the author Laura Ashwood and Netgalley for my advanced copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. A beautiful story of hope and second chances.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. It's the story of a woman who's life is turned upside down when she receives a phone call telling her that her husband has been in a terrible accident. What follows upon her arrival at the hospital is almost too much to comprehend. She discovers that her husband had another family and only his daughter is left behind.

Abby was such a likable character. She really steps up when all she really wants to do is hide. She is doing her best by her husband's daughter and leaves her New York life behind to give them both a change from what their lives have become. She finds friendships like she has never truly known before, support she can truly count on, the beginning of a life she and the daughter can really like, and maybe even a new romance with someone who isn't lying to her.

Thanks to Harpeth Road/Books Go Social for the digital copy via NetGalley.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this heartfelt story early. It was my first book by this author and I LOVED it!! Abby thought she had it all. Then one night one phone call changed her life as she knew it in New York. A late night phone call informing her that her husband had been in a horrible car accident in California where he was supposedly was working a lot. When she arrives, she was informed his wife had not made it and he was critical. WAIT!!! wHAT??? Seems he was leading a double life and what Abby finds definitely turns her world upside down. As she uncovers his second life and family in California, she is in shock. This story will keep you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down. Abby’s journey is an emotional roller coaster as she strives to find her path and rebuild her life. It’s a definite must read.

[Sandra Sorola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly another must read! The message is powerful and it shows just how much strength a woman can have. When Abby Whitney's life crashes around her and her reality is changed forever, she determines she must change everything about her existence and become someone she has always wanted to be, but was denied! Denied by the one person that was living that life with someone else while telling her she needed to be who she was, dutiful wife and daughter.
Everything changed in a heartbeat. Death of her husband revealed a life changing dual role he was living and opened up a new chapter for Abby. Left as guardian of his 8 year old daughter Cami, she must make some decisions about what to do and where she wants her life to go. This story is heart wrenching and you won't want to put it down. You are going to love it!

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Abby's husband Michael suddenly dies, not only does her seemingly blissful life face unexpected disruption, it pretty much goes off the rails with her realisation that Michael had a secret life that he had successfully kept from her for years. And that life included an 8 year old daughter that Abby knew nothing about.

Now, Abby finds herself in an unanticipated role, caring for a young child who doesn't have anyone else. And in the process, she discovers things about herself that she never expected to...

This is a beautiful story about resilience, second chances, and living the life you didn't even know you needed.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very thankful I read this story

Abigail was unhappily married to a workaholic who traveled extensively. When he dies suddenly on the other side of the country, she discovers he has been living a double life. Abigail is quite shocked to find what her husband has left her in his will.

This is a beautifully written, moving story of loss, betrayal, choices, the power of prayer, and friendship. It is not the typical genre I read, but I am so very thankful I read this one. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional journey for Abby when she finds out that her husband, after he dies was leading a double life. He has left Abby guardianship of his daughter, Cami to Abby. Abby's life is now turned upside down with the addition of an eight year old grieving for her parents. They find solitude in small beach town, BlueFin Bay. Abby finds the life she was leading prior was not the life that she wants now and finds so much more happiness in her life.

I read this book in one day, I could not put it down. Loved the characters, both living through the grief but finding happiness in the end. This is a new author for me, will look forward to reading more from her.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby’s story broke my heart many times. She was so blind-sided when Michael died. I can only imagine how hard everything was for her. Michael’s betrayal was shocking and had me shaking my heads quite a lot.

I admire Abby’s determination and big heart for little Cami. They face many battles and struggles but they grow into a lovingly relationship.

I’m hoping for a sequel that lets us see more of Logan in their lives. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading several books of non-fiction in a row, I was craving a good story to get lost in. A Life Rewritten by Laura Ashwood was the perfect choice. I quickly became immersed in the intriguing storyline and enjoyed getting to know the characters. After life changed in an instant for both Abby and the little girl Cami, it was so rewarding to watch them forge a new life together. I hated to see the story come to an end and am hoping to revisit these characters in a future book. Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspiring story that will take you through many emotions and touch your heart. What a journey for Abby and Cami. Abby’s strength and courage is admirable as she deals with the unexpected and unknown. This powerful story deals with loss, grief, chosen family, friendship, and new beginnings. We are reminded that there is hope even when we don’t know where life is taking us and family is not always found through bloodlines. My favourite quote: “It’s not where you are in life but who you have at your side that matters!”

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New York socialite wanting more for her life has always been told by her mother and then her husband, what she should do, what to wear, how to act, etc. Neither of them wanted her to have a child, which she had miscarried. Then an horrific accident causes her to change and reassess her life and values.
This story is very well written and really draws you in. I loved it and it pulled at my heartstrings. I highly recommend this book.
I was provided with a ARC of the book and I give this review honestly and voluntarily.

[Laurianne Borsari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean, heartwarming and emotional book. When Abby found out that her husband had died in a car accident, she also learned that he was living another life. This is the story of Abby and Cami navigating through a lot of emotional changes and trying to adjust to each other and the upheaval in their lives.
The author’s writing style made it easy to picture all the characters and the town of Bluefin Bay . Very enjoyable and hard to put down.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to a sequel.

[J. Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to review this book by the author.
A young widow trying to rebuild her life after a crushing betrayal finds herself a guardian of a young child. She takes the child on a summer vacation to help them both heal and bond. In time, she finds strength and comfort from new friends she makes. She takes a job at a boutique and eventually, she decides to adopt the child and build a new life in Bluefin Bay.

A heart-warming story of faith, hope and second chances.

[T Schmoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tugged at my heart immediately. Abby thought she was happily married and living a life of luxury when a phone call shatters her world. She learns her husband has led a double life in another state and has a child. Without spoiling the ending, Abby now needs to go outside her comfort zone and figure out what she really wants in her life. Her future is filled with many different challenges, but eventually new friendships and love lead her to a better, more fulfilling life.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy books from Laura Ashwood and the leading of God through her stories. She also writes so detailed that you feel like you are part of the story or it has applied to your life and you relate. If it hasn’t applied, I can sympathize but also know other people that this has applied to and how they have overcome the trials. I highly recommend this book!

Laura sent this for me to give my honest and personal review

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby is married to Michael who is COO of her family’s business. She’s wanted children for years but he said absolutely not! He’s often gone for long periods for business.
When she gets the call that he’s been in a serious accident, she’s not prepared for all she’s about to discover.
How will she deal with the lies Michael has been living for years?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

The first half of this book was so hard to read - not be cause of the writing, which is fantastic, but the subject matter is deep. (It's a testament to the quality of the writing that I could identify so much with Abby, even if I haven't lived her trauma!) As Abby and Cami come to grips with their new life, it gets easier. A story with sorrow and joy, rebirth and renewal. I hope there's a sequel coming so we can see what comes next!

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Abby and how she survives when her husband and other wife are killed in a car crash and left their daughter Cami to her to be her guardian This was, of course a shock for Abby but
after thinking it, she decided to give it a try. They went back to New York but things just weren't.working out so they decided on a vacation to the quiet shores of Bluefin Bay. See how things changed for them there and how Abby discovers friendship and purpose ther. A GREAD READ.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking read. I love the interaction between Abbey and Cami. What a storyline. Leaves me wanting more. I hope there is a sequel to this great tale. Recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy of this very well wry book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review. #netgalley @netgalley #lauraashwood @authorlauraashwood #booksgosocial @booksgosocial