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Back to Fontain #2
The Difference Between
A controlling woman on sabbatical, a vineyard, and the guy next door.
Forty-year-old Reese Conway values two things: excellence and winning. Between being a partner at a thriving private equity firm in Chicago, having enough money to last her three lifetimes, and sitting on the brink of landing the biggest account of her life, she has both.
Instead of getting the win, Reese’s world is flipped upside down when her boss questions her bleak personal life then forces her onto sabbatical.
Desperate to save face and keep the account, Reese returns home to North Carolina. Not only will she take the break that’s been asked of her, but she’ll prove she has a personal life by having a baby via sperm donor.
But returning home is nothing like she expected. Between a failing vineyard and the ten-years-too-young man next door, Reese’s quest to have a child takes an unexpected detour. With her return to the life she’s built in Chicago pending, Reese must decide between a future she controls and one filled with love that looks different than she imagined.
The Difference Between is the second standalone novel in the Back to Fontain series. This reverse age-gap romance will appeal to fans of the millennial favorites Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats.
Forty-year-old Reese Conway values two things: excellence and winning. Between being a partner at a thriving private equity firm in Chicago, having enough money to last her three lifetimes, and sitting on the brink of landing the biggest account of her life, she has both.
Instead of getting the win, Reese’s world is flipped upside down when her boss questions her bleak personal life then forces her onto sabbatical.
Desperate to save face and keep the account, Reese returns home to North Carolina. Not only will she take the break that’s been asked of her, but she’ll prove she has a personal life by having a baby via sperm donor.
But returning home is nothing like she expected. Between a failing vineyard and the ten-years-too-young man next door, Reese’s quest to have a child takes an unexpected detour. With her return to the life she’s built in Chicago pending, Reese must decide between a future she controls and one filled with love that looks different than she imagined.
The Difference Between is the second standalone novel in the Back to Fontain series. This reverse age-gap romance will appeal to fans of the millennial favorites Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Ashley Manley
7 books673 followersGive me all the unexpected characters, snark, and gasms. Please and thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
August 12, 2026
I loved going back to Fontain to be with a new Conway sister. Reese was a hard one to love, but found myself relating to her more and more as the book progressed. I’m always happy to read a grumpy-sunshine trope bc that’s how it was for my own personal love story. He was the sunshine, I was the grumpy!
Always delighted to read Ashley’s books and you don’t want to miss this new one!
Always delighted to read Ashley’s books and you don’t want to miss this new one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again: 1. Manley is my personal Paul Sheldon. And 2. Her character creations are some of my favorite people ever - I don't give a shuck if they're not real. They FEEl real. And that's chief.
If you like your FMC’s delivered to you nice and sweet, fake, one dimensional, unrelatable and boring as hell, then Ashley’s books are not for you. You should seek out the library section labeled “Like Watching Paint Dry” or "Soporific" - either should work nicely.
If you prefer a more identifiable, more authentic-feeling FMC – one who is on and off the struggle bus, career driven, wildly successful and intelligent, but barks, bites & cusses like a trucker, dishing snarky comebacks a la Serena Williams serving and handing you your ass on the court, a propensity for fine threads, and a story of redemption where you witness her sharp edges smoothen, her cynicism ebb, her heart soften, then this one’s for you. (Enter Reese. Hello, Reese, my *I-wish-you-were-real-so-we-could-be-bff’s-and-drink-coffee-outside-and-hiss-at-innocent-passersby* TDB FMC. Oh how I love your mf'n moxie.)
I’ve read everything Ashley’s written several times over and she still writes SC’s like nobody’s damn business. I cannot express how much I appreciate that. How very thoughtful it is from a readers perspective. Fully fleshed and perfectly personable, you will fall in love with them, laugh at them, with them, root for them, backhand them, hug them, miss them – all of it - because they feel like family.
MC, Gavin, is a got damn hunk and I want to keep him, pants him and take his sexy ass straight to bed. Sorry not sorry. This is probably why Reese and I get along so well – we’re both unapologetic sassholes born without filters. So... daps gurhh.
I digress. Anyway, yes, of course I recommend! I recommend all of her books. Tis your loss otherwise.
(Thanks again, Paul, for letting me read this jewel early. It’s always a flocking pleasure! Keep letting me read early and I’ll keep letting you text-bomb me - since you haven’t yet figured out how to type a single thought into a single text. It's gotta be 76 texts or bust. Honestly, I’ll read whatever tf you write and however I can get it.)
Yours,
Annie W.
Pub date: 9.15.2026.
If you like your FMC’s delivered to you nice and sweet, fake, one dimensional, unrelatable and boring as hell, then Ashley’s books are not for you. You should seek out the library section labeled “Like Watching Paint Dry” or "Soporific" - either should work nicely.
If you prefer a more identifiable, more authentic-feeling FMC – one who is on and off the struggle bus, career driven, wildly successful and intelligent, but barks, bites & cusses like a trucker, dishing snarky comebacks a la Serena Williams serving and handing you your ass on the court, a propensity for fine threads, and a story of redemption where you witness her sharp edges smoothen, her cynicism ebb, her heart soften, then this one’s for you. (Enter Reese. Hello, Reese, my *I-wish-you-were-real-so-we-could-be-bff’s-and-drink-coffee-outside-and-hiss-at-innocent-passersby* TDB FMC. Oh how I love your mf'n moxie.)
I’ve read everything Ashley’s written several times over and she still writes SC’s like nobody’s damn business. I cannot express how much I appreciate that. How very thoughtful it is from a readers perspective. Fully fleshed and perfectly personable, you will fall in love with them, laugh at them, with them, root for them, backhand them, hug them, miss them – all of it - because they feel like family.
MC, Gavin, is a got damn hunk and I want to keep him, pants him and take his sexy ass straight to bed. Sorry not sorry. This is probably why Reese and I get along so well – we’re both unapologetic sassholes born without filters. So... daps gurhh.
I digress. Anyway, yes, of course I recommend! I recommend all of her books. Tis your loss otherwise.
(Thanks again, Paul, for letting me read this jewel early. It’s always a flocking pleasure! Keep letting me read early and I’ll keep letting you text-bomb me - since you haven’t yet figured out how to type a single thought into a single text. It's gotta be 76 texts or bust. Honestly, I’ll read whatever tf you write and however I can get it.)
Yours,
Annie W.
Pub date: 9.15.2026.
August 4, 2026
“Only thing that really exists is the minute we’re in. Just because you write something on a line of a to-do list or the calendar is your fancy phone doesn’t make it real.”
Welcome back to Fontain, North Carolina where we get the second Conway sister’s story. Reese is an over achiever who thought she had her life all mapped out until she is forced to take three months off from her prestigious job in Chicago. At her bosses insistence, Reese heads back home to find joy in more than the fat paycheck she brings home and the office she never leaves.
It’s was like coming home when Reese gets back to Fontain and the Conway sisters pick up right where they left off. Rue, Reese and Remy’s banter is perfection. They are the sister trio of your dreams!
I laughed out loud so many times, but with all the humor also comes tender, heartfelt moments we can all relate to.
The way the theme of glass weaves its way through the novel from the very beginning to the end was so well thought out. The connection you will feel to so many of these characters especially Reese, Gavin, Addie and crazy, lovable Banyan is a testament to Ashley’s ability to have us see so much more than is on the surface.
“You‘re not a grapevine, you know? We’re more than the money we make or the fruit we bear.”
I would say anyone can pick up one of Ashley’s books, but if you are 30 or over, her books hit home every single time! She connects with us hags like no other !
And I’ll just leave this here for anyone who reads Ashley’s books - we had the thigh, the flower, the shower head, the finger and now the paper weight - can’t say she lacks imagination ! She is the queen of gasms!
Welcome back to Fontain, North Carolina where we get the second Conway sister’s story. Reese is an over achiever who thought she had her life all mapped out until she is forced to take three months off from her prestigious job in Chicago. At her bosses insistence, Reese heads back home to find joy in more than the fat paycheck she brings home and the office she never leaves.
It’s was like coming home when Reese gets back to Fontain and the Conway sisters pick up right where they left off. Rue, Reese and Remy’s banter is perfection. They are the sister trio of your dreams!
I laughed out loud so many times, but with all the humor also comes tender, heartfelt moments we can all relate to.
The way the theme of glass weaves its way through the novel from the very beginning to the end was so well thought out. The connection you will feel to so many of these characters especially Reese, Gavin, Addie and crazy, lovable Banyan is a testament to Ashley’s ability to have us see so much more than is on the surface.
“You‘re not a grapevine, you know? We’re more than the money we make or the fruit we bear.”
I would say anyone can pick up one of Ashley’s books, but if you are 30 or over, her books hit home every single time! She connects with us hags like no other !
And I’ll just leave this here for anyone who reads Ashley’s books - we had the thigh, the flower, the shower head, the finger and now the paper weight - can’t say she lacks imagination ! She is the queen of gasms!
July 31, 2026
ARC review. It pains me to rate this so low because this is an auto read author for me. But unfortunately, I didn’t like this one. The main character Reese was extremely unlikable. Actually to be frank, she was a complete asshole. And it’s not because she’s a hardworking independent woman. It’s the way she treats people and never properly apologizes for it either. And that disgusting tantrum she threw towards the end. She’s allowed to be upset about her situation but that was uncalled for. And again, her sorry just lacked anything redeemable for me. This character is 40 years old and I kept thinking grow the hell up already. On top of this, I think the book was way too long. Things dragged on too much for me. I’m hoping book 3 ends up being the one for me in this series.
August 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
Book 2 of the Back to Fontain series did not disappoint! I continue to love the Conway sisters and can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
Reese was definitely a tougher character for me to warm up to, but Gavin brought out the very best in her and made her impossible not to love by the end. His unwavering determination, loyalty, and devotion to his family after everything he’d been through made him such an easy character to root for. And Addie completely stole the show—she was absolutely adorable and did the perfect job of bringing out Reese’s softer side.
I can’t wait to read Book 3!
Book 2 of the Back to Fontain series did not disappoint! I continue to love the Conway sisters and can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
Reese was definitely a tougher character for me to warm up to, but Gavin brought out the very best in her and made her impossible not to love by the end. His unwavering determination, loyalty, and devotion to his family after everything he’d been through made him such an easy character to root for. And Addie completely stole the show—she was absolutely adorable and did the perfect job of bringing out Reese’s softer side.
I can’t wait to read Book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
1-click now!
I love everything Ashley writes, so no surprise this reverse age gap romance was a winner. Its Book 2 and back to Fontain, North Carolina with the Conway family. This time its middle sister Reese's turn. She's a 40 yr old successful, controlling, take charge handful. Reese is on a forced 3 month sabbatical and she's on a mission. I wanted to speedily devour this story, but forced myself to take it slow and enjoy the journey. And it was sooo worth it. This was wonderfully sarcastic, laugh out loud funny, endearing, sweet, and ever so swooney. 😍
Such great characters, I'm sure you'll love them too. Those Conway ladies can dish out the snark and serious sass. I wanted to wrap little Addie up in a protective mom hug. I wanted to wrap sexy, swooney Gavin up too, 😏 but for different reasons 😉. That Bayan is hilarious with his enlightened "woo-woo" advice. 😆
Can't wait for the audio version to be released so I can enjoy it all over again.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love everything Ashley writes, so no surprise this reverse age gap romance was a winner. Its Book 2 and back to Fontain, North Carolina with the Conway family. This time its middle sister Reese's turn. She's a 40 yr old successful, controlling, take charge handful. Reese is on a forced 3 month sabbatical and she's on a mission. I wanted to speedily devour this story, but forced myself to take it slow and enjoy the journey. And it was sooo worth it. This was wonderfully sarcastic, laugh out loud funny, endearing, sweet, and ever so swooney. 😍
Such great characters, I'm sure you'll love them too. Those Conway ladies can dish out the snark and serious sass. I wanted to wrap little Addie up in a protective mom hug. I wanted to wrap sexy, swooney Gavin up too, 😏 but for different reasons 😉. That Bayan is hilarious with his enlightened "woo-woo" advice. 😆
Can't wait for the audio version to be released so I can enjoy it all over again.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2026
And just like that, I can once again say I have read every Ashley Manley book, & every single one has been 5-⭐️!
There are so many layers to an Ashley Manley story, & it is why I hold her books on that very high shelf next to authors like Annabelle Monaghan & Abby Jimenez. The way she writes about family, ambition, grief, success, & love is so uniquely hers. Every character has a purpose, every relationship feels real, & somehow she can make my cheeks hurt from smiling & then get me emotional over A FREAKING HUG. And a flower. ONE LINE about a flower. 😭
Our FMC, Reese, is not necessarily easy to love. She is guarded, driven, a workaholic, & constantly striving for excellence. But I trusted Ashley with her from the beginning & could not wait to watch those icy layers melt. And boy did she deliver. Be patient with Reese, because I think somewhere along the way you will discover there is a little bit of her in all of us.
And the family in this book. ❤️ Three perfectly imperfect sisters who adored their father and absolutely adore their mother. MAMA remains the GOAT. Never underestimate a mother’s intuition when it comes to her children. She knows. SHE ALWAYS KNOWS.
Then there is Addie, who most definitely has superpowers. I love how this story shows the beauty of what children can do, even to the most difficult of hearts. I love that little girl & miss her already.
I also loved learning about vineyards and the art of glassblowing, especially because Ashley weaves both into the bigger lessons of the story: patience, pressure, tending to what matters & understanding that what we create (& what we call a successful life) does not have to look the same for everyone.
That may be what I loved most about this book. The idea that excellence & happiness do not have to be competing goals. Sometimes excellence is choosing your people. Choosing joy. Letting someone choose you back.
“Excellence, it seems, may look a little different for every person who chooses it.”
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AGAIN!
(This is book #2 in the Back to Fontain trilogy)
A special thanks to the author, the publisher, & NetGalley for providing a gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Follow me on Instagram at @i.am.book.a.licious for more bookish content.
There are so many layers to an Ashley Manley story, & it is why I hold her books on that very high shelf next to authors like Annabelle Monaghan & Abby Jimenez. The way she writes about family, ambition, grief, success, & love is so uniquely hers. Every character has a purpose, every relationship feels real, & somehow she can make my cheeks hurt from smiling & then get me emotional over A FREAKING HUG. And a flower. ONE LINE about a flower. 😭
Our FMC, Reese, is not necessarily easy to love. She is guarded, driven, a workaholic, & constantly striving for excellence. But I trusted Ashley with her from the beginning & could not wait to watch those icy layers melt. And boy did she deliver. Be patient with Reese, because I think somewhere along the way you will discover there is a little bit of her in all of us.
And the family in this book. ❤️ Three perfectly imperfect sisters who adored their father and absolutely adore their mother. MAMA remains the GOAT. Never underestimate a mother’s intuition when it comes to her children. She knows. SHE ALWAYS KNOWS.
Then there is Addie, who most definitely has superpowers. I love how this story shows the beauty of what children can do, even to the most difficult of hearts. I love that little girl & miss her already.
I also loved learning about vineyards and the art of glassblowing, especially because Ashley weaves both into the bigger lessons of the story: patience, pressure, tending to what matters & understanding that what we create (& what we call a successful life) does not have to look the same for everyone.
That may be what I loved most about this book. The idea that excellence & happiness do not have to be competing goals. Sometimes excellence is choosing your people. Choosing joy. Letting someone choose you back.
“Excellence, it seems, may look a little different for every person who chooses it.”
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AGAIN!
(This is book #2 in the Back to Fontain trilogy)
A special thanks to the author, the publisher, & NetGalley for providing a gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Follow me on Instagram at @i.am.book.a.licious for more bookish content.
September 12, 2026
She did it again! The way Ashley writes her stories is absolutely addictive. She does such an amazing job with character development, plotlines that have you turning page after page, and just the right amount of spice sprinkled in to make you blush.
I especially loved that the FMC in this book is 40 years old and going through things that felt so relatable. The heartbreak in this story completely caught me off guard and had me feeling ALL the emotions, but I loved every second of it.
And now I’m already impatient for book three because I NEED Remy’s story! 😭❤️
I especially loved that the FMC in this book is 40 years old and going through things that felt so relatable. The heartbreak in this story completely caught me off guard and had me feeling ALL the emotions, but I loved every second of it.
And now I’m already impatient for book three because I NEED Remy’s story! 😭❤️
October 28, 2026
Give me a win Ashley! This one said it was for fans of Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats. Say less!
This was wonderful! If you love a snarky/sarcastic FMC, then you should definitely read this one. Reverse age gap (10 years, but it works) and definitely grumpy sunshine. I also really loved the banter between our FMC and her sisters. There are two explicit smutty scenes, and lots of language, but I truly loved this one.
This was wonderful! If you love a snarky/sarcastic FMC, then you should definitely read this one. Reverse age gap (10 years, but it works) and definitely grumpy sunshine. I also really loved the banter between our FMC and her sisters. There are two explicit smutty scenes, and lots of language, but I truly loved this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of being an early reader. Reese was kind of a biotch sometimes, but man… I LOVED HER!!
There were moments I wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to stop being such a rich brat, but I also wanted to be her best friend, rough edges and all.
I know Reese isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I kept thinking, wow… she’s kind of a cunt sometimes. 😅 But by the end, you really understand why she is the way she is, and it softens all of that harshness you see in the beginning. I loved her no-hugging, rich, sassy self. 👠
Now let’s talk about Gavin. Hubba hubba. 🤤 Yes.
Yes, please.
He was perfection, and I absolutely loved their relationship. His corny jokes, his patience… and the things he can do with his hands… and other things. 👀🔥
If you’ve read anything by Ashley Manley, then you already know her side characters deserve books of their own. She writes them so well that you end up falling in love with every single one of them.
Banyan was this hippie, go-with-the-flow, don’t-kill-the-vibe goofball, and I loved the banter between him and Reese. 😂 So many laugh out loud moments and maybe a few cringe. 😆
And sweet little Addie. 😍🥰 she gives the best hugs.
Seriously… so many incredible side characters!!
Buy the book. And if you haven’t read Ashley Manley’s other books yet… buy them alllll.
She is ridiculously talented, and I cannot wait for Remy’s story!! 🙌🏻
Special nod to my favorite Ashley Manley cover so far!! 💜💜
There were moments I wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to stop being such a rich brat, but I also wanted to be her best friend, rough edges and all.
I know Reese isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I kept thinking, wow… she’s kind of a cunt sometimes. 😅 But by the end, you really understand why she is the way she is, and it softens all of that harshness you see in the beginning. I loved her no-hugging, rich, sassy self. 👠
Now let’s talk about Gavin. Hubba hubba. 🤤 Yes.
Yes, please.
He was perfection, and I absolutely loved their relationship. His corny jokes, his patience… and the things he can do with his hands… and other things. 👀🔥
If you’ve read anything by Ashley Manley, then you already know her side characters deserve books of their own. She writes them so well that you end up falling in love with every single one of them.
Banyan was this hippie, go-with-the-flow, don’t-kill-the-vibe goofball, and I loved the banter between him and Reese. 😂 So many laugh out loud moments and maybe a few cringe. 😆
And sweet little Addie. 😍🥰 she gives the best hugs.
Seriously… so many incredible side characters!!
Buy the book. And if you haven’t read Ashley Manley’s other books yet… buy them alllll.
She is ridiculously talented, and I cannot wait for Remy’s story!! 🙌🏻
Special nod to my favorite Ashley Manley cover so far!! 💜💜
August 5, 2026
I was super excited to receive an ARC, as she’s one of my auto read authors! I love the snarky tone and outrageous side characters in her writing, and this was no different. I will say, Reese was not my favorite FMC, and the author has been up front about her not being super likable. I’m certainly ok with flaws, but she was really mean (multiple times) to the people she loves. I would have liked the book better if she was held accountable for her actions. Every time I thought she had learned her lesson and redeemed herself, she’d do it again! Overall, I still really liked the book - especially Addie and Banyan!!
July 30, 2026
**ARC review** I loved this book!! Ashley Manley has a way of bringing her characters and all their complexities to life. I loved Reese even when I felt like I should hate her. Her books are emotional and funny, she always has that one quirky character that makes you laugh. Banyan did not disappoint, his banter with Reese had me laughing out loud. I cannot wait for the next book!
September 15, 2026
This book had me hooked from the very first page! 😍
We meet Reese, who is driven, ambitious, and has always had her eyes on the prize. She’s worked nonstop to climb her way up the corporate ladder and make partner, while making as much money as possible. Except… it completely backfires on her when her boss puts her on leave because she realizes she literally has no life outside of work.
Reese heads back home to help her sisters while their mom recovers from brain surgery. While she’s home, Reese decides she needs to get pregnant through a donor so she can prove to her boss that she actually has plans outside of work and hopefully get her job back.
Enter Gavin, her mom’s neighbor.
Except Reese and Gavin have a history. She actually met him when he was little, and he told her back then that he was going to marry her someday.
I absolutely loved watching their story unfold! The family dynamics, the humor, the romance, and all the little moments between Reese and Gavin had me completely invested.
This was such a fun and heartwarming read, and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely one I’d recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
We meet Reese, who is driven, ambitious, and has always had her eyes on the prize. She’s worked nonstop to climb her way up the corporate ladder and make partner, while making as much money as possible. Except… it completely backfires on her when her boss puts her on leave because she realizes she literally has no life outside of work.
Reese heads back home to help her sisters while their mom recovers from brain surgery. While she’s home, Reese decides she needs to get pregnant through a donor so she can prove to her boss that she actually has plans outside of work and hopefully get her job back.
Enter Gavin, her mom’s neighbor.
Except Reese and Gavin have a history. She actually met him when he was little, and he told her back then that he was going to marry her someday.
I absolutely loved watching their story unfold! The family dynamics, the humor, the romance, and all the little moments between Reese and Gavin had me completely invested.
This was such a fun and heartwarming read, and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely one I’d recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
September 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I have my Rieslings for loving Reese and Gavin!
The puns are as strong as the tension and yearning in this one. I absolutely adored the playful banter juxtaposed with the gritty, raw, and emotional moments.
If Ashley Manley writes it, I'm going to read it. Even if the book contains tropes, motifs, or themes that aren't typically my favorites, I know Manley will find a way to craft a story that pulls me in. This one absolutely delivered.
It's marketed as a Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats combo and I couldn't agree more. There were so many heartfelt, small town moments that leaves a reader (especially a hag) feeling nostalgic.
Throw in Manley's signature, intriguing side characters, and you won't be able to put this one down. They provide another layer of humor and depth to truly immerse the reader in the story. I laughed. I cried. I hugged my loved ones. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you, Ashley for another incredible read! I happily raise a glass of Chambourcin to Reese, Gavin, and this beautiful read.
I have my Rieslings for loving Reese and Gavin!
The puns are as strong as the tension and yearning in this one. I absolutely adored the playful banter juxtaposed with the gritty, raw, and emotional moments.
If Ashley Manley writes it, I'm going to read it. Even if the book contains tropes, motifs, or themes that aren't typically my favorites, I know Manley will find a way to craft a story that pulls me in. This one absolutely delivered.
It's marketed as a Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats combo and I couldn't agree more. There were so many heartfelt, small town moments that leaves a reader (especially a hag) feeling nostalgic.
Throw in Manley's signature, intriguing side characters, and you won't be able to put this one down. They provide another layer of humor and depth to truly immerse the reader in the story. I laughed. I cried. I hugged my loved ones. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you, Ashley for another incredible read! I happily raise a glass of Chambourcin to Reese, Gavin, and this beautiful read.
September 15, 2026
Thank you Ashley Manley for an ARC of this book!! Another 5 stars from one of my favorite authors, she is unstoppable!! I was so happy to pick up this book and be familiar with the characters already from the previous one in the series. Reese wasn't your average FMC where she's wonderful and bright and bubbly and you know what.. I'm here for it!! We need more of this, because that's real life. Ashley's writing is just impeccable and I'll never get tired of it; the way she writes her characters is like no other. Loved this book so so much, laughing and crying along the way as per usual. Cant wait to keep the fun going with #3, Remy's book- eeek so excited!!
September 19, 2026
One of these days, I’ll get through an Ashley Manley book without crying. I love that her female main characters are in their late 30’s and 40’s. In this book, Reese (the fmc), is 40 years old and is not a mother, which I found extremely relatable.
I almost rated this lower because to be honest, Reese was kind of mean. However, the ending made me sob because of how relatable I found her situation to be. Not exactly but the feelings and emotions she went through. The last scene and the epilogue had me ugly crying.
I can’t wait for Remy’s book next year. I just know that one will probably also wreck me.
I almost rated this lower because to be honest, Reese was kind of mean. However, the ending made me sob because of how relatable I found her situation to be. Not exactly but the feelings and emotions she went through. The last scene and the epilogue had me ugly crying.
I can’t wait for Remy’s book next year. I just know that one will probably also wreck me.
August 17, 2026
ARC Review. Ashley Manley is pure magic. There is just something about how she brings a story together that makes me both smile and sob at the same time. She somehow made me love Reese even though in real life she would be so unlikable. And Gavin is just a dream. Then there was sweet Addie and quirky Banyan. She creates the best characters of any author I’ve read. I will tell everyone about this book just like I have with all her others.
August 28, 2026
I LOVED this book! I was skeptical of Reese because of how her character is portrayed but I actually learned to love Reese. The character development of Reese was so well written, Ashley is so talented. I also found myself laughing out loud multiple times- Ashley’s sense of humor is too great to miss out on. I love a good series and already can’t wait for Remy’s book. Ashley has done it again with another great relatable read that you don’t want to miss!
October 14, 2026
This book hit so close to home for me and I have never cried this hard reading a book. When she gets some bad news from her doctor, I relived a very similar conversation with my doctor that opened up old wounds I thought were healed. I love the younger man trope and Gavin is perfection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2026
Listen to me closely, EVERYTHING SHE WRITES IS GOLD
July 27, 2026
Arc Review: 4.5/5 - No one writes in depth characters like Ashley. Even when I hated Reese, I couldn’t put the book down. I absolutely loved Gavin and his ability to round out all her sharp edges (glass pun intended). It was so nice to read a book where the character changes and develops in a believable way. I also loved that it shows you don’t always get the exact ending that you want, but doesn’t make it less amazing.
August 24, 2026
I’m officially an Ashley Manley super fan ❤️
September 23, 2026
Ashley Manley is in the buildingggg.
The speed at which I RAN back to Fontain to dive into Reese’s life should be examined. But alas, I’m on the other side and already looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Reese is hard working, has a job where she makes good money, and lives in a fancy apartment. She has everything…on paper, but she’s missing so much of what there is to life. When she’s forced into a sabbatical she goes home to her family and the wishes and dreams of her childhood come back to her and she realizes that her boss might have been right.
Reese is a hard character - she’s independent, frustrating, protective, and the grumpy part of the trope we all know and love. I also think I can see not only myself, but many of my haggish friends in Reese a bit; so be patient with those who might feel harder to love. There has yet to be a Manley character that I don’t want to be friends with in real life!
In true @ashleymanleywrites fashion, there is a character in here that will make you say WTF in the best way. IYKYK. 🍇
All in all, it’s out today, it’s perfection on pages, and if you ask for a recommendation, I can guarantee Ashley’s books will make my list. Every. Damn. Time.
The speed at which I RAN back to Fontain to dive into Reese’s life should be examined. But alas, I’m on the other side and already looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Reese is hard working, has a job where she makes good money, and lives in a fancy apartment. She has everything…on paper, but she’s missing so much of what there is to life. When she’s forced into a sabbatical she goes home to her family and the wishes and dreams of her childhood come back to her and she realizes that her boss might have been right.
Reese is a hard character - she’s independent, frustrating, protective, and the grumpy part of the trope we all know and love. I also think I can see not only myself, but many of my haggish friends in Reese a bit; so be patient with those who might feel harder to love. There has yet to be a Manley character that I don’t want to be friends with in real life!
In true @ashleymanleywrites fashion, there is a character in here that will make you say WTF in the best way. IYKYK. 🍇
All in all, it’s out today, it’s perfection on pages, and if you ask for a recommendation, I can guarantee Ashley’s books will make my list. Every. Damn. Time.
August 4, 2026
A COMPLETE AND UTTER MASTERPIECE - one of my favorites of the entire year - ALL THE STARS!!!
First of all I loved the first book to this series and really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and side characters. Reese our FMC was a side character in the first book, who was a bit mysterious and I found myself wanting to know more about her.
I loved getting to know Reese in this book, she was sassy, stubborn, a workaholic and always found a way to do things her way on her own. She felt like the black sheep of her tight knit family and always had big dreams for herself, which also pushed her outside of her familie's circle because she moved away to chase her dreams. Because she was so focused on climbing the ladder at her job, she had little time for anything else, including FUN. The woman did not know the meaning of the word fun, when she was asked what she did for fun she replied "Walking to work in heels."
I just loved Reese, I heavily related with her and connected with her, routing for her the entire book and hoping that just maybe she could change how her story was being written and completely turn her life upside down.
I also absolutely adored our MMC and the meet cute from when they were in school was *chef's kiss* perfection! Him being a glass blower and being able to read about the process he goes through was absolutely fascinating. I saw how much effort and research went into this book, being completely sucked into this world and feeling like I was right there along with the characters. (I could totally blow glass now right??)
There were SO many elements to this book that I just adored, Ashley's writing is TOP TEIR, she has that magical quality about her writing that you can not put the book down and you become completely involved in only her book. I can be reading 5 other books while reading one of Ashley's and they all get abandoned so I can just hone in on Ashley's writing, that's how good it is!
I could actually go on all day talking about this one, but for now I want to leave off with how incredible this was and how anything Ashley writes I will drop everything to read!
Thank you endlessly Ashley Manley for my arc copy, I am honored, these opinions are my own.
First of all I loved the first book to this series and really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and side characters. Reese our FMC was a side character in the first book, who was a bit mysterious and I found myself wanting to know more about her.
I loved getting to know Reese in this book, she was sassy, stubborn, a workaholic and always found a way to do things her way on her own. She felt like the black sheep of her tight knit family and always had big dreams for herself, which also pushed her outside of her familie's circle because she moved away to chase her dreams. Because she was so focused on climbing the ladder at her job, she had little time for anything else, including FUN. The woman did not know the meaning of the word fun, when she was asked what she did for fun she replied "Walking to work in heels."
I just loved Reese, I heavily related with her and connected with her, routing for her the entire book and hoping that just maybe she could change how her story was being written and completely turn her life upside down.
I also absolutely adored our MMC and the meet cute from when they were in school was *chef's kiss* perfection! Him being a glass blower and being able to read about the process he goes through was absolutely fascinating. I saw how much effort and research went into this book, being completely sucked into this world and feeling like I was right there along with the characters. (I could totally blow glass now right??)
There were SO many elements to this book that I just adored, Ashley's writing is TOP TEIR, she has that magical quality about her writing that you can not put the book down and you become completely involved in only her book. I can be reading 5 other books while reading one of Ashley's and they all get abandoned so I can just hone in on Ashley's writing, that's how good it is!
I could actually go on all day talking about this one, but for now I want to leave off with how incredible this was and how anything Ashley writes I will drop everything to read!
Thank you endlessly Ashley Manley for my arc copy, I am honored, these opinions are my own.
October 2, 2026
❤️ her books
September 22, 2026
4.5! It started slow for me, but really picked up towards the end.
In true Ashley Manley fashion, this one had lots of life lessons, with plenty of humor mixed in.
Parts of it reminded me of the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” (in a good way).
In true Ashley Manley fashion, this one had lots of life lessons, with plenty of humor mixed in.
Parts of it reminded me of the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” (in a good way).
Review of advance copy received from Author
So honored to have my first ever ARC read and it could not have been a better first!!
Ashley Manley knows, and I mean KNOWS, how to write a slow burn. What a delicious treat. Reese is a career girl who lets her job consume her even if her goals used to include 1) retire early and 2) have the perfect family. Gavin is the hometown boy with an unexpected (and forgotten) connection to Reese.
The Difference Between is a laugh out loud funny (her sisters, her mom, his chill vibes versus her not AT ALL chill vibes, the dad jokes, Banyan-iykyk) but meaningful story about connection, love, and finding your person who gives you the space to breathe and reimagine what’s most important about life.
5/5🌟 for me as all Ashley Manley’s books are!
Ashley Manley knows, and I mean KNOWS, how to write a slow burn. What a delicious treat. Reese is a career girl who lets her job consume her even if her goals used to include 1) retire early and 2) have the perfect family. Gavin is the hometown boy with an unexpected (and forgotten) connection to Reese.
The Difference Between is a laugh out loud funny (her sisters, her mom, his chill vibes versus her not AT ALL chill vibes, the dad jokes, Banyan-iykyk) but meaningful story about connection, love, and finding your person who gives you the space to breathe and reimagine what’s most important about life.
5/5🌟 for me as all Ashley Manley’s books are!
September 17, 2026
Reese was insufferable. Judgy. Narcissistic. Condescending AF - to her family and others. Not even taking into account the breach of confidentiality or her reaction to Addie. Maybe it would change later in the book but i absolutely could not root for or relate to Reese. I’m sad because i was really looking forward to this one.
DNFing at 40%. Maybe I’ll pick it back up later. I’ve LOVED Ashley’s others. But this was not fun.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Ashley Manley's books, but unfortunately this one just missed the mark for me. Reece is a deeply unlikeable character, but I also found her to be flat. She felt like a cookie cutter version of a character but lacked depth and nuance. She was so over the top that she didn't feel real which is one of the things I usually like about Ashley's books is that her characters are so REAL.
Unfortunately her flat character also pulled away from the romance because it didn't make any sense that Gavin would fall for her because she was a completely unhinged bitch and didn't even try to make it better. She was so emotionally immature that it was just annoying.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately her flat character also pulled away from the romance because it didn't make any sense that Gavin would fall for her because she was a completely unhinged bitch and didn't even try to make it better. She was so emotionally immature that it was just annoying.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes life takes you to new places, and sometimes it sends you back to your roots. We’re back in Fontain, and I’ve missed it so dearly. The Difference Between is the second book in the Back to Fontain series, and while each book could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order for a fuller reader experience. The Difference Between focuses on Reese Conway and Gavin Nickles. Reese first met Gavin when she was seventeen, and he was seven during a mentoring program she only signed up for in order to put it on her college application. Reese gets paired up with a defiant Gavin, who refuses to read aloud to her. Through coaxing, Reese realizes Gavin is illiterate and offers to read about glass to him instead, to which he complies. Gavin is instantly smitten, both with the topic of glassmaking and with Reese. Fast forward twenty-three years later; Reese is forty and a workaholic. Nothing in her life is what she planned it would be like from the checklist she created when she was a teenager, aside from the fact that she’s rich. When her boss forces her to take a three-month sabbatical because she works too much, Reese finds herself back home in Fontain taking care of her mom and researching potential sperm donors. Reese is reunited with a much older Gavin, now thirty years of age. Through repeated exposure and time spent together, Reese realizes that there’s more to life than work and money, but wonders if what she truly desires is here in her hometown in Fontain or in the one she created back in Chicago.
Reese is goal-oriented, controlling, ambitious, and precise. Her workaholic tendencies caused her to miss out on the joys of life, her family’s happenings, and her childhood friend’s whereabouts. Reese’s motivation to achieve success benefited her professionally but failed her personally. On the other hand, Gavin is sympathetic, laidback, considerate, and accepting. He understands and knows what it feels like to have a goal only to lose it in the end. Together, Reese and Gavin make sense: one compartmentalizes while the other unites. Gavin softens all of Reese's prickly edges and forces her to see there’s a life outside of working, whereas Reese encourages Gavin to restart past projects he had laid to temporary rest due to unfortunate setbacks. I adored their relationship so much. Their first meet-cute was exactly that: cute, adorable, and wholesome. But their adult relationship was fervent, palpable, and passionate. Gavin’s ardent feelings for Reese never burned away when he was seven but only grew and intensified years into his adulthood. His sincere devotion, unwavering support, and steadfast loyalty to Reese make him the ultimate ideal man and make Reese enviable.
The Difference Between is a story of sacrifice, family, love, loss, and second chances. It’s a story of the right person, wrong time; forgiveness; acceptance; redemption; and starting over. It’s a reminder to be kinder to yourself and that it’s never too late to start over again and create new beginnings, whether it’s in life, love, or a new career. I thoroughly loved reading this novel so much. Ashley Manley’s brilliance shines in her craft, and she keeps on excelling through her skillful storytelling. Her ability to masterfully craft and create stories with such tenderness, magnificence, and elegance fills me with such awe and joy as a reader. Reading this novel was such a captivating and enthralling experience. The Back to Fontain series, along with this particular novel, is definitely one of my favorites by far, and I’m already excited and giddy with anticipation for the next book.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reese is goal-oriented, controlling, ambitious, and precise. Her workaholic tendencies caused her to miss out on the joys of life, her family’s happenings, and her childhood friend’s whereabouts. Reese’s motivation to achieve success benefited her professionally but failed her personally. On the other hand, Gavin is sympathetic, laidback, considerate, and accepting. He understands and knows what it feels like to have a goal only to lose it in the end. Together, Reese and Gavin make sense: one compartmentalizes while the other unites. Gavin softens all of Reese's prickly edges and forces her to see there’s a life outside of working, whereas Reese encourages Gavin to restart past projects he had laid to temporary rest due to unfortunate setbacks. I adored their relationship so much. Their first meet-cute was exactly that: cute, adorable, and wholesome. But their adult relationship was fervent, palpable, and passionate. Gavin’s ardent feelings for Reese never burned away when he was seven but only grew and intensified years into his adulthood. His sincere devotion, unwavering support, and steadfast loyalty to Reese make him the ultimate ideal man and make Reese enviable.
The Difference Between is a story of sacrifice, family, love, loss, and second chances. It’s a story of the right person, wrong time; forgiveness; acceptance; redemption; and starting over. It’s a reminder to be kinder to yourself and that it’s never too late to start over again and create new beginnings, whether it’s in life, love, or a new career. I thoroughly loved reading this novel so much. Ashley Manley’s brilliance shines in her craft, and she keeps on excelling through her skillful storytelling. Her ability to masterfully craft and create stories with such tenderness, magnificence, and elegance fills me with such awe and joy as a reader. Reading this novel was such a captivating and enthralling experience. The Back to Fontain series, along with this particular novel, is definitely one of my favorites by far, and I’m already excited and giddy with anticipation for the next book.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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