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Nell and Lady
A heart-stirring novel of family and forgiveness from bestselling author Ashley Farley.
In her grand home in Charleston, Willa Bellemore raised two girls during the tumultuous 1970s. One was her daughter, Lady. The other was Lady’s best friend, Nell—adopted after the sudden, heartbreaking death of her mother, the Bellemores’ beloved maid. Willa showered Nell with love and support, all the while ignoring the disdainful whispers of her neighbors. After all, they were family. Nell and Lady were sisters at heart—sisters who vowed to never let anything come between them.
Then, on the night of Lady’s sixteenth birthday, something went terribly wrong, sparking painful secrets and bitter resentments that went unspoken for three decades.
Now Willa is dying, and Lady and Nell—each with a teenager of her own—are brought together after all these years. It’s Willa’s last wish. The time has come to confront what happened on that fateful night. But it may take a tragic twist of fate to reconcile the past and come to terms with the true meaning of family.
In her grand home in Charleston, Willa Bellemore raised two girls during the tumultuous 1970s. One was her daughter, Lady. The other was Lady’s best friend, Nell—adopted after the sudden, heartbreaking death of her mother, the Bellemores’ beloved maid. Willa showered Nell with love and support, all the while ignoring the disdainful whispers of her neighbors. After all, they were family. Nell and Lady were sisters at heart—sisters who vowed to never let anything come between them.
Then, on the night of Lady’s sixteenth birthday, something went terribly wrong, sparking painful secrets and bitter resentments that went unspoken for three decades.
Now Willa is dying, and Lady and Nell—each with a teenager of her own—are brought together after all these years. It’s Willa’s last wish. The time has come to confront what happened on that fateful night. But it may take a tragic twist of fate to reconcile the past and come to terms with the true meaning of family.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
5022 people are currently reading
3377 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Farley
56 books2,362 followers⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
April 22, 2019
3.5 stars (rounded up) for Nell and Lady - a touching story of family, loss and forgiveness.
Set against the backdrop of prejudice in the deep south Nell and Lady tells the story of a friendship that defies race and social class. Mavis is a young Black woman who finds herself pregnant and working for Willa Bellemore who is also expecting a child. The two become best friends and raise their daughters, Nell and Lady, together in the Bellemore home until tragedy strikes. Mavis unexpectedly suffers a stroke and dies, leaving Nell without family. Willa adopts Nell and continues to raise her as her own daughter, despite the social implications of the time.
The girls are as close as sisters until the age of 16, when Nell suddenly drifts from both Lady and Willa. She shuts them out of her life, without ever explaining why. Years later, Willa is suffering from cancer and begs her daughter, Lady to find Nell. She wants more than anything to reconnect with her before she dies.
What follows is the unraveling of years of secrets, emotion and bitterness. The story was heartwarming and the characters were easy to like, especially Willa. She is the grandmother every child wishes they had!
Thank you to Ashley Farley, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book to review.
Set against the backdrop of prejudice in the deep south Nell and Lady tells the story of a friendship that defies race and social class. Mavis is a young Black woman who finds herself pregnant and working for Willa Bellemore who is also expecting a child. The two become best friends and raise their daughters, Nell and Lady, together in the Bellemore home until tragedy strikes. Mavis unexpectedly suffers a stroke and dies, leaving Nell without family. Willa adopts Nell and continues to raise her as her own daughter, despite the social implications of the time.
The girls are as close as sisters until the age of 16, when Nell suddenly drifts from both Lady and Willa. She shuts them out of her life, without ever explaining why. Years later, Willa is suffering from cancer and begs her daughter, Lady to find Nell. She wants more than anything to reconnect with her before she dies.
What follows is the unraveling of years of secrets, emotion and bitterness. The story was heartwarming and the characters were easy to like, especially Willa. She is the grandmother every child wishes they had!
Thank you to Ashley Farley, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book to review.
September 18, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Lady wasn’t dredging up anything. She lived in the past every single day. She was a character in a movie with a worn-out theme— waking up every morning to repeat the same traumatic day over and over again.
For your information, Betty, my help is my family, not that it’s any of your business. As for my social status, I have more friends in this town than you have weeds in your garden. And, honey, I’m here to tell you that you have a whole shit pot of weeds growing in your garden.
My Review:
The clever and thoughtful premise of this book was the pervasive domino effect of a kept secret thirty-one years after the undisclosed traumatic event lead. It started with a silent resentment that quickly festered into a loud and bitter antipathy and resulted in complete avoidance. The secret had effectively poisoned their family and shaped their choices and attitudes as adults. The storylines were believable, heart-squeezing, easy to follow and well paced while the writing was emotive and well detailed. While the story was engaging and well plotted, her characters are always where Ms. Farley’s true artistry shines. This ensemble was realistically drawn, deeply flawed, and so well-fleshed out I felt I knew them. Ashley Farley has a well-honed skill for creating common yet deeply fractured characters that greatly annoy me one minute and endear me the next.
Lady wasn’t dredging up anything. She lived in the past every single day. She was a character in a movie with a worn-out theme— waking up every morning to repeat the same traumatic day over and over again.
For your information, Betty, my help is my family, not that it’s any of your business. As for my social status, I have more friends in this town than you have weeds in your garden. And, honey, I’m here to tell you that you have a whole shit pot of weeds growing in your garden.
My Review:
The clever and thoughtful premise of this book was the pervasive domino effect of a kept secret thirty-one years after the undisclosed traumatic event lead. It started with a silent resentment that quickly festered into a loud and bitter antipathy and resulted in complete avoidance. The secret had effectively poisoned their family and shaped their choices and attitudes as adults. The storylines were believable, heart-squeezing, easy to follow and well paced while the writing was emotive and well detailed. While the story was engaging and well plotted, her characters are always where Ms. Farley’s true artistry shines. This ensemble was realistically drawn, deeply flawed, and so well-fleshed out I felt I knew them. Ashley Farley has a well-honed skill for creating common yet deeply fractured characters that greatly annoy me one minute and endear me the next.
May 31, 2018
Thought-provoking and heartfelt, Nell and Lady weaves a story of family secrets set against the backdrop of prejudice in the Deep South. You’ll root for Nell and Lady as they overcome their differences and rediscover their bond as sisters. A triumph!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy.
October 8, 2018
Hmmm..! I should have loved this book, but I just didn’t. The underlying premise was very good. It was the execution that left me flat. The characters were too story bookish (not real) and many of the conversations, almost cheesy, made me shake my head. The book had a lite and fluffy feel when some very serious issues were presented.
In fairness, this book has received many stellar reviews, and I did like the story, I just did not like the tone.
In fairness, this book has received many stellar reviews, and I did like the story, I just did not like the tone.
June 3, 2018
A stirring advance read. Ashley Farley takes readers into the home of a privileged white family in Charleston, South Carolina, through three generations. She delivers a touching message about family, friendship and forgiveness woven through issues of race, secrecy, and changing values. Farley's depictions are so authentic I could taste the cheese biscuits and sweet tea!
March 17, 2019
250+ pages of finger pointing, tantrums, pettiness, and melodramatics.
September 18, 2018
Filled with complex characters and long-held secrets, Nell and Lady is an emotionally stirring book about families and forgiveness. I loved that the story was told from multiple points of view, so that we could really get into the minds of all of these characters, adding wonderful layers to the story. Ashley Farley has once again melded characters and story into a book that I couldn’t put down.
September 28, 2018
⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️5 shining stars! NELL AND LADY by Ashley Farley has just been released this month!! If you have read and enjoyed any of Ashley Farley's books, RUN (don't walk) TO THE NEAREST BOOK STORE AND BUY THIS BOOK! It is my FAVOURITE NOVEL by her to date! Every book she writes is better that the one before and I LOVED the FIRST NOVEL SHE WROTE!!!
Nell and Lady grew up together in the same house and were best friends until Lady's sixteenth birthday party. They became estranged and avoided each other until over 30 years later when Lady's very ill mother requested her to find Nell and bring her home.
What happened at that party those many years ago?
What could destroy a sixteen year close friendship?
Why had they never patched things up? What has happened through those missed years?
Can they speak to each other?
Will Nell comply with Willa's dying wish?
Before the end of page one I was caught up in this story and the lives of the characters, and wanted to know more about Nell and Lady. Although I wanted the book to last a long time, I also wanted to quickly read what was happening next!
I highly recommend this story of families, loss and forgiveness!
October 25, 2018
Well, my opinion sure doesn't match all the glowing reports I've seen here but too bad, I thought this story was just okay. This is the first book of Ashley Farley's that I've read and it'll likely be the last. I didn't find the characters realistic to start with. I couldn't warm up to any of them.
Secondly, I had to go to the front to see when this was written and I wasn't surprised to see that it was written this year (2018). It felt to me as though she's taking advantage of the big #metoo women's war going on right now to write a story about a young man assaulting a young woman at a drunken party and then later, when he's rich and successful, he can't recollect anything happening at said party. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so too.
So, this ONE incident absolutely ruined her entire life and drove her away from her family for years and years. Oh yeah, and also made her hate all white people, even though her adopted family was white.
Nope, I can't say too much good about this book other than it gave me something to read for a couple of days. I'll recommend it to people I don't like. LOL
Secondly, I had to go to the front to see when this was written and I wasn't surprised to see that it was written this year (2018). It felt to me as though she's taking advantage of the big #metoo women's war going on right now to write a story about a young man assaulting a young woman at a drunken party and then later, when he's rich and successful, he can't recollect anything happening at said party. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so too.
So, this ONE incident absolutely ruined her entire life and drove her away from her family for years and years. Oh yeah, and also made her hate all white people, even though her adopted family was white.
Nope, I can't say too much good about this book other than it gave me something to read for a couple of days. I'll recommend it to people I don't like. LOL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
"A traumatic secret tore them apart. Their mother's dying wish will bring them together again."
I was already hooked just from reading that line on the back cover! Really excited to have been picked by BookSharks for a Book Happy Hour pop up blog tour - Nell & Lady is so sweet, with a touch of mystery, and whole lot of heart. I loved every minute of it, and applauded some tough subjects throughout that were handled so smart and creatively. From race, to privilege, to sexual assault, there's no shortage of drama and secrets in this one - but it's heartwarming and fresh, and full of love for family and the strength to find forgiveness.
Willa Bellmore is one of my favorite characters in this story. She's a well off woman of Charleston in the 70s, who just doesn't care what anyone else thinks of her. She treats her help like family and when tragedy strikes - one of them actually DOES become family. Despite what neighbors and friends think, Willa does what is right and it's just one of her many strengths we see throughout.
Willa's daughters Lady and Nell are thick as thieves. You wouldn't know they weren't sisters by blood and if not for skin color, you'd think they had shared a womb. They tell each other everything and sometimes, don't even have to. They just know. Until one night, at Lady's sweet 16 party, everything changes. Something happened that night that slowly tears their relationship apart. Now 3 decades later, Willa is dying. Her last wish is for her daughters to confront what happened the night of the party and to finally be a family again. But granting her wish is definitely not going to come easy...
I adored everyone in this story - it's such a refreshing take on a tale of Lowcountry family - both in the past and the present - and I had a hard time putting it down. I'll definitely be on the watch for more from Ashley Farley.
I was already hooked just from reading that line on the back cover! Really excited to have been picked by BookSharks for a Book Happy Hour pop up blog tour - Nell & Lady is so sweet, with a touch of mystery, and whole lot of heart. I loved every minute of it, and applauded some tough subjects throughout that were handled so smart and creatively. From race, to privilege, to sexual assault, there's no shortage of drama and secrets in this one - but it's heartwarming and fresh, and full of love for family and the strength to find forgiveness.
Willa Bellmore is one of my favorite characters in this story. She's a well off woman of Charleston in the 70s, who just doesn't care what anyone else thinks of her. She treats her help like family and when tragedy strikes - one of them actually DOES become family. Despite what neighbors and friends think, Willa does what is right and it's just one of her many strengths we see throughout.
Willa's daughters Lady and Nell are thick as thieves. You wouldn't know they weren't sisters by blood and if not for skin color, you'd think they had shared a womb. They tell each other everything and sometimes, don't even have to. They just know. Until one night, at Lady's sweet 16 party, everything changes. Something happened that night that slowly tears their relationship apart. Now 3 decades later, Willa is dying. Her last wish is for her daughters to confront what happened the night of the party and to finally be a family again. But granting her wish is definitely not going to come easy...
I adored everyone in this story - it's such a refreshing take on a tale of Lowcountry family - both in the past and the present - and I had a hard time putting it down. I'll definitely be on the watch for more from Ashley Farley.
August 13, 2018
Let me first mention this cover, I love everything that this cover stands for - from it's simple times, friendships, and the fact that color doesn't exist.
This book takes place in a city that I'm obsessed with, Charleston, SC in the 1970's. Nell's mother Mavis is a maid in the home of Willa and Lady Bellemore. But to be honest, she's more of a best friend then worker. She and Willa just clicked from day 1. Then one day May May gets pregnant and hopes that Willa won't kick her out of her home. Instead Will lets her stay on and raise Nell with her daughter Lady from day one. Hence how Nell and Lady became best friends.
Then Nell's mother passes and the light goes out in Nell and she's trying to figure out where she belongs. While this transformation is taking place something tragic happens at 16 that breaks the bond that Nell, Lady and Willa have. Nell takes off to college and is barely heard from again.
Years later Lady contacts Nell and tells her Willa is not doing well, they don't know how long she may have.
The past comes to the for front again and they all need to learn from it and try to build a bridge to mend their families for the future.
There are many different tragic moments these families need to endure, but with the strength of love they may just make it.
This book takes place in a city that I'm obsessed with, Charleston, SC in the 1970's. Nell's mother Mavis is a maid in the home of Willa and Lady Bellemore. But to be honest, she's more of a best friend then worker. She and Willa just clicked from day 1. Then one day May May gets pregnant and hopes that Willa won't kick her out of her home. Instead Will lets her stay on and raise Nell with her daughter Lady from day one. Hence how Nell and Lady became best friends.
Then Nell's mother passes and the light goes out in Nell and she's trying to figure out where she belongs. While this transformation is taking place something tragic happens at 16 that breaks the bond that Nell, Lady and Willa have. Nell takes off to college and is barely heard from again.
Years later Lady contacts Nell and tells her Willa is not doing well, they don't know how long she may have.
The past comes to the for front again and they all need to learn from it and try to build a bridge to mend their families for the future.
There are many different tragic moments these families need to endure, but with the strength of love they may just make it.
August 25, 2018
Ashley Farley has outdone herself with Nell and Lady. This story about family will break your heart, make you cry and heal you back again. Nell and Lady are characters that are so unbelievably relatable that it’s almost as though your learning the inside story to your best friends family life. Willa is the grandmother every girl needs and in the end a mother any daughter could brag about. Here’s to Ashley Farley for a story that will warm my heart for weeks to come.
March 1, 2019
Some much can be said about facing and addressing things when they happen ..such a great lesson to be learnt in this book. I really like it and will be liking this author up again .i felt I knew the characters and could almost cuddle them .. thank you to my goodreads buddy for the recommendation .
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September 9, 2018This is a heart felt story that starts in 1970’s and takes us to present day. The story touches on emotional topics such as cancer, sexual abuse, racism and alcoholism. Set in Charleston, SC. Willa Bellemore befriends her new maid Mavis, they become more than friends they become family. Mavis finds her self pregnant and is afraid she may be let go. That does not happen, Willa and Mavis raise their girls to be just as close as they are; when Mavis passes away Willa adopts Nell.
Nell and Lady were the best of friends until Lady’s 16th birthday party, when a terrible thing happens to Nell; Nell instead of turning to her “family” shuts them out; for years Lady is left wondering what caused Nell to leave and finally gives up trying. Decades pass and Nell and Lady each endure their own struggles in life until Willa is facing her final days and her only wish is that her girls find their way back to each other.
The characters are very relatable, the story line is based on so many every day issues that so many families deal with. This was a beautiful, easy read that touch my heart and shows that anything ca be overcome.
Nell and Lady were the best of friends until Lady’s 16th birthday party, when a terrible thing happens to Nell; Nell instead of turning to her “family” shuts them out; for years Lady is left wondering what caused Nell to leave and finally gives up trying. Decades pass and Nell and Lady each endure their own struggles in life until Willa is facing her final days and her only wish is that her girls find their way back to each other.
The characters are very relatable, the story line is based on so many every day issues that so many families deal with. This was a beautiful, easy read that touch my heart and shows that anything ca be overcome.
September 15, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for the honor of reading this book.
This was a very heartfelt book. It touched on subjects that are full of pain and missunderstandings. Family is more than just blood. It’s more than just race. It’s that deep down feeling of love. Love that can at times be so painful too. From the racial points to the sexual assault Lady and Nell have so much to get over. Two girls who were best friends from birth until the age of 16. Can they find their way back? Both have a teenage child headed for college. Both divorced and trying to make a life. Both with a mother dying of cancer.
Finding your way back to someone is hard at times. Sometimes it takes something awful to make you see what you had and can have again. Ashley Farley is a wonderful author and she weaves this story perfectly. Told by each of the main characters who you will love. Each one tells their story and makes you fall in love with them. It’s a great book. Well developed characters and the time frame was perfect. I loved it.
It’s a big 5 stars. One you won’t regret reading. I enjoyed this book and could not put it down.
This was a very heartfelt book. It touched on subjects that are full of pain and missunderstandings. Family is more than just blood. It’s more than just race. It’s that deep down feeling of love. Love that can at times be so painful too. From the racial points to the sexual assault Lady and Nell have so much to get over. Two girls who were best friends from birth until the age of 16. Can they find their way back? Both have a teenage child headed for college. Both divorced and trying to make a life. Both with a mother dying of cancer.
Finding your way back to someone is hard at times. Sometimes it takes something awful to make you see what you had and can have again. Ashley Farley is a wonderful author and she weaves this story perfectly. Told by each of the main characters who you will love. Each one tells their story and makes you fall in love with them. It’s a great book. Well developed characters and the time frame was perfect. I loved it.
It’s a big 5 stars. One you won’t regret reading. I enjoyed this book and could not put it down.
September 6, 2018
A warm and inviting look into the lives of two young girls brought together through circumstances, that they had no control over yet growing up they went separate ways.
Life always has a way of bring up the past and in this heart warming story we see how Nell and lady cope with just that .
My first time reading this author and I can highly recommend I will be reading her other books iam delighted to have had an early copy from net galley in exchange for a honest review
Life always has a way of bring up the past and in this heart warming story we see how Nell and lady cope with just that .
My first time reading this author and I can highly recommend I will be reading her other books iam delighted to have had an early copy from net galley in exchange for a honest review
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September 24, 2018Wonderful. Ashley Farley just keeps raising the bar.
November 29, 2020
Absolutely love
The emotions of pass hurts can destroy family. It was heartbreaking. I felt each persons pain, and joy, felt the love. Wanted more
The emotions of pass hurts can destroy family. It was heartbreaking. I felt each persons pain, and joy, felt the love. Wanted more
April 8, 2019
This is my first Ashley Farley read and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Nell and Lady. Not only is the cover beautiful but the story inside is told beautifully as well. Nell and Lady is a story about family; but this is not your typical family story. This is a story of how best friends (one White, the other Black) became sisters, are torn apart by a secret, & came back together 30 years later. It's a story of love, forgiveness, and communication.
I enjoyed Ashley Farley's writing style as it goes from past to present. Instead of giving all the details of a situation at once, circumstances are presented as memories for the characters. All the characters in the book enrich the story and add depth to Nell and Lady's complicated relationship.
No one is perfect in this book which makes the characters relatable. Nell and Lady is an inspiriting and uplifting read. In the end, it’s always family first and Nell and Lady know that well. I recommend this book to anyone who likes women’s fiction and family reads. Nell and Lady gets 4.5 stars.
I enjoyed Ashley Farley's writing style as it goes from past to present. Instead of giving all the details of a situation at once, circumstances are presented as memories for the characters. All the characters in the book enrich the story and add depth to Nell and Lady's complicated relationship.
No one is perfect in this book which makes the characters relatable. Nell and Lady is an inspiriting and uplifting read. In the end, it’s always family first and Nell and Lady know that well. I recommend this book to anyone who likes women’s fiction and family reads. Nell and Lady gets 4.5 stars.
July 27, 2018
I have loved Ashley Farley's books and Nell and Lady is no exception. I want to thank Ms. Farley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity and honor of reading an ARC of this amazing book.
The story is of the bonds of friendship between two mothers and their two daughters. The girls, Nell and Lady, promise to always be life long best friends,' "Together, forever. Let nothing or no one ever come between us." They sealed the pact with their secret handshake-fingers clasped together, thumbs and pointers forming the shape of a heart."'...... until one fateful night when their friendship falls apart. Secrets, resentments, fears, and accusations become a wall that seems insurmountable after years and years. My heart ached for the loss of what time took from them. The consequences of actions and then the choices that were made because of them that had my heart torn to pieces for them. This book is an emotional ride that left me realizing even more how important family, friendships and relationships are. Never to take for granted. This is a story of no matter how long or how far apart things can seem to be, love and forgiveness is stronger and can overcome when given the chance. I give this book a huge 5 stars for the wonderful characters and the caring way Ms. Farley writes about issues that can be difficult to address. Thank you!
The story is of the bonds of friendship between two mothers and their two daughters. The girls, Nell and Lady, promise to always be life long best friends,' "Together, forever. Let nothing or no one ever come between us." They sealed the pact with their secret handshake-fingers clasped together, thumbs and pointers forming the shape of a heart."'...... until one fateful night when their friendship falls apart. Secrets, resentments, fears, and accusations become a wall that seems insurmountable after years and years. My heart ached for the loss of what time took from them. The consequences of actions and then the choices that were made because of them that had my heart torn to pieces for them. This book is an emotional ride that left me realizing even more how important family, friendships and relationships are. Never to take for granted. This is a story of no matter how long or how far apart things can seem to be, love and forgiveness is stronger and can overcome when given the chance. I give this book a huge 5 stars for the wonderful characters and the caring way Ms. Farley writes about issues that can be difficult to address. Thank you!
March 6, 2020
This is a very, emotional book? There's a lot of, uh weird racial tension? This takes place during the 70s and The Bad Thing happens in '81, and im still unsure what exactly that even was? imo the way she described it was, eh... yea. but I guess she says it wasn't, so. hm. I guess really my problem with this book is what the backstory comes down to, its just, eh. lots of holes I guess?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
Ashley Farley has brought us yet another collection of well developed characters in this tale of unlikely sisters in the South. Nell and Lady came back together after years of separation and had to deal with the issues that tore them apart. Farley has a keen ability to make the reader feel empathy for, and cheer on, the characters in her novels. Another winner for sure, a must read for lovers of Southern literature.
September 8, 2018
Ashley Farley has once again written a wonderful story with characters who will resonate with her readers. It's a dual time line book that takes place in the 70s and current day in Charleston, SC about three generations of woman and their love for each other.
1970 in Charleston and May is the housekeeper for the Bellemore family - Willa, her husband and their daughter Lady. The housekeeper's daughter, Nell, lives in an apartment in the house with her mom. Lady and Nell are exactly the same age and are best friends. When May dies suddenly, Willa decides to raise Nell along with her daughter and eventually adopts her despite the whispering from her neighbors about how inappropriate it is for her to adopt a black daughter. The family becomes estranged after an event at Lady's 16th birthday party and stays that way until Lady contacts Nell after 30 years of silence to tell her that Willa has cancer and would like to see her. As Nell and Lady struggle to connect along with the additional fact that they each have teenage children who go to the same school and are friends, tempers flare and old wounds are opened up. Will they be able to become friends and sisters again?
This is a story about family and love and forgiveness and racial inequality. Family is more than blood ties but is also made up of the people that we choose to love no matter the differences.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
1970 in Charleston and May is the housekeeper for the Bellemore family - Willa, her husband and their daughter Lady. The housekeeper's daughter, Nell, lives in an apartment in the house with her mom. Lady and Nell are exactly the same age and are best friends. When May dies suddenly, Willa decides to raise Nell along with her daughter and eventually adopts her despite the whispering from her neighbors about how inappropriate it is for her to adopt a black daughter. The family becomes estranged after an event at Lady's 16th birthday party and stays that way until Lady contacts Nell after 30 years of silence to tell her that Willa has cancer and would like to see her. As Nell and Lady struggle to connect along with the additional fact that they each have teenage children who go to the same school and are friends, tempers flare and old wounds are opened up. Will they be able to become friends and sisters again?
This is a story about family and love and forgiveness and racial inequality. Family is more than blood ties but is also made up of the people that we choose to love no matter the differences.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2018
This was the first book I have read by Ashley Farley. After reading a few chapters, I started to follow her on Facebook. That is not the customary action for me. I just knew after reading a bit that I truly loved her writing style and had faith that she would bring the story to an end that I would cherish, and she did!
Ashley Farley has wonderful character development, that when I completed the book, I was missing the people I had come to know. The plot is very well planned, flows smoothly and was believable. The heartbreak of various situations that happened in the book was real to me, as an involved observer of the story unfolding.
The story is about love between people that makes a family of the heart. Situations that happen changes the family unit, but the love becomes stronger. Unfortunately, like in life, events occur that causes riffs and separations. If there is enough love and caring, time apart can sometimes help people to reconcile. This does not come about in the story easily. It takes work by all parts to forgive and heal, but it can happen, if there is enough love.
This is a story that warmed my heart and gave me hope for people to come together again in the future.
I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I am so happy to have discovered a new author that I will definitely be reading her books in the future.
Ashley Farley has wonderful character development, that when I completed the book, I was missing the people I had come to know. The plot is very well planned, flows smoothly and was believable. The heartbreak of various situations that happened in the book was real to me, as an involved observer of the story unfolding.
The story is about love between people that makes a family of the heart. Situations that happen changes the family unit, but the love becomes stronger. Unfortunately, like in life, events occur that causes riffs and separations. If there is enough love and caring, time apart can sometimes help people to reconcile. This does not come about in the story easily. It takes work by all parts to forgive and heal, but it can happen, if there is enough love.
This is a story that warmed my heart and gave me hope for people to come together again in the future.
I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I am so happy to have discovered a new author that I will definitely be reading her books in the future.
October 24, 2018
Ashley Farley has become one of me new favourite writers in the last year of woman’s fiction. Her new book is an amazing read of family, friendship, and secrets that have torn apart a family and when tragedy strikes, two women, can come together to give a dying mother her last wish and to begin again to build a family.
Two girls, Nell and Lady were raised by Willa Bellemore in the 1970’s, after adopting Nell when her mother, who was Willa’s best friend and housekeeper/Nanny to her daughter Lady dies suddenly. The two girls were inseparable until the fateful night of Lady’s sixteenth birthday party and the bond of sisterhood and friendship was forever broken and Nell begins to separate herself from Willa and Lady. Years have gone by until Willa is sick and she wants to see Nell one last time. So Lady and Nell must put aside their animosity and come together to and with their teenage children try to put the past behind and find out what really happened that night on of the sixteenth birthday party and lay the secrets to rest and begin to build the family again.
This was such a powerful story of love, friendship and forgiveness and the strength of woman to survive whatever road blocks have been thrown in their path to happiness. I can’t put the words to page how much I loved this book. It was one of those books that once you start it you can’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book by Ashely Farley.
Two girls, Nell and Lady were raised by Willa Bellemore in the 1970’s, after adopting Nell when her mother, who was Willa’s best friend and housekeeper/Nanny to her daughter Lady dies suddenly. The two girls were inseparable until the fateful night of Lady’s sixteenth birthday party and the bond of sisterhood and friendship was forever broken and Nell begins to separate herself from Willa and Lady. Years have gone by until Willa is sick and she wants to see Nell one last time. So Lady and Nell must put aside their animosity and come together to and with their teenage children try to put the past behind and find out what really happened that night on of the sixteenth birthday party and lay the secrets to rest and begin to build the family again.
This was such a powerful story of love, friendship and forgiveness and the strength of woman to survive whatever road blocks have been thrown in their path to happiness. I can’t put the words to page how much I loved this book. It was one of those books that once you start it you can’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book by Ashely Farley.
October 16, 2018
NELL AND LADY by Ashley Farley is a captivating and moving story of family, friendship, loss and forgiveness. Set in Charleston, SC, It touches on issues of race, class and societal expectations in a heartfelt and engaging way. Told from multiple perspectives, alternating between past and present, the story of Willa, Nell and Lady unfolds gradually, revealing the strength of their unlikely relationships and the power of love to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Years of dark secrets and hostility kept this family apart until illness and tragedy throw them back together and force them to confront the past and rediscover their unbreakable bond. The characters are relatable and so well-portrayed I felt like I was right there with them in Charleston. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming and emotional story of love and family and highly recommend it!
March 19, 2020
Thank you to Goodreads for this very emotional book that pulls at your heart on every page that you turn. Willa Bellemore was an exceptional person. She raised two daughters, one she gave birth to (Lady) and one she adopted (Nell). Nell was the daughter of Willa’s beloved maid, who passed away suddenly. Lady and Nell were best friends until Lady’s sixteenth birth party, were something happened to Nell that changed their lives forever. Nell never told anyone what happened that night but grew apart from her family. After graduating from college she moved away and did not contact Willa or Lady for years. After running into Lady and finding out that Willa is not doing well, Nell returns to the family home where the mending of the hearts begin.
October 1, 2018
Nell and Lady is one amazing book! The bond that Nell and Lady has in this book was one of a kind! They grew apart but never was to far away. I read about so many life lessons that were important and just life through the eyes of Nell and Lady. loved how the book unfolded through all the years of Nell and Lady’s lives to the ending which I must say alot of love, peace, and happiness was felt. I loved how a beat or corner was never missed throughout the book. It felt sooo real that you felt part of the book. This beautiful well-written book talk about pain, love, forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of family. Thank you Ashley Farley for this beautifully well-written book! #Netgalley
August 13, 2019
Nell and Lady grew up as sisters and best friends, but one night can change everything..
When Nell cuts Willa and Lady out of her life, it hurts them both deeper than they care to admit. Decades go by, before they are able to even think about interacting, and the one thing that brings them together is the cancer that Will is struggling with. But Lady is not ready to let go of the past, she is still hurt by Nell's actions, especially after everything that her mother did for her.
But new events are about to spin out of control, and they are either going to make or break this unconventional family...
A great book! I had a hard time putting it down!
When Nell cuts Willa and Lady out of her life, it hurts them both deeper than they care to admit. Decades go by, before they are able to even think about interacting, and the one thing that brings them together is the cancer that Will is struggling with. But Lady is not ready to let go of the past, she is still hurt by Nell's actions, especially after everything that her mother did for her.
But new events are about to spin out of control, and they are either going to make or break this unconventional family...
A great book! I had a hard time putting it down!
September 17, 2019
Thank you so much Netgalley for the opportunity to review Nell and Lady!
The book starts off two estranged best friends. At 16, something happened to Nell. Since then, she disconnected with Lady and her family.
Through their children and unexpected encounters, they reconnect and forgive each other of their past they had no control over.
I thought the book was okay. It did not emotionally touch me, and focus shifted away from Nell/Lady often to their children. I felt like the story was more about Regan and Booker more than Nell/Lady.
It's more of a family book of how family comes back together despite times of estrangement! It takes love and patience to hope for the best!
The book starts off two estranged best friends. At 16, something happened to Nell. Since then, she disconnected with Lady and her family.
Through their children and unexpected encounters, they reconnect and forgive each other of their past they had no control over.
I thought the book was okay. It did not emotionally touch me, and focus shifted away from Nell/Lady often to their children. I felt like the story was more about Regan and Booker more than Nell/Lady.
It's more of a family book of how family comes back together despite times of estrangement! It takes love and patience to hope for the best!
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