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Lavender Fields
Esther has lost her grip on reality. She suffers from Alzheimer’s and often visits her delusional world of Lavender Fields. There, she is young again and full of life, free from aches and pains. In her fields she falls in love with her literal dream man, and a heated romance ensues. Lexi, no longer able to care for her sister, Esther, hides from her guilt behind the inherited family trait, alcoholism. When Esther begins to claim the fields are real, Lexi dives deeper into the bottle, shying away from her husband who needs her, and missing out on the last few moments with the sister who raised her. Gemma, Esther’s head nurse finds herself stuck between the drunken wrath of Lexi and her ornery patient. When Esther starts rambling about Lavender Fields, babies, kissing men, and claiming pregnancy, Gemma must interpret what parts of the delusion are fantasy, or if it is only a darker side of reality. After a series of events, the three women, Esther, Gemma and Lexi must find a way to work together in a touching tale of second chances, family drama and miracles.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 15, 2018
A visceral and emotionally challenging novel, Ashley Rich's debut Lavender Fields touches upon many poignant motifs through the veil of magical realism and brings the reader through the mind of madness for the ultimate journey of hope. Congratulations to Ashley for seeing her dreams fulfilled, and thanks to Ashley for allowing me to read her strong and uncompromising debut.
May 3, 2018
Fantasy meets the dark reality of alcoholism and Alzheimer’s, tinged with heavy anger, tragedy, and bouts of rage. An enchanting, clever premise about a woman with dementia who disappears in her mind to fields of lavender and her dream man, but the execution is too filled with bitterness and anger to enjoy much until over halfway through the novel. The main characters are all very tragic, and a dark and fearful creature waits in the woods surrounding the lavender fields. Every scene from the sister’s perspective is laced with an anger that makes the reader recoil and empathy for her fade. The forced eroticism is a bit uncomfortable at times, especially where musings on lust for an animal is concerned. However, a few surprises at the end help drive the desire to finish the story.
July 7, 2018
OMG..Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of Alzheimer's, cancer, sanity, family loyalty, love and hate, fantasy and reality in such a way that you might question your sanity. I was totally not prepared for this book in any way and I am thankful I read with a new open mind. I always read for relaxation and I couldn't put it down. The subject of Alzheimer's and the toll it takes on the family as well as the patient and caregiver was graphically and tactfully dealt with by this author. The alcoholism, cancer and Alzheimer's could have made this book to dark to read but the characters will entice you in such a way that you have to find out more about them. The book is written from the povs of many characters and that can be very confusing but Rich has an amazing talented writing style that did not let the story get conflicted by this. The gap between The Wake and the Fields becomes nearer as Edith's mind get worse. The fantasy world and all it entails is a relief at times and again while out there you will not put this book down. Be prepared for a many faceted book and let this story enfold you. A beautiful and difficult story told by a refreshing new talent.
July 12, 2018
This book follows three main characters. Esther, an old dementia patient. Lexi, Esther's younger sister. And Jemma, Esther's nurse. As someone who watched their grandmother struggle with dementia, I enjoyed the twist this author put on the horrid disease. Each of the main characters had their own struggles and I found it authentic to present such nuanced characters. Sometimes you hated them, other times you sympathized with them, but really you just wanted the best for them. I thought I knew where the story was going but was pleasantly surprised by all that was revealed at the end.
November 10, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars
This is a story of alcoholism , Alzheimer's , redemption and love . Esther is suffering from Alzheimer's and is getting worse . She is reverting to a fantasy world of lavender fields and a mystery man who has her heart . Her sister Lexie is in denial in her life . Her husband is sick and then there is Esther . Lexie can't handle it so she slips deeper and deeper into alcoholism . After a series of events bring Lexie and Gemma the poor head nurse and Esther together they must figure out how to work together.
This book has great characters that are well written and complex . Lexie is a woman who has been through so much . The only way she can survive is having a drink . You see her struggling with the load that she is carrying . You almost feel sorry for her , I said almost . She kind of brought it on herself . As you read the story you see her actually kind of growing up at the end of the book . Esther is well she is somewhat of a enigma . She is funny but also surviving from Alzheimer's , she takes us on a fantasy ride in her mind with a man who loves her and she remembers everything . I wanted to just hug her and keep her safe. She is a really strong character even though her mind is gone . She is a fighter and you will like her . I felt sorry for poor Gemma she is doing a job that most people will not want to do . She is stuck in between the two sisters . She wants to do the best for Esther but is tossed between two walls . She is a strong woman and is honestly a sweet lady . Who brings the two sisters together .
This is a complex book with lots going on. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride . The characters are well written and you will love them and hate them at the same time . There were just a few things that kind of put me off, the sex scenes in the fantasy felt a little uneasy. The alcoholism and the Alzheimer's were written so very well . The author really had a good grasp on the subjects. This is more then just those two things it is a story of love and redemption and also second chances . Over all I truly enjoyed this book I cried and I did laugh a few times . I would recommend this book to those how are willing to go down the dark path to redemption .
This is a story of alcoholism , Alzheimer's , redemption and love . Esther is suffering from Alzheimer's and is getting worse . She is reverting to a fantasy world of lavender fields and a mystery man who has her heart . Her sister Lexie is in denial in her life . Her husband is sick and then there is Esther . Lexie can't handle it so she slips deeper and deeper into alcoholism . After a series of events bring Lexie and Gemma the poor head nurse and Esther together they must figure out how to work together.
This book has great characters that are well written and complex . Lexie is a woman who has been through so much . The only way she can survive is having a drink . You see her struggling with the load that she is carrying . You almost feel sorry for her , I said almost . She kind of brought it on herself . As you read the story you see her actually kind of growing up at the end of the book . Esther is well she is somewhat of a enigma . She is funny but also surviving from Alzheimer's , she takes us on a fantasy ride in her mind with a man who loves her and she remembers everything . I wanted to just hug her and keep her safe. She is a really strong character even though her mind is gone . She is a fighter and you will like her . I felt sorry for poor Gemma she is doing a job that most people will not want to do . She is stuck in between the two sisters . She wants to do the best for Esther but is tossed between two walls . She is a strong woman and is honestly a sweet lady . Who brings the two sisters together .
This is a complex book with lots going on. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride . The characters are well written and you will love them and hate them at the same time . There were just a few things that kind of put me off, the sex scenes in the fantasy felt a little uneasy. The alcoholism and the Alzheimer's were written so very well . The author really had a good grasp on the subjects. This is more then just those two things it is a story of love and redemption and also second chances . Over all I truly enjoyed this book I cried and I did laugh a few times . I would recommend this book to those how are willing to go down the dark path to redemption .
June 28, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started as what felt like an emotional household and sibling rivalry between Esther and her sister Lexi. Esther was requiring more care than Lexi, who buries herself in work and booze, and her elderly husband could handle. They make the decision to put Esther in a nursing facility.
When Esther loses her lucidity and is “sleeping” in what I’ll refer to as real life, she dreams of a cabin in the forest and fields of lavender. And a frog. Tom is her frog and Esther falls in love with him in this dreamland. There’s nothing quite like reading about eroticism towards a frog which fortunately turns into a man.
The book intertwines the stories of the two sisters as Lexi continues to struggle in life especially as her sister and husband’s health decline and Esther wants to spend more and more time in the fields with her lover, Tom.
The characters were intriguing and this book was well-crafted, if not a bit odd as the fantasy world blended into reality, but a good pace and enough “What in the world?” moments I did want to continue to see it out.
I can tell you, this book was completely unique to me and there’s a certain beauty in that.
This book started as what felt like an emotional household and sibling rivalry between Esther and her sister Lexi. Esther was requiring more care than Lexi, who buries herself in work and booze, and her elderly husband could handle. They make the decision to put Esther in a nursing facility.
When Esther loses her lucidity and is “sleeping” in what I’ll refer to as real life, she dreams of a cabin in the forest and fields of lavender. And a frog. Tom is her frog and Esther falls in love with him in this dreamland. There’s nothing quite like reading about eroticism towards a frog which fortunately turns into a man.
The book intertwines the stories of the two sisters as Lexi continues to struggle in life especially as her sister and husband’s health decline and Esther wants to spend more and more time in the fields with her lover, Tom.
The characters were intriguing and this book was well-crafted, if not a bit odd as the fantasy world blended into reality, but a good pace and enough “What in the world?” moments I did want to continue to see it out.
I can tell you, this book was completely unique to me and there’s a certain beauty in that.
June 28, 2018
This was a great story. It was a tear jerker because this woman is falling in and out of reality. She suffers from Alzheimer's and the dementia is horrible for not only her but the people around her. This is happening to people every day. It is hard to see the people we love suffer from this illness. It is devastating and takes it toll on everyone.
This was a great story of Esther and her real world and her "other" world, the world she goes to when she slips into one of her episodes.
This was a great story of Esther and her real world and her "other" world, the world she goes to when she slips into one of her episodes.
August 30, 2018
Review coming!
November 10, 2018
A great book with a very interesting twist. I love how it was written and there are many metaphors to be found. Great characters. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 7, 2018
Having a family member with Alzheimer's is unbearable at times and then when you are unable to take care of that person and need to place them in a facility, it causes feelings of guilt, anger, inadequacy and sorrow. This is clearly depicted in this story.
Esther is 88 and fluctuates between Lavender Fields and The Land of the Wake.
The Land of the Wake, which is the present, Esther is confused and agitated as this disease takes hold.
Lavender Fields hold love,hope and youth, though nobody will ever believe this.
Esther's mind plays games. and unpleasant memories that have been left in the past as a young girl, begin to now surface, causing delusions that are unbelievable. as she spends increasing amounts of time in the past.
This novel shows just how horrendous this disease is, not just for the person, but the family, and caregivers as well.
It's an interesting read.
Esther is 88 and fluctuates between Lavender Fields and The Land of the Wake.
The Land of the Wake, which is the present, Esther is confused and agitated as this disease takes hold.
Lavender Fields hold love,hope and youth, though nobody will ever believe this.
Esther's mind plays games. and unpleasant memories that have been left in the past as a young girl, begin to now surface, causing delusions that are unbelievable. as she spends increasing amounts of time in the past.
This novel shows just how horrendous this disease is, not just for the person, but the family, and caregivers as well.
It's an interesting read.
May 21, 2018
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich was very surprising. It was emotional, thrilling, exciting, and heart breaking. I didn't really know what to expect with this book, as it wasn't something I would have typically chosen for myself. The author, Ashley Rich, put out a request for reviews in one of the book groups I'm in on Facebook. I responded and here we are.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 6, 2018
Wonderful! I loved the tone set right from the first page, and Ashley Rich uses different POVs extremely well. She keeps you guessing the whole time, I definitely will be keeping an eye out for her next book. Her characters were believable, relatable, and a bit different from the norm. It is not often that you read from the POV of an 88 year old. I highly recommend this as your next read!
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July 4, 2018Alcoholism, Alzheimer's, cancer, life and death, fantasy and reality-this story really has the reader on an emotional roller coaster.. Lexi, Esther, Gary, and Gemma are all faced with heart breaking reality. Ms. Rich's gritty portrayal of each character and how they deal with their reality is exceptional. especially their interactions with one another. Esther, suffering from Alzheimer's disease and her relationship with Gemma is compassionate and beautifully depicted. Gemma tries to understand the "Lavender fields" where Esther escapes "wake world" and eventually the lines between wake world and lavender fields blurs. A unique, mind boggling read.
August 18, 2018
This is a sad story of 2 sisters and a nurse/caretaker. Esther is in a nursing home and Gemma is her primary caregiver. Esther’s sister is an alcoholic who can’t take care of herself, let alone Esther. The only time Esther finds peace and contentment is when she’s sleeping and dreaming of the lavender fields of her youth. Soon her imagination has the three women living there. The toll of Alzheimer’s is so sad and depressing and this story gives a fairly good presentation of how it effects the family and the patient. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a a fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews