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Only One Life
A reunion between an estranged mother and daughter opens a world of secrets in a poignant novel by the bestselling author of Magnolia Nights.
Julia Martin grew up wealthy, but it wasn’t until she met her husband, Jack, that she knew true happiness. He made her feel worthy and loved. Their marriage was also an escape from her sister’s bullying, her father’s scrutiny, and her chilly and enigmatic mother. But when tragedy strikes on the night she gives birth, Julia’s happiness is shattered. She has no choice but to return home to her family’s South Carolina mansion, where the grief and guilt buried in her mother’s past await her.
As a young woman trapped in a bitter marriage, Julia’s mother, Iris, once needed her own means of escape. In Lily, she found a best friend. In the flower shop they opened, she discovered independence. Then came a transgression—unforgivable, unforgettable, and unresolved—that changed Iris’s life forever.
Now, in Iris’s most desperate hour, her only hope is to regain the trust of the daughter she loves—and to share the secrets of the heart that could rebuild a family’s broken bonds.
Julia Martin grew up wealthy, but it wasn’t until she met her husband, Jack, that she knew true happiness. He made her feel worthy and loved. Their marriage was also an escape from her sister’s bullying, her father’s scrutiny, and her chilly and enigmatic mother. But when tragedy strikes on the night she gives birth, Julia’s happiness is shattered. She has no choice but to return home to her family’s South Carolina mansion, where the grief and guilt buried in her mother’s past await her.
As a young woman trapped in a bitter marriage, Julia’s mother, Iris, once needed her own means of escape. In Lily, she found a best friend. In the flower shop they opened, she discovered independence. Then came a transgression—unforgivable, unforgettable, and unresolved—that changed Iris’s life forever.
Now, in Iris’s most desperate hour, her only hope is to regain the trust of the daughter she loves—and to share the secrets of the heart that could rebuild a family’s broken bonds.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
5810 people are currently reading
4199 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Farley
56 books2,367 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 514 reviews
April 24, 2019
"One can harbor secrets for only so long. One way or another, they eventually catch up with you."
Special thanks to author Ashley Farley for writing this "page turning novel" and thanks to Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of ONLY ONE LIFE. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
This novel of family, friendship, love, sorrow and secrets is set in the small town Beaufort, South Carolina. Julia, Iris, Lily, Wiley, Gus and Jackson are my favourite characters, while Max and daughter Alex quickly lost my respect and favour.
Ashley's talented writing style has once again captivated me and I read ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE in one afternoon. Although I did not want the book to end, I could not stop reading until I found out what would happen to Julia and her mother.
5 flowery stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
Posted Goodreads April 23, 2019
Savvy Reader April 23, 2019
NetGalley April 24, 2019
iBooks April 24, 2019
Special thanks to author Ashley Farley for writing this "page turning novel" and thanks to Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of ONLY ONE LIFE. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
This novel of family, friendship, love, sorrow and secrets is set in the small town Beaufort, South Carolina. Julia, Iris, Lily, Wiley, Gus and Jackson are my favourite characters, while Max and daughter Alex quickly lost my respect and favour.
Ashley's talented writing style has once again captivated me and I read ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE in one afternoon. Although I did not want the book to end, I could not stop reading until I found out what would happen to Julia and her mother.
5 flowery stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
Posted Goodreads April 23, 2019
Savvy Reader April 23, 2019
NetGalley April 24, 2019
iBooks April 24, 2019
January 26, 2019
A powerful, moving story of the dark secrets hidden beneath the veneer of wealth, and the healing power of love between a mother and her adult daughter. This is Southern fiction at its best.
May 8, 2019
Meh...
The characters were one dimensional, the dialogue trite and overused and the good guys suffer just enough to build character. Only the obvious bad guys have any real flaws and everything works out very nicely in the end. Blah...
The characters were one dimensional, the dialogue trite and overused and the good guys suffer just enough to build character. Only the obvious bad guys have any real flaws and everything works out very nicely in the end. Blah...
May 12, 2020
From the first chapter I was invested in Only One Life.
I love a good southern book full of sweet tea, small towns and drama. That’s what I was expecting and what I got while reading Only One Life but I was not prepared for the emotions my heart would go through as well.
We follow an estranged mother and daughter and I think my favorite part was how it was split up into three parts. We have Julia’s life after being disowned from her family for marrying a man beneath her who she lived a simple, happy life with.
Then we have Iris’s story, Julia’s mother. Her story truly broke my heart and I haven’t read about a strong female character like Iris in a long, long time. Iris carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and you can’t help but feel just down right sad for her.
Although their separate lives are so interesting, I think my favorite is when they are brought together again. Ashley Farley wrote a beautiful book full of family, secrets, lies and friendship.
This was my first book I have read by Farley, but from the emotions I felt once I finished Only One Life, I will defiantly be reading more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to review!
I love a good southern book full of sweet tea, small towns and drama. That’s what I was expecting and what I got while reading Only One Life but I was not prepared for the emotions my heart would go through as well.
We follow an estranged mother and daughter and I think my favorite part was how it was split up into three parts. We have Julia’s life after being disowned from her family for marrying a man beneath her who she lived a simple, happy life with.
Then we have Iris’s story, Julia’s mother. Her story truly broke my heart and I haven’t read about a strong female character like Iris in a long, long time. Iris carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and you can’t help but feel just down right sad for her.
Although their separate lives are so interesting, I think my favorite is when they are brought together again. Ashley Farley wrote a beautiful book full of family, secrets, lies and friendship.
This was my first book I have read by Farley, but from the emotions I felt once I finished Only One Life, I will defiantly be reading more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to review!
August 18, 2020
Only One Life is exactly s the title describe, Julia is trying to build her life again after everything she ever knew was ripped in just a minute.
Her parents dishonor her and made her live in a terrible situation, but she is so determined to finally find a life where she will be happy without needed the money or the help of these people who have become more like strangers than her own family.
Julia is working hard to keep her baby, a baby that is changing her life in so many ways, she was lost for a few weeks after losing the love of her life, now she is ready to save herself and her newborn child.
Iris is living a lie, she had to stay quiet for such a long time, lurking around Julia's life just getting glimpses making sure she is good and making it through life.
Life and circumstances will give a twist to this story that will leave you with your mouth hanging open but it will make it so much worth it and enjoyable.
Only one life started with a very different story and change in a way that will keep you wanting more, it has love, drama, faith, and trust. it has so much to give that you will enjoy every minute of the characters and the story.
many of the secondary characters were great, some of them were really evil and terrible with the main characters but it was necessary to make this book so deep and even more entertaining.
A great story that really takes you up and down a few times, it will keep you wanting more and ready to know more and more of each character.
wonderful story, I really wasn't expecting this and I really enjoy it so much.
Her parents dishonor her and made her live in a terrible situation, but she is so determined to finally find a life where she will be happy without needed the money or the help of these people who have become more like strangers than her own family.
Julia is working hard to keep her baby, a baby that is changing her life in so many ways, she was lost for a few weeks after losing the love of her life, now she is ready to save herself and her newborn child.
Iris is living a lie, she had to stay quiet for such a long time, lurking around Julia's life just getting glimpses making sure she is good and making it through life.
Life and circumstances will give a twist to this story that will leave you with your mouth hanging open but it will make it so much worth it and enjoyable.
Only one life started with a very different story and change in a way that will keep you wanting more, it has love, drama, faith, and trust. it has so much to give that you will enjoy every minute of the characters and the story.
many of the secondary characters were great, some of them were really evil and terrible with the main characters but it was necessary to make this book so deep and even more entertaining.
A great story that really takes you up and down a few times, it will keep you wanting more and ready to know more and more of each character.
wonderful story, I really wasn't expecting this and I really enjoy it so much.
March 17, 2019
I received a digital advance copy of this book and loved it! Ashley Farley is a wonderful author and fabulous storyteller and is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine :) I've read 8 (of Ashley's 12 (I think) books) and am now on a quest to read the other 4! Ashley tells a wonderful story about family and friendships through several generations. There is drama, romance, and a big dose of "can do" attitude to overcome difficult situations, all told with southern charm :) Wonderful book!
April 23, 2019
I received this book for honest review.
📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝
I'm ambassador this year for Spring 🌻
I received my second #swiperightonreading
I'm so excited to be part of @booksparks for spring reading.
#bookshark
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
This book surpasses any expectation I might have had. Only One Life is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I love how Farley writes about relationships, the challenges and the satisfaction that they can bring. This book starts in the present day with Julia, who is the estranged daughter of Max and Iris. She was kicked out of her home because she had chosen to marry a man Her dad felt was not good enough for her. The story jumps back a number of years to when Iris was a young woman who had been raised by an Aunt since she was eight years old because her parents died. Iris met Max while working in a department store. Max came from a wealthy, prominent family. His family felt Iris was quite beneath him so they eloped. The story evolves through many challenging circumstances this family faces, including dysfunction, secrets, illness, as well as forgiveness.
I enjoyed this book. The book is told in three parts. Part One is the present with Julia and Jack. They have been married happily for 15 years, and after several miscarriages Julia is about to give birth to their first child. They are both ecstatic. They have a happy life, even though they have very little money. Then tragedy strikes, and Julia has to face the reality of leaving their home forever. Part Two focuses on Iris, from her childhood, meeting Max and their courtship, her friendship with Lily, and catching up to the present. Part Three is after Julia comes home.
There is so much going on in this book. Julia feels betrayed by her mother's inaction when her father kicked her out when she was pregnant and wanted to marry Jack. She has no relationship with her father and sister Alex at all. Going home is hard, but she has no other choice. Her return is the catalyst for Iris to examine her life closely and make some difficult decisions. An event in Iris's past is still affecting her to this day. Julia and Gus, Lily's son, grow closer but questions must be answered before anyone can move on with their lives.
This isn't a romance novel. If anything, it's a love story between mother and daughter, and also between best friends. Lily and Iris have a lifelong friendship that remains through some huge upsets, requiring forgiveness from both parties. Their bond is unshakable. I liked how Julia finally found her place in the world. Even though she and Jack were incredibly happy together, I had the impression something was still missing for Julia even before he died. Now she seems complete.
📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝📚🐝
I'm ambassador this year for Spring 🌻
I received my second #swiperightonreading
I'm so excited to be part of @booksparks for spring reading.
#bookshark
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
This book surpasses any expectation I might have had. Only One Life is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I love how Farley writes about relationships, the challenges and the satisfaction that they can bring. This book starts in the present day with Julia, who is the estranged daughter of Max and Iris. She was kicked out of her home because she had chosen to marry a man Her dad felt was not good enough for her. The story jumps back a number of years to when Iris was a young woman who had been raised by an Aunt since she was eight years old because her parents died. Iris met Max while working in a department store. Max came from a wealthy, prominent family. His family felt Iris was quite beneath him so they eloped. The story evolves through many challenging circumstances this family faces, including dysfunction, secrets, illness, as well as forgiveness.
I enjoyed this book. The book is told in three parts. Part One is the present with Julia and Jack. They have been married happily for 15 years, and after several miscarriages Julia is about to give birth to their first child. They are both ecstatic. They have a happy life, even though they have very little money. Then tragedy strikes, and Julia has to face the reality of leaving their home forever. Part Two focuses on Iris, from her childhood, meeting Max and their courtship, her friendship with Lily, and catching up to the present. Part Three is after Julia comes home.
There is so much going on in this book. Julia feels betrayed by her mother's inaction when her father kicked her out when she was pregnant and wanted to marry Jack. She has no relationship with her father and sister Alex at all. Going home is hard, but she has no other choice. Her return is the catalyst for Iris to examine her life closely and make some difficult decisions. An event in Iris's past is still affecting her to this day. Julia and Gus, Lily's son, grow closer but questions must be answered before anyone can move on with their lives.
This isn't a romance novel. If anything, it's a love story between mother and daughter, and also between best friends. Lily and Iris have a lifelong friendship that remains through some huge upsets, requiring forgiveness from both parties. Their bond is unshakable. I liked how Julia finally found her place in the world. Even though she and Jack were incredibly happy together, I had the impression something was still missing for Julia even before he died. Now she seems complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
Beautiful story! This was definitely one of my favorite books written by Ashley Farley! She had me completely engrossed by the end of the first chapter. When the book begins we meet Julia and Jack Martin who are anxiously waiting for the birth of their baby. They have had a struggle in the past with pregnancy so this is a happy time for them. We find out early on that Julia grew up in a home with money but maybe not the happiest of homes, since she has been estranged from her family since marrying Jack. They don’t have a lot of money and the struggle is real, but they don’t lack in love and devotion to each other. Jack is a great husband. And soon to be a great dad. Julia is anxious to become a mom and looking forward to raising a family together. Unfortunately tragedy strikes when Julia goes into labor and their lives are changed forever...Whether she wants to or not, Julia must now return home to her mother Iris and try to mend the broken relationship they once had. Mother and daughter learn so much about each other. Julia had no idea that Iris was trapped in a loveless marriage all these years. She still has to struggle with a sister her continues her bullying ways, never growing out of her bad behavior as a child. Julia also must face some real truths about her father. He is not the man she had hoped he was. Together, her mother and her forge a new bond and begin to heal together. I love how this book explores all of their lives and even goes back in time when Julia and her sister were young. Ashley has a way of weaving a beautiful story that keeps you engrossed and wanting to know more. This book is suspenseful, dramatic, heartfelt, and loving. I loved the characters as well as the setting. I fully intend to listen to the audible version as well. This was a beautifully written novel! Thank you Ms. Ashley!
March 29, 2019
Ashley Farley did it again with another best seller coming out.
Netgalley had given me the opportunity to discover this wonderful author with her last book ,Nell and LAdy.
I knew she would have another Woman's Fiction that can tell a story of love family and freindship, and have a romance involved as well.
I love the way Ashley can go back telling a life story's past, and bring it back into the present to hold a reader's interest .
We have women heroines who show their strength and will to hold up a survival.
A young Iris, who marries Max, and her marriage turns into a bitter relationship that she hangs unto for survival and finding a best friend in Lily, together they open up a flower shop and this is what keeps Iris alive and blooming in her own silent pain.
There is a mystery of broken loves and a crime that only Iris bears to stay alive,but when her daughter Julia is kicked out of the house by her father Max, due to an unplanned pregnancy, Iris still keeps tabs on Julia by sneaking to the town she is living in.
Julia's marriage is tore apart after 15 years, by a terrible circumstance that also brings a child into Julia's world.
Iris's best friend Lily,who has always been spoiled and stubborn, has her own marital issues and because of running away from it all, Iris finds a good freind in Lily's husband.
This novel is full of surprises, and heartaches,I couldnt put it down.
Ashley has the gift of feeling a woman's pain and happiness during their most crucial moments of life.
Owning Only One Life is a good title for this book., because when you have only one life, one has to make it happen for love and laughter and happiness.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book to read and look forward to catching up reading the rest of Ashley Farley's books.
Netgalley had given me the opportunity to discover this wonderful author with her last book ,Nell and LAdy.
I knew she would have another Woman's Fiction that can tell a story of love family and freindship, and have a romance involved as well.
I love the way Ashley can go back telling a life story's past, and bring it back into the present to hold a reader's interest .
We have women heroines who show their strength and will to hold up a survival.
A young Iris, who marries Max, and her marriage turns into a bitter relationship that she hangs unto for survival and finding a best friend in Lily, together they open up a flower shop and this is what keeps Iris alive and blooming in her own silent pain.
There is a mystery of broken loves and a crime that only Iris bears to stay alive,but when her daughter Julia is kicked out of the house by her father Max, due to an unplanned pregnancy, Iris still keeps tabs on Julia by sneaking to the town she is living in.
Julia's marriage is tore apart after 15 years, by a terrible circumstance that also brings a child into Julia's world.
Iris's best friend Lily,who has always been spoiled and stubborn, has her own marital issues and because of running away from it all, Iris finds a good freind in Lily's husband.
This novel is full of surprises, and heartaches,I couldnt put it down.
Ashley has the gift of feeling a woman's pain and happiness during their most crucial moments of life.
Owning Only One Life is a good title for this book., because when you have only one life, one has to make it happen for love and laughter and happiness.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book to read and look forward to catching up reading the rest of Ashley Farley's books.
August 21, 2019
This is an emotionally powerful story about family, love, friendship, tragedy and secrets n a small town in South Carolina and Ashley Farley packs this story with characters you will love and dislike very much.
Julia has come home after a tragic night that takes the love of her life, but bring a new life, whom she will love just as much, her son Jackson. Julia did not want to move home to Beaufort and ask her parents for help, but her firstt priority was Jackson and she would do anything to protect her child. Even if it means coming back home to a house filled with cold and unfeeling people in her father ,and a sister who has bullied Julia all her life. The only saving grace is her mother, who stood up to her husband and made sure that Julia, and Jackson were safe.
But there are many secrets in this walls of this house and as Julia searches to find her peace, she and her mother become close and those secrets start to unravel so that both woman will find the life they both always wanted to live. And find that love really does give you that life.
I finished this book in less that a day. I could not put it down. This is my 3rd Ashely Farley book and I can't wait to read all she has written.
For me this was a 5+++ Star book.
Julia has come home after a tragic night that takes the love of her life, but bring a new life, whom she will love just as much, her son Jackson. Julia did not want to move home to Beaufort and ask her parents for help, but her firstt priority was Jackson and she would do anything to protect her child. Even if it means coming back home to a house filled with cold and unfeeling people in her father ,and a sister who has bullied Julia all her life. The only saving grace is her mother, who stood up to her husband and made sure that Julia, and Jackson were safe.
But there are many secrets in this walls of this house and as Julia searches to find her peace, she and her mother become close and those secrets start to unravel so that both woman will find the life they both always wanted to live. And find that love really does give you that life.
I finished this book in less that a day. I could not put it down. This is my 3rd Ashely Farley book and I can't wait to read all she has written.
For me this was a 5+++ Star book.
Read
January 13, 2022Such a lovely read. A light romantic novel 👍🏻😊
April 11, 2019
In Only One Life, Ashley Farley weaves a beautiful and bittersweet tale of family and friendship over the years.
In this small southern town, there are secrets buried that could destroy several people. At the heart of the book is the recurring theme of love in all of its different shades. It can beautiful, encouraging and build people up or it can be dark, jealous and ultimately destructive. Sometimes love makes the hard decision to protect others when they don't even realize they need the protection. There were so many different relationships in this book. There was the sweetness that seemed to exist between Julia and Jack. Of course, Lily and Iris' lifetime friendship was also quite touching. Then later, Julia and Gus' evolving friendship made my heart squeeze. Naturally, there were also the dysfunctional relationships between Iris and Max, Iris and Alex and Alex and Julia and so on. Those were brutal and some of those people were downright hateful. Overall, the relationship between Iris and Julia - the mother and daughter relationship that was able to overcome years of being kept apart - - was by far the most spectacular one of all.
I just don't know if my words can give proper credence to how lovely this book was. As one who has frequented the low country of South Carolina, I found it to feel quite authentic. Not only were the descriptions of the area spot on, some of the characterizations of the people were typical of southerners as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this small southern town, there are secrets buried that could destroy several people. At the heart of the book is the recurring theme of love in all of its different shades. It can beautiful, encouraging and build people up or it can be dark, jealous and ultimately destructive. Sometimes love makes the hard decision to protect others when they don't even realize they need the protection. There were so many different relationships in this book. There was the sweetness that seemed to exist between Julia and Jack. Of course, Lily and Iris' lifetime friendship was also quite touching. Then later, Julia and Gus' evolving friendship made my heart squeeze. Naturally, there were also the dysfunctional relationships between Iris and Max, Iris and Alex and Alex and Julia and so on. Those were brutal and some of those people were downright hateful. Overall, the relationship between Iris and Julia - the mother and daughter relationship that was able to overcome years of being kept apart - - was by far the most spectacular one of all.
I just don't know if my words can give proper credence to how lovely this book was. As one who has frequented the low country of South Carolina, I found it to feel quite authentic. Not only were the descriptions of the area spot on, some of the characterizations of the people were typical of southerners as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I read this book in ones afternoon because it just captured me and I had to keep reading. Julia, fell in love and became pregnant when she was in college. Her father disowned her and forced her mother to do so too. As I read the book, I kept thinking you really don't know what goes on behind closed doors. Ashley Farley opened the doors and let us inside to see what does go on. Julia had many miscarriages before being able to carry a baby to term. The night that she went into labor there was a bad storm and a tree fell on their car. Her husband Jack didn't make it. Without Jack's income, their home was foreclosed and she was forced to eventually go back to her parent's house. Her father didn't want her and her son there but her mother stood up to him. After she moved back in she learned a lot about her family. There is what you think from the outside looking in and then there is what is really going on when the doors are open and the light is shed on it. It was an amazing book.
March 5, 2019
How do you live with such secrets for so long without it eating at your soul. This story takes place in the south with a wealthy family. If you're not from a respected family then you're not good enough. Sometimes love has a different path. There is heart break, joy, love and hope throughout this story. I couldn't put the book down once I started. I really enjoy this author's work as she has a talent of bringing a story to life so you feel you are immersed from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book. This review is in my own words.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book. This review is in my own words.
May 5, 2019
Beautiful story! This was definitely one of my favorite books written by Ashley Farley! She had me completely engrossed by the end of the first chapter. When the book begins we meet Julia and Jack Martin who are anxiously waiting for the birth of their baby. They have had a struggle in the past with pregnancy so this is a happy time for them. We find out early on that Julia grew up in a home with money but maybe not the happiest of homes, since she has been estranged from her family since marrying Jack. They don’t have a lot of money and the struggle is real, but they don’t lack in love and devotion to each other. Jack is a great husband. And soon to be a great dad. Julia is anxious to become a mom and looking forward to raising a family together. Unfortunately tragedy strikes when Julia goes into labor and their lives are changed forever...Whether she wants to or not, Julia must now return home to her mother Iris and try to mend the broken relationship they once had. Mother and daughter learn so much about each other. Julia had no idea that Iris was trapped in a loveless marriage all these years. She still has to struggle with a sister her continues her bullying ways, never growing out of her bad behavior as a child. Julia also must face some real truths about her father. He is not the man she had hoped he was. Together, her mother and her forge a new bond and begin to heal together. I love how this book explores all of their lives and even goes back in time when Julia and her sister were young. Ashley has a way of weaving a beautiful story that keeps you engrossed and wanting to know more. This book is suspenseful, dramatic, heartfelt, and loving. I loved the characters as well as the setting. I fully intend to listen to the audible version as well. This was a beautifully written novel! Thank you Ms. Ashley!
May 19, 2023
This book was so sweet! A beautiful story about a mother and daughters relationship and rebuilding a bond with her mother. The author wrote the characters in a way where they weren’t perfect, which I liked. They were flawed characters that grew throughout the story. The different viewpoints were great, too.
I actually hateddddd Alex she made me so mad and Ashley Farley did an incredible job of writing her as a antagonist. Max was also a POS.
I actually hateddddd Alex she made me so mad and Ashley Farley did an incredible job of writing her as a antagonist. Max was also a POS.
April 27, 2019
Along with so many other Lake Union authors, Ashley Farley has quickly become a must-read for me. Her stories and characters are the type that I can easily relate to and immerse myself in. I would describe her books as a "comfort-food" read. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Ashley Farley's latest book. I look forward to many more from her.
March 4, 2019
I started this book last night and was up late reading as I could not find a place to stop. I was pulled into this story.
This is an amazingly, heart tugging, moving story about family secrets that have been hidden and wealth. Can the family heal? Can a mother and daughter reconcile?
A story of family life, how those on the outside looking in see this family, and the reality of what is really happening behind closed doors.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
This is an amazingly, heart tugging, moving story about family secrets that have been hidden and wealth. Can the family heal? Can a mother and daughter reconcile?
A story of family life, how those on the outside looking in see this family, and the reality of what is really happening behind closed doors.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
April 21, 2019
When I pick up an Ashley Farley book I know I am in for a wonderful and emotionally moving story. Only One Life is a beautiful and heartfelt story about family and frienships that is sure to keep you thinking long after you have finished it.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I most certainly would. I found it captivated my attention from the start and left me sad that had to end.
I was given an advanced readers copy and this is my honest opinion. I loved Only One Life so much, I have since pre-ordered a copy.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I most certainly would. I found it captivated my attention from the start and left me sad that had to end.
I was given an advanced readers copy and this is my honest opinion. I loved Only One Life so much, I have since pre-ordered a copy.
May 3, 2019
I love her books. They are the perfect read for me. Always multigenerational that has a story, not just a mention. This book in particular tells the story of two generations but does it skip back and forth every chapter like some books do. I gives you time to relish the story.
May 5, 2019
Only One Life by @ashleyhfarley was fabulous! I just finished it after starting it last night. It’s a great story from alternating perspectives about relationships between mothers and daughters as well as best friends. I loved it!
May 13, 2019
Enjoyed this, but it didn't evoke any intense feelings. Julia was kicked out of her home when she didn't marry the right guy. After several miscarriages her and her wonderful husband are having a baby when he's killed in a car accident. She returns to her family home with her baby and is still rejected by her father. Her mother and her make amends. It all wrapped up like a Lifetime movie. It was an ok read, slightly boring, but a good solid story.
May 4, 2019
A beautifully written book about a very dysfunctional family.
July 4, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
I really hate giving reviews. If I give one book 5 stars because the writing was superb, I struggle to give another book 5 stars when the writing style is not beautiful. Still, in this book I really loved the characters of Iris and Julia and Iris’s story from the 70s in Beaufort, SC. This is women’s fiction and I really enjoyed reading it.
I really hate giving reviews. If I give one book 5 stars because the writing was superb, I struggle to give another book 5 stars when the writing style is not beautiful. Still, in this book I really loved the characters of Iris and Julia and Iris’s story from the 70s in Beaufort, SC. This is women’s fiction and I really enjoyed reading it.
March 11, 2019
Only One Life by Ashley Farley. The story wasn't quite what I was expecting from the blurb, it was so much more. Love, loss and family. Loved most of the characters but for two and those two were quite vile and nasty.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
June 2, 2019
This book was very enjoyable, and a great story. It's mostly focused on the women in a Southern family and small town, and their relationships. I plan to read more of Ashley Farley's books!
March 26, 2019
Ashley Farley describes herself as writing books about women, for women, and this description certainly rings true. Not long ago, I may have described this particular type of novel as "chick-lit", but I have more recently come to understand that as a pejorative term. I honestly believe that authors of this genre deserve more respect than that. There is clearly an audience for this type of novel, where serious matters are discussed with a sense of levity that provides comfort and knowledge that ultimately everything will work out just fine. For me, personally, there is a bit too much serendipity in the story line, but sometimes, that's just what readers are looking for: the idea that despite unfortunate events in life, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Ms. Farley has managed to accomplish just that, and I can tell that she cares about her characters and topics. Overall, the novel moved along at a good clip and certainly had enough family dysfunction to keep the reader curious and entertained.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This title will be released on April 23, 2019.
https://mamasgottaread.blogspot.com/
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This title will be released on April 23, 2019.
https://mamasgottaread.blogspot.com/
May 2, 2019
4.5 stars
RTC
RTC
April 28, 2019
I had a really hard time getting into this one and came really close to putting it down a couple of times. Mostly because, at least for close to the first 1/3 of the book, I really didn’t like any of the characters.
Meeting each of the main characters for the first time, I was left with the feeling that they were pretty shallow and self-absorbed. Julia came across as more of an angry, spiteful teenager that had their plans ruined rather than as someone truly grieving a deep loss, so instead of feeling sympathy for her, I just didn’t like her.
Iris wasn’t much better. The beginning of her relationship with Max wasn’t even remotely intriguing or romantic. It felt like she had zero emotional stake in it, but rather was more interested in what she could get out of that relationship; away from her poor upbringing and marriage into a wealthy family. There was absolutely nothing redeemable at all about Max or Alex. Both were horrible. Granted, they kind of are supposed to be, but that didn’t really make things much better. Lily also fit right into the unlikable, self-absorption character theme.
Once a little deeper into the story, you are FINALLY given a different glimpse of at least Julia and Iris and they became a little bit more human, which allowed me to keep reading. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to overcome such a negative first impression. While they were more humanly flawed, they still weren’t overly likable.
This just wasn’t a very satisfying read. The secrets alluded to in the blurb come out early for the reader and don’t feel much like secrets. When they are revealed to the other characters, it really doesn’t amount to much overall drama. With the difficult start and the lack of any kind of connection to the characters, this ended up being a “meh” kind of read.
Meeting each of the main characters for the first time, I was left with the feeling that they were pretty shallow and self-absorbed. Julia came across as more of an angry, spiteful teenager that had their plans ruined rather than as someone truly grieving a deep loss, so instead of feeling sympathy for her, I just didn’t like her.
Iris wasn’t much better. The beginning of her relationship with Max wasn’t even remotely intriguing or romantic. It felt like she had zero emotional stake in it, but rather was more interested in what she could get out of that relationship; away from her poor upbringing and marriage into a wealthy family. There was absolutely nothing redeemable at all about Max or Alex. Both were horrible. Granted, they kind of are supposed to be, but that didn’t really make things much better. Lily also fit right into the unlikable, self-absorption character theme.
Once a little deeper into the story, you are FINALLY given a different glimpse of at least Julia and Iris and they became a little bit more human, which allowed me to keep reading. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to overcome such a negative first impression. While they were more humanly flawed, they still weren’t overly likable.
This just wasn’t a very satisfying read. The secrets alluded to in the blurb come out early for the reader and don’t feel much like secrets. When they are revealed to the other characters, it really doesn’t amount to much overall drama. With the difficult start and the lack of any kind of connection to the characters, this ended up being a “meh” kind of read.
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