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Life on Loan
It’s a surprising second act for two women who decide to rewrite their lives in this enriching novel of friendship and starting over from the bestselling author of Only One Life.
After thirty years, college friends Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat have met again by chance at an unexpected an airport lounge in Atlanta. Lena is running away from home and her demanding family. Olivia is trying to find her way after a painful divorce. With their old selves in the rearview, they toast to a new beginning—and it starts with a spontaneous dare.
Agreeing to trade houses for a month of rediscovery, Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo. Olivia’s retreat? Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways. Thirty-four days to reset.
With fresh new perspectives and the renewal of a heartening friendship, Lena and Olivia find their passions, reinvent themselves, and reclaim what they’ve lost. When unexpected romance blooms and careers take new detours, it’s also a time for courage and risk. Now they’ll have to make hard choices to follow through on their promise for a second chance and finally have the lives they dream of.
After thirty years, college friends Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat have met again by chance at an unexpected an airport lounge in Atlanta. Lena is running away from home and her demanding family. Olivia is trying to find her way after a painful divorce. With their old selves in the rearview, they toast to a new beginning—and it starts with a spontaneous dare.
Agreeing to trade houses for a month of rediscovery, Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo. Olivia’s retreat? Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways. Thirty-four days to reset.
With fresh new perspectives and the renewal of a heartening friendship, Lena and Olivia find their passions, reinvent themselves, and reclaim what they’ve lost. When unexpected romance blooms and careers take new detours, it’s also a time for courage and risk. Now they’ll have to make hard choices to follow through on their promise for a second chance and finally have the lives they dream of.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
About the author
Ashley Farley
45 books2,280 followers⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her bestselling Sweeney Sisters series has touched the lives of many.
Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she's lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 25 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she still calls home. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. For more information, visit www.ashleyfarley.com
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 books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her bestselling Sweeney Sisters series has touched the lives of many.
Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she's lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 25 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she still calls home. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. For more information, visit www.ashleyfarley.com
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 268 reviews
November 14, 2019
This book was so warm and sweet, it charmed me completely. You can't beat a book that does that!
Have you ever thought of running away from home? (As an adult, I mean.) Was there ever a time when you thought, if only I could leave all of this behind and just take off for someplace else and start over? Sure, it may have seemed impossible to fathom given everything that would need to be done before you could actually run away, but did the thought make you feel better, even for a split second?
When Lena and Olivia meet in an Atlanta airport lounge, both are on the verge of running away from their current lives. Lena has had it with her abusive husband and selfish daughter, and needs to find her own way after having to do everything for everyone else with little appreciation. Olivia has been living in the aftermath of a painful divorce, and the successful blog she has created has put her in an untenable position with two wannabe socialites, so she needs to escape.
The two women knew each other casually in college, but even though they haven't seen each other in years, they each sense a kindred spirit in the other, a soul desperately in need of rescue. When their initial escape plans are foiled by weather, they hatch a plan together.
"For the next thirty days, the month of October, you'll stay in my cottage in the Northern Neck and I'll stay in your waterfront condo in Charleston. We'll indulge ourselves—eat whatever we want, sleep late, and leave our beds unmade if so desired. We'll follow our hearts to wherever they may lead us."
And that's exactly what they do. Their getaways take different paths. Lena is determined to regain confidence in her photography skills and wants to become more dedicated to diet and exercise. When she meets another photographer willing to take her under her wing, she jumps at the chance—although she doesn't know the positive and negative things which will come of such an arrangement. But she falls head over heels in love with Charleston and the possibilities of a life there.
Olivia needs to find the confidence to write again, as she knows there's a novel deep inside her, but she just has to coax it to the surface. Nervous about her financial situation and still reeling from the end of her marriage, time in the sedate Northern Neck of Virginia is exactly what she needs, especially when she meets Alistair, Lena's childhood best friend who lives in the cottage next door. Alistair awakens feelings Olivia hasn't had in so long, but he has issues of his own to deal with. And is a fling what she needs?
Ashley Farley's Life on Loan is tremendously enjoyable, a bit melodramatic, and utterly compelling. I really liked these characters despite their foibles, and couldn't get enough of them. It's always great to root for characters and care about what happens to them, and if nothing in the plot seemed overly surprising, it didn't matter one bit. This was a quick, fun read that would be perfect for the beach, a plane ride, or just relaxing in your favorite spot.
I am fortunate to be part of the blog tour for Life on Loan . My thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. I really enjoyed it!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Have you ever thought of running away from home? (As an adult, I mean.) Was there ever a time when you thought, if only I could leave all of this behind and just take off for someplace else and start over? Sure, it may have seemed impossible to fathom given everything that would need to be done before you could actually run away, but did the thought make you feel better, even for a split second?
When Lena and Olivia meet in an Atlanta airport lounge, both are on the verge of running away from their current lives. Lena has had it with her abusive husband and selfish daughter, and needs to find her own way after having to do everything for everyone else with little appreciation. Olivia has been living in the aftermath of a painful divorce, and the successful blog she has created has put her in an untenable position with two wannabe socialites, so she needs to escape.
The two women knew each other casually in college, but even though they haven't seen each other in years, they each sense a kindred spirit in the other, a soul desperately in need of rescue. When their initial escape plans are foiled by weather, they hatch a plan together.
"For the next thirty days, the month of October, you'll stay in my cottage in the Northern Neck and I'll stay in your waterfront condo in Charleston. We'll indulge ourselves—eat whatever we want, sleep late, and leave our beds unmade if so desired. We'll follow our hearts to wherever they may lead us."
And that's exactly what they do. Their getaways take different paths. Lena is determined to regain confidence in her photography skills and wants to become more dedicated to diet and exercise. When she meets another photographer willing to take her under her wing, she jumps at the chance—although she doesn't know the positive and negative things which will come of such an arrangement. But she falls head over heels in love with Charleston and the possibilities of a life there.
Olivia needs to find the confidence to write again, as she knows there's a novel deep inside her, but she just has to coax it to the surface. Nervous about her financial situation and still reeling from the end of her marriage, time in the sedate Northern Neck of Virginia is exactly what she needs, especially when she meets Alistair, Lena's childhood best friend who lives in the cottage next door. Alistair awakens feelings Olivia hasn't had in so long, but he has issues of his own to deal with. And is a fling what she needs?
Ashley Farley's Life on Loan is tremendously enjoyable, a bit melodramatic, and utterly compelling. I really liked these characters despite their foibles, and couldn't get enough of them. It's always great to root for characters and care about what happens to them, and if nothing in the plot seemed overly surprising, it didn't matter one bit. This was a quick, fun read that would be perfect for the beach, a plane ride, or just relaxing in your favorite spot.
I am fortunate to be part of the blog tour for Life on Loan . My thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. I really enjoyed it!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
September 13, 2020
Nad další knihou z edice Sedmilásky jsem trošku váhala, ale nakonec jsem do ní šla. S nízkým očekáváním. Styl psaní autorky mi vyhovoval, byl jednoduchý a čtivý takže se četl dobře. Problém jsem ale měla s věkem hlavních postav. Hlavním hrdinkám Leně a Olivii už totiž bylo přes 55 let. Lidé v tomhle věku mají dost odlišné problémy než my, teenageři. Takže to je vlastně to jediné, proč snižuju svoje hodnocení. Nedokázala jsem se do postav tak dobře vžít a pochopit jejich problémy. V knize se střídají kapitoly z pohledu tří hlavních postav, což se mi líbilo, protože mám ráda, když si můžu přečíst pohledy od více postav. Knihu bych ale moc doporučila všem, co čtou ženské romány se staršími hrdiny. Navíc má krásnou obálku.❤️
November 13, 2019
Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Life on Loan
By: Ashley Farley
*REVIEW* ❤❤❤❤.5
As a forty something woman with kids and a husband, I have thought more than once about going away to anywhere but here. Life on Loan resonated with me. It also reminded me of a movie I love, The Holiday. Lena and Olivia need a break, so they take one. A thirty day house swap for a time out sounds awesome. During this time, each woman experiences highs and lows, as expected, because the journey is an emotional one. Reevaluating your life and past decisions and future direction is a very difficult task. Who are you right now, not who were you ten years ago because you change so much over time. And, what would you like to do now? Lena and Olivia each take a hard look at life and learn important truths about themselves. The story is so well written and relevant. Women are so taken for granted. For example, every day for me depends on how the day goes for everyone else. It's never about anything I want. I have no choices and, I'm trapped. Would I trade houses for thirty days? What do you think? I am already on a plane and gone! Lena and Olivia are my heroes for taking back who they are and what they want.
Life on Loan
By: Ashley Farley
*REVIEW* ❤❤❤❤.5
As a forty something woman with kids and a husband, I have thought more than once about going away to anywhere but here. Life on Loan resonated with me. It also reminded me of a movie I love, The Holiday. Lena and Olivia need a break, so they take one. A thirty day house swap for a time out sounds awesome. During this time, each woman experiences highs and lows, as expected, because the journey is an emotional one. Reevaluating your life and past decisions and future direction is a very difficult task. Who are you right now, not who were you ten years ago because you change so much over time. And, what would you like to do now? Lena and Olivia each take a hard look at life and learn important truths about themselves. The story is so well written and relevant. Women are so taken for granted. For example, every day for me depends on how the day goes for everyone else. It's never about anything I want. I have no choices and, I'm trapped. Would I trade houses for thirty days? What do you think? I am already on a plane and gone! Lena and Olivia are my heroes for taking back who they are and what they want.
September 23, 2019
When I was a little girl, sometimes I wanted to "run away" and find an escape from what was miserable in my life. I thought there was going to be something better somewhere else. Lena and Olivia are in lives that have pushed them to that point. Escape and find some breathing space to figure out what happened to themselves, find out who they really are, and leave those miserable lives for even a little while. The two former college friends unexpectedly run into each other in the airport and reconnect. They decide to "swap" houses and try to find the person they seemed to have lost in the years their lives were on hold.
Ashley Farley writes wonderful characters. They are so very relatable and easy to become friends with. These characters are written into situations that take a lot of courage and determination to overcome. It's a story of rediscovery of who they were meant to be. It's not an easy thing to walk away from 30 years of "life" that they became rooted into. But when there's no where to go but up from the deep and troubled lives they're in, they have to pack up and go. There's no other option. This is also a story of mending relationships that have suffered because of the tensions and struggles of living in miserable conditions, with spouses who are not who they thought they were. It's a story of developing new relationships that are supporting and unconditional.
As I read through the pages, Ashley Farley had me transferred into the settings with such amazing descriptions. I felt as though I were walking the streets in Charleston, I was seeing the views in New York City, I was in the serene and peaceful Northern Neck of Virginia. Ms. Farley has even described streets and buildings down to the minutest of details. It was so easy to picture myself there with each character and experiencing their emotions as well. I had a virtual journey with the characters in this book that I was able to escape into.
The story is one that brings hope for readers to know that taking a chance to change things in their lives is possible. It is a story written with a powerful message that there is hope in situations that might seem impossible. It is encouraging to find that place where "life is no longer on loan" and step out and live the best life possible. Finding out what that life is, is part of the great adventure! It might not always be a "walk in the park" or "living the high life" but there is a way to balance it all out and find happiness.
I want to thank Ms. Farley, Netgalley, and the Georgia's Porch, Ashley Farley's Team on FaceBook for the honor of reading this wonderful book. It's very highly a five star read for me!
Ashley Farley writes wonderful characters. They are so very relatable and easy to become friends with. These characters are written into situations that take a lot of courage and determination to overcome. It's a story of rediscovery of who they were meant to be. It's not an easy thing to walk away from 30 years of "life" that they became rooted into. But when there's no where to go but up from the deep and troubled lives they're in, they have to pack up and go. There's no other option. This is also a story of mending relationships that have suffered because of the tensions and struggles of living in miserable conditions, with spouses who are not who they thought they were. It's a story of developing new relationships that are supporting and unconditional.
As I read through the pages, Ashley Farley had me transferred into the settings with such amazing descriptions. I felt as though I were walking the streets in Charleston, I was seeing the views in New York City, I was in the serene and peaceful Northern Neck of Virginia. Ms. Farley has even described streets and buildings down to the minutest of details. It was so easy to picture myself there with each character and experiencing their emotions as well. I had a virtual journey with the characters in this book that I was able to escape into.
The story is one that brings hope for readers to know that taking a chance to change things in their lives is possible. It is a story written with a powerful message that there is hope in situations that might seem impossible. It is encouraging to find that place where "life is no longer on loan" and step out and live the best life possible. Finding out what that life is, is part of the great adventure! It might not always be a "walk in the park" or "living the high life" but there is a way to balance it all out and find happiness.
I want to thank Ms. Farley, Netgalley, and the Georgia's Porch, Ashley Farley's Team on FaceBook for the honor of reading this wonderful book. It's very highly a five star read for me!
November 28, 2019
I loved this book, actually I think I have loved everything this author has written. It is about women, not always young ones, that have struggles they must work through and overcome to become better versions of themselves.
How lucky was Lena and Olivia to run into each other at the airport? Very lucky that's for sure! That chance reconnection kicked off swapping homes and finding out who they are and who they want to become in this life.
When the first book opens on Lena and her life, I have to admit that I did not like her husband or her daughter's attitudes towards her. But on the flip side, Lena allowed them to treat her that way. The same could be said for Olivia and the two Kates that seemed to control her life and what she reported on her blog. Sure she might have done it in the beginning to boost her blog following, but at some point, she sold out and then realized she didn't like who she had become.
Communication is always the key and various circumstances throughout the book teach Lena and Olivia to share their thoughts and feelings and not be run over by other people. There are some precarious situations that could have ended badly had it not been for their friends and family.
Definitely a book worth reading!
How lucky was Lena and Olivia to run into each other at the airport? Very lucky that's for sure! That chance reconnection kicked off swapping homes and finding out who they are and who they want to become in this life.
When the first book opens on Lena and her life, I have to admit that I did not like her husband or her daughter's attitudes towards her. But on the flip side, Lena allowed them to treat her that way. The same could be said for Olivia and the two Kates that seemed to control her life and what she reported on her blog. Sure she might have done it in the beginning to boost her blog following, but at some point, she sold out and then realized she didn't like who she had become.
Communication is always the key and various circumstances throughout the book teach Lena and Olivia to share their thoughts and feelings and not be run over by other people. There are some precarious situations that could have ended badly had it not been for their friends and family.
Definitely a book worth reading!
November 9, 2019
Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat have a chance encounter after thirty years in an airport lounge in Atlanta while both are trying to run away from their frustrating lives. Lena from her loveless marriage and demanding family, while Olivia from demanding clients that are taking over her life in the wrong direction while also dealing with a very painful divorce. They trade houses for a month. Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo, and Olivia’s in Lena’s river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. During this time, they not only rediscover themselves, but also discover that they can make room for love in their lives.
I loved this book so much! It touched a lot of issues, and Farley tells an incredibly heartwarming story that is not quite so far fetched about a realistic encounter with these two women. I cannot tell you the times I felt stuck, trapped, or in a rut kinda feeling. This story resonated with me and where I am in my life, as I look forward to new opportunities. Often we are faced with decisions that could have been made in the past, but lacked the courage and self-confidence at that time.
This is a story for all of us no matter where we are in our lives. It is about courage and being brave to follow our gut feelings, and to never look back or have regrets on decisions we make everyday. It is about friendships, both old and new, and learning to love ourselves first in order to be able to love others.
I loved Farley’s incredible story telling, and understanding of the human psyche, relationships and love.
I loved this book so much! It touched a lot of issues, and Farley tells an incredibly heartwarming story that is not quite so far fetched about a realistic encounter with these two women. I cannot tell you the times I felt stuck, trapped, or in a rut kinda feeling. This story resonated with me and where I am in my life, as I look forward to new opportunities. Often we are faced with decisions that could have been made in the past, but lacked the courage and self-confidence at that time.
This is a story for all of us no matter where we are in our lives. It is about courage and being brave to follow our gut feelings, and to never look back or have regrets on decisions we make everyday. It is about friendships, both old and new, and learning to love ourselves first in order to be able to love others.
I loved Farley’s incredible story telling, and understanding of the human psyche, relationships and love.
December 5, 2019
Apparently I have been living under a rock somewhere because this is my first Ashley Farley novel, and it appears she already has written a few and has quite the following. Thankfully, I’ve come out from under the rock and was given the opportunity to read Ashley’s newest book Life on Loan.
This story is about two women who knew each other 30 years ago in college and random circumstances reunite them at the Airport. As they reconnect, they rekindle their friendship and start to confide in each other about their problematic lives, and how they both need to make serious changes. The ladies decide to swap houses for a month, Lena going to Charleston to stay in Olivia’s condo, and Olivia is off to Northern Neck Virginia to stay at Lena’s cottage.
What an amazing premise. Something I think each and every one of us wish we could have the opportunity to do. The following month gives each woman the opportunity to take a look at their life, reevaluate, and open themselves to the opportunities they may have never had. Olivia and Lena are extremely relatable characters and I think each of us can find a little bit of ourselves in both of them, and I might just have a bit of jealousy towards them both. The story draws you in immediately and because it's so well written and believable, you find yourself consumed and flying through the pages. What a story about strength, courage and taking chances. I couldn’t put it down. This was an amazing book and I’m so glad I am now out from under my rock and reading Ashley Farley. 4 Stars and a high five for writing about middle aged women!!
Thank you Ashley Farley, Kate Rock Book Tours and Lake Union Publishing for my copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This story is about two women who knew each other 30 years ago in college and random circumstances reunite them at the Airport. As they reconnect, they rekindle their friendship and start to confide in each other about their problematic lives, and how they both need to make serious changes. The ladies decide to swap houses for a month, Lena going to Charleston to stay in Olivia’s condo, and Olivia is off to Northern Neck Virginia to stay at Lena’s cottage.
What an amazing premise. Something I think each and every one of us wish we could have the opportunity to do. The following month gives each woman the opportunity to take a look at their life, reevaluate, and open themselves to the opportunities they may have never had. Olivia and Lena are extremely relatable characters and I think each of us can find a little bit of ourselves in both of them, and I might just have a bit of jealousy towards them both. The story draws you in immediately and because it's so well written and believable, you find yourself consumed and flying through the pages. What a story about strength, courage and taking chances. I couldn’t put it down. This was an amazing book and I’m so glad I am now out from under my rock and reading Ashley Farley. 4 Stars and a high five for writing about middle aged women!!
Thank you Ashley Farley, Kate Rock Book Tours and Lake Union Publishing for my copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 5, 2019
As the title hints, two women decide to find themselves by switching homes for a month. Lena will stay in Olivia's Charleston condo and Olivia will stay in Lena's isolated river cottage. Both are having a break from family, children, marital issues and their careers to try and remember what it is they truly love.
While this one was clearly just a little too serendipitous in places to be believable, I absolutely enjoyed every part of it. It was funny, it had romance and family drama and it was a really sweet and heartwarming story. I enjoyed the writing and the premise just worked for me so well. Fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Authors for this gifted e-copy.
While this one was clearly just a little too serendipitous in places to be believable, I absolutely enjoyed every part of it. It was funny, it had romance and family drama and it was a really sweet and heartwarming story. I enjoyed the writing and the premise just worked for me so well. Fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Authors for this gifted e-copy.
September 3, 2019
Life on Loan by Ashley Farley is a fabulous and encouraging story about two women who decide to change the direction of their lives! Two college friends unexpectedly meet in the Atlanta airport thirty years later and on a whim decide to swap homes for a month.
Lena Browder has reached her limit with being a doormat for her family. She has lost herself over the years and has decided to run away for a month. Lena grabs her old camera before she leaves her house in hopes of rekindling her interest in photography.
Olivia is running away from her life for a different reason. She has upset the pattern and plans for the two "Kates and the Scapades" she has blogged about for the past few months. The competitions and scandals of the women have drained Olivia of all her inspirations and energy. She is planning to run away and escape from the resulting drama when her most recent blog post goes live. I won't post spoilers but I LOVED this novel which is filled with so much emotion, hope, and strength among the characters who are thriving during a time of transition in their lives. I also enjoyed the photography and writing themes.
Publication Date: October 8, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lena Browder has reached her limit with being a doormat for her family. She has lost herself over the years and has decided to run away for a month. Lena grabs her old camera before she leaves her house in hopes of rekindling her interest in photography.
Olivia is running away from her life for a different reason. She has upset the pattern and plans for the two "Kates and the Scapades" she has blogged about for the past few months. The competitions and scandals of the women have drained Olivia of all her inspirations and energy. She is planning to run away and escape from the resulting drama when her most recent blog post goes live. I won't post spoilers but I LOVED this novel which is filled with so much emotion, hope, and strength among the characters who are thriving during a time of transition in their lives. I also enjoyed the photography and writing themes.
Publication Date: October 8, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 18, 2019
An inspirational and heartwarming story about two college friends who reconnect during a time in their lives when they are both at a crossroads and looking to make drastic changes in their lives. It leads them both to quite different adventures. I enjoyed this book alot and thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 8, 2019
A story about two women who knew each other in college and reconnect years later. This was a lovely story with great characters. It quickly sucked me in and kept my interest to the very end. I really enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union for the early copy
November 7, 2019
If your favoured reading material is a novel with a good sprinkling of self-discovery, identity, sisterhood, romance, rekindling old friendship and second chances, then feel free to read this great, new book by Ashley Farley - Life on Loan.
Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat met thirty years ago when were College students. They bump into each other at an airport lounge in Atlanta. Lena is running away from home and her demanding family and Olivia is trying to move on after a painful divorce. As they toast to new beginnings, the two women agree to house swap for a month of rediscovery. Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo whilst Olivia will reside in Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways with thirty-four days to re-evaluate themselves and their lives.
This was a wonderful read for me and I have had Ashley Farley on my radar for several months now with a couple of books waiting patiently on my kindle. Her writing style is absolutely unique and I found myself enjoying the story immensely, loving the colourful metaphors and figures of speech.
The story was about finding out who you really are and who, or what you want to be. The characters felt so deeply and were certainly both funny and terribly engaging. They were well-portrayed and the pacing of the book was spot on. The story really stirred my soul and as the story unfolded, the more intrigued I became. Life on Loan was well-worth the time invested and as the wonderful tale concluded, I found myself wishing great things for the futures of the women.
Overall, this was a fascinating story with no disappointments and some really amusing highs.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat met thirty years ago when were College students. They bump into each other at an airport lounge in Atlanta. Lena is running away from home and her demanding family and Olivia is trying to move on after a painful divorce. As they toast to new beginnings, the two women agree to house swap for a month of rediscovery. Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo whilst Olivia will reside in Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways with thirty-four days to re-evaluate themselves and their lives.
This was a wonderful read for me and I have had Ashley Farley on my radar for several months now with a couple of books waiting patiently on my kindle. Her writing style is absolutely unique and I found myself enjoying the story immensely, loving the colourful metaphors and figures of speech.
The story was about finding out who you really are and who, or what you want to be. The characters felt so deeply and were certainly both funny and terribly engaging. They were well-portrayed and the pacing of the book was spot on. The story really stirred my soul and as the story unfolded, the more intrigued I became. Life on Loan was well-worth the time invested and as the wonderful tale concluded, I found myself wishing great things for the futures of the women.
Overall, this was a fascinating story with no disappointments and some really amusing highs.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 7, 2019
Have you ever felt like running away and just starting fresh? That’s exactly what the two women in 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧 do. Lena and Olivia are fed up with where their life is and desperate for change. Reaching a breaking point, they trade houses for a month to reset.
I really enjoyed this novel of second chances! Following the women and their journey was inspiring and refreshing. The setting details were extraordinary and added an extra layer to the story. The story is character driven and completely relatable. Following these ladies as they step out of their comfort zones, rebuild their confidence, and go after the life they want was incredibly inspiring. No matter where you are in life, there is always room for change and growth! I loved this heartwarming book!
Thank you to the publisher, Ashley Farley, and Kate Rocks Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book!
I really enjoyed this novel of second chances! Following the women and their journey was inspiring and refreshing. The setting details were extraordinary and added an extra layer to the story. The story is character driven and completely relatable. Following these ladies as they step out of their comfort zones, rebuild their confidence, and go after the life they want was incredibly inspiring. No matter where you are in life, there is always room for change and growth! I loved this heartwarming book!
Thank you to the publisher, Ashley Farley, and Kate Rocks Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book!
September 14, 2019
I think many of us have wanted to or thought about leaving it all behind and starting over. This book is rich in relationships, friendships, struggles, and joys. I found it so relatable to my own life and could empathize with the characters on many levels. Ashley Farley writes about relationships so well that you find yourself immersed in her stories and Life on Loan is no different. Friendships and mother/daughter relationships to second chances at love are all here with some surprises that will have you wondering, "What would I do?" Another fabulous novel from one of the premier voices in Southern Women's Fiction. This is one you'll be thinking about for some time. Highly recommend and a favorite of 2019. 5 stars!!
August 23, 2019
I received a kindle advanced readers copy from NetGalley which is greatly appreciated!
Absolutely loved this story from Ashley Farley. The book was easy reading the pages just flowed and I lost time in Lena and Olivia's lives...
After reading a book by Ashley Farley I always say to myself that has to be the best one...until she writes the next one. Ashley's writing actually makes you feel like you are part of the story...watching it from the sidelines unfolding before your eyes...
As other readers have said in their reviews, "Have you ever just wanted to runaway?" Change your life for the better knowing that it will be scary and undetermined? Trying something new? This is what Lena and Olivia are trying to accomplish...to find out if they can be on their own (Lena) and Olivia needed to separate herself from her current life to see what more she could do...
I loved all the characters in the story but Bessie and Phyllis hold a place in my heart...their characters just added to the story!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Farley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy! Amazing book as always Ashley
Absolutely loved this story from Ashley Farley. The book was easy reading the pages just flowed and I lost time in Lena and Olivia's lives...
After reading a book by Ashley Farley I always say to myself that has to be the best one...until she writes the next one. Ashley's writing actually makes you feel like you are part of the story...watching it from the sidelines unfolding before your eyes...
As other readers have said in their reviews, "Have you ever just wanted to runaway?" Change your life for the better knowing that it will be scary and undetermined? Trying something new? This is what Lena and Olivia are trying to accomplish...to find out if they can be on their own (Lena) and Olivia needed to separate herself from her current life to see what more she could do...
I loved all the characters in the story but Bessie and Phyllis hold a place in my heart...their characters just added to the story!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Farley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy! Amazing book as always Ashley
August 25, 2019
Have you ever just wanted to run away from your life and start over?
This is a story about two women, Lena and Olivia who decide to run away. Both women redo their lives by going out of their comfort zones to find themselves. I got totally lost in the lives of these two women and didn’t want to put the book down once I started reading.
Reading this book made me realize how much women really do for their families. How we put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. I could definitely relate to Lena and Olivia.
I loved this book!
Thank you NetGalley, Ashley Farley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a story about two women, Lena and Olivia who decide to run away. Both women redo their lives by going out of their comfort zones to find themselves. I got totally lost in the lives of these two women and didn’t want to put the book down once I started reading.
Reading this book made me realize how much women really do for their families. How we put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. I could definitely relate to Lena and Olivia.
I loved this book!
Thank you NetGalley, Ashley Farley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
August 23, 2019
Ashley Farley does it again. A masterpiece. This novel is fantastic. One gets lost in the lives of the two major characters. One feels their sadness, their joy, the wonder of their journey and the agony of being invisible. The plot is unique. Two women who met in college, meet in an airport in Atlanta, and instead of leaving the South for California and Seattle, they swap houses, a vacation home in Virginia for one and a Condo in Charleston for the other. The descriptions of both places are filled with the sights and sounds of the area. A must read for lovers of Women's Fiction.
October 8, 2019
I loved this story and the characters! It takes courage to step outside your comfort zone and make changes when life throws you curve balls. I really admired these two women for all the struggles they had faced and the desire to run away from a ton of stress, take a big breath, and figure out how to make it all better. Almost like a grown up fairy tale for me. I could even relate to the 90 year old lady in the book! Beautiful settings in Charleston, SC and the Northern Neck of Virginia and characters that will stick with you long after you finish the bok. Thanks to Netgalley and the author/publisher for the ARC
October 29, 2019
I couldn't help but love the premise of Life On Loan. The idea of trading places for an entire month sounds pretty tempting to me. A complete change of everything. Where do I sign up? I for one would be all over a country setting, give me those secluded spaces, the nature ...
Now most of you know I am definitely NOT a fan of romance. I tend to avoid storylines that give me a toothache. This one worked for me though, it was fresh and fun. I really liked Olivia & Lena and enjoyed their alternating storylines. I found them to be well developed characters as well as women I could picture myself being friends with. Great descriptions, engaging characters and an ending that was very satisfying. If you enjoy romance this one's for you.
Huge thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours and Ashley Farley for my review copy.
Now most of you know I am definitely NOT a fan of romance. I tend to avoid storylines that give me a toothache. This one worked for me though, it was fresh and fun. I really liked Olivia & Lena and enjoyed their alternating storylines. I found them to be well developed characters as well as women I could picture myself being friends with. Great descriptions, engaging characters and an ending that was very satisfying. If you enjoy romance this one's for you.
Huge thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours and Ashley Farley for my review copy.
October 20, 2019
Sorry to say I found this book to be a bit disappointing. I've read several other books by Ms. Farley, found them easy to read and enjoyable. Initially, I was experiencing "Life on Loan" the same way, but somewhere two struggling women turned into two women who had all their dreams fulfilled in a few months. If this wasn't just a romantic pipe dream, I'd go find a down and out friend to exchange homes with for a few months. I might have liked it better if one of the women (it doesn't matter which one, they're interchangeable), suddenly woke up and found how wonderful new life had been just a dream. I'm not usually the "Bah, humbug" type, but the turn around in these women's lives was too much.
September 27, 2019
This one felt a lot like my faaaavorite movie (The Holiday) but set in Virginia (hello, hometown Richmond references! so fun!) and Charleston — two women who are old friends reconnect in an airport and end up swapping houses for a month to both get a break from their messy lives, and you knowwww all sorts of romance and life change and cute little things happen as a result! It was such a fun read.
December 28, 2019
Ashley Farley is one of my favourite authors. Her southern fiction novels have beautiful writing, interesting and believable plots and characters that "walk off the page".
I highly recommend LIFE ON LOAN. Two former college friends meet at the airport and feeling frustrated with the life they have been living decide to run away. They exchange keys and plan to try escaping into a new life for a month.
5 fresh new stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I highly recommend LIFE ON LOAN. Two former college friends meet at the airport and feeling frustrated with the life they have been living decide to run away. They exchange keys and plan to try escaping into a new life for a month.
5 fresh new stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15, 2019
Great beginning...
The ending was too fairy tale-ish. I loved the first part of the book, but this got away from her quickly.
The ending was too fairy tale-ish. I loved the first part of the book, but this got away from her quickly.
August 25, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley to write an honest review. The story is about Lena and Olivia and the day their lives got turned upside down and they decided to reclaim their lives. They had met in college and met again in an airport the day they decided to run away from home. This book just screams, read me! because most women at some time wish they could just run away and take a break and realize that at some point of getting to where they are today, they lost who they were along the way. Yeap, I have felt that way a few times so it was really nice to read about the women who actually had the courage to run away and find themselves.
Lena is running away from a demanding family and Olivia is trying to find herself after her husband told her he fell in love with someone else and they got a divorce. Like most women, they first look at what they did wrong and what they could have done different or better. So they decide to change houses for a month. As they start living again and discovering things about themselves, life takes a different turn. The book isn't advocating women run away from home and go find themselves, it shines a light on it because a lot of women feel this way. The book also shines a light on elder abuse. The first day Lena started living at Olivia's house she met Jade, a photographer and Jade offered to teach Lena about photography. Lena suspected that Jade was abusing her 90-year-old mother but didn't have the courage at the time to do anything about her suspicions. She eventually did have the courage to confront Jade and you can read the book to see what happens when she does. Lena and Olivia didn't just decide to only think of themselves but they lived the life they now had and included themselves in that life.
Ashley Farley is shining the light on things that women do, such as we put our families need above our own and wait until the kids leave home, to have a life or we try to do it all and Ashley just wants to remind us to believe in ourself, remember our worthiness, ask ourself are we living our best life and change the message in our head from what we are doing wrong or nor doing good enough to positive thoughts like all the things we are doing right.
It is too easy to slide back into our old habits so this is a book I will not only be buying for me but it is a book I will be buying and giving to the women in my family and many of my friends because this is a book to remind women that we need to take care of us, we aren't alone and as we live our life, we do for ourself what we will do for others. My kids have grown and now have families of their own so I had started to do things for me again and have been discovering things about myself and who I am today. My husband is enjoying the life we have now because I am more confident, believe in me and love who I am. As I read the book I started looking at the younger women and I see they are doing the same things I did, doing more for their families, community, career and less and less for themselves and I am hoping that once they read this book they will figure out that they can make time for themselves and do the things they enjoy now and don't have to wait. They have been given permission to include themselves in the life they have. I for one never thought I had permission to do that, I had followed what I had learned. Thank you, Ashley, for shining the light and writing this book.
Lena is running away from a demanding family and Olivia is trying to find herself after her husband told her he fell in love with someone else and they got a divorce. Like most women, they first look at what they did wrong and what they could have done different or better. So they decide to change houses for a month. As they start living again and discovering things about themselves, life takes a different turn. The book isn't advocating women run away from home and go find themselves, it shines a light on it because a lot of women feel this way. The book also shines a light on elder abuse. The first day Lena started living at Olivia's house she met Jade, a photographer and Jade offered to teach Lena about photography. Lena suspected that Jade was abusing her 90-year-old mother but didn't have the courage at the time to do anything about her suspicions. She eventually did have the courage to confront Jade and you can read the book to see what happens when she does. Lena and Olivia didn't just decide to only think of themselves but they lived the life they now had and included themselves in that life.
Ashley Farley is shining the light on things that women do, such as we put our families need above our own and wait until the kids leave home, to have a life or we try to do it all and Ashley just wants to remind us to believe in ourself, remember our worthiness, ask ourself are we living our best life and change the message in our head from what we are doing wrong or nor doing good enough to positive thoughts like all the things we are doing right.
It is too easy to slide back into our old habits so this is a book I will not only be buying for me but it is a book I will be buying and giving to the women in my family and many of my friends because this is a book to remind women that we need to take care of us, we aren't alone and as we live our life, we do for ourself what we will do for others. My kids have grown and now have families of their own so I had started to do things for me again and have been discovering things about myself and who I am today. My husband is enjoying the life we have now because I am more confident, believe in me and love who I am. As I read the book I started looking at the younger women and I see they are doing the same things I did, doing more for their families, community, career and less and less for themselves and I am hoping that once they read this book they will figure out that they can make time for themselves and do the things they enjoy now and don't have to wait. They have been given permission to include themselves in the life they have. I for one never thought I had permission to do that, I had followed what I had learned. Thank you, Ashley, for shining the light and writing this book.
September 16, 2019
Life on Loan by Ashley Farley
An accidental meeting of two former college friends in an airport lobby leads to a spontaneous
decision ….that they should trade houses for a month.
Both women, Lena Browder and Olivia Wescoat are running away from their current lives. Lena is running from her emotionally abusive husband and daughter and Olivia is fleeing from a divorce. Olivia goes to Lena’s country cottage and Lena goes to Olivia’s Charleston condo. Can they find their lives again in only a month? Can they find the happiness they once had?
The story grabs your interest from the very beginning, as it is easy to identify with these women’s problems and issues. The story of finding oneself after a crisis is a common one, but what is not common is the complex way these two stories interconnect and progress to a common understandable resolution. It was a enjoyable book to read with well developed characters, dialog, and believable situations. The skill of the author to carry the reader along and make you really concerned and vested into the outcome shows what a good storyteller she is.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for fair and honest review.
An accidental meeting of two former college friends in an airport lobby leads to a spontaneous
decision ….that they should trade houses for a month.
Both women, Lena Browder and Olivia Wescoat are running away from their current lives. Lena is running from her emotionally abusive husband and daughter and Olivia is fleeing from a divorce. Olivia goes to Lena’s country cottage and Lena goes to Olivia’s Charleston condo. Can they find their lives again in only a month? Can they find the happiness they once had?
The story grabs your interest from the very beginning, as it is easy to identify with these women’s problems and issues. The story of finding oneself after a crisis is a common one, but what is not common is the complex way these two stories interconnect and progress to a common understandable resolution. It was a enjoyable book to read with well developed characters, dialog, and believable situations. The skill of the author to carry the reader along and make you really concerned and vested into the outcome shows what a good storyteller she is.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for fair and honest review.
November 9, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Ashley Farley has a way of capturing your heart and transporting you into the pages. There are three main characters, Lena, Olivia and Alistair, along with several secondary characters. This book alternates chapters between the three main characters. This is a book about finding your way to happiness in your fifties. It is about love, friendship and family. The characters are meticulously crafted and I quite simply loved them all. This book drew me in from the very beginning and kept my interest throughout. It showed me that it's never too late to start over. It filled me with joy and I had a smile on my face when I finished. Ashley Farley is an amazing storyteller and I have loved all her books. She will keep you turning the pages every time. I highly recommend this book. Don't miss out!
August 22, 2019
Life on Loan by Ashley Farley
Have you ever wanted to “just leave it all behind”? Have you ever wanted to recreate yourself and just start over? In Ashley Farley’s Life on Loan two women get to do just that? Start over.
After a chance encounter in an airport lounge Lena and Olivia exchange homes for a month and have the opportunity to start fresh. Ashley Farley takes them both through many adventures and presents them with new opportunities.
I have read most every book that Ms. Farley has written and will continue to do so with each future story. Her style is one that keeps you interested and turning the pages. Her characters become friends you wish you had. At times I wanted to step into the page and have a discussion with numerous characters.
If you have never read a book by Ashely Farley, start today. When Life on Loan becomes available…READ IT!
08.22.19
Have you ever wanted to “just leave it all behind”? Have you ever wanted to recreate yourself and just start over? In Ashley Farley’s Life on Loan two women get to do just that? Start over.
After a chance encounter in an airport lounge Lena and Olivia exchange homes for a month and have the opportunity to start fresh. Ashley Farley takes them both through many adventures and presents them with new opportunities.
I have read most every book that Ms. Farley has written and will continue to do so with each future story. Her style is one that keeps you interested and turning the pages. Her characters become friends you wish you had. At times I wanted to step into the page and have a discussion with numerous characters.
If you have never read a book by Ashely Farley, start today. When Life on Loan becomes available…READ IT!
08.22.19
October 14, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy of Life on loan by Ashley Farley. Everyone has wanted to runaway from their life once, to change things, to start anew. This is what happens when two university friends, Lena, a wife with a demanding husband and a daughter who suddenly returns home, and Olivia, a blogger, who hates the direction her blog has gone, meet up at an airport, reconnect after thirty years, decide to switch houses for a month in order to rediscover their lives. I loved this book, and couldn’t put it down! It was easy to read, characters were believable, and were my age (not in their mid 20’s for once), and dealt with several social issues at the same time (senior abuse, early retirement etc). I look forward to reading other books by Ashley
November 4, 2019
Feeling overwhelmed? Need an escape? If so, Life on Loan by Ashley Farley is the perfect book for you. Life has taken an unexpected turn for two college friends, Lena and Olivia. They both need a life reset, so off to the airport they go! The women accidentally run into each other in an airline lounge, share stories and agree to swap houses for a month. The new beginning starts here. This novel really warmed my heart. Both women are a tad older than me and in different phases of life, but Farley made it very easy to identify with each of them. I fully understood their reasoning to run away from it all, wanting to find yourself again after raising a family and always putting the needs of others first. The little adventures that Lena and Olivia experience on this journey of rediscovery are extremely entertaining and exciting. I highly recommend this inspiring story.
August 31, 2020
Na knihu mě nalákal pod titulek, že se jedná o romantickou komedii na bázi filmu Prázdniny (r. 2006), který miluji. A to byl hlavní důvod, proč jsem do knihy šla.
Kniha se mi dobře četla, ale ze začátku mne zaskočil věk hlavních představitelek, které si na měsíc vymění svá bydlení. Ačkoliv jsem původně byla nemile překvapená, nakonec musím uznat, že to byl čtenářský balzám. Obě představitelky si díky výměně bytů uvědomily, co chtějí ve svém životě do budoucna změnit a také jsme mohli sledovat románek jedné z nich. Na odpočinkovou četbu je to rozhodně skvělá volba.
Kniha se mi dobře četla, ale ze začátku mne zaskočil věk hlavních představitelek, které si na měsíc vymění svá bydlení. Ačkoliv jsem původně byla nemile překvapená, nakonec musím uznat, že to byl čtenářský balzám. Obě představitelky si díky výměně bytů uvědomily, co chtějí ve svém životě do budoucna změnit a také jsme mohli sledovat románek jedné z nich. Na odpočinkovou četbu je to rozhodně skvělá volba.
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