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4.5 out of 5 stars
521 customer ratings
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Only One Life: A Novel
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Customer reviews
- Only One Life: A Novel
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- Customer reviews
Top positive review
Family Expectations Can Alter One's Future Path
April 24, 2019
Ashley Farley has written a story filled with many unexpected twists and turns. That, in turn, keeps the reader turning pages until sometimes well into the night. The book starts out with a jarring incident right away. That sets the tone for the balance of the book. The main theme is family expectations and how they affect every member of the family not only immediately but also well into the future. Julia is disowned by her father when she gets pregnant in college and marries, in his opinion, beneath her social standing. However, her mother keeps tabs on her through the years without her husband's knowledge. Through a series of events which are both anticipated and sometimes unexpected, reconciliations take place, secrets are revealed, and a path to healing is undertaken by more than one character in this book.
Meet Julia, Iris, Lily, Gus, and Jackson. The reader is also introduced to Julia's father and sister. The author has masterfully crafted their characters to such a degree that I will not even mention their names..
This is Southern fiction written beautifully by a Southern author.
Meet Julia, Iris, Lily, Gus, and Jackson. The reader is also introduced to Julia's father and sister. The author has masterfully crafted their characters to such a degree that I will not even mention their names..
This is Southern fiction written beautifully by a Southern author.
51 people found this helpful
Top critical review
Script for a soap opera
August 25, 2019
This was a tedious trite book written with such melodrama that it could have been written for a soap opera. Julia loses the self proclaimed "love of her life" when he is killed while driving her to the hospital after having so many miscarriages, complete with a horrendous rainstorm during the drive. Penniless, she is forced to move back to her hometown with her parents.
In the following two or so weeks, which comprises nearly the entirety of the novel, she moves out of her parent's home to live with an innkeeper with whom she falls in love in weeks. When she said that, in such a short time, she missed her dead husband less and less each day, it was incredulous to me. You don't stop missing the love of your life every day, but you do get better at living with that loss. Her new love was the son of her mother's best friend and she finds out that her mother had been in love with his father for years.
In that same few weeks, her father is accused of murder in which he framed her mother, dies, her mother is taken to a psychiatric hospital for several breakdowns. she inherits her mother's flower business, finds an empty warehouse, and expands the business, all with her new love dutifully by her side.
There really was no need for an epilogue as the ending was apparent nearly from the beginning. It just became a technicality of actually finishing the book. I wasn't very hopeful that it would get better and it never did.
In the following two or so weeks, which comprises nearly the entirety of the novel, she moves out of her parent's home to live with an innkeeper with whom she falls in love in weeks. When she said that, in such a short time, she missed her dead husband less and less each day, it was incredulous to me. You don't stop missing the love of your life every day, but you do get better at living with that loss. Her new love was the son of her mother's best friend and she finds out that her mother had been in love with his father for years.
In that same few weeks, her father is accused of murder in which he framed her mother, dies, her mother is taken to a psychiatric hospital for several breakdowns. she inherits her mother's flower business, finds an empty warehouse, and expands the business, all with her new love dutifully by her side.
There really was no need for an epilogue as the ending was apparent nearly from the beginning. It just became a technicality of actually finishing the book. I wasn't very hopeful that it would get better and it never did.
4 people found this helpful
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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.
April 23, 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.
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.
September 28, 2019
‘Only One Life’ should be called every soap opera that were on TV! This should have been called the good old ABC “ONE LIFE TO LIVE”! I will try to NOT give away any spoilers..it’ll be hard but I’ll use hints...
First , the so called Romance books that have come out lately make a woman look like they are idiots! I hated a few characters & other characters, they just didn’t have a real sense of who they were by the author either. The book never came out as I expected. I never really liked anyone!
Also with all woman’s convictions these days about being abused mentally, physically by men who think they’re gods, made me sick! My biggest pet peeve...I had an abusive husband weekly, he was arrested but should have been kicked out by ME for ‘reasons only known by abusive women’! sooner than later! So I was a single mom of 3 children under 4 years old, but in ‘Only One Life’ I was disgusted that one of the characters was not only ridiculed by her husband’s family for NOT being ‘their kind’, never had any sense of an enjoyable sexual relationship due to his 1 minute of enjoyment & then, literally ABUSED her for 41 years..physically, mentally, and more than one rape!
She had a severe nervous breakdown because the ‘straw that brought her back’ came after the 41 years! 41 years of being ABUSED?! YET within a week she’s completely fine?! Sorry I don’t think this author knows if any woman abused for over 20 years will just ‘come out of it’!! That’s a soap opera!! Why was it necessary for the author to make this character look like she had no mind?! And was completely in ‘his power’ I didn’t expect a book where in the summary it describes a mother & daughter finding each other again—well they did, but I hated reading so much anger, & not by the Nom & daughter! But by control of a MAN!!Unfortunately I’m ahead of myself..and will now slow down.
I am also not exaggerating either, it was a complete Soap Opera beginning, middle, and the usual ‘predictable’ ending, that literally ENDED in the Epilogue! “5 months later...blah blah blah..oh I’m so happy Mom! We’re best friends & everything worked out in the end!” This was not the exact wording but you get my drift.
The abuse, the anger from the other nasty character related to the main character, was the biggest bitch ever! I mean it was like a bad 1800’s ‘I am man and will make you pay..’ even though his anger was unjustified! Another thing...the story went on & on & on and if you broke down each chapter, maybe, 3 out of 10 were okay, the rest I couldn’t stand that these intelligent WOMEN were NOT using their INTELLIGENCE!
Sorry I won’t give you the details where I was really angry..except this one *hint* If you were accused of cheating & saw someone about to kill that person or you..would you:
1. Run and get help or call 911...
or
2. Never report that person for... I wasn’t completely sure..?
Just read if you’re not sure...but I was very unimpressed! And I wanted to love it for Moms & daughter relationships...
First , the so called Romance books that have come out lately make a woman look like they are idiots! I hated a few characters & other characters, they just didn’t have a real sense of who they were by the author either. The book never came out as I expected. I never really liked anyone!
Also with all woman’s convictions these days about being abused mentally, physically by men who think they’re gods, made me sick! My biggest pet peeve...I had an abusive husband weekly, he was arrested but should have been kicked out by ME for ‘reasons only known by abusive women’! sooner than later! So I was a single mom of 3 children under 4 years old, but in ‘Only One Life’ I was disgusted that one of the characters was not only ridiculed by her husband’s family for NOT being ‘their kind’, never had any sense of an enjoyable sexual relationship due to his 1 minute of enjoyment & then, literally ABUSED her for 41 years..physically, mentally, and more than one rape!
She had a severe nervous breakdown because the ‘straw that brought her back’ came after the 41 years! 41 years of being ABUSED?! YET within a week she’s completely fine?! Sorry I don’t think this author knows if any woman abused for over 20 years will just ‘come out of it’!! That’s a soap opera!! Why was it necessary for the author to make this character look like she had no mind?! And was completely in ‘his power’ I didn’t expect a book where in the summary it describes a mother & daughter finding each other again—well they did, but I hated reading so much anger, & not by the Nom & daughter! But by control of a MAN!!Unfortunately I’m ahead of myself..and will now slow down.
I am also not exaggerating either, it was a complete Soap Opera beginning, middle, and the usual ‘predictable’ ending, that literally ENDED in the Epilogue! “5 months later...blah blah blah..oh I’m so happy Mom! We’re best friends & everything worked out in the end!” This was not the exact wording but you get my drift.
The abuse, the anger from the other nasty character related to the main character, was the biggest bitch ever! I mean it was like a bad 1800’s ‘I am man and will make you pay..’ even though his anger was unjustified! Another thing...the story went on & on & on and if you broke down each chapter, maybe, 3 out of 10 were okay, the rest I couldn’t stand that these intelligent WOMEN were NOT using their INTELLIGENCE!
Sorry I won’t give you the details where I was really angry..except this one *hint* If you were accused of cheating & saw someone about to kill that person or you..would you:
1. Run and get help or call 911...
or
2. Never report that person for... I wasn’t completely sure..?
Just read if you’re not sure...but I was very unimpressed! And I wanted to love it for Moms & daughter relationships...
September 15, 2019
Well...nope. Stuck it out as long as I could but finally gave up at 80%.
To me, there were too many instances of stilted writing to hold my interest. And, whether conversations, thoughts or action, there were too many plot lines for it to flow smoothly. I had to keep searching back through to remember who, what, when, etc.. I don't need, or care, to know the designer or era of furnishings. There were several times the story lines contradicted themselves. The use of cringe-y archaic references. (I won't give examples because I despise spoilers.)
(And, yes, I realize this review is stilted. But I'm not charging you for it.)
I originally gave this 2 stars but I can't stand the thought of making the author feel bad. (It's not you, it's me...sort of like that. =O_o= )
Would I read anything else by this author? I'm not sure. I'd probably read a sample of it first.
To me, there were too many instances of stilted writing to hold my interest. And, whether conversations, thoughts or action, there were too many plot lines for it to flow smoothly. I had to keep searching back through to remember who, what, when, etc.. I don't need, or care, to know the designer or era of furnishings. There were several times the story lines contradicted themselves. The use of cringe-y archaic references. (I won't give examples because I despise spoilers.)
(And, yes, I realize this review is stilted. But I'm not charging you for it.)
I originally gave this 2 stars but I can't stand the thought of making the author feel bad. (It's not you, it's me...sort of like that. =O_o= )
Would I read anything else by this author? I'm not sure. I'd probably read a sample of it first.
June 3, 2019
The storyline was engaging, but predictable. The characters, other than Lily, were one-dimensional which is unrealistic; no one is either all good or all evil. I felt that the handling of the situation with Julia's father was a little too convenient. There were a few times when the actions seemed forced and too sudden. With that said, I did finish the book and would probably read another by this author.
May 31, 2019
About halfway through this book, I found myself thinking, "This is TERRIBLE... I wonder how it will end?" The writing is lack-luster, the characters are disappointingly two-dimensional, the dialogue is flat. A lot of what happens feels terribly cliché. And yet... I couldn't stop reading it. The plot keeps moving at a good pace, and that's what saves the book. It's an easy, quick read, and a lot does happen. But I wish the author had spent less time on action and more time on character development.
May 31, 2019
This is a relaxing read to take to the beach. The details around Beaufort and Charleston are comforting. The portrayal of narcissism and narcissitic abuse are not labeled, but seem well researched. I wonder if the author knew this or knew people like this? The lesson of forgiveness is the stand out theme.
May 22, 2019
The story line was intriguing and that's why I kind of skipped through the very end. What I did not like was the narrator, I never felt the characters were "real". The writing style reminded me of a neighbor, or friend, telling something that had happened. I never felt good or sorry for the characters, just wanted to know how it ended.
May 28, 2019
The story was okay and pretty much a typical formula. But the characters were all poorly developed. I was annoyed by the spineless mother, the hateful eldest, the shallow and self-centerered father, etc. It was frustratimg that only the lead charcter was "fine", bit even then her misfortune was simplistic.
May 20, 2019
Ok book for an evening read. Author was on point with descriptions in her writings of Beaufort and the surrounding area of islands. We lived there for quite a while and remember it well. Main female character lived a life I wouldn't want to be part of and is still, all too common in the real world
