Ashley Farley introduces us to new friends...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to have Ashley Farley at CLC today. Her latest novel, Life on Loan, published on Tuesday. She's here to tell us more about it and share some other fun facts about herself. Ashley has one signed copy of the book and a cute tote bag for a lucky reader!

Ashley Farley is a writeaholic, exercise junkie, photography enthusiast. The author of the bestselling Sweeney Sisters Series, Ashley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. If her story stays with you long after you've read the last word, then she's done her job.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she's lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry where she grew up. Through the eyes of her characters, she's able to experience the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kind-hearted folks with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. (Bio courtesy of Amazon.)

Visit Ashley online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
After thirty years, college friends Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat have met again by chance at an unexpected crossroads: 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. (Courtesy of Ashley's website.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
Although I never get tired of hearing it, readers often tell me how much they relate to my characters, their personalities and life experiences. Readers view my characters as friends. When the novel ends, they are sad to see those friends go. Knowing I’m touching the lives of my readers in such a meaningful way is the motivation I need to keep writing.

Who do you relate to more in Life on Loan, Lena or Olivia?
Lena, for sure. Having been married for thirty years, unlike Olivia, I’ve never been through a divorce or faced with finding love again. On the other hand, like Lena, I’ve often felt like my family takes me for granted. That’s not to say there isn’t a part of me in Olivia. There’s a part of me in each of my characters. While I share my love of photography with Lena, I share my love of writing with Olivia. Both women show resilience and determination as they chart new paths for themselves, and I believe many middle-aged readers will relate to their experiences.

If Life on Loan were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Sandra Bullock would play Olivia as she’s one of my all-time favorite actresses. She can rock any role. She’s attractive, and she would bring some steaminess to Olivia’s romance with Alistair. I would want someone who can bring a sense of humor to Lena’s role. Perhaps Sally Field in her younger days.

What is something you have loaned out to someone recently? What is something you have borrowed recently? 
I chuckled to myself in thinking about my answers to these questions, which happen to be one in the same. I’m fortunate to belong to a club where I can swim laps in an outdoor heated pool all year long. I kept a wetsuit vest on hand for extreme temperatures. My friend, who isn’t as brave about cold weather, borrowed my vest so many times I finally gave it to her. Now, on the rare occasion that I need to use it, I borrow it back.

What is your favorite food and beverage to have in the autumn months?
My answer is not very original. I’m among the millions who live for anything pumpkin spiced. Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice coffee is my absolute favorite. I’d drink it year around if they’d make it available. As for food, I’d have to say Buffalo Chicken Dip. It is super easy to make and oh so delicious at football tailgate parties. A big fan of pears, I love a pear and blue cheese salad with a citrus vinaigrette dressing.

What was your most memorable Halloween costume?
In college, a group of friends and I dressed up like babies. We didn’t win any prizes for most creative costumes, but we certainly had a good time. And it was easy to throw together. Although I consider myself a creative, I struggle when it comes to designing costumes.

Thanks to Ashley for visiting with us and for sharing her book (and tote bag with swag) with our readers. Thanks to SparkPoint Studio for coordinating the interview.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 


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Giveaway ends October 16th at midnight EST.