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".
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.
I really enjoyed LIFE ON LOAN and highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Posted on Goodreads, NetGalley, and iBooks

This is the second title by Ashley Farley that I have read. The first was Nell and Lady and I was quite taken by her ability to tell a compelling story of friendship.

In this one, two women who knew each other many years ago bump into each other at an airport. They are both running from their lives and decide to swap homes to get the much needed break they desire. What they are seeking is a way to pivot and not feel stuck. For Lena, it is strained relationships with her husband and daughter. And the need to find a path in life. For Olivia, it is healing from her unexpected divorce and finding a new path for a career.

It is by stepping out of the norm that they both find themselves and what they now want in life.

I loved everything about Life On Loan. Ashley Farley has a winner with this quick and enjoyable story. The plot is great and the characters become friends. I will b ed buying an extra copy for my friend to take to the beach. This is perfect for a beach read. Or an airplane ride. I look forward to the authors next book.

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!

Life on loan may be my favorite book by this author yet! I think many of us have thought of strting over ot running way from our lives at one point. This heartwarming read of two people whos lives come together after not being in contact after some time. this chance reuniting toghter changes both their lives.. A beautifully written story of life and frienship I highly recommend!

Olivia and Lena met by chance in an airport lounge. The old college buddies reflected on their lives and decided to swap houses for a month. Both women began reflecting on their lives and making small changes. Lena took up writing a romance novel and Olivia took up photograph. Both made changes that made their lives happier.

This is the first book I have read by Ashley Farley. I could relate to Oliva and Lena. As being an empty nester you look at your life and ask yourself if this is were you want to be at this time. Olivia and Lena were not happy and did something about it. Though the change was difficult at first, they began reinventing themselves and finding happiness. We all know you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. Thank you to Ashley Farley and NetGalley for a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Are you a big fan of the movie "The Holiday"? Have you too ever wanted to take a break from your life and just recharge and re-set? In Ashley Farley's novel, Life on Loan, two women get to do exactly that.

When Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat - two college acquaintances - bump into each other in an Atlanta airport, the two women are at the end of their ropes. Lena, a stay-at-home mom, has had enough of her critical and verbally abusive husband, Charles, and her self-absorbed, college graduate daughter, Kayla. Olivia is struggling to move forward after a heartbreaking, jarring divorce. Both desperate for change, they hatch a plan they believe will be mutually beneficial: Swapping houses for a month. Lena will stay in Olivia's Charleston condo, while Olivia will head to the Northern Neck of Virginia to Lena's cozy river cottage. With 30 days to clear their heads, focus on themselves, and determine the next steps in their romantic lives, careers, and dreams, Lena and Olivia embark on remarkable journeys of transformation that leave them forever changed.

This was such a cozy, charming, and heartwarming read. In Lena and Olivia, Ashley Farley has created two incredibly likable characters that readers can't help but root for. Told in alternating chapters between Lena, Olivia, and Alistair - a grieving widow who adds a romantic element to the novel- this story hooked me, even though it was a little slow to start at the outset. As a both a freelance writer and stay-at-home-mom, I loved reading about Olivia's blog and her efforts to become a novel writer, as well as Lena's struggle to rediscover her love of photography. Watching both women evolve and learn about themselves was really enjoyable, and the romance between Olivia and Alistair was fun, as well.

Although the plot of this novel was somewhat predictable, I didn't mind whatsoever! This sweet, quick read was a breath of fresh air and would be perfect for the beach, an airplane ride, or in front of a cozy fire. Thank you so much to @ashleyfarley @katerockbooktours @lakeunionauthors and @netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review. This book came out Oct. 8, so make sure to pick up your copy ASAP!

I enjoyed this story about two women who reconnect in an airport and decide to trade houses for a month. Who hasn't wanted to start over in a new city ? The author describes the cities in this book beautifully.
This is not my favorite Ashley Farley novel but it is still a sweet, comforting read.

I am not sure how I have missed reading this author, but I am very happy to have found her works. The jacket cover gives an adequate description of the story so no book report from me. The female characters are realistic, easy to relate to and are likeable. Their adventures in escaping their lives and exchanging locale is something most women have (or someday will have) contemplated at some point. There is exploration of finding new relationships and career paths in mid life.
Good women's fiction. Would be a great beach or anytime read. Enjoy!

I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review. Many thanks to the author,publisher,and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
The opinions expressed are my own.

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.

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.

My favorite movie is The Holiday. I actually told Jack Black that it was my favorite in an awkward conversation on Christmas Eve two years ago. 🤷🏻‍♀️ And this book definitely has Holiday vibes.
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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.
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I’m a big believer in second chances and that’s what this book was all about. Told in alternating chapters focusing on different characters, this novel was a quick read but with depth of feeling. The characters were likable and the southern charm was abundant. Such a lovely fall story.

Lena, a middle-aged wife and mother, finds herself unhappy with how things in her life are going in the present day.
Olivia, a popular blogger, wants to escape the world of blogging and take a chance at writing a book.
The two ladies, who attended college together, run into one another at the airport with plans to travel to separate cities; however, the planes to their locations are delayed due to storms heading into the area. Instead of waiting out the delays, the women decide to swap houses for an entire month; Lena takes Olivia's house in Charleston and Olivia stays in Lena's cottage.
The course of events that occur during their month of solitude will have life-changing effects for these two women.

Ashley Farley does a wonderful job of pulling readers into the lives of Lena and Olivia, old schoolmates who randomly meet at a crossroads in each of their lives. The author creates realistic and relatable situations and characters that are down-to-earth and lovable. The story moves quickly with a few twists and turns that I did not see coming and is permeated with love, drama, and emotional tension as these two long-ago friends make their way through strained relationships and difficult circumstances. Life on Loan is a story that reminds readers that even though the past is definitely part of our being, it does not have to dominate our future. Second chances often do come along, we just have to be brave enough to step out and take hold of them. Readers who love contemporary romance and second chance stories will not want to miss this one. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

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!

This book reminded me of the movie The Holiday in the best way possible as that is a favourite of mine. While I am at a different stage in my life than Olivia and Lena, I would relate to their need to get away and restart their lives and find out what changes they need to make to truly be happy.

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.

Thank you to @katerockbooktours, @lakeunionpublishing, and @netgalley for the advanced copy.

If you're anything like me, you have thought (multiple times) about running away...even just for a couple weeks. Reminiscent of "The Holiday", Life on Loan follows two middle aged women, Olivia and Lena, who both need to get away and hit the restart button on their lives. They end up swapping houses for a month and during that month they both realize their lives need to change in order to find happiness. More importantly, they realize how important it is to BE happy.

I absolutely loved this sweet story, especially the second half of the book. The way both of their stories come together at the end was heartwarming, and I almost want a sequel to see how everything plays out for them! The only thing I wasn't fond of were Alistair's chapters. For some reason, I had a hard time switching gears to read his POV.

Thanks so much to the author, Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts, and participation in this blog tour.

Ashley Farley has an amazing gift of writing about women and the various phases and circumstances of their life. A talented writer that readers everywhere can relate to. This book is about Lena and Olivia, two middle aged women who were friends in college. When a chance meeting 30 years later run into each other at an airport where both have a lay-over.. As they begin to catch up, it becomes apparent they each are running away from some difficult life circumstances and as a result.
With a chance opportunity, a decision is made. 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 do a mental reset.

What comes next is a series of adventures, some new career opportunities, a little romance. A intriguing book about two women who find their inner strength, after thinking they had lost it.

An engaging premise, this book about two woman Lena and Olivia, who were unhappy with their lives and the path they are on, decide to swap houses for a month.
This is a wonderful thought provoking fast paced read. A A fascinating storyline, that kept me fully engaged until the end. This wonderful heartwarming story about reaching the end of your rope and finding the courage to make much needed change. The author has written another excellent women’s fiction, and this book of second chances is perhaps a dream some of us has had at one time or another.


A captivating contemporary woman’s fiction that you can relate to the well developed characters and their situations. This is a wonderful heartwarming story of courage. The author has written another excellent women’s fiction, and this book of second chances is perhaps a dream some of us has had at one time or another.

#lifeonloan #ashleyfarley #katerockbooktours #southernfiction #womensfiction

Recommended for readers of: General Fiction, Women’s fiction, contemporary women’s fiction

A lovely story about the taking charge of one's own life. Both Lena and Olivia are at a place in their life where they feel the need to escape. When these two old college friends meet in an airport lounge they agree to swap residences for a month. Each woman take the time needed to become reacquainted with herself and at the end of the month their lives are not the same. A sweet story!