Ashley Farley 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, she’s done her job.

A Word From Ashley . . .

I’m delighted you’ve found your way here. I am an indie author, amateur photographer, and mother of two college-aged kids who bring me much joy but are turning my hair gray. I write books about women for women. My characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. My goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. I’ve done my job if my story stays with you long after you’ve read the last word.

I experienced the fragility of life when my brother Neal died of an accidental drug overdose in 1999, at the age of 37. He touched the lives of many with his wonderful sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his tortured soul.

I learned a lot during the many years my family suffered the fallout of my brother’s addictions. After Neal’s death, I wanted to share those experiences. I wanted to tell anyone willing to listen how substance abuse and mental illness destroys families. I wanted to counsel groups of students about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. But every time I tried to talk to others about Neal, my voice shook and my eyes filled with tears. So I let the experts do the talking. I chaired education committees at my son’s school to promote alcohol and drug awareness to parents. And I helped to organize a series of leadership symposia where we brought in world-renowned speakers to empower students to become better leaders through honor and integrity and character.

But none of my efforts were enough to fill the hole in my heart created by my brother’s death. So, I turned to writing. My first novel, Saving Ben, January 2013, is a tribute to Neal—the boy I loved, the man I could not save. Saving Ben is not a memoir, but the story of a close bond between brother and sister.

I released Her Sister’s Shoes in June 2015. I spent my summers growing up in the salty marshes of the Lowcountry. The unique way of life inspired me to stage a novel against the backdrop of moss-draped trees. I turned fifty while writing Her Sister’s Shoes. With my youngest headed off to college, I experienced a mini mid-life crisis in 2014. Both Jackie’s and Sam’s characters were outlets for my feelings at the time.

Merry Mary followed Her Sister’s Shoes on October 15. I love the holidays. Scottie’s experience in Merry Mary reminds us of the importance of family and of giving to others during this often difficult time of year.

Scottie’s adventures continue in Breaking the Story, a political romantic suspense released on March 17, 2016.

Lowcountry Stranger is scheduled for release July 1, 2016.  My revisit to Prospect continues the saga of the Sweeney sisters with one young newcomer who will rock their world.

I have lived in Richmond, Virginia, a city I love for its history and traditions for most of my adult life. I love to travel, garden, and when I’m in the mood, I like to try out new recipes.