Finding Ashley: A Novel

· Delacorte Press
4.6
83 reviews
Ebook
352
Pages
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More

About this ebook

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this blockbuster novel from Danielle Steel, two estranged sisters get the chance to connect again and right the wrongs of the past.

Melissa Henderson is leading a quiet life. Once a bestselling author, she now pours all her energy into renovating a Victorian house nestled in the foothills of rural New England. Six years ago, she lost her young son to cancer, and her marriage dissolved. She stopped writing. It was only when she bought the old house that Melissa found a purpose, and came alive as she made it beautiful again.

After a wildfire that threatens her home appears on the news, Melissa receives a call from her sister, Hattie. They were close once, but that was before Melissa withdrew from the world. Now Hattie, who became a nun at twenty-five, is determined to help Melissa turn a new page, even if it means reopening one of the most painful chapters of her life.

At sixteen, a pregnant Melissa was sent to a gloomy convent in Ireland to have— and give up—her baby, to spare the family shame. All these years later, Hattie feels compelled to embark on a journey that will change both their lives forever, and track down the child Melissa gave up.

Finding Ashley is a masterpiece of contemporary drama and tells a gripping story of the strength of the human spirit to chase an impossible dream. It is the story of two strong, brave women turning wrenching loss into reconnection, and a family reunited after bringing dark secrets into the light.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
83 reviews
Richard O'Leary
May 23, 2021
I haven't finished it , but really lousy..I may not finish it at all. another bomb ds repetitive information on how Hattie is questioning her vocation..unnecessary insertion of the sexual harassment angle..I think it should have ended when she found ashlry..even that was boring..a real disappointment.
Did you find this helpful?
Kristina Anderson
May 13, 2021
Finding Ashley is the newest novel by Danielle Steel. It is a story about family secrets and tragedies that forever changed two sisters’ lives. The books has Danielle Steel’s trademark writing that draws the reader right into the story. The story has steady pacing and developed characters. I was not a fan of the repetition of key details. Some details are repeated at least six times in the first half of the book. Finding Ashley is an emotional story. Melissa Henderson has a good life until her son died within two years of being diagnosed with cancer. The loss of her son destroyed Melissa. She retreated into grief and withdrew from life. It has been six years and the only person she allows into her life is her contractor. After auditioning for a role in Hollywood, Hattie, Melissa’s sister, joined a convent. In a way, she also withdrew from life to a place where she felt safe and could find peace. When Hattie became a nun, it divided the two sisters. While Hattie is aware of Melissa’s secret, Melissa is unaware of Hattie’s. Hattie wants to help her sister and sets out to find the child she was forced to give up when she was sixteen. It takes Hattie on a journey that will change the two sisters’ lives. Finding Ashley is an emotional story about two women finding their places in the world. Arson, illness, teen pregnancy, convent baby mill, sexual abuse, and divorce are some of the topics covered in Finding Ashley. There are some sweet, tender moments as well. I loved the descriptions of Melissa’s restored Victorian. I would love to own a Queen Anne Victorian (I love the ornateness associated with this style). This is a special story that addresses some difficult topics. Danielle Steel has provided another compelling novel (I have been reading this authors books since I was twelve). I look forward to reading her next release.
15 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?
Shari Bartholomew
August 7, 2021
Two estranged sisters reunite after telling family secrets. Melissa had to grow up at an early age, after a teenage pregnancy, she was sent to a convent only to give up her baby. Then both parents die and now is responsible in raising her younger sister, Hattie. Melissa becomes a best selling author but then tragically she looses her young son to cancer. Her marriage fails and she becomes a recluse. Her sister, Hattie always wanted to go into acting but choices were made and she became a nun. As the sisters reunite, secrets come out and Hattie decides she needs to find Melissa's child that was given up for adoption. This is mostly women's fiction, which I love, with a small element of romance with Melissa as she learns to open up again. The reunited of sisters and mother/daughter will keep you turning the pages. There is an element of sexual harassment in the workplace.
3 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include The Affair, Neighbors, All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.