Finding Ashley

Written by Danielle Steel

Narrated by Michael Braun

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781980032977

Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's most popular authors, with over 650 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include Property of a Noblewoman, Blue, Precious Gifts, Undercover, Country, Prodigal Son, Pegasus, A Perfect Life, 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; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Reviews for Finding Ashley

[Marie Cochran · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book starts slow but then builds the plot and story rapidly. It will suck you in until the last page.

[Julia · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Ironically the main character is meant to be a brilliant writer and this book is not well written at all.
It’s is extremely repetitive in its descriptions and most of the characters aren’t really relatable since they’re so extreme. It read like a first draft rather than a finished novel.

[soosthemoose · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A nice easy read. Typical Danielle with happy endings.

[marciablnc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well written per usual for Danielle. This one was predictable though. I thought the history of practices in the Catholic Church and the Me Too movement was well done.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.