The History Between

by Ashley Manley

A quiet life shattered by secrets, gold, and a man she says she doesn’t want.

Rue Conway values one thing above all stability. Between running the family antique store, a reliable fiancé, and providing her daughter with the best life possible, she has it. But Rue’s carefully structured world is thrown into chaos when she’s simultaneously hit by financial ruin, her mother’s unexpected illness, the emergence of a treasure-hunting father she never knew . . . and the truth about a man she’s spent years trying to forget.

Desperate and out of options, Rue makes an impulsive decision to travel to Charleston and find the gold her father has been searching for.

But the more time Rue spends dealing with the past, the more she questions her future. With bills piling up and foreclosure looming, Rue must decide between a life of stability and one filled with unpredictable love.

Genres: Romance

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 20, 2026

About the author

Give me all the unexpected characters, snark, and gasms. Please and thank you.

Reviews

[Lindsay Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors are a gamble. Ashley Manley is an auto-read—no hesitation, no questions. Her books are wholesome, genuinely funny, and always full of heart. The History Between is a perfect example: a story layered with a charming treasure hunt, unexpected discoveries that reshape the past, and the possibility of rekindling something you thought was long gone.

Ashley has such a gift for blending humor with emotional depth. She makes big moments feel intimate and hopeful without ever being heavy. You laugh, you ache a little, and you close the book feeling good. If you’re craving a story that’s comforting, heartfelt, and impossible not to smile through—and you haven’t picked up a book by Ashley Manley yet—what are you waiting for? 📚✨

[Crystie Rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I would love to extend an extra special thank you to the author, Ashley Manley for entrusting me with a beta-read of this gem. I still feel so incredibly special and overwhelmed with love for this author. I cannot even explain how much I love the words Manley puts together on pages. I will try to leave a most honest review here without any spoilers. ❤️😘



This book had me hooked from that freaking prologue. Are you kidding me?! That in itself was a five-star novella. This prologue felt like a hallmark movie in all of its beauty and perfection. I was completely captivated and spellbound. I got swept up in the insta-love in a way that I just never do. I HATTTTE insta-love, but I absolutely LOVED this one. I have no idea why, but if you’ve ever read a Manley, then you probably get it. The characters are just everything.

There is simply no one else who develops their characters in a way quite like Ashley Manley does. While devouring this book, I could perfectly see, smell & feel these characters. They were so real!!! I felt their feelings as if they were my own, and I laughed & cried along with them. When I tell you that they were real…I mean that I felt like I could hug these people. They were my friends for the three days that I had them in my life. I couldn’t get enough of them, and they will stay with me for a long time.

Almost the entire book is written in first person POV from our FMC with a few scattered chapters in first person from Nash & Cap. Rue, that hag, with her quirky and fun personality had me loving her immediately. She takes on so much to make sure the ones she loves are taken care of, but she never puts her wants and needs first. Watching her blossom throughout the book into the best version of herself was so fun and great for my soul. She learned so much, and her character growth was very clear in so many ways.

Nash, omg NASHHHHHHHYYYYY!!! Obsessed!!! This handsome, tatted, sculpted man may be smooth with his side smiles and harmonica, but he has a soft and silly side with his fun shirts and his passion for history. Wait until you experience the passion in this man & the ANNNGGGGSSSSTTTTTT he causes….woooooffff 🥵🥵🥵

Cap is absolutely hysterical!!! This guy was written so well, and the amount of tiny details that went into his character were perfectly thought out. The open shirt, chest hair, gold chain, oxygen tank, prosthetic leg, and X-rated cane may seem like a lot…but each of these details describes him so freaking well. He captured my heart with his witty comments, his grunts, his dance moves, cane taps, and Penny.

Sunny was a great addition to the story, and I seriously loved the way she and Rue butted heads throughout the book. They got off with a hell of a start, lol, and they kinda kept that tension throughout the book. I loved that!! Not every relationship in every book should be perfect, and this one was really fun to read. It made me laugh so many times.

The tears I cried in this book just from feeling all of the characters’ emotions…I really needed it. I’ve been in a horrendous book slump for a couple of months. I haven’t read a book I really liked in too long. I was scared to beta read this one during a book slump. I was even more scared because I thought it was going to be a corny as hell treasure hunt book. It was not at all! It was a great book where a bunch of characters come together to go on a treasure hunt. Pieces of history are scattered in this story as well as some great vintage furniture for those of you who love that stuff. This was a really fun story with incredible characters. Every single one of the characters had something to learn, and they all came together to teach each other something spectacular. There is more than just gold to find in this one, and I believe this book is my treasure.

I absolutely adored this one, and I truly believe you will too!

[felicia]

One of my fav author. I absolutely love the Forever and Back series. Here’s to hoping I can read this early but if i can’t I will wait patiently for the release date

[Lindsay Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Author

4.5⭐️

Ashley Manley is an auto-read author for me. In every book, I have found myself laughing, crying, uplifted, and moved for people I wish could walk right out of the book. The History Between was no exception. This wasn’t my favorite book of hers, but I still loved it all the same.

Rue’s journey was at times frustrating, but only because I was rooting so hard for her and wanted things to go well for her. And at times I wanted to tell Nash to grow up and take some things a little more seriously, but that probably says more about my personality than about him as a character. He won me over though, and I enjoyed their romance. Love, family, forgiveness, and the times we have to make tough choices (sometimes the wrong ones) are themes explored with heart and honesty.

I think my favorite thing about this book was that while it was a *treasure hunt* story, that isn’t where the heart of the story lies. Ashley Manley writes such compelling character-driven stories and relationships, they could almost take place anytime and anywhere.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I loved it and based on what I knew about it, I wasn’t sure I’d even like it. I absolutely love how Ashley develops her characters and I crave that in every book I read now. I like how you’re in their heads but not annoyingly so. You can’t help but feel like you know and love the characters. I was extremely skeptical of this book given the treasure hunt aspect of it for fear of it being cheesy and cringe-worthy but I like how the hunt was used as a vehicle to learn some history of Charleston. It made me want to go back and visit there. Rue’s overalls had me envisioning Ashley too; I feel like maybe she wore them in an Instagram story or post 🤷🏻‍♀️. I can’t wait for the audiobook version to come out because I will definitely buy it. Excited for the next book in the series too!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved it! Ashley Manley has a gift. Her stories take you on an adventure and strongly tug on your heartstrings. Her loveable cast of characters here are as endearing and funny as they are stubborn and frustrating. Rue is on a mission,  determined and holding on to so many secrets. Nash has his own secrets and is positively swooney. Feisty ole Cap is cagey.  Sunny speaks her mind and is full of sass, you'll adore her.

While occasionally shedding a tear (ok, it was twice), I loved every minute of Rue's treasure hunting journey. Marking this as another Ashley favorite to re-read.

*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Grace Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I say this is my favorite one yet… so so so good 😭

[Leah Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Manley does it again. Rue and Nash….I couldn’t get enough of them. The mom, the sisters, Bee, Cap, Sunny, I loved all of the characters SO much. A must read…. Just like the rest of her books.

[Ally Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Ashley Manley writes it then I’m absolutely reading it!

This book was unique compared to her other books while still having all the feels like an AM book does. The treasure hunt angle tied with history was a fun plot choice. The classic humor you get when you read a book by this author was top tier. And as always, the side cast was full of some of the quirkiest and loveable characters. I particularly loved the sisters relationship between the Conway girls. I found myself smiling during the scenes with Nash and Rue and laughing during the moments between Rue and Cap. I was really rooting for Rue and Nash, even though I had a hard time getting on board with her secret, it felt unjustified no matter how much she tried to in her mind. And while it was her master plan that made this story possible, I can’t say I didn’t want to wring Rue’s mother’s neck several times. That woman made some seriously questionable decisions that were quickly glossed over.

While I did like this book for the most part, I think it was just a little too long. I understand there is a benefit for indie authors that place their books on KU to add more words to their stories. But this could have been tighter. And I found myself hitting a point where the bouncing between the treasure hunting pieces and the romance angle was throwing off the flow.

Overall it did end up being a 3.5 read for me but I’m rounding up because I like this author so much and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Conway stories.

This early review was possible because of an advanced readers copy made available by the author.

[buveurdencre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The History Between is Ashley Manley's first book in her new series, Back to Fontain, which focuses on Rue Conway, the eldest daughter and oldest of two sisters. Rue works with her mother at the family antique store, where she meets Nash Fletcher, who is a traveling substitute, and the two share an instant attraction. Eight years later, Rue is now a single mother; she and Nash have a falling out, Rue is engaged to a dentist, and the family antique store is struggling financially. In addition to that, Rue discovers her mother has been harboring a health problem; she learns the truth about her birth father, but most importantly, the truth about Nash and his whereabouts. As Rue goes on a treasure hunting journey in an attempt to save her family's failing antique store, she reunites with her estranged father, reconciles with Nash, and discovers history never goes away, no matter how deep you bury it.

Rue is the responsible sister, the one who’s serious and predictable. Nash is the opposite of her, more adventurous and spontaneous. Their attraction and chemistry upon first meeting were instantaneous and palpable. Furthermore, despite not having any contact with each other, their ardent chemistry didn’t waver or dissipate within those eight years. Rue needed Nash to bring life back into her mundane life, while Nash needed Rue to ground him. Their love for each other is fervent and steady, and the relationship between the two allows acceptance and forgiveness for their faults and flaws. 

Can Ashley Manley ever write a book that doesn’t make me cry? Emotionally tender and just overall gorgeously written, Manley takes the reader on a historical adventure, weaving past and present together while showcasing how a person’s past doesn’t define their future as long as they’re actively making changes during their present time. Manley is an exhilarating voice in women’s fiction, and every book she writes is promising and trustworthy. This is such a heartwarming and beautiful start to a new series, and I’m so excited to read the other two books and learn more about each sister’s backstory.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brin P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5. First of all, huuuuuge thank you to Ashley Manley for the ARC—I fully squealed when I got that email and getting to read this book before its April 20 release was truly an honor 🥹
Rue Conway has worked hard to build a life that feels safe and steady—running her family’s antique shop, raising her daughter, and sticking to a plan she can count on. But that sense of control starts to slip when everything hits at once: money problems, her mom’s illness, and the reveal of a treasure-hunting father she never knew—plus the resurfacing of a past she thought she’d left behind. Out of options, Rue makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to head to Charleston to meet her father and continue his search for hidden gold. But as she gets pulled deeper into the hunt—and back into her past—she starts to question everything she thought she wanted, including the life she’s worked so hard to build.
Ashley has quickly become one of my favorite authors this past year, and it’s because she writes some of the most real, relatable characters I’ve experienced. This one felt a little different from her other books with the quirky treasure hunt concept, but it still had that same emotional depth and character-driven feel I love from her. Like with her other FMCs, Rue took a minute to grow on me—I was definitely frustrated with some of her choices at first. But watching her slowly come into her own made me love her that much more. Nash was the perfect balance to her, and I loved their dynamic. And honestly, the side characters almost stole the show—Cap and Sunny had me cackling constantly. The family dynamics were another highlight (Bennie!! 🥹)—Ashley just has such a special touch when it comes to writing those relationships. And the emotional moments… wow. I sobbed at the end. I got so attached to these characters and genuinely loved the entire journey of this story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok - first, many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of The History Between! I am clearly biased going into this story because I have spent the past several months reading her entire backlist of books, falling in love each time with the story, the characters, etc. I joined her email list and read this book’s prologue and was immediately skeptical because the premise and beginning are SO out there. If you follow Manley on Instagram, you’ll know that she is so adorably quirky, vibrant and playful, so this wild story shouldn’t come as a surprise. Because I trust her voice and her storytelling ability, I requested the ARC and dove in.

This book. This book. I just adored it… I couldn’t put it down and probably owe my children an apology for ignoring them for 48 straight hours. There are so many layers of beauty in this book, from Rue’s relationships with her mom, Nash, Jonathan, Cap and her own views of herself. The pressure she feels as an eldest daughter, the parent/child relationships explored, the war between a relationship that’s safe versus one that lights you up, all of these elements made me forget my initial reaction to the treasure hunt that ends up being about so much more than gold.

Ashley Manley writes with a combination of humor and heart that will have you laughing, tearing up, feeling invested in every single character and celebrating the happy endings that our trusted romance genre requires with so much love and joy. We as readers are so lucky that we get to go along for the ride through Ashley’s wild imagination. Don’t miss this book!!

[Jessye Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. I did not want it to end.

Ashley Manley has a gift for writing families in a way that feels real, messy, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. One of the things I appreciate most about her books is that her characters are grown adults with real history, real responsibilities, and real emotional depth. As a reader in my 40s, I especially love that her characters fall into that same general stage of life. It makes their struggles, conversations, and relationships hit even harder.

What stood out most to me in this story was the way family drama was handled. There is plenty of tension, emotion, and complication, but underneath it all is love. That’s what makes Ashley’s books so special to me. Even when these families are struggling, they love each other first and foremost, and that heart comes through on every page.

This book was filled with fun, heartfelt conversations, and the side characters were absolute standouts. They brought so much personality, humor, and charm to the story. And Cap? Easily one of the most memorable characters I’ve read in a long time.

I also loved the treasure hunt element, which added such a fun layer to an already emotional and engaging story. And the Charleston setting was the icing on the cake for me. I’ve spent time there myself, and Ashley captured so much of what makes it special—its history, its atmosphere, its charm, and that unmistakable pull the city has.

If you love relatable family stories, layered characters, heart, humor, and a setting that feels alive, this is one to pick up.

**I received an advanced copy of this book in anticipation of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting Rue’s story since I saw Ashley say she began writing it. I have loved every single book that Ashley has written so far, and I knew I would love this one as well. The History Between was a bit out of her usual style, but it was the perfect blend of emotional and hilarious, just like her other books.

The History Between follows Rue, whose life is falling apart around her. Her business ran out of money & her mom is sick. Desperate to figure out a way to save her business and help her mom, she goes on a “ treasure hunt” with the father she had no idea existed and her husband she hasn’t seen in 8 years.

Rue is a beautifully written character, just like all of Ashley’s female leads. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and she shows her insecurities honestly. I loved seeing her character grow throughout the story. I only wish we had a chance to see more flashbacks from her and Nash’s marriage.

Nash, yet again a complete unicorn of a man. He was patient, kind, considerate and reliable. A contrast to Rue’s character, who was anxiously processing so much in her own head. I loved the banter between Nash and Rue. You could tell from the second they met up again that they had an undeniable spark.

Cap, this man was one of my favourites. I LOVED his character. He is such a teddy bear, even with his gruff, worn exterior. His heart for Rue and her mom was beautiful. I loved how he would dance even with his prosthetic leg.

I can’t wait to read the other stories with Reese and Remy!

This story is amazing, pick it up when it comes out! I know I will be grabbing a physical copy so I can read this story again and again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ♾️


I recieved an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Submitted as a review from a copy received from net galley.

I was so excited to get to read this book early. As soon as I read my first Ashley Manley book , I knew I wanted to read them all. She has a way of bringing you into the characters story in such a realistic and heartwarming way that you are rooting for them and feel as if you have known them forever.
I loved the story and all the side characters, all the charm, sarcasm and truth when you needed it. I love the whole story on how Rue and Nash's love story coincides with some historical things brought in from Nash's point if view. They added another layer and more depth to his character as well about his love for history and how love and romance stands through time in the treasure hunt.
Ashley Manleys stories make you laugh out loud, make you cry, have you squealing with excitement for the main character and finding their true love but also finding the strength to do what was right for them while looking out for their loved ones beyond all else. It was another one that I just didnt want to put down and am excited for the series because it brings you into the other characters orbit and you root for them too. I loved the romance between Nash and Rue but also the relationships between friends, between father and daughter, relationship between Nash and Bennie, grandpa and Bennie, Rue and sisters and mom, but also new friends along the way like Sunny and how Cap and Nash get along. I loved it all!! Such an amazing book that will stay with me!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The History Between by Ashley Manley

A million stars. I absolutely devoured this book. Even though it’s a longer read, I flew through it in just a few days because I could not put it down. Every time I thought about setting it aside, the story pulled me right back in.

I loved everything about it. The history woven throughout the story, the treasure hunt element, and the way the plot slowly unfolded kept me completely hooked. Most of the story is told from Rue’s perspective, but the occasional chapters from other points of view were so much fun.

Rue was a fantastic main character, and I loved Nash just as much. The supporting characters were equally strong and added so much depth to the story. Cap was my favorite. Ashley's writing allowed me to completely envision Charleston and see everything the characters were seeing. And the twists… wow. The story kept surprising me in the best way.

I’ve been a fan of Ashley Manley for a while now. If she’s published it, I’ve read it. Every time I pick up one of her books, I end up loving her storytelling even more. She writes emotionally driven stories with characters that feel real and relatable, and this one added a really fun layer of adventure that I loved. If you are looking for a fun and emotional romance, what are you waiting for? Start this one immediately.

Honestly? No notes. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Manley has become an auto read/buy author for me. I read "Every Beautiful Mile" last year and have loved every one of her books since. "The History Between" was no exception. Before I started reading, I wasn't sure about a book with a treasure hunt for gold. However, as I already said, I will read anything by Ashley Manley. This was an easy 5 star read. I couldn't and did not want to put it down. I was hooked from the prologue.

Ashley's books always have such strong character development. As you read, you become so invested in the lives of the characters. You feel like you know them and root for them. Rue is the responsible one in her family, she's the one trying to take care of everyone but herself. Nash, in all his Nashishness (how Rue describes him at one point - I loved that), is so charming with his side smiles, harmonica playing, fun shirts and love of history. They had so much chemistry instantly and it did not diminish during 8 years of no contact. Cap is one of my most favorite characters. I have never met a character like him. And as always, Ashley has some of the most developed side characters. This is something I always love about her books.

"The History Between" is a story about the history of a city, but also the history between humans and families. It is a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

Thank you so much to the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Manley has become one of my favorite writers. The History Between is book one of her new Back to Fontain series and drew me in from the description and beautiful cover.

Set in the small town of Fontain, Rue runs an antique store with her mom. She lives a predictable life with her daughter and her fiancée, until some huge events with her mom could change her life forever. Set out to try and find a lost treasure, Rue only has a couple of weeks to try and change the outcome of her life. While there Rue meets Cap and also reunites with her "ex-husband" Nash.

I loved the treasure hunt parts of the story. Ashley's writing is so atmospheric I felt like I was in Charleston on all of the quests to find treasure. I absolutely adored Rue and Nash, they definitely thrived on miscommunication but their love and desire and spot on. You can't forget all of the side characters, who really make it all one big happy family.

The History Between gutted me, especially when Nash says "I'll wait for you for the rest of my life." This book will have you laughing one minute, crying the next, and laughing again. I can't wait for this series to continue with Rue's sisters and hope that we see more of Rue and Nash as well!

Thank you Ashley Manley for an ARC of The History Between for an honest review.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report: The History Between by Ashley Manley

I finally picked up my first Ashley Manley book thanks to NG… (despite owning three already🫣) and immediately started The History Between….and wow…I was not prepared for how much I’d love this one.

Rue Conway has built her life around stability. Running her family’s antique shop…raising her daughter and planning a safe and predictable future. But when everything starts to unravel (financial trouble…her mother’s illness and the sudden appearance of a treasure hunting father she never knew) she’s forced to chase something far less certain… and maybe far more meaningful✨

This story completely swept me away.

It’s…
🤗Fun
🥹Emotional
🥰and full of heart

It’s one of those books you just want to live inside for a while. I was hugging my Kindle the whole time 🥹 The characters felt so real and I got way too attached (no regrets) And Cap?? Hands down one of my all time favorite characters ever…you’re going to love the crap out of him💛Now I’m side eyeing the other Ashley Manley books on my shelf like… why did I wait this long?! Ohhh and The History Between is book 1 in a new series called Back to Fontain! I am giddy!

Thank you Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the gifted ecopy!

Releases 4/20

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Ashley Omnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Manley has officially cemented herself as an auto‑buy author for me. The History Between is everything I crave in contemporary women’s fiction: heartfelt, witty, and grounded in characters who feel so real you catch yourself wishing you could meet them for coffee.
📚 Quick Summary
The story follows two people with a complicated past who are forced back into each other’s orbit, unearthing old wounds, long‑buried feelings, and the kind of emotional history that refuses to stay quiet. As they navigate what went wrong—and what still might be right—Ashley layers humor, vulnerability, and genuine connection into every chapter.
💬 Why It Works
She has such a fresh, confident voice. She blends humor with emotional depth in a way that feels effortless, never tipping too far into melodrama or fluff. Her characters are flawed in the best way: warm, human, and easy to root for. By the end, you’re not just invested in their relationship—you’re invested in them.
If you love women’s fiction that balances heart and humor with a story that lingers long after the last page, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. Ashley Manley continues to prove she’s one of the most exciting voices in the genre today.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late."

When I received this arc, I actually squealed with joy! I have read and loved all of Ashley Manley's books, and this one is now my all time favorite. It has a Goonie's vibe but with adults - the funniest, most wonderful, eccentric group of characters I have come across in a very long time. They clicked, one playing off the other to form the most lovable, whimsical story of second chances.

"Bodies get old, kiddo. Aint' no outrunning it, no matter how fast you are. You live your life, do the best you can. Make right choices and wrong ones. Carry regrets and wish the good days lasted a little longer. Wish for more time. Wish for different time. Wish you'd spend more time with different people. But we get what we get, and in all ends the same. All ends too soon."

Rue Callahan runs the family antique store, Old Vines, with her mother, Iris. She lives a safe and structured life. She likes things planned and thought out, but her life spins out of control when she is hit with financial ruin and her mother's hidden illness. While trying to figure out a way to fix her life, secrets are revealed that lead Rue to a lost love, an estranged father and treasure hunt. Yep, you heard me right - a treasure hunt that takes place in beautiful, historical Charleston. The treasure may be gold, but what is found on this treasure hunt is worth much more than gold.

"Maybe life has to happen the way it happens to get us to days that are worth more than gold."

The Callahan sisters - Rue, Remy & Reese. They will make you laugh out loud, their banter is some of the best out there. Nash & Rue play off each other perfectly. The chemistry, sexual tension and banter -- chef's kiss. I giggled through half this book and cried through the other half.

In true Ashley Manley fashion, her secondary characters will often times steal the show! Cap, Sunny, Bennie, Iris; you will love them all. They will make you laugh and cry and cheer so damn loud.

"Parents are humans first even though it's easy to forget to treat them as such."

And the best news .. this book is part of a series, and I cannot wait for Reese's story! The History Between comes out April 20th. It's a must read, perfect for Spring, the season of new beginnings. Push this one to the very top of your TBR.

Thank you so much to Ashley Manley for this ARC, I wouldn't change a damn thing! Give her all the flowers! She is a bright light in this world.

[robINreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Ashley Manley last year when I read Every Beautiful Mile. I immediately fell in love with the way she tells a story how she wraps the reader up in the lives of her characters and makes you feel like you’re right there with them. After that, I quickly read everything she had written.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The History Between, and I absolutely couldn’t consume it fast enough. Like all of Ashley’s books, she pulls you into Rue’s story right away.

I loved the journey, though I was also so frustrated with Rue’s decisions at times! I laughed, I cried, and I definitely yelled at Rue more than once but I loved every minute of it. Some of the plot tropes in the story aren’t usually my favorites, but Ashley Manley has such a compelling way of writing that it worked for me here.

The characters are all so well developed, and toward the end I found myself thinking, I want more of these people. When I finished, I immediately jumped on Instagram and discovered that the next two books will tell the sisters’ stories which makes me even more excited.

Thank you, Ashley, for this copy and for all the beautiful stories you’ve written.

[Ryann Cichon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So let me start by saying — if you don’t follow Ashley Manley on social media yet… go fix that first.

I just finished The History Between and it was such a fun ride. A treasure hunt, sisterhood, love, and the beautifully messy chaos of parenting all wrapped up with sarcasm, frustration, laughter, and a lot of personality (how Manley can perfect so many different ones is amazing). The sisters’ connection is fun and lively, and the mother-daughter relationship captures that frustrating yet unwavering love that feels incredibly real.

And while Nash’s patience through the chaos might be what keeps the story safely in the fiction category, Rue’s screaming reactions, Cap’s gruff exterior hiding a soft side, and Sunny’s raw honesty make it wildly relatable. It’s heartfelt, funny, and full of life — the kind of story that keeps you smiling while you turn the pages.

I’m already excited to keep the story going as new personalities unfold in the books still to come. And while you’re waiting for those, go back and read her other books… and definitely tell your friends..

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are just some authors that work for you each and every time. In my case, when it comes to romance, it's Ashley Manley.

I love how her characters are a more mature age (30s/40s -even though I am older than that!) with life experiences behind and ahead of them. The History Between is the perfect blend of playful and emotional, plus it has a fair bit of spice to make you blush. If the spice isn't for you (I'm not one to enjoy spice if the whole story relies on it.), Ashley makes it super easy to just skip over.

The characters in this story are incredibly loveable and quirky, which I found to be pure fun, making this story feel super unique. In this first installment, we meet Rue. And...We get to go treasure hunting! How fun is that?

I'll be ready to meet Rue's sisters in the next two installments, when they become available.

Thank you to the author for an advanced digital copy. If you are looking for a bingeable, palate cleansing or vacation worthy read, consider The History Between.

[Reader]

Rue Conway lleva toda su vida en Fontain, trabajando en la tienda de antigüedades de su familia y viviendo de una forma tranquila, organizada y bastante predecible. Ella es el tipo de persona que piensa demasiado las decisiones y que prefiere la estabilidad antes que cualquier locura. Todo cambia el día que Nash Fletcher entra a la tienda con una sonrisa descarada, una camisa ridícula llena de dibujos y una forma de hablar que parece un reto constante.

Nash es un profesor de historia que viaja de ciudad en ciudad tomando trabajos temporales. No le gusta quedarse en un solo lugar y vive siguiendo impulsos y curiosidad. A Rue eso le parece un desastre total, pero al mismo tiempo no puede ignorar lo fácil que es reír cuando está con él. Lo que comienza como una cita improvisada termina marcando su vida mucho más de lo que imaginaba. Años después, mientras intenta mantener la tienda a flote, criar a su hija y seguir con la vida que planeó, el pasado sigue apareciendo de maneras que no esperaba.


Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.

[Susan Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ashley Manley for making me want to go on a treasure hunt as an adult! It was fun and quirky - just the type of book I needed at this moment.

Rue and Nash - chef’s kiss. Did I want to shake Rue a million times? Absolutely. But being a fellow 6 on the enneagram, I totally understood her actions, thoughts, and doubts. I loved how much Nash grew in the 8 years that they were separated. He changed and grew for the better, and their love story was one of a kind!

Sunny - her one liners are amazing, and you want to give her a big ol’ hug even though she’d hate it and probably smack you upside the head.

Cap - such a funny character who had nothing but love for his daughter even if he didn’t want her at first. The way Ashley can write these sideline characters and you know exactly the type of person she’s writing is amazing!

I loved it. I wanted to give it a big hug at the end! I will highly recommend it along any other books Ashley writes! Cannot wait for the other sisters’ stories! Thank you, Ashley for the ARC of your book! 💕🙌🏼

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying this is very much a recommendation, because I loved The History Between.

Yes, there’s a bit of insta-love here (which I personally adore, though I know it’s not everyone’s favorite trope). But when it works, it really works, and this story absolutely swept me up in that dreamy, emotional way that makes you want to cancel your plans and just keep reading.

One of my favorite storytelling choices was the use of Nash and Cap’s POVs. We only get two chapters from each of them, but they are wielded with absolute expert precision to invoke the most emotion. They land exactly when you need them and deepen the story in such a powerful way.

Now, I did have a couple of reactions along the way. I’m still not sure I can fully forgive Rue for not allowing her daughter to know her father, and her fiancé was such a red flag that I found it hard to believe she was willing to tolerate it for as long as she did. But honestly, those messy choices are part of what made the story feel so human.

And yes, I cried. Not delicate little tears either. We’re talking full-on ugly crying.

My only real complaint is that there wasn’t enough of the precocious, snooping daughter—but it’s okay, because the author can make it up to me in what I can only hope will be HEAs for the rest of the R sisters in subsequent novels!

If you’re looking for an emotional, character-driven romance that will absolutely wreck you (in the best way), I can’t recommend this one enough.

Many thanks to the author herself for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing, NetGalley and Ashley Manley for the opportunity to read The History Between as an ARC.
I enjoyed the book and read it in about 3 days. For me, the best parts of the book are the relationships. The relationship between Rue and her mother, her sisters, her bio-dad and of course between Rue and Nash. I especially liked the real banter between Rue and her sisters.

Character driven stories are my thing and the characters are what make this book. Rue grows as a person, as does Nash and her mother. The characters seem like real people that say things like: “Irony is a down and dirty bitch” and “For better or worse, we learn how to mother from our own mothers”. The setting kept my interest and the description was engaging. An enduring love story, a great setting with history throughout makes a great book. I am looking forward to the stories of Rue’s sisters.

[Suzy100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a big thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I’ll start by saying that I LOVE Ashley Manley’s books and she has done it again with The History Between.
This story had many twists and turns and a big cast of characters. I loved all of the history of Charleston - it is a city that is easy to love.

Don’t sleep on this book - download it! I promise it is a story that has not been done before.

Rue - you really made me crazy with the fact that you didn’t tell a man that you’d had his child and I thought you were a wuss. But you redeemed yourself.
Nash - you really grew up and I love that for you.
Reese & Rémy - best sisters ever. Loved their banter.
Gypsy/Mom - you free-spirit! Her big secret spill to Rue was CRAZY! But it felt about right for this woman. I could picture her perfectly - with an armful of bangles.
Cap - Super sad backstory. Not sure how I got over the choices he made but I did fall in love with him.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ashley Manley for a digital ARC of The History Between.

I have to admit, when I first learned Ashley Manley was writing a book about a treasure hunt, I was...not into the idea. But she's my FAVORITE author, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to read early, and let me tell you, this woman knows what she's doing. I don't know how she made it work, and perfectly, but she did. I ATE THIS UP. As I'm pretty sure I said on my last review of hers, she can do no wrong. Nobody writes a MMC like her or has the most unique and laughable side characters. I'll buy this when it comes out and I'll buy the audible too. What a gem of an author, and incredible storyteller! I told myself to slow down because I'm always empty after finishing one of her books, but I devoured this in a day and a half!