LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
A sophisticated, expressive, and emotional story set in the glamorous Italian film promotion world of the 1950’s. Hal and Stella meet at a party, an immediate connection flares into life, yet the spectre of war holds both in a devastating grip. The story in the present focuses on Hal, on the journey he takes with the other fascinating and intriguing characters. Occasionally Stella allows Hal a glimpse of her past. Told in the first person as the described events are happening, creates a separation from the intimacy of the confession, and ensures the innermost being of Stella remains hidden. A 16th century journal finds it’s way into Hal’s hands, as the story takes it’s hold on him, the feelings it evokes begin to combine with the present, creating an undercurrent of unease and tension. Lucy Foley balances a fine silky edge between serenity and passion, her writing caresses obsession, fear, strength and hope. ‘The Invitation’ gently takes hold and becomes a beautifully poignant, yet seductive and heady delight of a read.
Liz Robinson
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The Invitation Synopsis
The second epic, escapist novel from a fresh new talent - perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Victoria Hislop. 'Fabulously engrossing' Woman & Home Rome, 1950s. One fateful night, Hal Jacobs meets Stella, a beautiful society darling from New York. To Hal, flailing in the post-war darkness, she's a point of light. They're from different worlds, but both trying and failing to carve out a new life. Stella vanishes all too quickly, until a curious invitation from an Italian Contessa reels her back into Hal's world. They join the Contessa's collection of luminaries on a yacht headed for Cannes film festival. The scene on board is a fiction - scars from the war can be hidden yet not healed. Everyone is hiding a dark history, but Stella's secrets run the deepest. Compelled by her fragile beauty, Hal is determined to bring back the girl she once was, the girl who's been confined to history. The Invitation is an epic love story that will transport you from the glamour of the Italian Riviera, to the darkness of war-torn Spain, and to a golden - if rather haunted - time.
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Press Reviews
Lucy Foley Press Reviews
'I loved THE INVITATION ... I could dive into this book and be amongst the glittering characters in the Italian sun. A beautifully complex and vivid story, full of repressed longing and secrets. An absolutely enchanting tale'
Lucinda Riley
'So powerfully evoked ... with dark, sensuous undercurrents that lingered on in my mind, long after I'd reluctantly left Stella and Hal behind'
Kate Riordan
'Full of mystery and long-reaching shadows of the past ... richly drawn and compelling'
Rosanna Ley
'Glamorous and romantic and bittersweet all at once ... a fabulous story'
Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Hundred Summers
'It's a beautiful, compulsive and glamorous read - perfect for long summer days'
Lucy Clarke, author of the Richard
& Judy bestseller, The Sea Sisters 'The combination of the glittering, glamorous setting and the magnetic characters mesmerized me. This book is luminous
Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of Here
's To Us 'A compelling love story that takes us far beyond the alluring Italian coast to a darker place, where secrets hide just below the water's surface ... A great read'
Brunonia Barry, New York Times bestselling author of The Lace Reader
Author
About Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley is the No.1 Sunday Times and Irish Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party and three other novels. A trip to Connemara, from where half of Lucy’s family hail, on the west coast of Ireland sparked the idea for her latest book. Struck by the wild, rugged beauty of the islands off its shores – the perfect setting for a wedding, yet dangerously cut-off – Lucy began to plot a new murder mystery. An island with no escape, old friends and family reuniting, emotions running high. What could possible go wrong? And so The Guest List came to life.
Previously a fiction editor in the publishing industry, Lucy now writes full time. Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and her journalism has appeared in publications such as Sunday Times Style, Grazia, ES Magazine, Vogue US, Elle, Tatler and Marie Claire.
Author photo © Philippa Gedge
Lucy Foleyis also our Putting Authors in the Picture feature for February 2020. To find out more about Lucy's author journey head to our blog and read more!
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