Invitation to Provence

I am a fan of ELIZABETH ADLER’s books~ but this one was surprisingly boring, not at all interesting or suspenseful to read & a total waste of my time ~ but i forced myself to get a little past half the book & then had to close it & put it in the donation pile! Don’t waste your time; choose another more well-written book to read & hold your interest..

The book came in a timely manner and was in good condition. This order is what I thought it should be.

I don't understand the negative reviews, this was the perfect summer beach book. The setting and the descriptions as always are what make Elizabeth Adler one of my favorite authors to read when I want to escape from the daily life chores that one has to do. This book is a mini vacation and I loved the plot with Franny Marten and all the people she meets. Yes, this book is very formulatic but that is what we come to expect from E.A. and that's what we want, we want everything to be perfect and rosy and a happy ending in a beautiful setting with a wealthy, good looking, and perfect man. I've read all the E.A. books except for 3 and the new one coming out in July, can't wait!!! Buy her books if you want to escape to Europe with descriptions of food and clothing and homes, countryside, and it creates the perfect vacation atmosphere and take this book with you to the beach or the patio and enjoy. Don't listen to the negative reviews, this was her best one yet.

Several Reviewers have given us pretty much the storyline so won't go into all of it. There are some interesting characters as in all Elizabeth Adler books along with some romance and descriptive details of food and clothing. There is a villian, though not exactly what I would call a mystery. I thought the story drug a little from the time Franny meets Jake until they meet again at Rafaella's. I found myself skimming through this part. Once the characters got together, I found more interest in the book. It was fun to have Lola and Jack from Hotel Riviera pay a visit in this book. Invitation to Provence will probably not be listed along with the works of great novelists but it's just a light fun read. Very predictable and very much like some of her other novels. No surprises really! Just a few hours to get away and visit another world and the foods; I've never heard of most of them. However, they make your mouth water. Okay it's not a great book, but it's not bad either.

You are all invited to spend 3 magical weeks at the Chateau des Roses Sauvages in Marten de Provence with Elizabeth Adlers newest book, Invitation to Provence. As Rafealla Marten looks out the window of her magical chateau she feels the loneliness of her home and decides to bring back what is left of her family for a long awaited reunion. Included in the guest list are the following people. Franny Marten and Clare Marks - Franny was having an affair with Clares husband and when Clare confronts Franny with the truth they surprisingly become fast friends. Franny receives an invitation to the reunion and invited Clare to accompany her to France. Jake Bronson - The long lost son of Rafeallas famous lover. Although Jake has not visited the château in years, he has always considered it to be "home" because of his love for Rafealla. Juliette - Rafeallas best friend. The two women went their separate ways years ago but always stayed close. Shao Lan - Rafeallas new found grand daughter. Alain and Felix - The two sons who turned away from the family years ago. Once these people get together you will love reading about the secrets and love that transpires between the guests and feel the joy along with Rafealla as her home once again fills with laughter and life. If you have not ever read a novel by Elizabeth Adler I highly recommend that you treat yourself to one of her books and transport yourself to another world. Adler has a way of writing that makes you feel as though you are right there with the characters living the story.

Rafaella Marten is the lonely matriarch of a wine-producing dynasty in Provence. Once a beautiful and vivacious woman, she has become a recluse in her beautiful chateau. Out of sheer and desperate loneliness she plans a reunion of her strange and dysfunctional family. The most prominent invitee is an unknown niece, Franny, who as a veterinarian in Santa Monica has found herself at the end of a tumultuous love affair with a married man. The man himself sends his wife to break the relationship off, but instead of a cat fight we get two women who bond and become the best of friends. A second invitee is Jake Bronson, the son of famed polo player Lucas Bronson who was once the love of Rafaella's life. Also receving invites to the reunion are: Shao Lan, a young orphan from Hong Kong; Juliette, a long-ago friend of Rafaella's; Haigh, a devoted butler; Clare, the "other woman" in Franny's affair; Felix and Alain, the wayward sons of Rafaella who left the chateau years ago after an unsolved murder and bitter fight with their mother; and Scott, a handsome wine merchant. Each of the participants has a secret past that must be dealt with before the future can be faced. Amidst the sensuous setting of Provence, love and intrigue run rampant as Elizabeth Adler weaves a tale of contemporary romance, family ties, and surprising twists. Devoted fans of the author will be pleased to see Lola and Jack Farrar from the Hotel Riviera once again and to enjoy this pleasant escape to a land famous for azure skies, the scent of rosemary and mimosa, champagne toasts, and exquisite cuisine. So, curl up and enjoy a little armchair travelling to romantic Provence.