What do you think?
Rate this book
The Invisibles
The Invisibles.
Two sisters. One Ghost. An impossible sacrifice.
Feuding half-sisters inherit a cottage on the Italian coast, along with its resident spirit and a secret manuscript. Their rivalry explodes through a struggle for control of their haunted house, but Italy infuses its magic into them until a shocking night changes everything for the sisters and their friends.
A tale of sisterhood and the supernatural, perfect for fans of Mary Ellen Taylor and Barbara O'Neal.
"Two sisters, very different, both love and frustrate each other. When their father dies, they are co-inheritors of his house in Italy and must agree on what to do with it. They descend on the house and, slowly and gently, come to terms with their differences and reinforce the love they’ve always had for each other ... Romance blooms in all directions as each sister finds what she most needs, in a most surprising way." – Diane Byington, author of WHO SHE IS
Two sisters. One Ghost. An impossible sacrifice.
Feuding half-sisters inherit a cottage on the Italian coast, along with its resident spirit and a secret manuscript. Their rivalry explodes through a struggle for control of their haunted house, but Italy infuses its magic into them until a shocking night changes everything for the sisters and their friends.
A tale of sisterhood and the supernatural, perfect for fans of Mary Ellen Taylor and Barbara O'Neal.
"Two sisters, very different, both love and frustrate each other. When their father dies, they are co-inheritors of his house in Italy and must agree on what to do with it. They descend on the house and, slowly and gently, come to terms with their differences and reinforce the love they’ve always had for each other ... Romance blooms in all directions as each sister finds what she most needs, in a most surprising way." – Diane Byington, author of WHO SHE IS
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2019
339 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dacus
14 books487 followersRachel Dacus writes time travel and women's fiction with a supernatural twist. She is the author of seven novels and four poetry collections. Her Timegathering series has been called a "unique and spellbinding twist to the time-traveling adventure, perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley and Diana Gabaldon." Rachel lives in Northern California with her architect husband and Silky Terrier. She is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 29, 2022
This was pretty horrible. Do you know how sometimes you stick out a book, because you are at least trying to figure out the mystery, only to realize that the mystery never really existed, and that storyline was never really the point of an absolutely pointless book? Time was odd. The story never once aligned with time. I kept expecting a dreamscape, or ghostscape/deathscape, or medical coma, because only that would make sense. But no, we were supposed to think all of this was the actual experiences and events in real time. The ghost part of the story had little to no role, the hidden manuscript wasn't, the missing brother, nothing happened with that. We never understood the father's purpose, the ghost's purpose. Fabulous Italian men were drawn to and stayed with women that they never should have, who in real life would have not ever had sustained a relationship. But most oddly, on page 96, the ghost of Percy Blythe Shelley (an Invisible) told Saffron that one of the two sisters would not make it past New Years Day, which got my attention and got me to continue reading - but then nothing ever happened with that. No dangled end got tied up in any way, except for rushed marriages and unlikely renewed sisterhood. It was both ridiculous, lacked substance, and was a complete waste of time.
But what it did do, was allow me to read a somewhat ghosty story that had been on my radar for some time. This one can now forever be off my radar and TBR, and I can focus on more wonderful reads that make sense and draw you in. I am now off to read and hopefully enjoy the Firekeeper's Daughter. Wish me far better luck. At least I get the point for the October Fall Flurries Challenge for a ghost themed book, which I suppose is reason enough to have wasted the time and money.
But what it did do, was allow me to read a somewhat ghosty story that had been on my radar for some time. This one can now forever be off my radar and TBR, and I can focus on more wonderful reads that make sense and draw you in. I am now off to read and hopefully enjoy the Firekeeper's Daughter. Wish me far better luck. At least I get the point for the October Fall Flurries Challenge for a ghost themed book, which I suppose is reason enough to have wasted the time and money.
July 17, 2020
Elinor and Saffron are sisters who’ve been embroiled in a feud for years. They are forced to put aside their differences when their father’s unexpected death brings them to his cottage on the Italian coast. His will decrees that they work together to discover a hidden manuscript in the cottage, but it’s a ghost that guides them on the path to reunion.
This story is overflowing with magical realism woven together with the beauty and allure of the small seaside village in Italy and its people. Ellie wants to get the cottage cleaned up and sold as soon as possible so she can return to her administrative job in a hospital in the Bay Area. Saffron is a mystic who sees Invisibles, those who are on the brink and need help crossing over after death. She wants to stay in the romantic cottage forever, encouraged by the spirit of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the resident ghost and her poet father’s muse.
Both sisters become involved with men they meet in town. Ellie meets the courtly Tonio, a native Italian and a retired hospital administrator himself. Saffron meets Michael Shelley, a wealthy young Englishman who turns out to be a relation of Percy himself. Their living situation becomes more complicated as the cottage fails to sell and they make no progress in finding the promised manuscript, which they had both hoped would make them more financially stable and able to hold out on selling through the necessary renovations and repairs.
It’s the magic of the cottage, their love affairs, the villagers, and Italy itself that keeps this novel on point. I was carried along hoping for some miracle that would bring the sisters together in this idyllic place. This is a beautifully executed book and was a pleasure to read.
This story is overflowing with magical realism woven together with the beauty and allure of the small seaside village in Italy and its people. Ellie wants to get the cottage cleaned up and sold as soon as possible so she can return to her administrative job in a hospital in the Bay Area. Saffron is a mystic who sees Invisibles, those who are on the brink and need help crossing over after death. She wants to stay in the romantic cottage forever, encouraged by the spirit of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the resident ghost and her poet father’s muse.
Both sisters become involved with men they meet in town. Ellie meets the courtly Tonio, a native Italian and a retired hospital administrator himself. Saffron meets Michael Shelley, a wealthy young Englishman who turns out to be a relation of Percy himself. Their living situation becomes more complicated as the cottage fails to sell and they make no progress in finding the promised manuscript, which they had both hoped would make them more financially stable and able to hold out on selling through the necessary renovations and repairs.
It’s the magic of the cottage, their love affairs, the villagers, and Italy itself that keeps this novel on point. I was carried along hoping for some miracle that would bring the sisters together in this idyllic place. This is a beautifully executed book and was a pleasure to read.
November 4, 2019
A timeless and poignant story of sisterhood, with all its joys and challenges, and also a reminder that we can dearly love and care for those who are not exactly like us.
The Invisibles was a joyful and poetic read, set among the sun dappled towns of the Ligurian coast. A chance to live vicariously through a book; like taking a vacation to Italy and enjoying scrumptious coastal food, local festivities and sunshine with new friends. I was rooting for the two sisters to overcome their differences and save each other, right until the last page.
If you enjoy poetry, Italy, or just great sensual l, thoughtful writing, this a book you’ll love. I enjoyed it enough that I now want to read all of Rachel Dacus’ other novels.
The Invisibles was a joyful and poetic read, set among the sun dappled towns of the Ligurian coast. A chance to live vicariously through a book; like taking a vacation to Italy and enjoying scrumptious coastal food, local festivities and sunshine with new friends. I was rooting for the two sisters to overcome their differences and save each other, right until the last page.
If you enjoy poetry, Italy, or just great sensual l, thoughtful writing, this a book you’ll love. I enjoyed it enough that I now want to read all of Rachel Dacus’ other novels.
March 14, 2020
In her second novel, Rachel Dacus continues her love affair with Italy and uses it as the setting of The Invisibles. Two sisters torn apart by their personalities—Saffron is creative and carefree while her older sister, Elinor, has buried her romantic self in spreadsheets and dollar signs—are brought together by the death of their father and their inheritance from him—a house on the Italian coast. Two ghosts, two boyfriends, and one kidney assist in their reunion. Author Dacus does a superb job bringing the village of Lerici to life, from the smells of the sea to the pungency of the local olive oil, and showing how the Italian way of life changes both women. An enjoyable, romantic read.
July 29, 2021
This book is slow and the characters are frustrating. I got half way through and then skimmed.
The storyline moves slow because every 5 minutes they stop and eat or go out to eat. There was no sense of order to getting the estate in order and it drove me crazy.
More storylines are introduced later and they are equally frustrating. And then it ends with the storyline for the next book in the series.....I have no respect for that type of ending.
The storyline moves slow because every 5 minutes they stop and eat or go out to eat. There was no sense of order to getting the estate in order and it drove me crazy.
More storylines are introduced later and they are equally frustrating. And then it ends with the storyline for the next book in the series.....I have no respect for that type of ending.
February 8, 2020
This was just not the book for me. I tried to like it, gave it half the book, but I just could not do it and abandoned it. It read like a teenager's romance novel and I never bought into either of the sisters. Your mileage may vary if you like that kind of story.
January 16, 2023
Could have been a wonderful book but got bogged down in to much of nothing. I mean it was all a big nothing.
November 20, 2019
The Invisibles is a charming book, and also quite the page turner! Half-sisters Ellie and Saffron have inherited their father's dilapidated seaside cottage in Italy. Divorced, brittle Ellie's a hospital administrator, very much the joyless careerist, a bit bossy--and prone to rolling her eyes at her bohemian sibling Saffron. Saffron is a wild thing, on the lam from yet another failed relationship. She despises herself for her immaturity and seems helplessly stuck in it. But she loves life, and has the ability to see The Invisibles: ghosts.
Neither is terribly sympathetic at the outset of the book. That you're rooting whole-heartedly for both sisters twenty pages in is testimony to Dacus's skill at making her characters breathe. The plotting in this book is also very clever--and the pacing. There are some well-worn tropes here: a scary prophecy, a hidden manuscript, Americans in Italy Not Quite Getting It. And yet it all seems fresh. Why wouldn't the ghost of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who drowned a stone's throw from the sisters' inherited cottage, waft through?
This book is a romance in the truest sense of the word: a long, complex story to be savored fireside. It's sweet enough and scary enough--and the scary parts of this tale ARE scary. Dacus knows how to tease and foreshadow, especially with the ghostly prophecy Saffron hears: that either she or Ellie will die in the next year. No spoilers, but it's deployed brilliantly, and it keeps the reader on edge in ways that you might not expect. Especially since by the time you're halfway through the book, you're much too fond of everyone to want ANYTHING bad to happen. However...
If you have a sister, if you like ghost stories...heck, if you've ever searched a real estate site after you got home from Europe, wondering what-if, this book is for you! Strongly recommended.
Neither is terribly sympathetic at the outset of the book. That you're rooting whole-heartedly for both sisters twenty pages in is testimony to Dacus's skill at making her characters breathe. The plotting in this book is also very clever--and the pacing. There are some well-worn tropes here: a scary prophecy, a hidden manuscript, Americans in Italy Not Quite Getting It. And yet it all seems fresh. Why wouldn't the ghost of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who drowned a stone's throw from the sisters' inherited cottage, waft through?
This book is a romance in the truest sense of the word: a long, complex story to be savored fireside. It's sweet enough and scary enough--and the scary parts of this tale ARE scary. Dacus knows how to tease and foreshadow, especially with the ghostly prophecy Saffron hears: that either she or Ellie will die in the next year. No spoilers, but it's deployed brilliantly, and it keeps the reader on edge in ways that you might not expect. Especially since by the time you're halfway through the book, you're much too fond of everyone to want ANYTHING bad to happen. However...
If you have a sister, if you like ghost stories...heck, if you've ever searched a real estate site after you got home from Europe, wondering what-if, this book is for you! Strongly recommended.
May 26, 2020
It was a so boring book... took ages to end it ... it was suggested by amazon to me because I read the ancestor of Danielle trussoni .. I thought it was a ghostly novel ... nothing more far than that! 2 shallows and empty characters .. I really don’t know which of the two was worse ... romance story started and then left there .. I mean .. not developed as it was supposed to be ... haunted house with a secret .. when ? Just once in a while when characters remembered about the house ... money wasted in a wrong way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
The Invisibles by Rachel Dacus is contemporary women's fiction with a touch of magical realism. Set in an idyllic Italian seaside town, the story follows the reconnection of Saffron and Elinor following the death of their somewhat estranged father. The two half-sisters are in charge of the estate, including a house that may or may not be inhabited by the ghost of Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The Invisibles is a good early novel. The writing flows easily and the bones of the narrative are solid. However, there were some issues with the book that kept me from fully enjoying my reading experience. Though there is beautiful description with regard to imagery, the remaining senses seem to disappear and the writing in these areas veers more to the telling rather than showing approach. This isn't necessarily bad, but does display a bit of lopsided attention to the surroundings.
The story was not as focused on the magical realism aspect as I expected and it seemed as if this element was actually more of a distraction in the story, more of a plot device to propel the narrative than an actual useful piece. The plot may have been stronger with out this added detail, which is unfortunate given the fact that the title hinges on this particular component. Additionally, there are several moments when the plot is a bit choppy. There are holes that are never quite rectified and there is some unnecessary repetition. These pieces were distracting and pulled me out of the story.
Despite the issues I had with the narrative, I will say that the book itself is full of wonderful potential and good writing. The visual descriptive pieces are very well done and the development of characters was well explored. I did not necessarily like the personalities of the two sisters, but this was actually something of a good thing as they contain natural flaws that make them seem a bit more realistic. The overall story is lovely and the building of the romance makes it a perfect beach read.
The Invisibles by Rachel Dacus was a decent read with a steady flow that felt comfortable and relaxing. There was enough movement of the plot that I never felt bored and I did develop some concern for the plight of the characters. The read was engaging and enjoyable, though there were some pieces of the writing that did not feel as smooth as I would have liked them to be. Overall, an enjoyable read worth the time.
The Invisibles by Rachel Dacus is contemporary women's fiction with a touch of magical realism. Set in an idyllic Italian seaside town, the story follows the reconnection of Saffron and Elinor following the death of their somewhat estranged father. The two half-sisters are in charge of the estate, including a house that may or may not be inhabited by the ghost of Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The Invisibles is a good early novel. The writing flows easily and the bones of the narrative are solid. However, there were some issues with the book that kept me from fully enjoying my reading experience. Though there is beautiful description with regard to imagery, the remaining senses seem to disappear and the writing in these areas veers more to the telling rather than showing approach. This isn't necessarily bad, but does display a bit of lopsided attention to the surroundings.
The story was not as focused on the magical realism aspect as I expected and it seemed as if this element was actually more of a distraction in the story, more of a plot device to propel the narrative than an actual useful piece. The plot may have been stronger with out this added detail, which is unfortunate given the fact that the title hinges on this particular component. Additionally, there are several moments when the plot is a bit choppy. There are holes that are never quite rectified and there is some unnecessary repetition. These pieces were distracting and pulled me out of the story.
Despite the issues I had with the narrative, I will say that the book itself is full of wonderful potential and good writing. The visual descriptive pieces are very well done and the development of characters was well explored. I did not necessarily like the personalities of the two sisters, but this was actually something of a good thing as they contain natural flaws that make them seem a bit more realistic. The overall story is lovely and the building of the romance makes it a perfect beach read.
The Invisibles by Rachel Dacus was a decent read with a steady flow that felt comfortable and relaxing. There was enough movement of the plot that I never felt bored and I did develop some concern for the plight of the characters. The read was engaging and enjoyable, though there were some pieces of the writing that did not feel as smooth as I would have liked them to be. Overall, an enjoyable read worth the time.
November 22, 2019
The Invisibles by Rachel Dacus is a novel that combines tragedy, adventure and loyalty.
The death of Nathan Greene reunites feuding sisters Elinor and Saffron who have not spoken for two years. When they arrive in Lerici to get their father's cottage ready to sell, they learn quickly they've inherited much more than a house.
Dacus scatters a series of secrets throughout the story and reveals them one at a time. Each carries a significant weight and adds excitement to the journey. Among the secrets is a hidden manuscript and their father is adamant they work together to find it.
Their vastly different approaches to life make working together difficult. Elinor's got a practical, systematic way of getting things done - she likes spreadsheets - and a lifelong belief that she needs to take care of her younger sister. And she doesn't have time for games. She has a job to get back to in Berkeley.
Saffron loves adventure and has a wild imagination. She's also got a connection to the Invisibles, or lingering spirits. With nothing to get back home to, and a new love interest, she is in no hurry to leave. Being the younger of two sisters, I especially related to Saffron, most notably in her efforts to prove her worth and capability.
Everything changes when Saffron receives a disturbing message from the resident ghost and a tragic event puts their loyalty to the ultimate test and changes their lives forever.
Elinor and Saffron are a pair of sisters who couldn't be more different. The one thing they have in common is an unspoken desire for the other to be happy and for the feud to be over. They're both lovable in their own way, and together they are a dynamic duo.
The Invisibles magnificently braids Dacus's love for Italy, poetry and romance. The journey of Elinor and Saffron provides a great escape, and I can't wait to follow them on their next adventure!
The death of Nathan Greene reunites feuding sisters Elinor and Saffron who have not spoken for two years. When they arrive in Lerici to get their father's cottage ready to sell, they learn quickly they've inherited much more than a house.
Dacus scatters a series of secrets throughout the story and reveals them one at a time. Each carries a significant weight and adds excitement to the journey. Among the secrets is a hidden manuscript and their father is adamant they work together to find it.
Their vastly different approaches to life make working together difficult. Elinor's got a practical, systematic way of getting things done - she likes spreadsheets - and a lifelong belief that she needs to take care of her younger sister. And she doesn't have time for games. She has a job to get back to in Berkeley.
Saffron loves adventure and has a wild imagination. She's also got a connection to the Invisibles, or lingering spirits. With nothing to get back home to, and a new love interest, she is in no hurry to leave. Being the younger of two sisters, I especially related to Saffron, most notably in her efforts to prove her worth and capability.
Everything changes when Saffron receives a disturbing message from the resident ghost and a tragic event puts their loyalty to the ultimate test and changes their lives forever.
Elinor and Saffron are a pair of sisters who couldn't be more different. The one thing they have in common is an unspoken desire for the other to be happy and for the feud to be over. They're both lovable in their own way, and together they are a dynamic duo.
The Invisibles magnificently braids Dacus's love for Italy, poetry and romance. The journey of Elinor and Saffron provides a great escape, and I can't wait to follow them on their next adventure!
May 16, 2020
The Invisibles is set in a dreamy seaside town in Italy and follows the story of two half-sisters reconnecting after the passing of their estranged (kind of) father. Upon his death, they inherited the house he was living in, in Italy causing both of them to have to travel there to take care of the estate.
I found the writing enjoyable, easy to follow, and the overall story pretty solid.
I will admit upon reading the description of the book – and the title even – I thought that this was much more about the magical/supernatural focuses, but in reality, they were just a small fraction of the story. I'm much less of a romance reader and much more of a supernatural/magic reader, so I don't know if I would have picked this up had I realized it, but since I did...
I found myself entertained throughout, definitely found myself wanting to travel back to Italy, and overall thought the writing was well done. Also, really loving the name choices for the sisters. Not usually something I'd even mention, but they were unique and I don't know that I've ever seen anyone named Saffron. I don't plan on having kids, so I'll have to name a plant or something Saffron.
Three stars to me is a good book that I enjoyed and would maybe recommend to others depending on their typical reading genre.
I found the writing enjoyable, easy to follow, and the overall story pretty solid.
I will admit upon reading the description of the book – and the title even – I thought that this was much more about the magical/supernatural focuses, but in reality, they were just a small fraction of the story. I'm much less of a romance reader and much more of a supernatural/magic reader, so I don't know if I would have picked this up had I realized it, but since I did...
I found myself entertained throughout, definitely found myself wanting to travel back to Italy, and overall thought the writing was well done. Also, really loving the name choices for the sisters. Not usually something I'd even mention, but they were unique and I don't know that I've ever seen anyone named Saffron. I don't plan on having kids, so I'll have to name a plant or something Saffron.
Three stars to me is a good book that I enjoyed and would maybe recommend to others depending on their typical reading genre.
November 29, 2020
We are introduced to two sisters who have not spoken in two years. They are reunited when their father Nathan Green unexpected death. They learn in his will that they will have to work together in order to find a hidden manuscript. However, they quickly see they inherited more than a simple house.
I thought this was such a fun read. There are secrets and mysteries to discover throughout the story as you read. This is where the hidden manuscript comes into play and their father is insistent in the will that they work together to find it. However, that is much easier said than done. They are as different as can be. Elinor has a more practical approach to life. Whereas, Saffron takes life as an adventure and has a vivid imagination. Not to mention, she has a connection to the invisibles or ghosts.
We got a scary prophecy, hidden manuscript, love affairs, sister's relationship to be mended and a hope things will work out. The story is based in Italy giving it an enhanced beauty as you read. I truly enjoyed reading this story and the lovely sisters' with their own unique charm wrapped in a ghost story.
Lastly, I want to say thank you Hidden Gems Books for this free advanced reader copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought this was such a fun read. There are secrets and mysteries to discover throughout the story as you read. This is where the hidden manuscript comes into play and their father is insistent in the will that they work together to find it. However, that is much easier said than done. They are as different as can be. Elinor has a more practical approach to life. Whereas, Saffron takes life as an adventure and has a vivid imagination. Not to mention, she has a connection to the invisibles or ghosts.
We got a scary prophecy, hidden manuscript, love affairs, sister's relationship to be mended and a hope things will work out. The story is based in Italy giving it an enhanced beauty as you read. I truly enjoyed reading this story and the lovely sisters' with their own unique charm wrapped in a ghost story.
Lastly, I want to say thank you Hidden Gems Books for this free advanced reader copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2020
Family secrets, mystery, a charming Italian village, and estranged half-sisters come together in Rachel Dacus’ new Women’s Fiction title, The Invisibles.
Saffron and Elinor couldn’t be more opposite. Saffron is carefree, irresponsible, and somewhat unstable. She also sees the dead, including the ghost of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. She’s a pro at avoiding being an adult and frequently falls in and out of love - almost always with the wrong man. By contrast, Elinor has no idea how to unwind, relax, or be other than overbearing and controlling. She’s proud of her mid-level position at a local hospital but she’s tired of saving Saffron.
Their father’s death throws the women together to solve a final riddle - one that reveals a long-held secret and the one thing that might finally help the two find their way forward. Together.
Ms. Dacus has a talent for writing lyrical prose and creating deep settings and well-built characters, and The Invisibles is another feather in her cap. Four-stars for this recommended read.
Saffron and Elinor couldn’t be more opposite. Saffron is carefree, irresponsible, and somewhat unstable. She also sees the dead, including the ghost of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. She’s a pro at avoiding being an adult and frequently falls in and out of love - almost always with the wrong man. By contrast, Elinor has no idea how to unwind, relax, or be other than overbearing and controlling. She’s proud of her mid-level position at a local hospital but she’s tired of saving Saffron.
Their father’s death throws the women together to solve a final riddle - one that reveals a long-held secret and the one thing that might finally help the two find their way forward. Together.
Ms. Dacus has a talent for writing lyrical prose and creating deep settings and well-built characters, and The Invisibles is another feather in her cap. Four-stars for this recommended read.
December 24, 2019
Insightful
There is nothing quite like family.
Two women, half-sisters Elinor and Saffron come together after years apart. They used to love and support each other. They are in Italy to attend their father’s funeral. Polar opposites in temperament, they don’t like each other and haven’t spoken in years.
Their father left them an inheritance. It’s hidden. They must live and work together to find it.
I enjoyed the symbolism throughout the story: “the Invisibles” that speak of love and loss but only to one sister; the repair of the old house that mirrors the relationship of the sisters; the beauty of the medieval town but only to some eyes and only at certain angles; the loss that brings them together and the anger and bitterness that leads to love.
A few editing errors were noted but they did not detract from the story.
There is nothing quite like family.
Two women, half-sisters Elinor and Saffron come together after years apart. They used to love and support each other. They are in Italy to attend their father’s funeral. Polar opposites in temperament, they don’t like each other and haven’t spoken in years.
Their father left them an inheritance. It’s hidden. They must live and work together to find it.
I enjoyed the symbolism throughout the story: “the Invisibles” that speak of love and loss but only to one sister; the repair of the old house that mirrors the relationship of the sisters; the beauty of the medieval town but only to some eyes and only at certain angles; the loss that brings them together and the anger and bitterness that leads to love.
A few editing errors were noted but they did not detract from the story.
May 18, 2020
While it is an ok book and does have an air of mystery to it, I found it to be very repetitive and long winded in some parts. The book was actually quite boring up until about halfway through when something happens that changes Saffron’s life and her view towards her sister and in a way makes her grow up and take responsibility, a job which her sister Ellie had always had to take the strain of. I did like Shelley’s rare appearances even though he never seemed to give anything away. The descriptions of Italy were breath taking and I feel like I want to visit this beautiful place! Overall it is a good book with a deep meaning of sisterhood, family and a slight tint of the supernatural.
* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
August 12, 2023
This was not a bad book, but it simply did not resonate with me.
Half sisters who are not close find themselves in Italy for their father's funeral. Forced together, each must deal with her own personality, her sister's personality, their father's shortcomings, new people, difficult circumstances, and personal growth. It should have been great.
I found myself more put off than enchanted by the poetry and frequent references to Shelley. The invisibles - whether Shelley or the father - don't seem to add much to the story. While I noted the personal growth in each sister by the end, I didn't really see it develop, and that threw me.
Many will probably enjoy this story. I didn't hate it, but I'm not a big fan, even though I normally enjoy a paranormal story line.
Half sisters who are not close find themselves in Italy for their father's funeral. Forced together, each must deal with her own personality, her sister's personality, their father's shortcomings, new people, difficult circumstances, and personal growth. It should have been great.
I found myself more put off than enchanted by the poetry and frequent references to Shelley. The invisibles - whether Shelley or the father - don't seem to add much to the story. While I noted the personal growth in each sister by the end, I didn't really see it develop, and that threw me.
Many will probably enjoy this story. I didn't hate it, but I'm not a big fan, even though I normally enjoy a paranormal story line.
May 11, 2020
4.5 stars from me for this one. A novel of two very different sisters - one the self-disciplined organiser and the other a free spirit, and how they come together after the death of their father. They inherit his house in Italy and in the process of preparing it for sale, fall in love with the area, become very close to each other, find romance and completely change their lives. A lovely read - nice holiday read. Plenty of story and a little bit of paranormal activity to add interest. The descriptions of the various locations make you want to be there! I was kindly given a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
December 12, 2019
Ms. Dacus has an extraordinary gift for making each scene come alive. At times, it felt like I was actually on location, sampling the delicious coastal food, participating in local festivities, and immersing myself in all that Italy has to offer. I found myself rooting for both half-sisters, who have been torn apart by their diverse personalities and rivalry. I hoped they would reconcile and restore their once-close relationship. Introducing ghosts—aka Invisibles—and a treasure hunt for a missing manuscript add elements of suspense to this well-written, character-driven novel.
August 2, 2020
Sisters, some of us have them and we love them and we love to hate them, depending on your relationship with them. This story is about 2 sisters, one who is responsible and feels the need to care for the younger, then there is the younger who is flighty and wanting some sort of independence to make decisions and not feel as though her decisions are always the wrong ones... They inherited a house in Italy and need to figure it out, which they do but the ride in between is everything but delightful at times..Having a sister I totally related to it.... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
November 24, 2019
Gorgeous imagery and beautiful, lyrical language aren't even the best things about this book. It's a story with heart, a sisterhood at its center. A cottage on the coast of Northern Italy brings together Saffron and Elinor — sisters whose approaches to life are diametrically opposed. Throw in a resident spirit with a haunting warning, Italian meals so vivid you can almost taste them, and the promise of new love for each of the sisters, and The Invisibles is a satisfying read on every level.
May 12, 2020
Heart
Two estranged sisters go to Italy to settled their father’s estate. Old hurts and prejudices are difficult to lay to rest. There is an enchanted cottage over looking the sea. The ghost of the poet Shelley appears to one sister with messages from their father. A hidden manuscript to be found by both sisters keeps them in one place long enough to find love for each other and open their hearts to other loves. A tender and sweet read with hope at the center.
Two estranged sisters go to Italy to settled their father’s estate. Old hurts and prejudices are difficult to lay to rest. There is an enchanted cottage over looking the sea. The ghost of the poet Shelley appears to one sister with messages from their father. A hidden manuscript to be found by both sisters keeps them in one place long enough to find love for each other and open their hearts to other loves. A tender and sweet read with hope at the center.
January 3, 2021
Not what I was expecting
This book got off to a really slow start. I honestly thought I wasn't going to be able to finish it. The first half of the book was essentially the two sisters fighting. Very little supernatural going on. I decided I was going to push through. Finally, a little over halfway through, it got better. An interesting story of learning to accept each other's quirks. Had a sweet ending. Just really wasn't what I was expecting by reading the description
This book got off to a really slow start. I honestly thought I wasn't going to be able to finish it. The first half of the book was essentially the two sisters fighting. Very little supernatural going on. I decided I was going to push through. Finally, a little over halfway through, it got better. An interesting story of learning to accept each other's quirks. Had a sweet ending. Just really wasn't what I was expecting by reading the description
October 10, 2025
Not for me
Unfortunately the writing style didn't click with me and I'm not even sure what the plot was. I thought I would like it, with hints of ghosts and an Italian setting, but I didn't really like the characters and I felt like the narrative was repetitive in some places. However, it you like stories that meander along, you might like this one.
Unfortunately the writing style didn't click with me and I'm not even sure what the plot was. I thought I would like it, with hints of ghosts and an Italian setting, but I didn't really like the characters and I felt like the narrative was repetitive in some places. However, it you like stories that meander along, you might like this one.
July 2, 2020
I received a copy complimentary from voracious readers only. It was not at all what I expected. I was expecting a ghost story as the main plot, not the sub plot. This is a wonderful story of two sisters reconnecting after their fathers death. Don’t go into this expecting a heavy paranormal novel.
February 24, 2022
I liked this book, but (SPOILER ALERT) it bothered me that Elinor -- the organizer sister -- didn't feel more compelled to look for the manuscript. It seemed totally out of character for her, especially early on in the story. But overall, a good read.
November 10, 2019
Loved this - well written, wonderful pace, great characters. A very literary chick lit. Will definitely read more from this author!
December 9, 2019
I loved this story!
2 sisters inherit their father's home in Italy and must overcome many years of jealousy and imagined slights to try to find the "treasure" hidden there. It's a beautiful story that draws you in and makes you care about the characters as if they were friends.
2 sisters inherit their father's home in Italy and must overcome many years of jealousy and imagined slights to try to find the "treasure" hidden there. It's a beautiful story that draws you in and makes you care about the characters as if they were friends.
February 16, 2020
Enjoyable read.. good story of the importance of family.
May 5, 2020
This book is great escape reading. Its about sisters and a ghost. And it takes place on the Ligurian coast of Italy. I loved every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews