The Invitation

by Michelle M. Davis

A women's fiction novel that includes a bit of mystery and romance, The Invitation shares the story of Marlee Ryan, a forty-six-year-old female from Philadelphia who ventures into the world of holistic healing and spirituality to complete an assignment for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Marlee dives deep into various practices, hoping to acquire the necessary knowledge to write this article. However, to her surprise, not only does she learn a great deal regarding these individual healing methods, but she also discovers her intuition, helping to heal past wounds and solve a murder mystery. 




Betrayal ... Desire ... Violence ... Fear ...

Though somewhat guilt-ridden from repeatedly lying to her husband, Nicki Keating's anticipation of a passionate Valentine's celebration with her lover overpowers all shame. But after arriving at his stunning mountain home, she encounters her darkest nightmare. Devastated and frightened, Nicki runs ... but to where?




Uncertainty ... Doubt ... Distrust ... Worry ...

Marlee Ryan, a part-time journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, is married to an orthopedic surgeon and mother to sixteen-year-old Patrick, who is growing up more quickly than she'd like to admit. While writing comes easily to Marlee, she struggles with her most recent assignment addressing holistic healing opportunities in the Philadelphia area. After participating in several new age practices, Marlee realizes that not only do these spiritual wellness methods help her feel renewed, but they also assist in unearthing suppressed aspects of herself. However, these lessons quickly surpass personal development when Marlee and three friends travel to the Poconos for a getaway weekend. Unexpectedly intertwined in a murder mystery, the four women utilize newly discovered gifts to uncover missing pieces to the crime. This journey of self-realization guides Marlee to release the past, listen to her intuition, and embrace the uncertainty of her future.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2021

About the author

Michelle Davis, whose career path includes banking, teaching, and college admissions consulting, began writing in her early fifties. Her debut novel, Learning to Bend, shares the story of Jenna Moore's journey from a safe and predictable life in Boston to Bend, Oregon, where she begins to discover her true self. In The Dog Walkers, readers witness Ali Doyle's recovery from a deep depression following a gut-wrenching breakup. Michelle's latest venture, The Awakening Series, delves into the world of spirituality and energetic healing. The first book in the series, The Invitation, tells the story of Marlee Ryan—her search for true friendships, introduction into holistic healing, and acceptance of her intuition—and how she and her friends solve a murder mystery in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During The Retreat, these four women travel to Nueva Vida, a healing center in Costa Rica, where they meet Maggie Carr. In The Healers, the third and final book of the series, these women utilize their "gifts" to embrace life's challenges, helping themselves and each other transition into their "next phase." Michelle and her husband live in Bend, Oregon.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway (thank you!). First off, the author inscribed it to me in a way that, very ironically (or not) was absolutely needed and on point for what I’m going through in my life right now (about to start a new job with much more on plate than I had before and I was perfectly comfortable. I literally got chill bumps when I read it because it was so apropos.
On to the story… fantastic character development. I found myself easily able to picture the characters and the story as if it were a movie playing out. The plot, while a little far fetched, was enjoyable (if a murder can be called that) and the friendships being built during a weekend girls’ trip resonated with me because I also have a tribe of girls that I take trips with.
I enjoyed learning about the different alternative medicines in a story form and may even investigate them on my own thanks to this book.
I do think there was some choppy dialogue that could be smoothed out, but overall, a worthy read.

[M Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I was as skeptical as the main character Marlee when I first started reading about the holistic healing practices presented in The Invitation. As I continued reading, however, my mind opened to new possibilities and news ways of thinking. I now notice words like Reiki and Ayurveda when seeing healing options advertised at my local yoga studio. Those words never meant anything to me before reading The Invitation and I am now curious about these practices and their power to transform.
While the timing in the book seemed a bit rapid…with all the pieces fitting so neatly together so quickly, I was captivated by the twists and turns. The book takes a while to develop the characters, but once the girlfriends head out for the weekend the book is hard to put down. I would definitely recommend The Invitation, and I look forward to learning more in the next two books in the series…The Retreat and The Healers.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The author created a very relatable scenario while also adding enough drama to make it intriguing. I had a hard time putting it down. When I finished the book I was left with a new appreciation for the girlfriends in my life and also a greater interest in wholistic medicine. I can’t wait for the release of the next book in the series!