Francesca's Party

A Celebration of Friendship

When Francesca Morgan throws her legendary summer soirée at the old seaside villa, invitations are coveted, expectations sky-high, and gossip flows as freely as the champagne. In Francesca’s Party, Patricia Scanlan introduces us to a dazzling cast of characters—old schoolfriends reunited after years apart, each carrying hopes, regrets, and the unspoken question: can we ever truly go back? With Scanlan’s trademark warmth and wit, we watch as Francesca’s meticulous planning collides with the unpredictability of human connection, setting the stage for moments of joy, reconciliation, and unexpected romance.

Under the Glittering Lights

The villa’s terraces sparkle under strands of fairy lights, masking tensions that simmer beneath the surface. There’s Rosa, who arrives determined to prove she’s not the shy wallflower she once was; Marcus, nursing a heartbreak that refuses to heal; and Lila, Francesca’s best friend, torn between loyalty and a secret she fears might shatter their bond. Scanlan’s vivid descriptions—of the salt-scented breeze, flickering lanterns, and the soft murmur of laughter—transport readers to an evening where every glance and whispered aside can change the course of a life.

When Confessions Collide

As midnight approaches, walls built over decades begin to crumble. Confessions are spilled over platters of oysters, alliances shift amidst the clink of crystal, and long-buried dreams surface like bottled messages cast adrift. Scanlan deftly balances humor and heartache, weaving subplots of rekindled love, long-awaited forgiveness, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. By the final toast, friendships are tested, passions ignited, and the meaning of home—and party—takes on a richer, more poignant resonance.

Author’s Description

Patricia Scanlan is an acclaimed Irish storyteller celebrated for her engaging character-driven novels. Drawing on her background in social work and journalism, she brings authenticity and compassion to tales of love, loss, and community. She lives in Dublin, where she continues to charm readers with her heartfelt narratives.