The Invisible Hour

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of the Practical Magic series comes an enchanting novel about love, heartbreak, self-discovery and the enduring magic of books.Sixteen-year-old Ivy is pregnant and alone. Cast out by her family, she runs away and finds safety in the arms of Joel Davis. He offers a simpler life than the one she had in Boston, a quiet, rural life of rules, peace and community. Little does she realise, Joel is the charismatic leader of a cult known as the Community, and all is not quite as it seems.Daughter Mia has only known the claustrophobic life of the Community. While out serving the Community one weekend, she secretly commits a transgression - reading. Discovering a world beyond the edges of the Communitys property is intoxicating. But breaking rules carries serious consequences, and sends Mia on a path she could never have imagined.With two fiercely wonderful heroines, The Invisible Hour is a heart-breaking and hopeful novel of family, redemption and the power of love.Praise for Alice HoffmanBeautiful, harrowing, a major contribution to twenty-first century literatureToni MorrisonI am still reeling from The Dovekeepers - from the history Alice Hoffman illuminates, from the language she uses to bring these women to life. This novel is a testament to the human spirit and to love rising from the ashes of war. But most of all, this novel is one that will never be forgotten by a reader.Jodi PicoultIn her remarkable new novel, Alice Hoffman holds a mirror to our ancient past as she explores the contemporary themes of sexual desire, womens solidarity in the face of strife, and the magic thats quietly present in our day-to-day living. Put The Dovekeepers at the pinnacle of Hoffmans extraordinary body of work. I was blown away.Wally LambAlice Hoffman takes seemingly ordinary lives and lets us see and feel extraordinary things.Amy TanMiss Hoffman heals wounds with the gentle touch of an angelJoseph HellerOh, what a book this is! Hoffmans exploration of the world of good and evil, and the constant contest between them, is unflinching; and the humanity she brings to us - it is a glorious experience.Elizabeth Strout