Location Shoot

Controversial filmmaker Jean Mercier is shooting a film on location in Sweden. While spending the summer creating his latest work of cinematic art, he lives in a nearby inn with his lead actors: Albie Hughes, British veteran of stage and screen; Charlotte Reed, British indie film queen; Michael Hennesey, American TV heartthrob; Willow Barnes, fallen former teen star looking to make a comeback; and Finn Forrester, legendary Hollywood movie star. Mercier invites his friend Ella Sinclair—a beautiful, bohemian-spirited American philosopher known for her provocative writing—to stay with them for the summer. When Ella arrives, Finn is instantly enchanted by her, and soon they fall madly in love. Finn wants to plan a life together, but Ella harbors fears and convinces him to wait until the film wraps to decide their future. In a case of life imitating art, the film they are creating explores “the big questions” and prompts the stars to reflect on the crossroads they face in their own lives. How will their experiences on location affect them when they return home? The answers won’t come until months later, when the cast and crew reconvene on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival—but their revelation will make for one unforgettable night.

“A tour de force! Much more than a romance, this novel celebrates the romance of life itself. Set on an exotic film location with a fabulous cast of characters that come to life on the page, this book grabs hold of your heart and mind. The Location Shoot poses big questions about the meaning of life and love, and the answers are profoundly satisfying. Leavy’s voice in fiction is singular. She brings her laser-like wit, intelligence, and hopefulness to this enchanting and truly unforgettable love story.” —Laurel Richardson, award-winning author of Lone Twin“The Location Shoot is a stunning exploration of love, hope, dreams, and art bundled together in sheets of romance and laughter overheard from characters you just want to spend more and more time with. A truly joyous read!”— J. E. Sumerau, author of Scarecrow“The Location Shoot is a masterpiece. Leavy’s astonishing talent for exploring the human condition through light and escapist reading is on full display in this gorgeously written novel. Sexy celebrity romance meets rom-com meets literary fiction. This profoundly engaging book gave me all the feelings, from laughter to happy tears. I fell completely in love with the characters through Leavy’s masterful dialogue. This book was so captivating that I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. The ending is pure perfection.”—U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors“An intelligent, thought-provoking romance set in a gorgeous location in the endlessly riveting world of filmmaking. The Location Shoot is absolutely spellbinding. The atmospheric details are exquisite, the characters finely drawn, and the story captivating. This book is a celebration of love, friendship, and the magic of art. Completely immersive; I could not put it down! The ending is unforgettable and deeply satisfying. A must-read!” —Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds “Wow! Leavy has written a gorgeous novel about the meaning of life and how art is woven into the fabric of human existence. The characters show us that the biggest question is best answered through art and love. Life, like art, is about improvisation, taking chances, and pushing through our fear. I devoured this book.” —Sandra L. Faulkner, award-winning author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method and Practice“Quaint romance gives way to a deeper allegory about human development. Leavy illustrates how a lifetime of intense publicity and relentless exposure can trap people in an eternal childhood of the heart, from which they must break free. I expect—and hope—to see Finn Forrester and Ella Sinclair in the news again.”—Alexandra “Xan” Nowakowski, coauthor of Other People’s Oysters

Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than forty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than forty book honors. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” Her website is www.patricialeavy.com. Leavy currently resides in Kennebunk, Maine.