If it’s Friday, it must be France …

La canicule ~ the heat wave ~ continues in France and many other places where you may well be. I’m hoping everyone is finding a way to stay cool although there may be times it won’t be easy. If I found myself in Antibes right now, I would be claiming that vacant striped chair! I’m happy to let you share that fantasy, if you wish.
I’ve always loved this photo, not simply because we were at my favourite Plage de la Gravette, but also because two people very dear to my heart are sitting in those other two chairs. Special memories!
Wherever you are keeping cool, I hope you are doing that while you read a good book. I wanted to remind everyone that DRAWING LESSONS continues to be on sale in the USA and the UK for .99 until July 31. If you have not read this story yet, perhaps this lovely review will persuade you. My thanks to Betty Taylor of Reading Is My Passion for this. She captures the essence of the story without spoilers.
Author Patricia Sands gives us a beautifully written story of human frailties and human strengths, of facing a major change in your life and learning to move on, of healing.
When I began this book I was expecting it to be a romance novel, but romance is actually only a small part of the story. And when it does enter the story it is beautifully done with a slow progression of two mature characters getting to know each other. But the strength of this book lies in how GREAT characters from various backgrounds with their own mix of life challenges come together to further their love of art and how they compassionately share their collective life experiences and lessons in support each other. For the main protagonist Arianna it is truly a life-changing two weeks as she struggles to come to terms with her new life.
Ms. Sands’ love of the French countryside is revealed in her stunning descriptions. I was so enthralled I just had to view the images myself on the internet – images of the walls of Aigues-Mortes, the wild horses and the enormous salt deposits of the Camargue.
I was able to totally lose myself in this delightful story and highly recommend it.
Click here to order your copy. If you love the story as Betty does, thanks so much for posting a review … and don’t ever hesitate to let me know. I enjoy hearing from readers! That’s really the best reward for an author.






I wish you a BON WEEKEND!
Patricia, you need to install a Like button!
LOL ~ Anneli, I have nothing to do with the tech side of this and apparently there’s a reason it is not there. But I will check. As long as people enjoy visiting, that’s what counts. 🙂
I live part time in Southern France and loved the novel because I read it when I was at my other home in Geneva. I was able to have both places at the same time. As a writer myself, I appreciated how she wove the story.
Thanks so much for your kind words. How wonderful to live between beautiful Geneva and the south of France.
I too wish I could like this post. Love the last picture of you holding your book. It is hot here in Spain but we have a pool and the sea. We are OK.
Darlene, I am such a non-techie and cannot recall why the “like” feature is not here. But no worries, I’m glad you felt that way. And I’m glad you are keeping cool in your Spanish paradise.
That beach does look inviting, although a quiet little corner of a cute cafe with an icy glass of tea would be nice too.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
So true. Wherever and whenever we can find a spot to read! That’s one reason why I love having all my books on my phone … my library is just a click away! 🙂
I loved the “Provence” series, and can’t wait to read more! Also love the photo above of the little back street (the picture just below that of the horses) — it’s my idea of heaven on earth 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Eileen. I’m so pleased you loved the series. Did you know I have published two novellas that continue the story of Katherine and Philippe and the Villa des Violettes? You can see them on Amazon … The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes and A Season of Surprises. I am working on the third in the series now. I agree with you … those petites rules are my idea of heaven on earth too! Bon weekend! 🙂