Patricia Sands

Author

France

Sweet or Savory or both?

by 6 Comments

Now that we’ve finished celebrating January in France by eating la galette des rois, the king’s cake, it’s time to sweep away those crumbs and haul out the crêpes pan!

French-Candlemas-La-Chandeleur-Crêpe-Day

February 2nd, is La Chandeleur, Fête des Lumières,  Jour des Crêpes. You might know it as Candlemas.

Churches will celebrate the tradition of the lighting of candles.

Then it will be all about … what else, this IS France … food!

Crêpes and cidre. Unlike our apple cider, this drink has a touch of alcohol.

The day is often accompanied by fortune telling and in many kitchens, crêpes are flipped in the air with the pan in one hand and a coin in the other. If the crêpe lands back in the pan, the year will be a prosperous one. Children hold their breath in anticipation!

Similar to our North American Groundhog Day, there’s a prediction about winter at this time of year. “Rosée à la Chandeleur, hiver à sa dernière heure.” If  there is dew at dawn, winter will soon be over.

As the French do so well, the day is a fun-filled, family time. If you’re tempted to celebrate your own Jour des Crêpes, they are delicious and light  and easy to make. Click right here for a recipe.

images-2

There are crêpe stands or crêperies everywhere in France and today, as well as through the weekend, there will be few people not enjoying this simple and delicious food with a filling of choice ~ sweet or savoury.  Crêpes have a history that goes back to Biblical times and in France, Britanny is said to have established the true crêpe recipe.

Get in line right here! Bon appétit!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gypy4R2hj00%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Have you ever made crêpes? Which do you prefer, the French crêpe or it’s slightly heavier English cousin, the pancake? Are you a fan of sweet or savoury?

Here’s what  The Good Life France has to say about French traditions on February 2nd.

It wouldn’t be right to forget about our Groundhog Day today, as mentioned above! What was your local groundhog’s prediction in your neighbourhood? Six weeks of …???

Whatever the prediction, make the most of it! Stay safe, everyone.

Six more days!

by 2 Comments

January 31 is the final day in the Kindle sale of the three novels in my Love in Provence series. I hope you have taken advantage of this great deal!

I have no control over when Amazon chooses my books for discounts and am always delighted when I receive an email from their Marketing people informing me. Discounts on books has nothing to do with the literary value and everything to do with inviting new readers to enjoy the work.

As I often mention, if you already have this series in your library, it’s very simple to gift ebooks to friends and even have them delivered on special dates. You simply click on this link when you go to buy the ebook online.

One of the great rewards for me from writing these stories is opening my email to discover messages from readers sharing how they related to the stories … how they had experienced something similar to Kat at the beginning of The Promise of Provence. Hearing people explain how they were inspired to make changes or to take chances and explore new possibilities in life is absolutely priceless to me. I’m so grateful readers take the time to share their thoughts and experiences.

If you have not read the series, here is a bit of history.

The Promise of Provence was my second novel and I wrote it as a stand alone story. You, the readers, turned it into Book One of the series. You wanted more details about Kat’s journey and it was a pleasure to write the next two books … and then the Villa des Violettes series, which is not finished … I promise!

When I knew I was going to set the story of The Promise of Provence in Antibes, my husband and I rented an apartment there for five months.

Overlooking the old town, the harbour and all the way to the Baie des Anges and the Alpes Maritimes beyond, the view was as inspiring as it was breathtaking. We really lucked out finding the unit.

Although I had the bones of the story outlined, I had not settled on exactly who Katherine would meet there. Each morning I would take my panier, my camera, and a dictionary and wind my way through the oldest ruelles to the famous daily Provençal market.

Needless to say, my camera shutter steamed on a daily basis … and no wonder we have returned year after year to this special town.

As I stood in line at the most popular cheese stand one morning, shortly after we arrived in town, I watched the busy fromager discussing a wedge of cheese with a customer and was immediately attracted … not just because he was *ahem* gorgeous.

The passion on his face and his enthusiastic body language made it obvious how much he loved his work … and the character of Philippe was born. In my halting French a few days later, I explained to the fromager about the book I was writing. For several mornings at 7 a.m., before the market opened, he was gracious about spending some time with me answering my questions and giving me a quick education on his craft. Sadly he is no longer at the market, but lives on in my novels. (I’ve always loved that he brought Katherine cheese rather than flowers on special occasions.)

And let us not forget the character, Nick, also a popular favourite with readers. Walking past the harbour each morning, his story came alive.

Now back to the market … I would take my time filling my panier with flowers, olives, fruit, veggies and whatever the dinner menu called for.

Next I would pop into one of many fine boulangeries … say no more …

And my final stop would be at Le Vieil Antibes for a café crème at my favourite table where I could take notes on village life and read the morning edition of Nice Matin, with my trusty dictionary close at hand.

My head spinning with inspiration and ideas, I would rush home to spend hours writing. How I miss those days!

Thanks for spending a few moments with my memories and the story of how Book One ~ The Promise of Provence came to be, followed later … thanks to demand from readers … by Book Two – Promises to Keep and Book Three – I Promise You This.

Please feel free to let your friends know about the sale!

Happy reading! Bonne lecture!

I love sharing the trailer for the series … let it take you away.

La Fête des Rois today ~ Cabin Fever Event on Saturday ~ two great reasons to celebrate!

by 1 Comment

If you are in France, it’s again time to celebrate  … oui …  bien sûr … more food! Don’t you love it? This time it’s all about a rich, almond cream (frangipane) enveloped by layers of light, flaky pastry (feuilleté).

Another joyful opportunity to bring friends and family around the table to share La Galette des Rois/The Kings’ Cake, takes place on the first Sunday of January or January 6th and recognizes Epiphany, the arrival of the three wise men (Magis). This special pastry’s history can be  traced to Roman times.

During the French Revolution, the name was replaced with ‘Gâteau de l’Égalité’ (equality cake), as the word ‘king’ was a little out of fashion!

It’s so popular, many patisseries make the scrumptious cake through the entire month of January.

The cake is cut in the specific number of slices for the people present, with one extra symbolic slice for the first poor person passing by. The youngest child  (or the most innocent adult, if no children are present, which can result in great hilarity) goes under the table and calls out who will receive each slice to ensure fair distribution. The greatest excitement comes when one person discovers la fève (a lucky charm) hidden in a single slice.

Bon appétit!

canstockphoto12196982

Click here to read an excellent account of the history and traditions of this special fête by my friend, Margo Lestz.

If you are celebrating this day anywhere else in the world where there are French-speakers and Francophiles…. Quebec? N’Awlins? and want to experience this tradition for yourself, check your local bakery for une galette or consider ordering online at websites like this one ~ The French Delights.

You’ll find all the beloved characters of my Love in Provence series enjoying their Galette des Rois today … and all three ebooks are on sale for .99 ( I know!) through January. If you haven’t immersed yourself in this series, now is the time! Or gift them to your friends! This link to The Promise of Provence will take you to all three bestselling novels! Happy reading too!

Join us in Blue Sky Book Chat (Facebook) on Saturday, January 8th, ALL DAY for our Cabin Fever event. Over 50 guest authors from all genres will be with our author team to offer fabulous giveaways …books, swag, chat! Connect with some favourites and meet new authors to you. It’s a party! Apart from entering for individual prizes, one Grand Prize will be randomly awarded from commenters. Check out the graphic below and see which prize you would choose! See you there! On y va! Bonne chance!

December Newsletter

by Leave a Comment

NL #90                                                                                      December 19, 2021

Bonjour

Well, here we go again with lockdowns and closures in spite of the best efforts of most people to be vaccinated and cautious. It’s so disappointing, but the way of the world right now. Most importantly we need to keep paying attention and taking care of ourselves and each other.

It has been heartwarming to hear from so many readers who shared positive thoughts about how they were planning to make the most of special festivities this month. Whether your traditions are for Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanza, or even if you simply celebrate each day as it comes, I hope you have found joy in special moments.

One thing that remains constant through good times and bad is the magic of story and the love we all share for books. Books capture our hearts, souls and minds. No matter what genre, they transport us into different worlds that inspire, encourage and often challenge us. They carry us away.

Here’s a quote from the beloved author, Nora Ephron. I’ve shared it before and I’m sure will do so again. I can see you all nodding agreement as you read it.

“Reading is everything. Reading makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. Reading makes me smarter. Reading gives me something to talk about later on. Reading is the unbelievably healthy way my attention deficit disorder medicates itself. Reading is escape, and the opposite of escape; it’s a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up, and it’s a way of making contact with someone else’s imagination after a day that’s all too real. Reading is grist. Reading is bliss.”

I love this illustration! I think it says it all, don’t you?

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS could truly be the theme for this newsletter because I am now going to share more than a few opportunities for you to pick up some good ones!

It gives me great pleasure to share a few links to add even more bliss to your reading.

I’m fortunate to have three books on sale this month. If you have already done your book buying for yourself, you can always gift ebooks to friends. It’s so easy! On Amazon, simply click the link below the words “buy now”, where it says “buy for others.” Choose your friend and the date to deliver their special gift!

And speaking of special gifts, here’s a chance to win a Kindle Fire! We are celebrating December with this giveaway. The instructions are simple and you can enter as often as you like.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING … SO HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU ~ December Kindle Fire Giveaway! ~ ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO ENTER! GOOD LUCK!

Enter to win a new Kindle Fire. Click the link below to enter.

Here’s how to get optional extra entries: Buy any of my books and get 10 extra entries for each purchase … AND THREE OF MY BOOKS ARE ON SALE THIS MONTH ~ BONUS! EMAIL patriciasandsauthor@gmail.com or DM me a copy of the receipt for 10 extra entries.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH FRIENDS. The contest will last for all of December so enter as often as you like.

Just click here to enter ~ https://kingsumo.com/…/kindle-fire-from-author-patricia…

I’m delighted that Amazon chose Drawing Lessons for a Literature & Fiction Kindle Book deal  this month and there are ten days left to pick up an ebook for $.99. Be transported to the south of France and wander the enchanting streets of charming Arles or be fascinated by the famous white horses of the Camargue.

Double click on the book trailer video below to be carried into the story. You’ve probably seen the trailer before, but I love to share it!

The next book on sale is The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes, for $1.99 until the end of December. This series was written thanks to all of you! After so many requests from readers of  my Provence trilogy to write more about all the characters, this Villa des Violettes mini-series evolved and this is Book #1.

Here’s the blurb: THE LOVE IN PROVENCE CHARACTERS ARE BACK …

Everything was going so well in Kat and Philippe’s life together. Then suddenly it wasn’t.

Roman ruins delayed the work on the Villa des Violettes. The Russian drug gang might be back in the neighbourhood. On top of that, Kat had worked herself into what Molly classified as a full blown “Christmas conundrum.” Kat wanted the holidays to work perfectly as she blended a Canadian Christmas with a Provençal Fête de Noêl for the first time in their new home. Now she’d lost her confidence and, with it, the holiday spirit. 

Philippe hoped a weekend trip to the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything.

As it happened, things were about to get worse.

I loved writing all of these books and in this first one I particularly had fun when I had Philippe take Kat to the famous Christmas markets in Strasbourg. Unfortunately they are closed this year due to Covid, but you can enjoy a little visit there in this story. Click here for the link.

Did you know December is The Bridge Club Tenth Anniversary Edition’s first book anniversary (bookiversary)? Did this year fly by or what?

Fans of this story know it is the perfect gift for your BFFs! Especially friends who love the game of bridge because included in the book are eight excellent bridge lessons contributed by Canada’s bridge guru, Audrey Grant. It’s a real BONUS for those friends, but you don’t need to play bridge to want to read this story. It’s about the friendship of these women from age twenty onward and the game of bridge is simply a side issue.

Did you read how easy it is to gift an ebook that I share earlier in this letter? In case you missed the instructions, I repeat ~ On Amazon, simply click the link below the words “buy now”, where it says “buy for others.” Here’s the link.

“A deeply touching story about the bonds of friendship, about finding our way, and the ability to dig deep to navigate the most challenging turning points in life. Patricia Sands captures readers from the atmospheric outset, drawing us in to this group of strong women. A poignant tale that left me truly grateful for my friends.” —Alison Ragsdale, bestselling author of Dignity and Grace.

While I’m on the subject of The Bridge Club, it is the perfect segue to introduce you to author R.J. Lee, who writes books that also involve the game of bridge but in a very different way than mine. His involve mystery, murder and mayhem!

J. Lee follows in the mystery-writing footsteps of his father, R. Keene Lee, who wrote fighter pilot and detective stories for Fiction House, publishers of WINGS Magazine and other pulp fiction periodicals in the late ’40s and ’50s. Lee was born and grew up in the Mississippi River port of Natchez but also spent thirty years living in the Crescent City of New Orleans. A graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee) where he studied creative writing under Sewanee Review editor, Andrew Lytle, Lee now resides in Oxford, Mississippi.

Here’s the blurb for this fourth book in his delightful series, publishing in March 2022:

BLURB ~ After receiving a mysterious message to hurry to King’s home, Wendy almost collides with the man’s real-estate rival, running out the front door insisting he found King dead when he arrived. Not just dead, it turns out, but murdered—crowned with one of his own award plaques.

R.J. is giving away two print copies. Two winners! To enter please send an email to patriciasandsauthor@gmail.com and let us know if you like to play the game of bridge … or not! Being a player is definitely not a prerequisite for enjoying this entertaining story.

Congratulations to last month’s winners ~ Donna Neale, Nora Conyers and Allison Scianna.

I am always grateful to author friends who generously offer free books each month and I am certain you enjoy meeting authors here who might be new to you and connecting with those you already follow. Savour their books, find out more about the writers and pass along their information to your friends. Write a short review, thanks! The best way to hear about a good book is by word of mouth from dedicated readers like you. And if you take a minute to thank an author when you win a free book or post a photo on Facebook, trust me, we all appreciate that more than you know.

Now we’re going to talk about audiobooks! Are you a fan? I definitely am and most particularly when I am in the car. I love to listen on long road trips but also turn on an audiobook when I’m running errands. It’s fun to listen to another chapter or two in between stops … and I can tell you I’ve spent a few minutes sitting in parking lots when I needed to hear what was happening next in the story!

My good friend, bestselling author of The Exit Strategy and creator of the Best of Women’s Fiction podcast, Lainey Cameron has put together this awesome Holiday Audiobook Giveaway with fifteen authors. Here are the details.

To celebrate the holidays, 15 authors have teamed up to give away 5 audiobooks each to three lucky winners! This is your chance to win audiobooks from among the best titles in women’s fiction.

Enter at bit.ly/21-audio-giveaway

Being featured on the Best Of Women’s Fiction podcast is an honor, because it means an author was considered among the best in the genre. And each of these audiobooks will entertain and hold your attention.

I’d love if you took the time to enter, and good luck!

Giveaway ends December 31st!

All the Details:

* Enter and see full rules at bit.ly/21-audio-giveaway

* Giveaway ends December 31st, 2021 at 11.59pm ET

* Giveaway sponsored by Best of Women’s Fiction podcast

* Giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram or Facebook

* By giving your email you are agreeing to join the email newsletter of the participating authors but may unsubscribe at any time

* US residents only

* 3 winners of 5 audiobooks each will be chosen randomly after December 31, 2021

#womensfiction #holidaygiveaway #audiobooks

Good luck!

I know that is all a lot of information to process but, if you take your time exploring every one of the above offers, I’m sure you will find something of interest. I mean … how could you not? Happy shopping and good luck with any of the giveaways you enter.

Now here’s a SAVE THE DATE message from our author team at Blue Sky Book Chat. On January 8th we are inviting you to the 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Event! We had such fun with this last year and hope you will join us again . Over 100 of your favourite authors will be dropping by during the day to chat with you and offer free books and other prizes. On January 9th, one lucky name will be drawn to win the Grand Prize and choose from three options shown in the graphic below. It’s guaranteed to be a great day … invite friends to join in!

Whew! That was quite a bundle of book news! Now I’ve got to get back to writing one. I’m getting close to the end of edits and hope there might even be a spring publishing date. Stay tuned!

One thing we can do while some of our socializing is restricted this year, is stay home and bake. Do you have special recipes that you only bring out at holiday time? In our family it is my grandmother’s shortbread recipe. My mother baked these with my children and I’ve carried on with all of our grandchildren.

Here’s my Gram’s shortbread recipe. Give it a try! It’s simple and delicious!
1. 1 lb. salted butter – softened overnight
 
2. 1-1/2 cups golden yellow (brown) sugar (no substitution, Gram insisted)

3. 4 cups enriched white flour
 


In a glass or ceramic bowl, mix #1 and #2 thoroughly by hand (this is important) and then gradually add #3, again mixing by hand, until dough does not stick to bowl.

Flatten with your hand and cut cookie shapes. Add sprinkles if you like. 
Bake at 330 F for 10 to 12 minutes (depending on oven) on ungreased cookie sheets.

When cookies begin to look golden brown, they are done.
You can decide how dark you like them. Enjoy plain (our favorite) or add sprinkles before baking or icing when cool. 
 

WARNING: these cookies are extremely addictive! Let me know if you try them.

With the current disturbing news about the Omicron virus and the new restrictions we need to support, I’m a bit reluctant to talk about travel. However, it’s good to be hopeful and get excited about the possibility, right? I’ve booked my travel to France for June 2022 and will keep you posted. I hope we can all make plans to follow some dreams in the coming year.

Here are a couple of streets I hope to stroll in June.

In the meantime, we need to focus on everyone getting vaccinated, wearing masks and social distancing until we vanquish these terrible germs once and for all.

Stay well, my friends, be kind to one another, read a lot and appreciate every single day. Profitez de tous les jours! I’m reminded on a regular basis that the best part of being an author is hearing from readers. I value the messages I receive from you. Thanks also for sharing my books with your friends and for the reviews you write. It’s all most appreciated and inspiring. 

Let’s follow guidelines and continue to be kind and helpful to each other. 

Treasure the memories of past holidays and believe those times will return. Stay safe.

See you next year! 2021 be gone!