Patricia Sands

Author

GIVEAWAY

Newsletter subscriber giveaway ~ especially for you

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Bonjour tout le monde … hey everyone!I hope your summer is going well. I’m still basking in my memories of May in France and thought I would share some with you. Are you ready for a fun giveaway from France?
Every year when I am there, I return home with goodies to share with readers. I realized I still had quite a few special items in my treasure box and decided to celebrate my birthday by giving a gift box to someone else.
Here is what you will find when you open it:
Signed print copies of The French Effect and the four books of the Villa des Violettes series
A cozy shawl from Arles with van Gogh’s sunflowers as the pattern
A Provence tea towel (my favourite gift to bring home)
Soap, lavender sachets
A coin purse and a book bag from NiceNotebooks/ journals from Paris
Herbes de Provence from the Antibes market
This giveaway is only being offered to my Newsletter subscribers as a thank you for your loyalty.
I love hearing from so many of you after I send my letter and I know how you enjoy entering the giveaways from my author friends every month. This is just a little extra love between me and you. 
Entry is free, but you get bonus entry points if you email me a receipt of purchase for any format of The French Effect. 
Remember that you can gift Kindle copies to reader friends! 
If you do not yet subscribe to my newsletter, click on this link – you still have time! Then you can enter this giveaway.
I only send one letter a month and ALWAYS have giveaways from author friends.

Due to shipping costs, entries from the US & Canada only please. Sorry!
Giveaway ends at midnight EST on August 9.
I hope the winner feels like they have received the flavour of France in the gift box.
Bonne chance! Good luck!

You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us.

P.S. Here’s a reminder that tomorrow, August 4th, is the annual Readers Coffeehouse Great Big Book Giveaway. Just go to their facebook page and start chatting with authors you know and wonderful new ones to you. The giveaways are fabulous! Please stop by my post and say hello.

Newsletter #123

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June 12, 2026

 
Bonjour,
Hello my friends, it has been a while and I’m happy to be back with you! How are things in your world? I’ve had some consuming family ‘issues’ … don’t we all … plus an unexpected two-week hospital stay, which was a shock since I never have anything wrong, and ended up being resolved saying goodbye to my gall bladder. Sorry … TMI? Life, right?

So, two weeks after being discharged from hospital, I flew off to Paris to spend the month of May in France, driving from north to south in Deborah’s mighty Citroën. You might recall that last September my bff Deborah Bine aka Barefootblogger_france and I spent time in Paris and then road tripped down to Antibes. We set the hashtag #Eightyandepic ( or maybe it was #Epicandeighty or perhaps #80andepic … we aren’t the best techies) to post on Instagram but kept forgetting to use it. Anyway, it was a lot of fun stopping in so many beautiful villages and soaking in the history, so we planned another trip this year.


Before leaving Paris, we had lunch with good friend Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library. We celebrated the new release of her next novel, The Parisian Chapter. Click here to order both of those excellent books.

On May 5th, we left Paris to spend time in historic Rouen, just an hour from Paris. We had a most delicious lunch at the fabled La Couronne restaurant (thank you Julia Child) … established in 1345!!! Mon Dieu! And of course, there is also the magnificent cathedral, half-timbered medival buildings and the history of Joan of Arc. 

Next, we headed toward the windswept Normandy coast. Since I had explored the region a few years prior with my husband, I carefully mapped out our route to ensure Deborah could truly absorb its profound World War II history. Classic May weather greeted us with relentless wind and rain, turning our journey into a damp, wild adventure—but we loved every single moment of it. 

As well as being beautiful and pastoral inland, visiting this region is a deeply emotional experience. 
Seeing all of the postings for June 6, D-Day Anniversary this week has stirred memories. The towns and landing beaches of Normandy are alive with WWII history and it’s a part of the world everyone would benefit from visiting. D-Day: The Price of Freedom is a documentary worth watching.

After a busy ten days, that included St. Malo (All the Light We Cannot See is set there) and Mont St. Michel, we headed south to spend two weeks in Antibes and Nice. My advice about road trips: if you have a friend who loves to drive like Deborah (and she IS good!), then make plans and get going! I’m the navigator … along with GPS! If you are interested in any of our travel info, just ask us.


We made it to the top! Our decision to stay at Auberge La Mere Poulard was a good one as we managed to avoid the biggest crowd in the morning.Then we headed south with an overnight in La Rochelle (fabulous and worth a longer visit). 

Arriving in my beloved Antibes, I was once again captivated by the timeless allure of the Côte d’Azur. A week in a beautiful villa with seven cherished friends felt like a slice of paradise. Sun-soaked days and balmy evenings were defined by laughter, infectious enthusiasm, and an ever-present glass of rosé. 
Stay tuned for a new novel. It’s in the works. 😀


Thanks for your patience in allowing me to indulge in sharing a few memories.And now back to book talk →
The day before I flew back to Toronto. I had the pleasure of being part of a Meet the Authors event in Nice. Organized by Ella Dyer, M-C Lisa Anselmo, and supported by Adrian Leeds, it was a great afternoon talking books, writing and sharing our love of being authors in such diverse genres. Take a minute to check out my friends.


These past few months have brought some wonderful new reads, and I’d love to know which ones found their way into your hands … or ears. My favourites so far were The Correspondent, Mad Mabel, Broken Country and Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives (although her voice is not really suited to audio, nevertheless I’m a fan)… all audiobooks. I’ve been on a roll with them. I love having one on the go in the car and whenever I go walking. How do you feel about them?

I’m excited about the audiobook for The French Effect being released soon. I know some of you have heard me say that before and I apologize for the delay.

This Month’s Giveaways ~
Now let’s get to the giveaways for this month, all of them from some of my wonderful Tall Poppy Writer sisters. You all know how my giveaways work, but in case you are new here … welcome! … simply send an email to patriciasandsauthor@gmail.com and let me know which book you would like to win and why. If you go to the author’s website and sign up for their newsletters, you will get two extra entries. Let me know in your email. Bonne chance! Good luck!

Giveaway #1 ~ Kristy Woodson Harvey is offering one hardback copy of her newest smash hit, Summer State of Mind.New York Times bestselling author and “queen of the beach read” (Cosmopolitan) Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina.
Click here to connect with Kristy.

Giveaway #2 ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan is offering a hardcover copy of  All This Could be Yours.(Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award 2026)
“Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller by “master of suspense” (Publishers Weekly) and instant USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Click here to connect with Hank.

Giveaway #3 ~ Suzy England is offering an ebook of her brand new release, A Singing Bird Will Come“What if one choice changed everything…and love was the only way forward?
Claire Jordan’s life looks perfect from the outside—a thriving career, a Hollywood boyfriend, and a Christmas Eve proposal waiting in Malibu. But then, one reckless decision changes everything.”
Click here to connect with Suzy.


It’s a pleasure to offer these giveaways from my writing friends. Thanks for the great response each month. I’m glad you appreciate them and are so keen to enter. I hope you enjoy meeting authors who might be new to you, and connecting with those you already follow. Savor their books, find out more about the writers and pass along their information to your friends.
The best way to hear about a good book is by word of mouth from dedicated readers like you. If you have time to write a short review, even better, and always appreciated.

Giveaway Winners

The winners from Newsletter #122 are: Rhonda Pearson ~ Gian Sardar’s Land of Dreams.
Karen Komarinski ~ Paulette Kennedy’s The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael.
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Author Spotlight
Here are a few of my favourite authors whose writing I’m excited to share with you. Follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletters for all sorts of great tips on all things bookish!
Featured Author #1: Barbara Josselsohn
Book Title: The Secret Orphanage 
Author Newsletter:  Sign up for Barbara’s newsletter for more information about her upcoming releases and the history that inspired her novels, as well as giveaways and book recommendations!

Blurb:
An abandoned infant with an ominous note pinned to her blanket; an American schoolteacher with a past she cannot reveal; a tiny town in the French mountainside with a dangerous plan; and an officer who suspects something might be amiss… A breathtaking historical novel, THE SECRET ORPHANAGE will sweep you away to World War Two France–to the realities of the Nazi occupation and the hope that prevailed in the darkest of times.

Featured Author #2: Rea Frey
Book Title: Dear Mother 
Newsletter: www.reafrey.com
Unlock the Secrets of Publishing. From bestselling novels to book coaching, Rea shares the raw truth of writing, publishing, and what it really takes to succeed—plus first looks at her own new releases.

Blurb:In a tense thriller set deep amid the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a determined mother works to uncover the secrets of her family’s dark past, fearful of what their history may reveal. After a childhood riddled with trauma and unanswered questions, Isabelle Archer vows to chase down the truth. So when her estranged mother dies, the investigative journalist returns to the one story that still haunts her. Isabelle was thirteen when her three foster siblings died tragically in a fire.
The blaze was ruled an accident, and despite the neglect, Isabelle never wanted to believe her mother was a killer. But twenty-five years later, the accusations linger. Back in Cedarloch to settle the estate, Isabelle revisits her childhood home. A familiar dread permeates the surrounding woods.
And when autopsy reports cast new suspicions, Isabelle unearths much more than just terrifying memories.With help from her ex, Isabelle frantically digs for answers. What really happened the night of the fire? How did her mother die? And are the two somehow connected? What they find could poison long-held memories—and incinerate everything she thought to be true.

Featured Author #3: Barbara Claypole White
Book Title: The Promise Between Us
Author Newsletter: https://barbaraclaypolewhite.com/newsletter/Sign up to learn more about Barbara’s writing journey, unfinished garden, and dollhouse building project. Also receive reading and audiobook recommendations and enter her monthly giveaway.


Blurb:”This is an eye-opening and realistic exploration of mental illness–a topic that greatly deserves to be front and center.” –Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author
Metal artist Katie Mack is living a lie. Nine years ago she ran away from her family in Raleigh, North Carolina, consumed by the irrational fear that she would harm Maisie, her newborn daughter. Over time she’s come to grips with the mental illness that nearly destroyed her, and now funnels her pain into her art.

Despite longing for Maisie, Katie honors an agreement with the husband she left behind–to change her name and never return. But when she and Maisie accidentally reunite, Katie can’t ignore the familiarity of her child’s compulsive behavior. Worse, Maisie worries obsessively about bad things happening to her pregnant stepmom.

Katie has the power to help, but can she reconnect with the family she abandoned? To protect Maisie, Katie must face the fears that drove her from home, accept the possibility of love, and risk exposing her heart-wrenching secret.
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Before I go, here’s a reminder that Lost At Sea  is on sale this month for $1.99 … practically free, for heaven’s sake! This is a quick entertaining read about two best friends who go on a Mediterranean cruise as Kim is selling jewelry from a boutique on board. She convinces her bff Stephanie to come help her, thinking it would be just right distraction to get over a broken heart. They never could have imagined what would unfold with each passing day.


“A beautifully woven story of food, family, laughter and friendship, anchored by a poignant historical family connection that brings surprising emotional depth and meaning to the journey.” ~ Amazon review

Readers are loving each stunning port of call on their cruise around the sparkling Mediterranean and I loved writing the story. Come on along!

That’s it for now. See you next time! Stay safe and stay positive, dear friends. Be kind to one another, read often, and cherish every day. Profitez de tous les jours! I’m reminded time and again that the greatest joy of being an author is connecting with readers.
Your messages mean a great deal to me, and I treasure every one of them.Thank you as well for sharing my books with your friends and for taking the time to write reviews. Feel free to share my newsletter too! Your support, enthusiasm, and kindness are deeply appreciated and continue to inspire me every day.
Patricia Sands, Author



1250 North HighwayPMB 254Colville, WA
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‘Tis the season!

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The festive giveaways are under way and I want to share some with you.

All of my sister authors at Tall Poppy Writers have a two-day Holiday Haul Giveaway!

Here’s mine for today and there will be a new one from all of us tomorrow. Sign into Bloom (you should pop in there every week for the best book news … it’s free!)

Then today, December 1, click on this link to join Kerry Schafer’s book launch party for A PARTY TO DIE FOR! This story is a doozy!

Mark your calendars for Bookapalooza 2025! Sunday, December 7th, join me and many of your favourite authors at My Book Friends for a massive #giveaway extravaganza! Over 50 authors will be spreading holiday cheer with free books and other goodies. It’s also the perfect way to meet new authors and connect with fellow book lovers. Let’s make this #MBFBookapalooza2025 the best one yet! Join us here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbookfriends/

I will be back tomorrow with more good news. In the meantime, drop by the links above and leave your comments. Good luck! Bonne chance!

Two weeks and counting …

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I can’t wait to bring my new novel into the world on November 15th! I loved writing this story that is filled characters you are going to love, settings you are going to love and even a Doberman you are going to love … and don’t worry if that sounds like too much love, because it isn’t. There’s plenty of history, intrigue and twists to keep you turning the pages. Seriously, I hope you enjoy the read! I’m told it is just the right kind of story we need in these chaotic times.

The French Effect is available for pre-order now.

Here’s a chat I had with my good friend Lou of Loulabelle Francophile while I was in France for September. Lou loves France as much as I do, so please take a few minutes and enjoy it! Just click here for the podcast.

Thanks for pre-ordering. It’s such a big help to an author when it comes to those crazy algorithms. The more pre-orders we have, the more exposure our book receives and I truly believe this is a story everyone will enjoy.

Here’s the blurb … Sorry for the crazy spacing. Being totally a non-techie, I have no idea how to fix it and it is too late at night to ask my tech assistant. So I’ m just going to post it like this. Please forgive me …

From the bestselling author of the LOVE IN PROVENCE series, comes a hopeful and
heartwarming journey that reminds us it’s never too late for a second chance.

France has a way of changing your mind … and your heart …

Novelist Nora Bennett is living her fifties with more doubts than dreams. Once content with her
quiet life, she’s recently found herself battling writer’s block, a growing restlessness–and
resistance to a holiday season she’s long stopped celebrating. So, when her daughter Chloe, an
artist living in Paris, asks her to dog-sit an intimidating Doberman named Atticus, Nora surprises
them both by saying yes.

Delicious meals, long walks through the storied streets of Montmartre, and a chance to
rediscover a spark of joy in the glittering holiday lights of Paris: Six weeks in the City of Light
might be just the escape Nora needs.

Except Paris has other plans. Nora agrees to ghostwrite a memoir for 93-year-old Marie-Louise,
who reveals haunting memories of surviving the Occupation as a child of the Resistance. A
charming younger tango partner with secrets of his own introduces Nora to the French art of
pleasure. All the while, the city’s irresistible festive spirit envelops her gently.

Chloe invites Nora to spend Christmas at her husband Olivier’s centuries-old ancestral farm in
Provence. There, Nora is embraced by the warmth of family and treasured traditions. She’s also
unexpectedly drawn to Pierre, her son-in-law’s moody and magnetic father. Their connection is undeniable, even as he seems intent on keeping his distance.

But when Atticus suddenly goes missing, Pierre joins Nora in searching for him. Soon a winding
road trip returning to Paris softens their defenses … and reveals complicated truths behind
their guarded hearts.

Yet as Nora’s time in France begins to wind down, she must decide: Return to the comfort of
the life she knew – or leap into a bold new chapter she never imagined beyond the pages of her novels.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GOODREADS GIVEAWAY! CLICK HERE!

GOOD LUCK! BONNE CHANCE!