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Patricia Sands

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If it is France...

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

By Patricia Sands September 24, 2020

Bonjour tout le monde! This week it is my pleasure to welcome author and foodie extraordinaire, Carole Bumpus, for a visit. A freelance food/travel writer, Carole has a new release (August 2020) to share with us. You may remember her from last year when she dropped by to talk about her wonderful book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book One.

Read on to see reviews and a synopsis of her new book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book Two, Savoring the Olde Ways Series. I promise you it is as delicious and informative a read as Book One. Hard to put down!

“The author’s straightforward narrative delivers vivid imagery of both the surroundings and the people…An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times.”—Seattle Book Review

“…her conversational style easily draws the reader into the experience. An enjoyable book for those interested in France, WWII, and French food.”—Judy Alter, StoryCircle Book Reviews

“Bumpus weaves wonderful stories into her adventures. But, at the same time, she gives her readers fly-on-the-wall glimpses of ordinary family life, and the opportunity to savour with her the incredible cuisine of France. Whether you love France, enjoy discovering new things, want to try some of the traditional recipes at the end of this book, or just want a thoroughly enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book!”—The Good Life France

In this engaging new installment of Carole Bumpus’ heartwarming culinary memoir/travelogue series, Carole and her trusted guide and dear friend, Josiane Selvage, complete their gastronomic and cultural tour of France. The trip was inspired by Josiane’s deceased mother, Marcelle, and in a touching tribute, Carole and Josiane also search for Marcelle’s roots—a mystery created by the chaos of both world wars.

Beginning in Paris and heading north into Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, Loire and completing the tour in the Auvergne, Carole searched for the traditional “cuisine pauvre” (peasant foods) common to the French table, but she also treasured visits to cultural sites that illuminated the French character and history: ancient cathedrals, a truffle farm, the troglodyte caves in the Loire Valley, Mont St. Michel, and the Bayeux Tapestry.

As she traveled, Carole listened to French families describe their personal histories, the myths and traditions unique to their communities, and learned the family recipes used for festivals and celebrations. But alongside the joy of discovering delicious dishes and making new friends, Carole was reminded of the sobering economic and political realities of both world wars, and the ways those wars have shaped France, its people, and its cuisine. These realities were made all the more poignant by Josiane’s efforts to uncover her mother’s family history.

A retired family therapist, CAROLE BUMPUS began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. She has traveled extensively throughout France and Italy, where she has interviewed more than seventy-five families to date for her food and travel blogs. She published an historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, in 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, in August 2015. She is an active member in The California Writers Club and The Women’s National Book Association. Bumpus lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she teaches classes on writing, does public speaking, and continues to write about women, food, and war. Visit her website at CaroleBumpus.com. 

COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Special

As you are whiling away your days at home awaiting the moment when you can get back to our lives, how about taking advantage of a special offer?  All three of my books – A Cup of Redemption, Recipes for Redemptionand Searching for Family at the French Table, Book One, which can be purchased together for one small price. $30 for all three – a discounted price of over $20 plus FREE SHIPPING. Autographed and sent directly to your door. Order Your COVID-19 Deal Here

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

By Patricia Sands May 8, 2020

On Sunday, May 10th, Mother’s Day is celebrated in North America. Come on a flight of fantasy with me now for a few minutes. Any mother would love it!

Villa Ephrussi, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, is a special estate to visit at any time. Our women’s tour spends an afternoon there each year exploring the magnificent villa and prolific gardens. It’s always a highlight … especially these musical fountains. Click on this link to enjoy the show! (I could not get the video of the fountains to load here ~ typical of me ~ but I hope you will click on the link to see the stunning show.)

Even if you can’t be together with other family this weekend, it’s so easy to gift books. Here’s one suggestion! 🙂 https://amzn.to/2YGgDa6

Happy Mother’s Day to mothers everywhere. So many of you are working from home and at the same time trying to take care of your family.  Some of you are home schooling children and doing your best to keep your world and theirs revolving in some kind of “normal”. Families and friends are talking to each other more than ever before. Let’s keep that going. 

So many of you are taking risks every day and leaving the safety of your home to take care of the rest of us in a multitude of different ways.

There are not enough words to express our thanks to all of you and also to all those people around that I see doing such thoughtful acts of kindness, day in and day out. Let’s keep believing that we will get through this by continuing to help each other.

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If it’s Friday, it must be France…

By Patricia Sands April 23, 2020

Who doesn’t love a surprise? You can imagine how pleased I was to receive an email a week ago informing me that The Promise of Provence was included in this awesome collection! And what fun to see the delightful memoir of my friend, Lisa Anselmo, right next to me! Not only that, but to also be in the company of the awesome Patricia Wells, Evie Gaughan and Andrew Gallix … oh là là!

Click on the link below and enjoy the video!

At this time of year, I would often be preparing to leave for France. Sadly, that’s not to be in 2020 while we are all sheltering in place and following guidelines to battle the Corona Virus. So many people around the world have had plans and dreams put on hold. My heart goes out to those who have suffered loss, health challenges and loss of employment during these difficult times. We have to keep believing that by working together we will get through this.

One of the ways I try to distract myself, apart from writing, is to lose myself in happy memories in my photo files. Since at this time of year wisteria will be in full bloom in France, I hope you enjoy these images.

Wherever you are , please follow the medical guidelines and stay safe. I wish you and yours a happy weekend.

Bon weekend!

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

By Patricia Sands January 24, 2020

Wherever you are, I hope you are warm and safe. There are so many crazy weather patterns in the world today, we never know what is coming next. I hope this photo brings a little Côte d’Azur warmth to you!

Looking down on the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of my favourite towns to wander and photograph … and eat, by the port!

But I do know what is coming next in my writing world … Book 3 in the Villa des Violettes series. The cover reveal is happening today on a few special Facebook pages like the buzzabulous A Novel Bee, the exciting book review group The Write Review and my book loving reader group, Patricia’s Readers’ Rendezvous. I’ll share more details about the new book in the next few days. I’m happy to be bringing the Love in Provence characters back to you again for a visit.

Bon weekend tout le monde!

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