• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Patricia Sands

Author

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • Can I visit your Book Club on Zoom?
  • Books
    • The Bridge Club
    • Love in Provence Series
      • The Promise of Provence
      • About Promises to Keep
      • I Promise You This
    • Drawing Lessons
    • Les Villa des Viollettes series
      • The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes
      • A Season of Surprises at the Villa des Violettes
      • Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes
    • The Secrets We Hide
  • Travel
    • Photography, France & d’Ailleurs
  • Instagram
  • If it’s Friday, it must be France…
  • Contact me

News

March 11, 2022 by Patricia Sands

#writersforukraine

The following post is NOT SPONSORED but I wanted to share the Activated Authors charity drive in aid of Ukraine.

I HAVE COPIED & PASTED THIS DIRECTLY FROM THE MASTRESSOFNONE website so you can read all of the information right here. I hope you will feel compelled to join with everyone in this #writersforukraine fundraising event with four days left to go!

We cannot thank you enough. Please read on:

“As you know, there has been no secret made about the atrocities currently being undertaken on the European country of Ukraine. Since its unfounded invasion of Ukraine on Thursday 24th February, things are steadily getting worse.

As a member of a European country we, at Activated Authors, have been watching events unfold with more anxiety than we’ve ever felt at global news. And, as writers, we’ve found that the last week our member writers have been unable to focus on work, wondering where the hell fiction writing fits into the grand scheme of things while so many Ukrainians are suffering, and Russia threatens the “Nuclear” button on a near-daily basis. It seems a strange ordeal to be concerned about character names and fictional worlds while increasingly more Ukrainian refugees are without a homeland.

This is why we decided to take some kind of action and to levy our platform in a way that could not only support Ukrainian refugees, but to also activate the independent writing community in a way that could make a real difference. So far we’ve already seen unity from The Alliance of Independent Authors, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Jenna Moreci, J Thorn and Crys Cain from The Author Success Mastermind, Katlyn Duncan, Sarra Cannon from Heart Breathings, MiblArt (who have artists in Ukraine), The Writer’s Mindset, The Other Stories podcast, and I’m in the final confirming stages with more widely revered authors, podcasts, and organisations, and we’d be honoured to have you involved, should you wish.

Writers for Ukraine: The One Million Word Challenge

From Wed 9–Tues 15th March, we’re running a global challenge for writers to hit a combined total of 1,000,000 words written (in 7 days), to raise a minimum of £10,000 for the Ukrainian crisis. 

The process is simple: writers and authors of any level, genre, and experience can sign up for the challenge, make their donation, and get involved simply by heading over to www.activatedauthors.com/Ukraine. Total word counts from each author can be updated on the live word tracker sheet, with a tally totalling the overall amount as the challenge progresses.

All proceeds and profits will go directly to British-Ukrainian Aid, a charity with their feet on the ground, supporting those refugees who need it most, with donations made through our GoFundMepage.

What can YOU do?

We are calling on any and all support from writers, publishers, and creatives from all genres and backgrounds to get involved. No matter how big or small your contribution, it would be greatly appreciated.

Below I’ve listed a few ways that you can get involved to help have a real impact in these trying times.

  1. Join the challenge: You can sign up and get involved over our 7-day challenge, adding your word count totals to our sheet to help us reach our 1 million. Just sign up HERE
  2. Make a donation: Donate as much or as little as you can to our GoFundMe page and help us reach our target of £10,000. You can find our donation page HERE
  3. Pledge your support: We’d love to make this a united effort from across the writing community. With your permission, we’d love to share your logo or artwork on our website and social media as a “Supported by” affiliate to show that you’re contributing to this worthwhile cause.
  4. Spread the word: We’ve made it real easy to spread the word. By using #writersforukraine, we’ll be able to share and amplify the support from the community. We’ve also put together a small package of artwork that you can download and use on your platforms, for your convenience. Find a Google Drive folder HERE.
  5. Put me in touch with authors and influencers who may be interested in finding out more.

I realise that the turnaround on this is fast, but it’s a rapidly evolving situation. It’s rare that we reach out to the wider writing community like this, but the time is now, and support is desperately needed.”

Once again, everything you need to know can be found at www.activatedauthors.com/ukraine 

(On behalf of Daniel Willcocks, International Bestselling Author, Award-winning Podcaster, and Founder and Author Coach at Activated Authors)

https://patriciasandsauthor.com/2022/03/12694/

Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: allianceofindependentauthors, fundraiser, mastressofnone, Patricia Sands, ukraine, writersforukraine

Remembrance Day ~November 11

November 10, 2021 by Patricia Sands

Remembrance Day ~ Canada

At the 11th hour of the 11th day in this the 11th month, our country will pause for two minutes’ silence to remember those  heroes who have given their lives and in respect of all who offer their service … in every country. 

We owe so much to so many. 

1452417_430285330427581_1903646163_n

I have posted this page in years past on this date. Since there are many new followers of my website, I want to share it again for those who haven’t seen it. For others, I hope you don’t mind the repetition. I feel these stories can never be shared too often.

In 2010, my husband and I went on a journey to locate the grave of my Uncle Harry whose Lancaster bomber had been shot down on June 13, 1944, near Cambrai, France. All six crew members  perished.

dsc06602

We discovered they are buried in a small Allied cemetery in the middle of farmland, rather than in one of the major cemeteries in France.

It was quite an experience just finding it, but that’s a story for another day. When I inquired as to why they were in that location, the Office of Military Affairs explained that they had been buried there by the nearby villagers at the time and so would remain close to where they had died. The cemetery was immaculately tended … and watched over by curious cows.

France-PSandsPhotos

Coincidentally, just a week before our visit, another relative of one of the crew had visited the cemetery. He left a note in the guest book (found in metal boxes at every cemetery) that gave us some personal information about the day these men died. They had been on a bombing raid over the rail yards in Cambrai. The war was being won. The men were heading back to their base in England to make it in time for the local dance that evening.

Sadly, they did not get there.

Learning this small piece of personal information, made our visit that much more emotional and intimate.

As a child, I had always been intrigued by stories about my Uncle Harry, the youngest of 5 boys, and only 20 years old when he died. There were framed photos of him in his uniform with a dazzling smile in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes. You could feel his pride. And theirs.

When we went on our mission to ‘find Uncle Harry’, we also spent a few days in Normandy and did the tours of the WW2 landing beaches, something I recommend to everyone who has the opportunity.

It’s an emotional experience as the history of the war becomes vividly presented by guides who must take courses in this information and pass exams before receiving a license to guide. The French take the preservation of this history very seriously and are to be commended for doing so.

DSC06954

As we toured the museums and memorial centres, it struck me that in so many of the photographs of men and women in service for their country, pride was stirringly evident in their expressions. It seems to go with the wearing of the uniform and the understanding of what that represents.

Thank you to every one of the members of armed services – past and present – for putting yourself in danger for your country and taking on that onerous task with such commitment. We are proud of you and eternally grateful.

Thank you, Uncle Harry.

Normandy 2010

Wear your poppy proudly. Please make certain to preserve and keep alive the stories of the members of your families who have served in the armed forces. Always remember. In doing some research, I discovered this excellent video. It only pertains to the American cemeteries but could be talking about all of the Allied burial grounds. 

Normandy

No matter what our country, hearts are touched by the selfless giving of all who serve. The museums and preserved landing beaches of Normandy offer an emotional lesson in historyto all who have the good fortune to visit there.

Most Canadians proudly wear a poppy for a week or so before November 11th to show their respect for veterans. Click here for an  excellent explanation of how the poppy came to be such a strong symbol of remembrance.

2021 is the 100th anniversary of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Click here for the details.

Did you know that in Britain there is a special purple poppy to honour all the animals killed in war service? I only found this out today and am so touched.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have you preserved stories of your family’s service?

Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: #lestweforget, Canada, November 11, Patricia Sands, poppy, Remembrance Day

Summer sales!

August 19, 2021 by Patricia Sands

Bonjour everyone! As summer quickly slips away, I hope you have been enjoying getting out and about again with family and friends, staying safe and reading some good books!

In between enjoying beautiful Georgian Bay weather, I’ve been hunkered down in my editing cave working on my next novel. I can’t wait to begin sharing more news about this story soon!

There’s so much good news to share here, I hope you find something that makes you want to add it to your library. In case you have not seen these graphics floating around social media, I wanted to share them with you before the end of August so you don’t miss these great bargains!

Waving across the pond (s) to the UK and to Australia! Amazon has kindly placed all three of the Love in Provence novels on sale for the month of August in your special part of the world.

.99GBP and $1.49AUD! If you already have your copies, now is a great opportunity to do some holiday/birthday shopping and pick up ebooks for family and friends. The instructions are easily followed on the book pages on Amazon. Simply pop on to your country’s Amazon page for my novels and make your choices! Then lose yourself in the south of France ~ no passport, no packing!

It’s such a pleasure to receive emails and comments from readers (along with reviews, of course). Here’s a recent message that made me smile!

“I discovered your series through Melissa Seeley Face Facebook event. Read first one in record time and ordered the next two as well as Christmas novella. Simone speaks to me. I can relate to her story. She’s settled within herself now but her past still stirs her memory. I’m 73 and she’s my new role model..along with Judi Dench! Old Crones don’t mess around.”

I loved writing the character, Simone Garnier. She first appears in Promises To Keep and was full of wonderful surprises for me too!

In the USA, Drawing Lessons is available for .99 until the end of the month. Just click here. Here’s one of my favourite reviews.

Betty Taylor of Reading is My Passion captures the essence of the story, without spoilers, in her 5* review.

“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.”

In addition, Lavender, Loss & Love ~ Book #3 in the Villa des Violettes series is $1.99 all around the world and waiting for you. Have you begun this series? It was written after so many readers asked to spend more time with Katherine and the beloved characters from the Love in Provence novels. It was such a pleasure for me to revisit them and discover their new adventures on the pages … and introduce some new friends as well. Here’s the link for all of those books.

When Amazon puts our book on sale, the hope is that we will be discovered by new readers. Feel free to share these sales with your friends!

And now for a great giveaway that you (and any reader you know would be interested) can enter until the 25th! Look at this bonanza of books waiting to belong to one lucky winner.

ONE WINNER. 52 BOOKS. OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. ~ Ready, set, GO!

Click on this link to enter.

It’s sunflower season in southern Ontario! Are they blooming in your part of the world too? I simply can’t resist these golden blooms and the memories they bring of discovering beautiful fields in Provence on our tours. Hopefully 2022 will have us back in the south of France making new memories to share with you. Perhaps you will be there with us!

I hope you enjoy this photo. I’ll share a story in another post about that gorgeous confit pot I had shipped over from France … an impulsive moment that brings me a smile every day. Do you ever do something totally on the spur of the moment?

Stay well, dear friends, and happy reading/ bonne lecture!

Filed Under: Blog, France, News, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: Arles, Camargue, Drawing Lessons, Love In Provence series, Patricia Sands, Provence, south of France, summer, summer sales, Villa des Violettes series, womens fiction

A Literary St. Patrick’s Day Parade ~ Sunday, March 14

March 10, 2021 by Patricia Sands

COME GET YOUR IRISH ON WITH US!

 On Sunday, March 14 Annie and Nola of The Write Review have planned a literary St. Patrick’s Day Parade featuring dozens of authors (many of them Irish), Irish music, and general Irish fun. We’ll be hopping on the hour to eight different Facebook Groups.  Check out this line up:

9am EST – The Write Reviewer’s Book Club

“Irish Tea & Trivia”Nola and Annie chat with Robert Gwaltney & Heidi Daniele

10am EST – Linda’s Book Obsession

“Irish Spirits! Ghosts or in the Glass?”Georgina Cross, Valerie Keogh, Jenny O’Brien, Jennifer Anne Gordon, NIcole Mabry, Pam Lecky, & Steph Mullen

11am EST – Sue’s Reading Neighborhood

“Irish in your DNA or your Characters?” Susan Peterson, Olive Collins, Barbara Linn Probst, Rachel Ryan, Meredith O’Brien, & Joe Palmer

12Noon EST – The Write Reviewer’s Book Club

“Lunch Time Literary Chat” Claire Fullerton in conversation with Billy O’Callaghan

1 pm EST – Bookish Road Trip

“Travels in Ireland: Real and Imagined” Julie Valerie, Mary Helen Sheriff, Libby Carty McNamee, Emma Murray, Judy Leigh & Heather Frese

2pm EST – Prose and the Pandemic

“Strong Female Irish Women” Eileen Sanchez, Meryl Ain, Valerie Taylor, Joy Ross Davis, Ann Brazil, & Jessica Redland

3pm EST – Blue Sky Book Chat

“Green Drinks & Irish Words” Patricia Sands, Lisa Braxton, Alison Ragsdale, Peggy Lampman, Lainey Cameron, Soraya Lane, Rhys Bowen, & Orna Ross

4pm EST – ALL CLUBS “We are all Irish Today Cèilidh” LIVE Irish Music with author Laura Kemp’s band, Si Bheag Si Mhor out of Sturgis, MI, USA

5pm EST – Bookworms Anonymous

“Irish Poetry & Prose” Kayleigh Wilkes, Daniel Wade, Tom Phelan, David Hopes, Echo Garrett, Kevin Garrett & Connor Garrett

6pm EST – Reading is My Passion

“Irish Pub or Castles?” Eoin Dempsey, Jennifer Deibel, RJ Lee, Steve Manchester & Elissa Dickey

7pm EST – The Write Reviewer’s Book Club

“Get Lucky at O’Malley’s Pub” (what happens at the pub stays at the pub) The After Party ~ Annie, Nola, Mike Eberhardt, Gregory Phillips, & Chris Humphreys

THANK YOU TO MARY HELEN SHERIFF FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THIS BLOG POST! maryhelensheriff.com

Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: Literary St. Patrick's Day Parade, Patricia Sands, St. Patrick's Day

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 44
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

The Secrets We Hide is a BEA Winner!

Join Me Here!

RSS
Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Tweet
YouTube
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram

Follow Me on BookBub

Follow Me on BookBub

Follow me on Amazon

Follow me on Amazon

Available from Amazon!

Available from Amazon!

Available Now!

Available Now!

Available from Amazon

Available from Amazon

Join me and 9 of your favourite women’s fiction authors

Join me and 9 of your favourite women’s fiction authors

The Good Life France Magazine

The Good Life France Magazine

Categories

Archives

Footer

Copyright Disclaimer

© 2020 by Patricia Sands. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to use short quotes provided a link back to this page and proper attribution is given to me as the original author. All photographs on this site are copyright of Patricia Sands

Follow Me!

RSS
Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Tweet
YouTube
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram
  • Privacy Policy

FTC DISCLOSURE

The Federal Trade Commission requires that I disclose any relationship I have between a product manufacturer or service provider when I write about a product or service. I may receive a small commission for purchases made via affiliate links on this site such as Amazon. The above does not affect my opinion of those products and services. I am committed to sharing the work of other authors with my friends and readers.

Copyright © 2023 By Patricia Sands · Theme created and maintained by Bakerview Consulting