Patricia Sands

Author

Author Promotion

January 6th ~ la fête des rois in France

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Eat cake like a king!

If you are in France (or Louisiana, hello N’awlins!), 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). The history of this special pastry can be  traced to Roman times.

If you read my Love in Provence series, Kat first finds out about the tradition in Book #2, Promises to Keep. 

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. Just don’t accidentally bite down on it … they’re usually a small porcelain or plastic trinket!

Bon appétit!

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

And while you are feeling like you are in France, pick up a copy of the fabulous Book One of the Love in Provence series. Amazon has the ebook on sale for ALL OF JANUARY! Magnifique! Click here for your copy or the copies you want to gift to your besties!

Here’s more news on our newly released series about the most adorable pups! There’s a giveaway for January just waiting for you to enter! Win all eight books ~ signed print copies plus a few surprises!

Wanna win the whole series, all printed and pawtographed? Woof, of course, you do!
Here’s how you can fetch this awesome prize:

  1. Give this post a LIKE! Give it a virtual belly rub!
  2. Pawsitively drop a comment with a picture or meme of your doggo self!
  3. Tag three of your coolest canine-loving pals. Let’s make this party grow!
    Oh, and if you really want to increase your chances, share this post with your fur-tastic pack! More shares, more treats!
    When the clock strikes January 31, we’ll pick one lucky doggo, who will be proudly announced in the original post. So, cross your paws and wag those tails – it’s time for some serious fun! Good luck, fur-iends! 🐾📚❤️
  4. Click here to enter!
    Ready to binge on the whole series?
    See all books here on Kindle and in print:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLTKBJ78

I couldn’t resist leaving you with this sweetie! Happy reading everyone! I hope you are safe from the snowstorms ~ cuddle up with a good book and a warm drink! Stay cozy.

Goodreads Giveaway until August 29

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There are five paperbacks waiting to go to new homes. Click on this link https://bit.ly/3AAm7rY to enter. Good luck one and all.

I’m extremely proud of this novel, the awards it has won and reader reviews.

Here’s a brief synopsis, which I hope will entice you to read the story even if you don’t get lucky with the giveaway:

The deep traditions and values of Kaito Tanaka’s Japanese heritage are severely tested when he returns home to Honolulu from duty in Vietnam to find his wife, Hana, in the grip of progressive mental health challenges

As Hana’s condition worsens, Kaito’s life becomes absorbed in protecting and caring for her and their daughter, Kiana. Hana becomes increasingly reclusive while their daughter Kiana grows troubled and rebellious. A friend’s mysterious death followed by Kiana’s sudden disappearance cut deeply into Kaito’s soul. Meditation is Kaito’s drug of choice. Secrecy hides the truth from others but Kaito’s commitment to Hana is unwavering.

As years go by, Kaito begins to make an annual pilgrimage to a Buddhist retreat in Koyasan that renews his spirit. In the end, a serendipitous coincidence there opens the door to happiness – if he can allow himself to accept it.

“Set against lush backdrops in Hawaii, Japan, Corsica, and the south of France, this beautiful story of resilience perfectly balances the heartbreak and destruction of mental illness with the compassion and serenity of an unforgettable hero.” Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us.

August 20! Don’t Miss It!

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A great day for book lovers everywhere! The READERS COFFEEHOUSE GREAT BIG BOOK GIVEAWAY is an annual book giveaway extravaganza. It’s a fabulous opportunity to chat with authors you love or ones who are new to you. Take a chance and enter to win free books ~ please remember to write reviews after you read them!

Click on this link after midnight Eastern tonight and check in all through the day to see what new giveaways have been added. See you there!

Good luck everyone! Have fun!

Happy July ~ so much to celebrate!

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July is one of my happiest months! Wait a minute … I think I can say that about every month. There’s always something to celebrate every day of every month, isn’t there? I like to think about the abundance of everyday magic all around us … even if it means just enjoying a yummy Caramel Crunch Vanilla ice cream bar … we have to keep reminding ourselves of the small things, yes? Especially when so many of the big things in life are going sideways.

So here’s to July … I hope you have had wonderful times celebrating Canada Day and the 4th of July wherever you live. I’ve seen some amazing fireworks and drone shows online! Have you? I hope so!

And before we know it, July 14th will be happening ~ France’s most important national celebration! So in case I don’t get around to posting then, I will do it now.

I’m almost ready to write THE END on my next manuscript … shhhh, I would love to tell you about it but it’s a fun secret (for now) series with seven of my favourite authors. When we are ready to share the news, you will be among the first to know. I’ll be celebrating those two little words now for sure.

Okay … so more to celebrate! Have you entered this great summer book giveaway? There are three days left, so hop to it if you haven’t … good luck!

Make this summer unforgettable with the Sunshine & Stories giveaway! 🌞📚 Enter for a chance to win 13 print books from 13 bestselling authors and immerse yourself in a world of stories. Get ready for endless hours of reading pleasure! https://tinyurl.com/4yd5cf3c #SummerGiveaway #Books #SunshineAndStories

I’m still not finished celebrating July! I love it when Amazon puts one of my books on sale and for this month The Promise of Provence is a Kindle deal ~ just $1.99. If you have not started this series that leads to six more wonderful books, now is the time. Readers tell me that once they get started they simply cannot stop! I love writing the stories for you so I hope you will plan to lose yourself in the south of France this summer in these books. (Thanks so much for leaving reviews! )

One more celebration to come ~ my birthday later in the month. How about you? If you are celebrating a birthday in July … or any other month … here are my best wishes.

Stay safe, be kind and enjoy good stories all through the summer. See you soon!