Patricia Sands

Author

Writing

January 6th ~ la fête des rois in France

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January 6, 2024 by Patricia Sands (Edit)

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.

To keep those festive feelings flowing, The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes, is on sale for $2.99 for the rest of January. If you haven’t begun reading this series, this is Book 1 and the place to start. Book 4 was just published last month and a #1 New Release. Readers love spending time with Kat, Philippe and the gang. And I love writing the stories!

Mark your calendars for Monday when Blue Sky Book Chat holds a Winter Carnival from the 8th to the 11th. Games, giveaways and a grand prize. Join the fun right here!

See you there! Bon weekend everyone!

Warm wishes to everyone through the holidays

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There’s no question 2023 has been a ‘challenging’ year in many ways … to say the least.

In these troubled times, it would be nice to know that we are all finding time for some joy. Even though our hearts are touched by tragedies unfolding in the world, it is important to focus on the goodness that also exists and to share that with others.

The hopes and wishes people share during this festive time are the same….for peace, love and understanding … hope for the future … respect, kindness.
I hope you find some light and joy to share with family, friends and strangers. If you are not in need yourself, consider donations to charities for those who are desperately less fortunate.

No matter what is going on in the world, book deadlines have to be met. So on December 15th, Deck the Halls at the Villa des Violettes, Book #4, was published.

Thank you to all the readers who helped this new story quickly become a #1 New Best Seller in its genre!

I love writing the Villa des Violettes series primarily because it was not my idea. The idea grew from the many requests of readers of my Provence trilogy (The Promise of Provence, Promises to Keep, I Promise You This) who had fallen in love with Kat, Philippe, and the rest of the wonderful characters. Simone, in her 90’s, is an enormous favourite! And then there are the dogs, cats and donkeys!

So it is great fun every once in a while for me to get involved with these characters that I also love and see what is going on in their lives. Sometimes it’s a surprise to me too! That is part of the fun of writing fiction: characters take on lives of their own and help direct the story.

Typical of me, there is always a visit to another part of France included in each book. I love sharing my passion for this amazing part of the world with you and only write about places where I have spent time. This time it was a trip to the intriguing Pays Basque. It’s a thrill to me when I hear from readers who tell me they are going to visit a region or city because they read about it in one of my books.

Often the story will include some crisis, but Deck the Halls is more about finding joy in these troubled times. We all have enough challenges! I hope you enjoy being back with the beloved characters and if you have not read any of these books, I hope you will be enticed to do so.

Warmest wishes for the holidays and may the world find peace and renewal in 2024.

Good news at the Villa des Violettes!

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Book #4 is coming in just five days! Preorder now to save $2.00.

I’m excited to let you know that things have been happening with Kat and Philippe and the gang! I’ve worked this year on a new story for you and hope you will enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.

When readers first began asking me to write more about the characters from my Love in Provence trilogy, who knew this series would keep growing? It is so much fun for me to continue to write about the characters and find out for myself how their lives are unfolding. At times it’s a surprise to me too … part of the fun of writing fiction!

So I thank all of you!

You can place a preorder here and the ebook will arrive in your mailbox on December 15th. Print copies will be available shortly thereafter.

I look forward to your reviews and to hearing your comments about life at the Villa des Violettes!

Oh! And The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes is on sale this month! If you haven’t begun the series, now’s a good time!

Bonne lecture! Happy reading!

Just one week left!

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Happy left over whatever day to all those who have been celebrating American Thanksgiving. We used to simply say left over turkey day but the times have certainly changed and I wonder what the percentage of turkey dinner for Thanksgiving is in 2023. There must be a statistic somewhere.

Whatever was on the table where you dined yesterday, I trust this special holiday has left many happy memories for you.

To make it easy for you, here are the links:

Promises To Keep, Book Two

I Promise You This, Book Three

And did you also know that when you finish these three books you can dive into the Villa des Violettes series? These stories are all about Kat and her family and friends and were written because so many readers wanted to know more about them and how their lives are progressing. I am so thankful for the motivation to write these books and spend more time with the characters that I love too!

I am waiting for my editor to return the manuscript for Book 4 ~ Deck The Halls at the Villa des Violettes. Coming soon!

Don’t over eat and enjoy the rest of this weekend of Thanksgiving. I’m so thankful for all of you and the wonderful books that unite us through good times and bad!

Happy reading! Bonne lecture!