Author
Thank you, Amazon Marketing for offering these great sales for the month of July. When our books go on sale, it offers authors the opportunity to expand our readership. So I’m waving across the seas to all new readers and sending a big welcome!
Just a reminder too that even if you have these novels, these discounted prices offer a great chance to buy the books as gifts for others.
Simply go to the Amazon listing for your country and happy shopping!
Thank you to all the readers who gave DRAWING LESSONS such an outstanding day in sales yesterday! I’m so happy that this novel will touch even more hearts.
A reader recently sent me this excerpt from the story, saying how it spoke to her considering the challenges we are facing today.
“Crisis strips us of everything we think is important.”
“It narrows your focus,” Arianna agreed. “I certainly learned that.”
The quiet that rested among them for a few moments was almost calming. Each woman was lost in her thoughts.
The light returned to Marti’s eyes. “But there’s a positive outcome to crisis. Once we are stripped of everything superfluous, we’re left with all we truly need in our lives.”
The weeks were bliss that my husband and I spent in Arles and the Camargue region while I researched and photographed for this story. It’s an ancient, enchanting, intriguing part of France. I feel fortunate to return there each year for a week with our women’s tour. This year I’ll be satisfied with photos and think about the new ones I will take in 2021.
Here’s un petit goût … a little taste … enjoy!
I’m the worst for remembering to promote my work! This may be late for some of you, but may just catch the attention of new readers. Today you can purchase the wonderful story of DRAWING LESSONS for US $.99 ~ go for it!
If you already have your copy, now is a good time to pick up a few as gifts for friends. Just click here !
Synopsis:
The author of the Love in Provence series returns to the South of France with a poignant portrait of a woman who must learn how to create a new life for herself…
Sixty-two-year-old Arianna arrives in the South of France for a two-week artists’ workshop full of anticipation but burdened by guilt. Back home in Toronto, she has been living with the devastating diagnosis of her husband’s dementia and the heartbreak of watching the man she has loved for decades slip away before her eyes. What does her future hold without Ben? Before her is a blank canvas.
Encouraged by her family to take some time for herself, she has traveled to Arles to set up her easel in the same fields of poppies and sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh. Gradually, she rediscovers the inner artist she abandoned long ago. Drawing strength from the warm companionship and gentle wisdom of her fellow artists at the retreat—as well as the vitality of guest lecturer Jacques de Villeneuve, an artist and a cowboy—Arianna searches her heart for permission to embrace the life in front of her and, like the sunflowers, once again face the light.
If it’s Friday, it must be France …
La canicule ~ the heat wave ~ continues in France and many other places where you may well be. I’m hoping everyone is finding a way to stay cool although there may be times it won’t be easy. If I found myself in Antibes right now, I would be claiming that vacant striped chair! I’m happy to let you share that fantasy, if you wish.
I’ve always loved this photo, not simply because we were at my favourite Plage de la Gravette, but also because two people very dear to my heart are sitting in those other two chairs. Special memories!
Wherever you are keeping cool, I hope you are doing that while you read a good book. I wanted to remind everyone that DRAWING LESSONS continues to be on sale in the USA and the UK for .99 until July 31. If you have not read this story yet, perhaps this lovely review will persuade you. My thanks to Betty Taylor of Reading Is My Passion for this. She captures the essence of the story without spoilers.
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.
Click here to order your copy. If you love the story as Betty does, thanks so much for posting a review … and don’t ever hesitate to let me know. I enjoy hearing from readers! That’s really the best reward for an author.
I wish you a BON WEEKEND!
