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Patricia Sands

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Drawing Lessons

Thank you, Claire McAlpine

May 26, 2019 by Patricia Sands 2 Comments

Claire McAlpine has been an extraordinary book reviewer, in both French and English, on her blog, Word by Word, for many years. A multi-talented woman who is also a writer and an expert in the practise of Aromatherapy, Massage, and Anatomy/Physiology from the perspectives of both Eastern medicine and healing and Western. You can find out more about Flairesse by clicking here.

It’s always a lovely surprise to discover an unexpected review and I thank Claire for this lovely post on her blog, which for me was like opening a door and finding a room full of your favourite people yelling “Surprise!” ~ with confetti and champagne!

Merci mille fois!


MAY 21, 2019
 BY CLAIRE ‘WORD BY WORD’

Drawing Lessons by Patricia Sands

Seven years ago I read The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands, which I loved. Her ability to immerse the reader into the emotional lives of her characters is thoroughly engaging and insightful and the stories of those women characters and the event that brings them all together to share parts of their history together has long stayed with me.

Her latest novel, Drawing Lessons offers something a little different, in that this time the main character, 62 year old Arianna, leaves her Toronto home, family and troubles behind, somewhat reluctantly, but with the blessings and encouragement of those she’s left behind, to try and heal a little from the heartbreak of what she has left behind her.

It is an interesting and provocative premise. Her husband has been diagnosed with a debilitating form of dementia and her family have encouraged her to go on a two week artist’s retreat just outside Arles, the same countryside and landscape that inspired Van Gogh to produce over 300 works of art in the frenzied sixteen months he spent there, until driven out by the locals.

“In his letters to his brother Theo, he said drawing helped him combat his depression. He knew, as we do, that working en plein air, we are able to capture light and images more quickly and from that create our interpretation.”

Arianna hasn’t painted for a long time and is wracked by guilt at leaving. Slowly she will find her way, through the surroundings and with the eclectic band of artists that have come together to reaquaint with their inner muse. And then there is the strange allure of the man from the Carmargue.

The beautiful cover art couldn’t be more appropriate to today, it being May and everywhere you go at the moment, the poppies are in full bloom.

Living in this area and knowing how much the author loves the south of France and how much of her writing is informed by her own experiences of living a few months of every year here, I wasn’t surprised to feel how immersed in the area this book made me feel. She really does capture something of the essence of being in this region of Provence, in the landscape and the town of Arles, adding something of the fantasy of a mysterious artist, horseman, the romance element. Not to mention the markets and the collection and preparation of the food.

“Winding past olive groves, beside vineyards, and through fields dotted with poppies and other wildflowers, from time to time they’d comment on the pastoral beauty. They could imagine artists through the centuries setting up easels along the way.”

It’s a timely read if you’re interested in Van Gogh, as this year there was the film At Eternity’s Gate that came out and he is also the subject of the new show running from March 2019 – January 2020 at Carrieres de Lumières in Les Baux de Provence, a truly spectacular and original depiction of works of art, set to music, displayed on the inner walls of an old stone quarry.

If you haven’t been here and have an interest in open air painting, it’s a read that transports you to the Provençal landscape, ignites the imagination and all the senses and is likely to make you wish to indulge in a visit to the region yourself.

And although her upcoming tour is now sold out, if you want to imagine what it might be like to visit the area and visualise the area where this story takes place, check out the itinerary of The Memories Tour 2019, run by Patricia and co-host Deborah Bine, The Barefoot Blogger and visit Patricia’s blog, or sign up to her newsletter on France related writing news and tips on visiting the south of France and the culture.

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Filed Under: Author Promotion, Blog, France, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: book review, Claire McAlpine, Drawing Lessons, fiction, Patricia Sands, writing

South of France Memories Tour 2019

January 20, 2019 by Patricia Sands 4 Comments

It’s that time again! Time to book your place with us from September 15 to 27, 2019, to come along on our awesome South of France tour.

My good friend, Deborah Bine aka Barefoot Blogger, and I have the pleasure of spending 12 memory-filled days with 16 women as we share our passion for the south of France. We visit the charming, historic towns and villages featured in my novels and on Deborah’s website. We only change hotels once in the 12 days 🙂

Bring along a friend or relative, but we also guarantee you will have a wealth of new friends after the first day! Read the testimonials from past tours to see what an unforgettable experience this is! Join us! ???☕️✈️?? Sept 15-27/19 ~ four spots left!
Click on this link for all the details http://absolutelysouthernfrance.com/memories-tour2019/

Click here to go to this page on my website.  You can then follow along day by day on last year’s tour. The following photos tell a small part of the happy story!

How it all begins!
Shopping at the markets!
Join us for the trip of a lifetime!

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Filed Under: Blog, France, General Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Absolutely Southern France, Barefoot Blogger, Deborah Bine, Drawing Lessons, Love In Provence series, Nancy McGee, Patricia Sands, south of France memories tour

Reviews, sales, gratitude …

October 24, 2018 by Patricia Sands 9 Comments

Every book review is of value to an author and always appreciated. There are times when thoughts are expressed that go straight to an author’s heart. They provide inspiration and motivation … encouragement to keep writing.

Since all my books set in France are on sale for one more week (thank you, Amazon!), I wanted to share two recent reviews with you: one for The Promise of Provence and another for Drawing Lessons.

Thank you so much, Denise Birt of Novels & Latte Book Club for this first one.

BOOK REVIEW:
The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands
As an avid reader, I have enjoyed so many wonderful books, in just this year alone…..but once in awhile a story comes too us that leaves such an impression that it becomes part of us. This is a story so rich and wonderful and a must read for any woman who feels she has seen and felt hurt, abandonment, a sense of not belonging – life’s sting of failed relationships, loss and her own restraints which hold her from moving forward.
Looking at the cover of Patricia Sand’s, The Promise of Provence, which is delightful in its own right, you might think it to be a cozy romance or even a sweet little story of sugarey-delight….but this story holds much more than you would expect.
Patricia writes of strength, new beginnings, new experiences, family and it’s history, strong friendships along with the insertion of the most beautifully described scenery and old-world charm that will make you actually feel it’s presence.
The writing is fluid and impeccably executed. The characters are written as real and believable.
I am not one to write reviews too include spoilers and with this particular story, I feel it imperative to hold true to that.
The Promise of Provence will make you feel and experience all emotions. It is smart, funny, sassy, sad, superbly researched and of course, a most gratifying and meaningful read. A scenic stroll through life itself.
I feel this story exudes the very meaning of being true to one’s self. It wasn’t just a book I read, it was an experience.
The Promise of Provence; Book one in the Love in Provence series
5 Stars ☕☕☕☕☕
#PatriciaSands #ThePromiseofProvence
Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club

And the same gratitude to Lynn Olsson for this heartfelt review of Drawing Lessons.

‎Lynn Olsson‎ to Patricia Sands
October 19 at 6:05 PM ·
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Drawing Lessons from Patricia Sands and I thought I would share my thoughts with you on finishing the book. Usually I race through a book to get to the end. But with Drawing Lessons I found myself almost rationing the number of pages I read each night. I didn’t want the fun to end. This is a heartwarming story of a woman faced with the tragedy of living with her huband’s dementia and who finds a way back to reconnect with her own self. Before she was a wife and mother, she was an artist. And this is her journey in rediscovering the artist she thought she’d lost. A beautiful story. Treat yourself to this one.

5*****

TO THE END OF OCTOBER:

THE PROMISE OF PROVENCE, PROMISES TO KEEP, I PROMISE YOU THIS ~ ebooks are $1.99   paperbacks are half price 🙂

DRAWING LESSONS ~ ebook $1.99   paperback $6.95

 

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Filed Under: Author Promotion, Blog, France, News, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: book clubs, Drawing Lessons, Novels & Latte Book Club, Patricia Sands, reviews, sales, The Promise of Provence

Print copy giveaway ~ 2 days left to enter!

May 18, 2018 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

FIVE PRINT COPIES OF DRAWING LESSONS ~ TWO DAYS LEFT TO ENTER YOUR NAME ~ May 20 is the deadline ~ ONE OF THESE BOOKS MAY BE YOURS!  GOOD LUCK/BONNE CHANCE

(USA only … sorry, Goodreads rule, not mine!)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

I loved writing this story, although the beginning caused me to use a few boxes of tissues. That part of the story is partially based on the true experience of a friend of mine and I felt her pain with every word. 
But the hope and happiness that grows as the story progresses, lifted my spirits as I hope it will yours. Let me know!
In case you are not familiar with Drawing Lessons, here are a few reviews to give you an idea. 90% of the reviews are 5 and 4 stars. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave one!
5.0 out of 5 starsyet beautifully hopeful. Patricia Sands’ novel Drawing Lessons is a …
ByChristie Sitterlyon May 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Devastatingly tragic, yet beautifully hopeful. Patricia Sands’ novel Drawing Lessons is a story about a wife forced to face difficult circumstances. She has lost herself over the years, and gets the opportunity to attend an art course in Europe. There, she meets colorful characters and lets go of things beyond her control. She finds truth and hope in her art, and embarks on a new adventure. Sands’ characters are unique and inspiring, and her story gives the reader hope that happiness can, indeed, be found even when life’s curveballs attempt to thwart us.
5.0 out of 5 starsA wonderful novel!
ByBookwomanon April 24, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
If you love France and you love reading, read Patricia Sands! Drawing Lessons is a trip to Arles in three hundred pages as a woman living with heartbreak learns the art of leading a new life.
5.0 out of 5 starsLessons of the Heart
ByCathi Newtonon April 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
New to Patricia Sands books, I am fortunate to have found a new favorite. Though being a small-town girl who has never even seen any ocean, I could see, feel, and taste the beautifully written depiction of Provence and its wonders. The images will remain forever.
5.0 out of 5 starsCame Alive
ByGary Grableon April 13, 2018
Format: Paperback
Friendships in France once again came alive along with the food and wine. I loved the storyline which was sad at times but illustrated that love can come at any age or under any circumstance. Marilyn Grable
5.0 out of 5 starsSuch an emotional book…..Loved it
ByLinda S Mooreon March 25, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition

I have to thank NetGalley for letting me have a copy of this book for my honest review. Also a big thank you to the Lake Union publishers.

This story starts out very emotional. Ben and Arianna have been deeply in love forever. They get the most devastating news that a couple can get. Ben has dementia. It did not take long for him to get to a state where he did not know Arianna any longer. Her children talked her into taking a retreat to Arles.

Arianna meets several other artists while in France and learns to live her life again. She goes through many ups and downs with guilt and finally does learn that she needs to live her life. She meets a man there who is an artist and decides to take him up on an offer to spend a few days with him on his boat before she leaves to go back home.

Arianna and Jacques de Villeneuve develope deep feelings for each other and she ends up staying longer. She goes back home to see Ben but he has no idea she’s even there or who she is anymore. It’s so hard for her that everyone decides she does not need to stay and just be upset all the time.

Arianna finds a life. She deserves to have a happy life.

Although I had a hard time reading a lot of this story, due to lots of tears, I also laughed along with the characters. They were fun and got on very well together. They all seemed to need to be where they were and together. This book is beautifully written and describes France in a way that makes you feel like you are there. It’s a very emotional book and one that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it to anyone that loves a tearjerker and love story.

I look forward to reading more by this author as this was my first book by her.
It was a definite 5 star book

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars
Bypamela egnatovichon March 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
loved it!
5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful!
ByAmazon Customeron March 4, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Such a wonderful and moving book as you travel to the South of France. It’s one you will not want to put down.
5.0 out of 5 starsRomance in France
BySamon March 2, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I discovered the book and author through French Word A Day. Kristin recommended it and I ordered it on Kindle for my iPad. I enjoyed reading the novel on our holiday in Mexico. The well written book delighted me because I love France, French, Food, Art, and Romance.
5.0 out of 5 starsA heartwarming novel
ByElisabeth – Comet Readingson February 13, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition

Drawing Lessons is a fantastic portrait of a woman in her sixties, who suddenly must face suffering and loss, and fight again for her dreams. Patricia Sands has wonderfully presented all her characters. She has drawn them, like in a painting. While I was reading, I could actually see them, and all her descriptions have such strength and delicacy.

Years before Arianna Papadopoulos Miller have abandoned all her artistic dreams when she and her husband Ben decided to manage the family restaurant which represented all the hopes of her father, Nikos and the anchor to their Greek origins. Now with Ben’s illness, everything is going to change, and after about two years in dealing with this situation, her family encouraged her to take part in an artists’ workshop in Arles, France, to finally rediscover her dreams and herself.

This challenge could be a new beginning for Arianna, a deserved second chance to observe in a new perspective all the events which have colored her life, both joyful and painful. In Arles, Arianna will learn to share her story and emotions with new courage, thanks to a wonderful group of artists that will live side by side in the amazing atmosphere of the Mas des Artistes. Juliette, Bertie, Barbara, Joan, Lisa … you will like every individual of this colorful group. In fact, each one with different and sometimes painful experiences will receive and give support to the others, not only in the artistic field.

I really enjoyed reading about Arianna and her family and all the love and enthusiasm which made the Papadopoulos Miller family bond so special. Patricia Sands is really an acute and emotional observer. I appreciate her talent in describing with so many details not only her characters’ personalities but also the beautiful panorama, that give you a perfect glimpse of Arles and surroundings.

Drawing Lessons is a very heartwarming and touching novel about love, dreams, being faithful to open our heart and soul to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to rediscover all the colors’ beauty and their numerous nuances.

 


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Filed Under: Blog, Contests, If it is France..., Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: Drawing Lessons, France, Goodreads giveaway, Patricia Sands, womens fiction

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