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Patricia Sands

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Patricia Sands

Party with the pups … and authors who love them!

January 10, 2025 by Patricia Sands

I hope you will join us on Sunday, January 12, at 10 a.m. Eastern to party all day at My Book Friends on Facebook. Read about the books, chat with the authors in their posts and enter for a chance to win signed books. It’s going to be fun! Here’s the link.

Treat yourself to the series! Snoopy always has the best advice! We can all use some puppy comfort right now. I will be at the party happy to share with you about my contribution, A New Leash on Life.

The series is about a litter of eight yellow Labrador Retriever pups. Each story is a
stand-alone, although there is one thread that runs through it that involves Leslie, the breeder. The books are short, novella size, and each a delightful quick read. The epilogue at the end of my story, lets you know how Leslie’s adventure played out.

Those who enjoy my books all know of my love of pets and that all of my novels, set in France, have a dog named Picasso who has become much beloved by readers everywhere. He coincidentally is a yellow Lab!

This story begins here. The last thing cat-owner Libby Moore wanted was a dog, let alone a mischievous 8-week-old puppy! She reluctantly agreed to take the pup for a few weeks until her son and family returned from Australia. He had been sent on a short-term contract that was unexpectedly extended and they had made arrangements to take the pup months before that occurred.

After all, who can refuse the pleas of grandchildren. What followed is something none of them would have imagined.

I had such fun writing this new story about the pup named Chance and meeting new totally unanticipated characters. When I began the story I truly had no idea where it was going and after a major shock occurred in the plot, suddenly two surprising characters came into the story and I fell in love with them. I hope you do too.

See you there! Good luck winning some signed print books.

Filed Under: Blog, Contests, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: A New Leash on Life, book giveaways, Dog stories, Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, Patricia Sands, puppies, series, Yellow Labrador Retriever

January 6th ~ la fête des rois in France

January 6, 2025 by Patricia Sands

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.

Filed Under: Author Promotion, Blog, Contests, France, News, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: A New Leash on Life, Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, Kindle sale, new release, Patricia Sands, puppies, The Promise of Provence, Yellow Labrador Retriever

Welcome 2025!

January 1, 2025 by Patricia Sands

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful 2025. I love sharing this inspiring quote from Neil Gaiman! Let’s hope we all surprise ourselves this year.

Along with being the beginning of a brand new year, it’s also the day I, along with seven dear author friends, am announcing the release of this new series. We had such fun working on it and hope you enjoy these heartwarming books.

Woof! Hey there, pawsome pals! It’s 2025, and guess what? It’s time to unleash the fun and dig into a tail-waggingly amazing new series! Welcome to the fantastical Dragonfly Cove Dog Park, where eight bestselling authors have cooked up a doggone good time with a whole pack of paw-some characters and their beloved furry friends!
Get ready for a bark-tastic adventure filled with mysteries, drama, and even a bit of ruff-mance in this collab-paw-rated series! Get all the books now and binge all week!
🐾📚❤️https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLTKBJ78

Here’s the Amazon blurb:

Tales That Will Leave Paw Prints on Your Heart

Welcome to the dog-friendly town of Dragonfly Cove, where you’ll find plenty of heartwarming moments that blend canine companionship into the everyday lives of ordinary people, to create extraordinary stories. If you loved books like Wish Me Home by Kay Bratt, the Hometown Harbor Series by Tammy L. Grace, the Guiding Emily series by Barbara Hinske, and the Love in Provence series by Patricia Sands, you will enjoy the books in the bestselling Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series; heartwarming fictional stories of the dogs who rescue us!

The Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series is perfect for fans of women’s fiction who love stories that are as heartwarming as they are entertaining.

★ Don’t miss any of the Dragonfly Cove books! Download them all today! ★

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Filed Under: Blog, News, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: David Johnson, Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, Ev Bishop, Jodi Allen Brice, Julie Carobini, Kay Bratt, new release, Patricia Sands, Tammy L. Grace

November 11th ~ Remembrance Day in Canada

November 9, 2024 by Patricia Sands

November 10, 2024 by Patricia Sands

Lest we forget ~

At the 11th hour of the 11th day in this the 11th month, Canada 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. 

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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.

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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 arrive.

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.

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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.

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 history to all who have the good fortune to visit that part of France.

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.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have you preserved stories of your family’s service? Please do before it is too late.

Our wonderful autumn weather seems to be slipping away. I’m getting the snow tires put back on next week … we know what is coming soon! So it’s a good time to stock up on some excellent books for those indoor days!

Bon weekend!

Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: lest we forget, November 11, Patricia Sands, Remembrance Day

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