If it’s Friday, it must be France …
Well, in fact, it’s Thursday, December 11, and a major snowstorm in Toronto is causing mayhem with flight schedules … and so we sit in the departure lounge of Fort Lauderdale International Airport … and wait … and wait …
There are times when hanging out in an airport departure lounge for 8-1/2 hours, after two flight cancellations, can be a positive. Lots of work gets done! And that’s a good thing because tomorrow will be a busy one in Toronto … if we get there by then … we’re told that our departure time will be 1:30 a.m.. That means we will arrive at 4 a.m. … hmm … it’s been a while since I pulled an all-nighter, but this might just be the time!
Let me have another piece of chocolate and then get down to business. Mmmm ~ Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bar hits the spot!
How is your holiday shopping going? If some people on your list love France like I do, you might consider these books by a few friends of mine. They are all on my bookshelf or iPad and I love spreading the word about them.
THE FRENCH RIVIERA: A LITERARY GUIDE FOR TRAVELLERS ~
So much more than a travel
guide! Assisted in extensive research by his absolutely charming wife, Joan, and combining a love of literature and familiarity with the Côte d’Azur, Ted Jones offers readers a lively and fascinating report. I love this book and reread sections before I go traipsing off to different towns.
My copy is lovingly dog-eared and filled with post-it notes and comments! Even if you never plan to visit France, this is a great read!
FIRST FRENCH ESSAIS ~ The latest by Kristin Espinasse, combining words and photography from her enviable life in the south of France.
I’ve been following Kristin’s French Word-A-Day blog for years and have enjoyed all of her books.
I’m featuring this one because her photography is a delightful bonus!
TAKING ROOT IN PROVENCE ~ You’ve heard me (many times here on my blog) talk about this 
wonderful collection of stories about life in Provence by my friend Anne-Marie Simons.
Here’s what I said in a review: “Taking Root In Provence is a delightful anthology, engaging all the senses in a portrait of Provence painted in vivid brushstrokes of words and feelings. Ms. Simons’ background as a journalist is apparent in her insightful observations and comfortable writing style. She invites us into the heart of the life they now enjoy and leaves us wanting to move in with them … or at least next door!”
Start packing!
WOLFSANGEL ~ Liza Perrat was featured here on my blog recently but, if you happened to miss that, here’s another chance to find out about this gripping WW2 novel.
I couldn’t put it down and am making plans to visit the preserved site when we are in France next year.
It would make a treasured gift for the historical fiction fan on your shopping list.
CHRONICLES FROM CHÂTEAU MOINES ~ YA! For the young readers in your life! Author Evelyne
Holingue was born and raised in a small town in Normandy. Since 1990 she has lived in the USA and is now settled with her family in central California.
Through her fiction, Evelyne shares her affection for her native and adoptive countries. In addition to the French settings, she incorporates a few French words and short sentences or expressions, all easily understandable and a perfect introduction to France for young readers. Find out more on her website.
Oh! In case you haven’t heard, the print edition of Promises To Keep is now available! I know, I know! It took me long enough!
I’ve mentioned before that the learning curve in this business is a veeeeerrrrry long one for me and there most definitely were a few lessons learned by yours truly in the process!
I’m so grateful for the knowledgeable and patient team that guides me along the way!
AND NOW FOR A SUPER GIVEAWAY!
FRENCH HOLIDAYS & TRADITIONS ~ Francophile Alert!!!
This is a new release by the peripatetic Margo Lestz, compiling many of the celebrations one finds in France along with some fascinating facts. Margo makes her home in Nice when she isn’t off exploring. Her blog posts on The Curious Rambler are always informative and entertaining!
Leave a comment here if you would like your name included in a draw for a free copy of Margo’s book! Check back next week to see if you were the lucky winner. I’ll announce it here and then Margo will contact you. Bonne chance tout le monde!
I’ll be popping back here next week. Will you? In case we miss each other, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all for a joyful holiday season with the hope that the New Year brings the best of health and happiness to you and yours. Peace on earth always tops the wish list .
