Patricia Sands

Author

The French Effect

Celebrating this new award for The French Effect

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And other good news.

What a great feeling to open an email and discover a book of yours has won an award. The feeling never gets old and this time my newest novel, The French Effect, is the recipient.

Here’s an explanation of this acclaimed award.

Recognizing Excellence in
Independent Publishing Since 1996

Welcome to the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards). Established in 1996, we celebrate the incredible talent in the independent publishing world. Our program is open to independent authors and publishers from around the globe, honoring books created for an English-speaking audience.

The IPPYs are here to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work being done by independent, university, and self-published authors. Since our inaugural contest, over 6,000 books have proudly received the prestigious “IPPY” distinction, enjoying the recognition, credibility, and sales boost that come with winning a book award.

We celebrate the courage, innovation, and creativity that drive change in the publishing industry. Our judging process takes into account the independent spirit and unique challenges faced by publishers of all sizes and budgets. We award gold, silver, and bronze medals across national, regional, and eBook categories.

If you have not read The French Effect, I hope you will soon. Check out the Amazon reviews to see how readers are enjoying the story.

Here’s the link to purchase either ebook or print copies.

I also want to let local readers in the Collingwood area know that The French Effect is now available at the beautiful and welcoming Nottawa Cottage Bookstore. What a pleasure to be part of the amazing selection of fabulous reads in this gem of a shop.

Happy Monday. Happy reading. Enjoy summer now that it’s officially here!

January 6th ~ Epiphany ~ la fête des rois in France

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January 5, 2025

Happy New Year … now Eat cake like a king!

January 6 is the official date of Epiphany, when this celebration occurs. However, many people in France this year would have taken advantage of the nearest Sunday to serve their King’s Cake. This date is said to be the day that the three kings (or magi) visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem. It is the end of the 12 days of Christmas, being 12 days after the 25th December.

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? It’s the French way! 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 bit down on it … they’re usually a small porcelain or plastic trinket!

This really is a lot of fun and a joyful time to celebrate with family and friends.

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.

Happy New Year everyone! May 2026 bring you and your loved ones the best of health of happiness … peace in the world would be nice too. We can only keep hoping.

I’ve been so pleased with the response to my new novel, THE FRENCH EFFECT. If you haven’t read it yet, here is the link to all the platforms where you can purchase it…either ebook or print. I’m excited to announce that the audiobook will be out in February.

THE FRENCH EFFECT HAS ARRIVED!

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Salut! The French Effect launched on November 15th and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Thank you to all the pre-order readers and everyone who has picked up a copy since then.

The reviews on Amazon and Goodreads have been wonderful, and—as authors do—I’ve been busy with promotion. I had the chance to appear on Canada’s CP24 Breakfast television, and I was also invited for a fantastic conversation on The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing podcast with the fabulous Bianca Marais.

This Thursday, I will be interviewed at our local Collingwood Public Library by Librarian Lori Crossan. It’s possible to reserve a spot here. I’m happy to say I’ve received a good supply of books to bring along for sale. If you are in the area, I hope to see you there. I love celebrating with my hometown.

Sending good wishes to you this Thanksgiving! May you be blessed with good food that fills your table, good health as you work hard, and good times with family and friends. May you have all the best delights in life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American friends, wherever you may be.