Patricia Sands's Blog

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.

THE FRENCH EFFECT will pop out into the world on November 15th! I’m excited to bring this story to you. This is just a quick reminder it’s not too late to pre-order.

Full disclosure ~ At the end of 2024, I was in a bit of a dip, which was most unusual for me. But it happens from time to time to most of us, right?

To be honest, I have to thank Ann Garvin and all of the Tall Poppy Writers for the fact that this book exists. At the end of 2024, I was having a bit of a meltdown that my next birthday in July would be my 80th. My age has never bothered me in the past and I’m blessed with good health, BUT … mon Dieu … that was suddenly a number I couldn’t quite deal with. Out of nowhere, the invitation arrived from Ann to join the author/reader group she created in 2013! What an honour to be part of this collegial and encouraging group of writers. Inspiration followed and my words began to flow. I loved writing THE FRENCH EFFECT. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Here’s the blurb: Here’s the blurb … Sorry for the crazy spacing. Being totally a non-techie, I have no idea how to fix it and it is too late at night to ask my tech assistant. So I’ m just going to post it like this. Please forgive me …

From the bestselling author of the LOVE IN PROVENCE series, comes a hopeful and
heartwarming journey that reminds us it’s never too late for a second chance.

France has a way of changing your mind … and your heart …

Novelist Nora Bennett is living her fifties with more doubts than dreams. Once content with her
quiet life, she’s recently found herself battling writer’s block, a growing restlessness–and
resistance to a holiday season she’s long stopped celebrating. So, when her daughter Chloe, an
artist living in Paris, asks her to dog-sit an intimidating Doberman named Atticus, Nora surprises
them both by saying yes.

Delicious meals, long walks through the storied streets of Montmartre, and a chance to
rediscover a spark of joy in the glittering holiday lights of Paris: Six weeks in the City of Light
might be just the escape Nora needs.

Except Paris has other plans. Nora agrees to ghostwrite a memoir for 93-year-old Marie-Louise,
who reveals haunting memories of surviving the Occupation as a child of the Resistance. A
charming younger tango partner with secrets of his own introduces Nora to the French art of
pleasure. All the while, the city’s irresistible festive spirit envelops her gently.

Chloe invites Nora to spend Christmas at her husband Olivier’s centuries-old ancestral farm in
Provence. There, Nora is embraced by the warmth of family and treasured traditions. She’s also
unexpectedly drawn to Pierre, her son-in-law’s moody and magnetic father. Their connection is undeniable, even as he seems intent on keeping his distance.

But when Atticus suddenly goes missing, Pierre joins Nora in searching for him. Soon a winding
road trip returning to Paris softens their defenses … and reveals complicated truths behind
their guarded hearts.

Yet as Nora’s time in France begins to wind down, she must decide: Return to the comfort of
the life she knew – or leap into a bold new chapter she never imagined beyond the pages of her novels.

Happy reading! Bonne lecture!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, WritingTagged With: lest we forget, November 11, Patricia Sands, Remembrance Day

I can’t wait to bring my new novel into the world on November 15th! I loved writing this story that is filled characters you are going to love, settings you are going to love and even a Doberman you are going to love … and don’t worry if that sounds like too much love, because it isn’t. There’s plenty of history, intrigue and twists to keep you turning the pages. Seriously, I hope you enjoy the read! I’m told it is just the right kind of story we need in these chaotic times.

The French Effect is available for pre-order now.

Here’s a chat I had with my good friend Lou of Loulabelle Francophile while I was in France for September. Lou loves France as much as I do, so please take a few minutes and enjoy it! Just click here for the podcast.

Thanks for pre-ordering. It’s such a big help to an author when it comes to those crazy algorithms. The more pre-orders we have, the more exposure our book receives and I truly believe this is a story everyone will enjoy.

Here’s the blurb … Sorry for the crazy spacing. Being totally a non-techie, I have no idea how to fix it and it is too late at night to ask my tech assistant. So I’ m just going to post it like this. Please forgive me …

From the bestselling author of the LOVE IN PROVENCE series, comes a hopeful and
heartwarming journey that reminds us it’s never too late for a second chance.

France has a way of changing your mind … and your heart …

Novelist Nora Bennett is living her fifties with more doubts than dreams. Once content with her
quiet life, she’s recently found herself battling writer’s block, a growing restlessness–and
resistance to a holiday season she’s long stopped celebrating. So, when her daughter Chloe, an
artist living in Paris, asks her to dog-sit an intimidating Doberman named Atticus, Nora surprises
them both by saying yes.

Delicious meals, long walks through the storied streets of Montmartre, and a chance to
rediscover a spark of joy in the glittering holiday lights of Paris: Six weeks in the City of Light
might be just the escape Nora needs.

Except Paris has other plans. Nora agrees to ghostwrite a memoir for 93-year-old Marie-Louise,
who reveals haunting memories of surviving the Occupation as a child of the Resistance. A
charming younger tango partner with secrets of his own introduces Nora to the French art of
pleasure. All the while, the city’s irresistible festive spirit envelops her gently.

Chloe invites Nora to spend Christmas at her husband Olivier’s centuries-old ancestral farm in
Provence. There, Nora is embraced by the warmth of family and treasured traditions. She’s also
unexpectedly drawn to Pierre, her son-in-law’s moody and magnetic father. Their connection is undeniable, even as he seems intent on keeping his distance.

But when Atticus suddenly goes missing, Pierre joins Nora in searching for him. Soon a winding
road trip returning to Paris softens their defenses … and reveals complicated truths behind
their guarded hearts.

Yet as Nora’s time in France begins to wind down, she must decide: Return to the comfort of
the life she knew – or leap into a bold new chapter she never imagined beyond the pages of her novels.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GOODREADS GIVEAWAY! CLICK HERE!

GOOD LUCK! BONNE CHANCE!

October 13,2025 

We have enjoyed a beautiful autumn long weekend in Canada. Just the kind of weather we hope for as we celebrate this special holiday.

I returned a week ago from five weeks in France with my close friend, Deborah Bine aka Barefootblogger_France. Our trip was planned for a variety of reasons but one thing that stood out to us was that every single day at one point or another we voiced how grateful we were to be there visiting places we love and write about, spending time with friends (and each other!) and meeting up with authors we previously had only known online, and many more reasons to numerous to mention. It truly was all about gratitude.

I hope you won’t mind if I post a similar message here to past years. It’s the message I want to share at this time every year … every day, really …

I know we all find it hard to be giving thanks when so many people just like us are faced with war, famine and shocking events of Nature beyond anyone’s control. I understand that we have to look at the blessings in our lives and try to do whatever we can to help others. Donating to the Red Cross International is just one of many organizations at the forefront of assisting around the world.

Take a few minutes to make a list of the blessings in your life … or scroll through your photos for some reminders. May your heart be warmed.

Thanksgiving. No shopping for anything but dinner ingredients. No lists of gifts. Bags of food being filled for the Food Banks. Volunteers serving turkey dinners at homeless shelters. Quality time spent as families and friends gather to share memories, love and laughter. An attitude of gratitude prevails. I am so thankful for the life I have. I hope you feel the same about yours.

As we consider our individual blessings, let’s remember those who struggle with hunger, illness, poverty, war and a multitude of other challenges in our own backyards and around the globe. The refugee crisis is heartbreaking. The recent storms in the USA have left so many lives in turmoil. Let’s try to make the sentiments of Thanksgiving a part of every single day.

What a good feeling to see the food donation bins overflowing today. If you can’t get out to help, here’s a way you can play a part without leaving home! Click right here.

I’ve written about these sites before, but they are always worth mentioning from time to time.  All you have to do is go to TheHungerSite.com  once a day and click on the button — sponsors give free food. You are not put on any list or bombarded with spam. There are other links to click where sponsors donate for appropriate benefits: Breast Cancer ~ remember it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Child Health; Literacy; Rainforest; Animal Rescue and a few others. All of this has been verified as legit by Snopes years ago. I pop in every day. Why not?

While we are at it, have you ever played FREERICE.COM? ~ This is a unique way to increase your vocabulary and donate rice to needy countries. Play it with your children as there are 60 levels. It’s a great place to learn new words for Words With Friends … ahem, my addiction when I need a few minutes off from writing. It’s such a fun way to keep connected with friends too.

One big personal thank you to the readers who take the time to contact me. I love hearing from you and am grateful for every single message. Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter (just click on the link in the column to the right) and for sharing my books with your friends. You light up my life! I’m excited … and thankful … to share more with you about my new book releasing in November, but I’ll save that for the next post.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Filed Under: Blog, Social issues, UncategorizedTagged With: Canada, Canadian Thanksgiving, donate, family, food, help others, Patricia Sands, Thanksgiving

I’m proud to be part of the vibrant writing community in Collingwood, Ontario, and surroundings in the Georgian Bay/The Blue Mountains area.

Posted and written by Danielle Pitman
about 8 hours ago

20250825_success_clp_patricia_sands
Collingwood resident and author, Patricia Sands has written her thirteenth book which is due to be published this fall.
Now in her seventies, Collingwood resident Patricia Sands discovered her passion for writing a little later in life. That has not stopped her from telling the stories she has to share.

Her first novel, The Bridge Club, was published in 2015, when Sands was 65. Her thirteenth book, The French Effect, is due to be published this fall.

“There are always challenges, you know, coming up with a good story and making characters engaging enough,” she says.

The stories she writes are inspired by the obstacles faced by middle-aged women. The settings Sands draws from the culture and scenery she experienced — and came to adore — in the south of France.

“You know, you see life every day and there is always something that you could write about,” she says.

Described as stories with quiet plots, her latest novel stays true to her style. The protagonist, a widow in her fifties, is invited to France where her daughter lives. The caveat is that she would be dog-sitting while there for six weeks.

“But Nora isn’t one to make spur of the moment decisions,” Sands says of her main character’s first trial.

Nora decides to adventure forth. She leaves her small-town home in Ontario and flies to Paris.

“It’s all about the characters that Nora meets during that time that she’s walking with this Doberman around Paris,” explains Sands.

In a new place, meeting new people, the protagonist is faced with new and unexpected choices.

“I think that many women these days are faced with a challenge at midlife, and so it’s just a way of writing a story that someone can feel comfortable reading and, you know, cheer for the main character,” Sands says.

She started out self-publishing and has since drawn the interest of traditional publishing companies. Whether learning through the research she does for the stories themselves, or through editing and publishing, Sands is invigorated by the process.

“We never know everything about the craft of writing. And so, you become a lifelong learner… Learning never ends and how to make your books better as far as publishing goes,” she says.

Since her novels gathered a dedicated readership, Sands started leading tours in the towns and cities where her stories take place. She and her husband have been travelling to France since long before her books were published and they still visit annually.

“I love to share that in my novels, to take readers away on a little armchair vacation,” she says.

This year she opted not to lead the tour. But that doesn’t mean her itinerary isn’t full.

Always with a camera in hand, Sands plans to take many photos geared toward marketing The French Effect, while in France during the month of September.

If she is not writing a manuscript, Sands is working on her blog or other forms of writing. Last year she published a book titled, A New Leash on Life, a story about a puppy.

“It’s fun to stretch yourself and write in different directions from time to time,” she notes.

Hearing from her readers is what delights her the most. Although many women read her novels, she has heard from men who picked up the novel and readers from many age groups. A friend in France called her once to tell her she was sitting with someone who read every one of Sands ‘novels. Oceans apart, the author and reader then met over the phone.

“There’s nothing that pleases me more than hearing or receiving an email from a reader who says that they enjoyed the book and why it meant so much to them. That’s a very rewarding part of being a writer,” she says.

Looking back from her position, over a dozen novels later, Sands says finding a community of like-minded people is important for any writer setting out. Finding people to connect with, who are experiencing the same challenges or have similar questions about the craft is empowering.

“Find your people…who you can talk to and learn from,” she suggests.

She notes that if in-person groups are not in your area, there are many resources online. The Women’s Fiction Writers Association is an example she offers of a group that provides online workshops and resources for writers of all genres.

As part of the CollingWord literary community she enjoys meeting other local authors and inspiring youth.

“If you have a story to tell inside you, and everyone does have a story but not all people want to tell it, but if you have a story you want to tell, then sit down and write it,” she says.

Sands will soon be revealing the cover of her upcoming book, which can be found along with links to her social media on her website.

Community Leaders Program

This story was made possible by our Community Leaders Program partner.

Thank you to Independent Living Services of Simcoe County for helping to expand local news coverage in Collingwood. Learn more

I’m excited to announce a fun sale in celebration of the 4 th of July weekend! For a limited time, from July 3-7, you can download seven books in the Sail Away Series for just 99 cents each.

Set sail on seven different cruise ships with seven independent tales of friendship, adventure, hope, some romance and ports of call all over the world! Best staycation ever!

Don’t miss this chance to embark on a series of unforgettable journeys sure
to warm your heart and satisfy your summer cruise cravings. No passport or suitcases needed!

Here’s the link ~ happy shopping AND share it with your friends! https://bit.ly/45TQw24

Amazon link https://bit.ly/45TQw24

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/series/sail-away-series

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sail%20away%20series

It’s lavender season in the south of France! Newsletter coming soon …

Our hearts are with the people of Texas right now impacted by the tragic floods. Here are some suggestions as to how we might all help.

Readers and writers have a home at BookTrib.com and I cannot recommend this website more highly. Read on.

“BookTrib.com was created as a news source for people who love books, want to find out what’s happening in the book world and love learning about great authors of whom they may not have heard.
BookTrib.com brings discerning readers and rising authors closer together — and in a big way, with more than 95,000 unique monthly website visitors and more than 225,000 followers on social media.”

I was thrilled this week to have the following article published on their website along with many others I know you would find interesting and informative. Do yourself a favour and join the growing list of happy subscribers.

Happy reading, everyone!

Book Locales That Draw You In and Make You Feel at Home

Happy May Day!

En France ~ Bonne fête du muguet! Bonne fête du travail! Bon premier Mai! Happy Labor Day! Happy first of May!

In many countries around the world, the first of May is a celebrated Labor Day. In France there’s a special twist to the holiday that I love.
I recycle this post every year because I don’t want to change anything about it. If you read it last year … or the year before , I hope you enjoy it again. And if you can find some Lily of the Valley to give to a friend, all the better.

En mai, fais ce qu’il te plait!

Provençal proverb ~ In May, do what pleases you!

Here’s my May 1st muguet to each of you.

Every May 1st I like to share one of my favourite traditions in France ~ La Fête du Travail or La Fête du Muguet. The day is a national holiday ~ International Workers’ Day, like Labour Day in North America. But more than that it is an occasion when people give little bouquets or sprigs or pots of le muguet (lily of the valley) to each other. Like so many of the things we love about France, the tradition has lasted for centuries. It began in 1561, during the Renaissance.

Click here to read an excellent article by Margo Lestz, about this sweet tradition and all the history behind it.

Here’s another post about the tradition from Kristin Espinasse, everyone’s favourite scribe of daily French life.

A few years ago, my husband and I had just finished a magical stay (but then isn’t it always?) in Paris and the Loire Valley. We were driving south to the Dordogne region on May 1st and in every town, big or small, this was the scene. Even on a drizzly day. I loved it!

Obviously, young or old, everyone puts a lot of thought into this tradition.

A vivid memory of that rainy morning, is of an elderly woman sitting under an umbrella beside her small stand of bouquets of muguets. It wasn’t an appropriate picture to take … and no time to stop in the midst of traffic … but I’ve never forgotten the image. Does this happen to you sometimes when you travel? Your eye is the shutter and a particular image is captured forever in your memory?

Le muguet or lily of the valley represents a porte-bonheur, a good luck charm, to special people in your life. I am offering one to each of you.

Does your culture or country have a special May 1st tradtion?

Filed Under: Blog, France, UncategorizedTagged With: La fête du Muguet, labor day, le premier mai, may day, May First, Patricia Sands

April 20, 2025 by Patricia Sands (Edit)

Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring!

Joyeuses Pâques, Joyeux Pesach, Joyeux Printemps!

Whatever joyous occasion you celebrate at this special time of year, may it bring family and friends together for reflection, fellowship, food … and chocolate. Let’s count our blessings and focus on how we can help those who cannot.

In France, the traditions around Easter are quite different than most countries. Here’s an excellent article from The Good Life France (my favourite website, as you all must know by now). It is written by my friend, Margo Lestz, who will give you all the history. It begins like this … “On the Thursday night before Easter, all the church bells go silent and they won’t be heard from again until Easter Sunday.” Click here to read more.

With the tragic fire that occurred five years ago at the beloved Notre Dame in Paris, thoughts will also be centred on once again celebrating Easter this weekend and hearing the bells ring out in the newly rebuilt cathedral. Whether for religious reasons or for the tremendous historical symbol it represents, people around the world are rejoicing at the amazing efforts by all involved in the restoration work. Response has been heartwarming and unifying, from the greatest to the smallest level. The heroes of that day are les pompiers, the men and women firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the flames and those who helped save the priceless art. Click here to see an excellent video about the restoration.

This was the last photo I took of Notre Dame when I was in Paris in 2019. I will be there again this September and cannot wait to visit once again. I’ll send you a new photo and hope you will go with me in spirit!

I trust you are enjoying warm spring weather and good fellowship with friends and family at this special time of year.

From the window where I write, I can see the ski hills of Blue Mountain Resort. Amazingly, there are still two runs open leading into the village and the lifts will close tomorrow. It has been an amazing season with the best snow in years.

By the way, The Bridge Club is on sale this month … pick up a copy of the ebook for a friend if you already have yours! Just click here, it’s easy!

Bon weekend everyone!