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Love in Provence #1
The Promise of Provence
On the evening of her twenty-second wedding anniversary, Katherine Price can’t wait to celebrate. But instead of receiving an anniversary card from her husband, she finds a note asking for a divorce.
Fifty-five and suddenly alone, Katherine begins the daunting task of starting over. She has her friends, her aging mother, and her career to occupy her, but the future seems to hold little promise—until, after a winter of heartbreak, Katherine is persuaded to try a home exchange holiday in the South of France.
In Provence, bright fields of flowers bloom below medieval hilltop villages with winding cobblestone streets. Charmed by the picturesque countryside, the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, and the enchantment-filled boulevards of Paris, Katherine feels life opening up once again. Lavender perfumes the air, and chance encounters hint at romance and passion. But memories of heartbreak and betrayal linger—and her former life waits for her back home. Can she find the courage to begin again?
Revised edition: This edition of The Promise of Provence includes editorial revisions.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2013
855 people are currently reading
2941 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Sands
23 books1,054 followersBestselling author Patricia Sands lives two hours north of Toronto, Canada, in The Blue Mountains, when she isn't somewhere else, and calls the south of France her second home. An admitted travel fanatic, she can pack a bag in a flash and be ready to go anywhere … particularly the south of France. With a focus on travel, women’s issues and aging, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship.
Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book-group favorite, and The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series (followed by Promises to Keep and I Promise You This), was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. Her fifth novel, Drawing Lessons, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017.
Lavender, Loss & Love, ~A Season of Surprises ~and The First Noel make up the the Villa de Violettes series, based on the Love in Provence characters.
The Bridge Club ~ Tenth Anniversary edition ~ was released in September 2021 and is now in Kindle Unlimited.
On August 25, 2022, her novel THE SECRETS WE HIDE will be released.
Sands also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence and loves to visit Book Clubs either live or on ZOOM! Info on her website.
Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page or her website. There are links to her books, social media, and a monthly newsletter that has special giveaways, photography from France, and sneak peeks at her next book. She loves hearing from readers.
Patricia has led six 10-day tours of the French Riviera and the countryside of Provence. She will be co-hosting another 'Sold Out' women's tour of Provence in September 2021 with her good friend Deborah Bine aka The Barefoot Blogger.
Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads or her blog where you will find links to her books, social media, and monthly newsletter. She loves hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to email her.
Follow her on Instagram @psands.stories
Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book-group favorite, and The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series (followed by Promises to Keep and I Promise You This), was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. Her fifth novel, Drawing Lessons, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017.
Lavender, Loss & Love, ~A Season of Surprises ~and The First Noel make up the the Villa de Violettes series, based on the Love in Provence characters.
The Bridge Club ~ Tenth Anniversary edition ~ was released in September 2021 and is now in Kindle Unlimited.
On August 25, 2022, her novel THE SECRETS WE HIDE will be released.
Sands also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence and loves to visit Book Clubs either live or on ZOOM! Info on her website.
Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page or her website. There are links to her books, social media, and a monthly newsletter that has special giveaways, photography from France, and sneak peeks at her next book. She loves hearing from readers.
Patricia has led six 10-day tours of the French Riviera and the countryside of Provence. She will be co-hosting another 'Sold Out' women's tour of Provence in September 2021 with her good friend Deborah Bine aka The Barefoot Blogger.
Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads or her blog where you will find links to her books, social media, and monthly newsletter. She loves hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to email her.
Follow her on Instagram @psands.stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
December 23, 2025
“…it’s never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a ‘possibilitarian.’”
Shall we begin by escaping into this extraordinary book cover? Who can’t be intrigued by the beauty of these pastel colors that feature a bike, pots of alluring flowers, and a welcoming cottage surrounded by willowy trees. Near the front door sits a suitcase with a women’s sun hat draped over it. Looks like this is a place for us to stay and be for a few hundred pages, yes?
Katherine (Kat) was a very uncomplicated woman, who was comfortable in her routines. She had been working as a research assistant for the past 15 years, and had been ready to celebrate her 22nd-year anniversary to her husband, James. Instead, on the afternoon of her anniversary she was greeted by something else.
Completely shocked and devastated by the loss and betrayal, Kat was now faced with her life as something unplanned.
So, what does one do when an unexpected surprise challenges a completely ordered existence? This is the dilemma facing Kat as she finds herself walking through change where everything that once was, no longer is.
In her grief, she finds comfort with her mother, Anyu, until her passing a few months later. Her mother leaves her a handwritten ‘confession’ of a past history of her and her father’s life back in Europe during Hitler’s regime. How will understanding of her parent’s past guide Kat? Looking at a worn carpet of her mother’s she now understood…
“Her mother’s history lived on in its threads.”
What now for Kat?
Can Kat possibly recapture a past dream that she once envisioned for herself before committing her life to what the past 22-years actually became?
And, then the idea… be a part of a home exchange program. Suddenly, doors open.
With an opportunity for new friendships, a yellow Lab named Picasso, and possibilities before her, readers will have the chance to join Kat on her self-exploration journey through the beautiful countryside of Provence and Europe. What will she discover about herself? Will she be able to reconcile her past so that she can create a happily-ever-future?
This is a leisurely-paced, relaxed, easy-to-read story, that explores grief and loss, navigating change, second chances, and, self-reflection in a gentle, thoughtful way. To add to the story, readers will no doubt find that the European countryside is its own character.
Some of the side stories, (like Kat’s neurotic friend with her drama and challenges), were a bit trying at times, and the profanity scattered about in the beginning, (for understandable reasons), could cause one to grimace. Still, it was a heart-warming story about a woman learning to find herself amidst heartbreak and disappointment.
This is the first in the Love in Provence series, which can leave readers wondering and hoping for what could be upcoming in future books.
“Who can predict what the future holds?”
Be sure and read the Author’s Note at the end.
I was a lucky winner of this book in the Facebook Readers Coffeehouse Great Big Book Giveaway on August 19, 2025. I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
Shall we begin by escaping into this extraordinary book cover? Who can’t be intrigued by the beauty of these pastel colors that feature a bike, pots of alluring flowers, and a welcoming cottage surrounded by willowy trees. Near the front door sits a suitcase with a women’s sun hat draped over it. Looks like this is a place for us to stay and be for a few hundred pages, yes?
Katherine (Kat) was a very uncomplicated woman, who was comfortable in her routines. She had been working as a research assistant for the past 15 years, and had been ready to celebrate her 22nd-year anniversary to her husband, James. Instead, on the afternoon of her anniversary she was greeted by something else.
Completely shocked and devastated by the loss and betrayal, Kat was now faced with her life as something unplanned.
So, what does one do when an unexpected surprise challenges a completely ordered existence? This is the dilemma facing Kat as she finds herself walking through change where everything that once was, no longer is.
In her grief, she finds comfort with her mother, Anyu, until her passing a few months later. Her mother leaves her a handwritten ‘confession’ of a past history of her and her father’s life back in Europe during Hitler’s regime. How will understanding of her parent’s past guide Kat? Looking at a worn carpet of her mother’s she now understood…
“Her mother’s history lived on in its threads.”
What now for Kat?
Can Kat possibly recapture a past dream that she once envisioned for herself before committing her life to what the past 22-years actually became?
And, then the idea… be a part of a home exchange program. Suddenly, doors open.
With an opportunity for new friendships, a yellow Lab named Picasso, and possibilities before her, readers will have the chance to join Kat on her self-exploration journey through the beautiful countryside of Provence and Europe. What will she discover about herself? Will she be able to reconcile her past so that she can create a happily-ever-future?
This is a leisurely-paced, relaxed, easy-to-read story, that explores grief and loss, navigating change, second chances, and, self-reflection in a gentle, thoughtful way. To add to the story, readers will no doubt find that the European countryside is its own character.
Some of the side stories, (like Kat’s neurotic friend with her drama and challenges), were a bit trying at times, and the profanity scattered about in the beginning, (for understandable reasons), could cause one to grimace. Still, it was a heart-warming story about a woman learning to find herself amidst heartbreak and disappointment.
This is the first in the Love in Provence series, which can leave readers wondering and hoping for what could be upcoming in future books.
“Who can predict what the future holds?”
Be sure and read the Author’s Note at the end.
I was a lucky winner of this book in the Facebook Readers Coffeehouse Great Big Book Giveaway on August 19, 2025. I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
October 31, 2016
I just want you guys to know that I read this, fully, because I was SO AMAZED that a book could be SO BORING! Amazon opened up their prime subscribers library recently so I poked around and found a book to read in about thirty seconds--"romance," "france," sounds good. OH MY GOD YOU GUYS, the most boring! Not really a romance novel with a plot so much as a book to make middle aged ladies want to go to France. Like a travel advertisement. It explained a lot when I got to the end and the author's note revealed that she'd planned this to be a standalone but based on response was now going to turn it into a trilogy. Oh my GOD!! I know I know much more talented writers who haven't gotten a book deal and it's because of ding dongs like this lady. I'm sorry some dumb publisher stumbled into an online writers' group and decided to print this instead of your much better thought out, planned, book.
November 23, 2015
I am baffled by ratings and review of this book - it is so bad it is painful to read. Between the elaborately contrived descriptions of wall color, flowers (same exact phrases repeated over and over) and the horrific editing, I am thinking about burning my Kindle.
Having finally slogged through this - skipping the simperingly forced pages of descriptions - which read like 10th grade descriptive beach essays - I would love to bump my stars down to 0. That said, I finished it, so it can keep one. Serious plot theft, horrible editing, predictable characters, and the abuse of adjectives - criminal.
Having finally slogged through this - skipping the simperingly forced pages of descriptions - which read like 10th grade descriptive beach essays - I would love to bump my stars down to 0. That said, I finished it, so it can keep one. Serious plot theft, horrible editing, predictable characters, and the abuse of adjectives - criminal.
June 1, 2025
The Promise of Humanity
This book is really enjoyable in a number of ways, that is, you can read it as a romantic adventure, self-help, travel or historical fiction etc.
No matter how you approach it, it has something for virtually anyone, although it is targeted at female readers.
What I found amazing was the ease of shifting viewpoints across times, cultures, countries, continents, languages, and above all, mindsets.
At the beginning, the storytelling felt a bit slow, especially for a male reader, but it turned out that was for a reason. The whole storyline revolves around the moods and dynamics in the personal development of Katherine, the protagonist.
On one hand, she seemed somewhat self-isolated and egocentric in her sweet little world that gradually fell apart after her marriage collapsed.
On the other, her mother Elisabeth was perhaps the second most important character in the book. The author describes Elisabeth's life story too, which was quite convincing and enhances the whole book indeed.
Elisabeth constantly reminded me of my own grandma as well; talking about serious humanitarian issues and dramas, especially WWII.
Patricia Sands takes a very personal, human standpoint when describing or better to say reliving life turnarounds, ups and downs.
An impressive and brave account of the atrocities of some extreme ideologies. Something to bear in mind when trying to be human, just, and tolerant nowadays against the background of so much insecurity, fear and terror.
The author's style is deeply immersive with vivid dialogue, upbeat messages that are logically inferred.
The writer portrays real-life very convincingly with the introduction of Kat's best friend Molly. They look like two opposites, an argument and counterargument.
Andrea, Kat's cousin and her husband, also play a major part.
Most importantly, the main message focuses on the role of family as a supportive and appreciative factor. We need to cherish that more and more, as we can see so many families dissolving due to lack of love, egotism, greed etc.
Finally, Philippe is the epitome of Kat's dream partner with whom she could settle down again after such turbulent times. However, Philippe had also been through some hardships before, losing his first wife to a terminal disease, as well as having been faced with family fights over material possessions and property.
Personally, I also liked the presupposed love of nature, sport, friendship, art, socializing and food, i.e. joie de vivre throughout the book. The author even pointed out both positive and negative aspects of modern technologies.
Overall, very emotional, enlightening, cultured, wise and profound.
Patricia Sands urges the reader to think about important matters in life in a very subtle and enjoyable way borrowing from real world scenarios.
This book is really enjoyable in a number of ways, that is, you can read it as a romantic adventure, self-help, travel or historical fiction etc.
No matter how you approach it, it has something for virtually anyone, although it is targeted at female readers.
What I found amazing was the ease of shifting viewpoints across times, cultures, countries, continents, languages, and above all, mindsets.
At the beginning, the storytelling felt a bit slow, especially for a male reader, but it turned out that was for a reason. The whole storyline revolves around the moods and dynamics in the personal development of Katherine, the protagonist.
On one hand, she seemed somewhat self-isolated and egocentric in her sweet little world that gradually fell apart after her marriage collapsed.
On the other, her mother Elisabeth was perhaps the second most important character in the book. The author describes Elisabeth's life story too, which was quite convincing and enhances the whole book indeed.
Elisabeth constantly reminded me of my own grandma as well; talking about serious humanitarian issues and dramas, especially WWII.
Patricia Sands takes a very personal, human standpoint when describing or better to say reliving life turnarounds, ups and downs.
An impressive and brave account of the atrocities of some extreme ideologies. Something to bear in mind when trying to be human, just, and tolerant nowadays against the background of so much insecurity, fear and terror.
The author's style is deeply immersive with vivid dialogue, upbeat messages that are logically inferred.
The writer portrays real-life very convincingly with the introduction of Kat's best friend Molly. They look like two opposites, an argument and counterargument.
Andrea, Kat's cousin and her husband, also play a major part.
Most importantly, the main message focuses on the role of family as a supportive and appreciative factor. We need to cherish that more and more, as we can see so many families dissolving due to lack of love, egotism, greed etc.
Finally, Philippe is the epitome of Kat's dream partner with whom she could settle down again after such turbulent times. However, Philippe had also been through some hardships before, losing his first wife to a terminal disease, as well as having been faced with family fights over material possessions and property.
Personally, I also liked the presupposed love of nature, sport, friendship, art, socializing and food, i.e. joie de vivre throughout the book. The author even pointed out both positive and negative aspects of modern technologies.
Overall, very emotional, enlightening, cultured, wise and profound.
Patricia Sands urges the reader to think about important matters in life in a very subtle and enjoyable way borrowing from real world scenarios.
October 6, 2015
This book is one part travel book and one part love story. Together, they come together nicely to tell the tale of Katherine, a 55 year old woman who, in the first few pages becomes a woman alone after many years of marriage. She doesn't know what to do or where she should go. We see her making choices - some good, some bad and learning along the way. The novel takes her to France and that's where her growing to become herself takes place.
The author describes locations in France so beautifully that I looked them up on Google, not believing them to be possible! If I have one criticism, I think that sometimes the dialogue was a little stilted, but the story completely made up for it.
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The author describes locations in France so beautifully that I looked them up on Google, not believing them to be possible! If I have one criticism, I think that sometimes the dialogue was a little stilted, but the story completely made up for it.
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2018
FULL REVIEW BELOW and A GIVEAWAY IS ON MY BLOG AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BLOG REVIEW.
Kat was happily married and had been for twenty-two years.
On the day of her twenty-second anniversary, she came home to the usual bouquet of flowers and the note from her husband. The note definitely wasn't the normal loving one. This note was one saying he was in love with someone else and was leaving her.
Kat couldn't believe it, but she had her mother and some terrific friends to help her through it all.
Kat moved in with her ailing mother who had lived through the horrors of WWII as a Jewish child and would never tell Kat about that time. One day unknown to Kat, her mother wrote the events down with Kat being instructed by her mother is to not read her mother’s account until she passed.
When she read her mother's account, she cried and I did too.
As the months moved on, Kat decided she needed something different, and her cousin Andrea told her about a house swap program. Kat decided to do a house swap, and found a farmhouse in Provence - see photos below.
What a marvelous decision for Kat.
Ms. Sands' marvelous descriptions have you right there with Kat enjoying the delicious food, the landscape, the views, and the wonderful people.
THE PROMISE OF PROVENCE is a story of healing and finding yourself and your happiness.
Ms. Sands has written another beautifully told story that will have you wanting to make immediate plane reservations. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2013
I am clearly out of touch with modern life. Either authors have conspired to add the same plot development to each and every current novel, or I have been left behind in the life/story line situation currently being experienced. It's impossible for me to count how many books read recently contain these elements:
woman is dumped and left devastated by husband/lover/boyfriend
she struggles to recover her equilibrium
her life becomes better and oh, yeah, she meets a fabulous new guy 10-20 years younger and better becomes bliss
Really? Really? There are that many fabulous younger men out there willing to start permanent, storybook relationships with women nearly old enough to be their mothers? Color me surprised and more than a little disbelieving. Clearly, this must be the point of view of an outlier, but what on earth would be wrong with letting the main character encounter someone just as appealing and perfect from the same generation? Do most other women want to snag someone significantly younger? Am I the only one who thinks it's not ideal? And don't bring up older men with decades younger girls to counteract my disinterest in the cougar + toyboy pairings; they're ludicrous too.
Aside from this aspect of the book, it was a nice story with an interesting variety of plot lines and developments; plus, it was thrilling that at least in this book, the main character didn't feel compelled to get a tattoo to celebrate her recovery from a broken heart!
woman is dumped and left devastated by husband/lover/boyfriend
she struggles to recover her equilibrium
her life becomes better and oh, yeah, she meets a fabulous new guy 10-20 years younger and better becomes bliss
Really? Really? There are that many fabulous younger men out there willing to start permanent, storybook relationships with women nearly old enough to be their mothers? Color me surprised and more than a little disbelieving. Clearly, this must be the point of view of an outlier, but what on earth would be wrong with letting the main character encounter someone just as appealing and perfect from the same generation? Do most other women want to snag someone significantly younger? Am I the only one who thinks it's not ideal? And don't bring up older men with decades younger girls to counteract my disinterest in the cougar + toyboy pairings; they're ludicrous too.
Aside from this aspect of the book, it was a nice story with an interesting variety of plot lines and developments; plus, it was thrilling that at least in this book, the main character didn't feel compelled to get a tattoo to celebrate her recovery from a broken heart!
November 8, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It makes me want to do a home swap with someone in Provence or at least rent a house there. I thought the characters were well developed and enjoyed Molly's character. I look forward to seeing what is next for Katherine and Philippe.
I won this from The Reading Room Webiste.
I won this from The Reading Room Webiste.
September 25, 2016
Ugh! Simply dreadful
November 24, 2015
In The Promise of Provence, Patricia Sands takes the reader on a journey of discovery. When her main character's marriage falls apart, Katherine decides to travel out of her comfort zone in Toronto, first to Provence, and then to The French Riviera. During these trips, she grows stronger emotionally, joining the locals and experiencing a very different side of life, including romance. Often I felt like I was beside her enjoying the sights in these remarkable locations in France.
August 14, 2017
For a middle-aged woman preparing to enjoy a quiet, lovely anniversary with her husband of many years, life comes to a screeching halt. Starting over with a bruised heart and trust at a minimum teaches her that life is not over and a great deal is still meant to be lived.
The Promise of Provence was just the sort of women's fiction that I enjoy when in the right mood. I loved the combination of a person growing and recovering from a few huge hits (husband cheating and walking away along with a family loss), finding and learning to like herself, exploring a lovely place and meeting new people, and... when all is said and done, finding a heartwarming romance.
Katherine Price was an interesting heroine and narrator for her own story (there were brief moments when friends POVs were presented). She's not actually a person I would wholeheartedly admire (a bit timid in some ways for my liking), but I did like her in a mild way. I could appreciate much that she loved and I enjoyed being along on her road to self-discovery.
The writing style and pace were molasses slow, but not boring for me. I enjoyed the delving into travel, sites, food, history, cycling, gardening, and people. Pico the dog was as wonderful a character as several of the side characters in the story.
Katherine's romance was not the focal point of the book and was background until near the end. She had a few stops and starts in that department. Friendship and family are stronger ties for her through much of the book. Her ex-husband though never in the story was a looming nonetheless and I appreciated how Katherine went through the stages of loss over him. He had suppressed and isolated her- even from her own sense of self- so there is much for her to reconnect with both people and everything else.
A fascinating and compelling side story was the history of Katherine's parents. It gave background to her mother's wisdom and guidance. A recurring theme was 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger'.
As to the audio narration, since I experienced The Promise of Provence in audio format, Janet Metzger amazed and captivated me once again. She had the task of foreign accents, large cast of characters, and a range of emotion. I think she has a gift for the gentle and more subtle story tones, making them come alive so they do not bore the listener.
All in all, I loved sinking into this story and it having a soothing, calming affect when it could have been loaded down with too much angst. I know for a fact that it is dangerous because I now crave delicious fresh foods and a trip to the south of France in the worst way. Those who enjoy women's fiction with a character recovering from loss, travel and romantic adventures, with a focus on friends and family will be the ideal recommended crowd for this one.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Promise of Provence was just the sort of women's fiction that I enjoy when in the right mood. I loved the combination of a person growing and recovering from a few huge hits (husband cheating and walking away along with a family loss), finding and learning to like herself, exploring a lovely place and meeting new people, and... when all is said and done, finding a heartwarming romance.
Katherine Price was an interesting heroine and narrator for her own story (there were brief moments when friends POVs were presented). She's not actually a person I would wholeheartedly admire (a bit timid in some ways for my liking), but I did like her in a mild way. I could appreciate much that she loved and I enjoyed being along on her road to self-discovery.
The writing style and pace were molasses slow, but not boring for me. I enjoyed the delving into travel, sites, food, history, cycling, gardening, and people. Pico the dog was as wonderful a character as several of the side characters in the story.
Katherine's romance was not the focal point of the book and was background until near the end. She had a few stops and starts in that department. Friendship and family are stronger ties for her through much of the book. Her ex-husband though never in the story was a looming nonetheless and I appreciated how Katherine went through the stages of loss over him. He had suppressed and isolated her- even from her own sense of self- so there is much for her to reconnect with both people and everything else.
A fascinating and compelling side story was the history of Katherine's parents. It gave background to her mother's wisdom and guidance. A recurring theme was 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger'.
As to the audio narration, since I experienced The Promise of Provence in audio format, Janet Metzger amazed and captivated me once again. She had the task of foreign accents, large cast of characters, and a range of emotion. I think she has a gift for the gentle and more subtle story tones, making them come alive so they do not bore the listener.
All in all, I loved sinking into this story and it having a soothing, calming affect when it could have been loaded down with too much angst. I know for a fact that it is dangerous because I now crave delicious fresh foods and a trip to the south of France in the worst way. Those who enjoy women's fiction with a character recovering from loss, travel and romantic adventures, with a focus on friends and family will be the ideal recommended crowd for this one.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2019
"Life is full of choices. Don't be afraid to make them when you know they are right for you." A wise phrase spoken by Francois, an older gentleman that Katherine rescues, sums up this refreshing story for me. Katherine has had a rough year with her husband leaving her and her parents dying. She finds it hard and lonely to think of life alone. A trip to Provence finds her discovering herself all over again. This is a modern tale of middle-aged woman finding herself, maybe for the first time. As a special treat, the reader gets to experience Provence with all it's simple, yet sensory treasures. Just the book to read when you need a vacation from life's challenges, and can't jet away to Provence yourself!
February 6, 2017
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The parts about Provence were actually quite good. It was the distracting side plots that were frustrating for me. There were several that were unnecessary and went nowhere. Editing out a third of this book would have made it much better.
July 31, 2014
I was drawn to this book by the title initially as I love France and Provence in particular. This book delivered far more than I could have expected. To begin with the setting is Toronto in Canada, which immediately made me want to visit. I immediately identified with Kat, whose life changes dramatically and unexpectedly when she is in her fifties.
Alongside a romance, there is the story of Kat’s parents and their escape from Hungary. It is also a story of coping with change and moving on. As Kat’s mother frequently reminds her, ’What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.’ This is also true for Kat’s friend.
I loved the idea of Kat making her dreams happen and the descriptions of the Cote d’Azur are spot on. In fact, I relived many happy times as the evocative language, scents and food were delightful.
There is nothing about this story that didn’t appeal, romance, the South of France, and a lovely dog too.
Alongside a romance, there is the story of Kat’s parents and their escape from Hungary. It is also a story of coping with change and moving on. As Kat’s mother frequently reminds her, ’What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.’ This is also true for Kat’s friend.
I loved the idea of Kat making her dreams happen and the descriptions of the Cote d’Azur are spot on. In fact, I relived many happy times as the evocative language, scents and food were delightful.
There is nothing about this story that didn’t appeal, romance, the South of France, and a lovely dog too.
November 12, 2015
The Promise of Provence is an innovative and unusual type of novel because the heroine is not an innocent or feisty young woman in search of a career or a companion. The main character is a middle-aged woman, in her late fifties, who finds that the life she was living and had planned to continue leading disintegrates unexpectedly before her eyes. As a result, she is forced reinvent herself and redesign her future.
The first part of The Promise of Provence carries us through the traumatic events, which will shatter Katherine’s life. As all life-changing experiences, the difficult moment must first be overcome in order to move on to the following stage. The rest of the novel deals with how she recovers from the loss and renews her faith in herself.
I enjoyed the interior monologue of a mature woman, facing life choices, normally associated with younger women, such as coping with men’s sexual advances, finding a place to live, and meeting new friends. Katherine has the intelligence and experience to realize what she wants, and the courage to leave her comfort zone and attempt to get over the sadness she feels and recover her self-esteem.
She does something she has always dreamed of doing; she visits Europe. When she takes part in a home exchange holiday in the South of France, it will change her life forever, because she finds new incentives in life. Katherine’s journey is spiritual and emotional as well as geographical.
‘I thought I was coming on this exchange to run away from something, but now I feel I was really running toward something – a new me.’
I enjoyed her travels in Europe. She carried me away with her curiosity and sense of adventure, showing me the scenery, the delicious food, and museums, chateaux, and historic sights of France, Monaco, Budapest, and Italy.
Throughout her travels, she meets some wonderful people, but she also has some unfortunate experiences. There is romance, and there are some nasty characters, too. The romance, which eventually evolves, is not a whirlwind, and it is not the central issue in the novel, but it is solid, because it has potential to develop. Presumably it will be one of the main storylines in book two, Promises to Keep (Love in Provence Book 2).
It is a well-written and moving story, which transmits hope and optimism. A person’s happiness is in his/her own hands. As Francois tells Katherine:
‘Life is full of choices. Don’t be afraid to make them when you know they are right for you. You are much younger than I and have so much to live. Live it well.’
The first part of The Promise of Provence carries us through the traumatic events, which will shatter Katherine’s life. As all life-changing experiences, the difficult moment must first be overcome in order to move on to the following stage. The rest of the novel deals with how she recovers from the loss and renews her faith in herself.
I enjoyed the interior monologue of a mature woman, facing life choices, normally associated with younger women, such as coping with men’s sexual advances, finding a place to live, and meeting new friends. Katherine has the intelligence and experience to realize what she wants, and the courage to leave her comfort zone and attempt to get over the sadness she feels and recover her self-esteem.
She does something she has always dreamed of doing; she visits Europe. When she takes part in a home exchange holiday in the South of France, it will change her life forever, because she finds new incentives in life. Katherine’s journey is spiritual and emotional as well as geographical.
‘I thought I was coming on this exchange to run away from something, but now I feel I was really running toward something – a new me.’
I enjoyed her travels in Europe. She carried me away with her curiosity and sense of adventure, showing me the scenery, the delicious food, and museums, chateaux, and historic sights of France, Monaco, Budapest, and Italy.
Throughout her travels, she meets some wonderful people, but she also has some unfortunate experiences. There is romance, and there are some nasty characters, too. The romance, which eventually evolves, is not a whirlwind, and it is not the central issue in the novel, but it is solid, because it has potential to develop. Presumably it will be one of the main storylines in book two, Promises to Keep (Love in Provence Book 2).
It is a well-written and moving story, which transmits hope and optimism. A person’s happiness is in his/her own hands. As Francois tells Katherine:
‘Life is full of choices. Don’t be afraid to make them when you know they are right for you. You are much younger than I and have so much to live. Live it well.’
July 2, 2013
So I opened the book, and by page 5, no Marseille exaggeration here [Marseille is the French Texas of Provence - their inhabitants are renowned, all over France, to exaggerate everything], so by page 5, I was TOTALLY hooked and I kept reading and devoured the book in about 2 days.
Kat (Katherine) lives in Canada. She is 55, has been married for many years, but on their wedding anniversary, her husband introduces a totally unexpected “bomb” in her life. That’s the setting at the opening of the book, and this is masterly written. Kat has to reevaluate all her life and relationships. She feels totally destroyed and needs to relearn how to live strong and happy. To make things worse, she will also have to face sickness and death in her family and major changes in her work life as well.
She is going to try to relearn life thanks to a few very close and true friends. They especially encourage her to change her environment through a home exchange with a family in Provence. There, she discovers...
my full review, with giveaway, is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/07/08/i...
Kat (Katherine) lives in Canada. She is 55, has been married for many years, but on their wedding anniversary, her husband introduces a totally unexpected “bomb” in her life. That’s the setting at the opening of the book, and this is masterly written. Kat has to reevaluate all her life and relationships. She feels totally destroyed and needs to relearn how to live strong and happy. To make things worse, she will also have to face sickness and death in her family and major changes in her work life as well.
She is going to try to relearn life thanks to a few very close and true friends. They especially encourage her to change her environment through a home exchange with a family in Provence. There, she discovers...
my full review, with giveaway, is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/07/08/i...
August 1, 2016
This book and series is part romance and part travelogue. I enjoyed the story of a woman who reinvents herself after being dumped by a cheating husband. He actually did her a favor though in a heartless and underhanded way as their marriage was all about him and his desires. After more challenging events occur in her life, Katherine feels the need for a change of scenery and agrees to a house exchange in Provence, France. Her new journey begins like a fairly tale once she settles in, and continues like a dream though not without complications. This book has very detailed information about the culture, history, and attractions in Provence. Having been to this beautiful part of France. I enjoyed reminiscing as well as learning new aspects to the area.
July 18, 2016
For the most part, this was fast read piece of "chick lit". I found it a fast read, not too deep and a bit forced in order for the expected conclusion to make sense. There was not much "thinking" in this book and that's what made it a fast, one day read. I would probably recommend it for a beach day read or a sitting around on a rainy day read but would not have been happy if it wasn't a free read for me. Enjoyed the light reading but there was no real "meat" to the story. Everything happened exactly as you would have expected.
I won the book in a Goodread contest and was pleased I didn't have to purchase it.
I won the book in a Goodread contest and was pleased I didn't have to purchase it.
August 27, 2014
Swept up in the lovely local descriptions of the vineyards, the food and wine, the market places and the flowers, The Promise of Provence transported me to one of my favourite places in France. Katherine’s journey from loss and grief to her happiness as she falls in love again, with Provence, kept me turning the pages and evoked every emotion. If Provence is not already on your travel list, it certainly will be after this most enjoyable read!
October 5, 2015
“It’s a big universe. Everything happens Somewhere,” says Doctor Who (“The Doctor, The Widow & The Wardrobe”). But I would answer that just as in this episode, and in the Narnia stories it’s based on, sometimes it’s the Somewhere that makes everything happen. To an extent, that’s what occurs in both The Promise of Provence and Promises to Keep, the first two volumes of Patricia Sands’ Love in Provence series.
The story begins on Katherine Price’s wedding anniversary, as she heads to her job in Toronto. Looking forward to celebrating with her husband, she returns home earlier than usual. There she finds his traditional gift, a bouquet of roses, one for each of the twenty-two years they’ve been married. Not so traditional is the letter that accompanies the roses, telling Katherine that he is leaving her for a younger woman, and that they are expecting a child. As her carefully built world collapses, Kat is devastated. In her mid-fifties, she wonders if her entire life has been a sham, and if she has anything left to believe in or trust. I find it entertaining that Katherine’s married name is Price, as she slowly begins to realize that the “stress-free and structured” life she thought she was leading was actually one where the price—giving up her own dreams and even identity—was just too high.
Infidelity, a betrayal of trust, an end to a relationship—these aren’t new storylines. But this isn’t a romance where the new hero swoops in to rescue her. It isn’t even the trope where the philandering spouse comes to realize what he’s lost and seeks forgiveness. Instead it’s the story of how Katherine slowly starts to get to know a woman who’s been invisible for twenty-two years: herself. Her first act is the wonderful destruction of her husband’s beloved Venge bicycle. (She piles the pieces outside for him to collect, after inking RE before the Venge logo on the frame.) Tentatively, Katherine lets herself lean on and accept help from the other women in her life, her ailing mother, and her two best friends. As she gets to know this stranger in her own skin, Kat remembers a promise a younger Katherine made to herself, that she would return to France, the country she’d fallen in love with as a girl. After a few trial runs, she embarks on a home exchange trip to France.
And that’s where the setting comes into its own. Although still nervous about handling everything by herself, Katherine makes it to Provence, and even manages the rental car. Then it happens:
Provence, the place and the people, slowly seduces Katherine. As she opens to accept the gifts it offers, she finds herself both healing and becoming the person she lost during her marriage. She still doesn’t know if she could ever trust in a relationship, but as she meets the wealthy Australian Nick and the enigmatic local Philippe, she begins to wonder if that could be possible. In the second book of the series, Promises to Keep, Katherine continues to grow, to take new chances on promises, even if it means facing the possibility of loss.
Katherine’s healing and growth is a slow and cautious process, and at every step the people and places of Provence are a beautifully described and real force, supporting and celebrating her change. But it’s a slow, almost incremental process, one in which the tiny pieces of everyday life and friendship and love are rediscovered and celebrated. If you are looking for a fast-moving story with lots of action scenes, steamy sex, and dramatic events, these aren’t the books for you. But if you’re interested in a careful exploration of a mature woman discovering just who she is, and whether that’s even a person she likes, then I recommend this series. I would give five out of five stars for the beautiful writing, compelling description of an all-too-common betrayal, and most of all for Katherine’s change and growth. My only disappointment is that I’ll have to wait a few months for the next book. In the meanwhile, I’m going to miss my good bookfriends, Katherine and Provence.
***I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
The story begins on Katherine Price’s wedding anniversary, as she heads to her job in Toronto. Looking forward to celebrating with her husband, she returns home earlier than usual. There she finds his traditional gift, a bouquet of roses, one for each of the twenty-two years they’ve been married. Not so traditional is the letter that accompanies the roses, telling Katherine that he is leaving her for a younger woman, and that they are expecting a child. As her carefully built world collapses, Kat is devastated. In her mid-fifties, she wonders if her entire life has been a sham, and if she has anything left to believe in or trust. I find it entertaining that Katherine’s married name is Price, as she slowly begins to realize that the “stress-free and structured” life she thought she was leading was actually one where the price—giving up her own dreams and even identity—was just too high.
Infidelity, a betrayal of trust, an end to a relationship—these aren’t new storylines. But this isn’t a romance where the new hero swoops in to rescue her. It isn’t even the trope where the philandering spouse comes to realize what he’s lost and seeks forgiveness. Instead it’s the story of how Katherine slowly starts to get to know a woman who’s been invisible for twenty-two years: herself. Her first act is the wonderful destruction of her husband’s beloved Venge bicycle. (She piles the pieces outside for him to collect, after inking RE before the Venge logo on the frame.) Tentatively, Katherine lets herself lean on and accept help from the other women in her life, her ailing mother, and her two best friends. As she gets to know this stranger in her own skin, Kat remembers a promise a younger Katherine made to herself, that she would return to France, the country she’d fallen in love with as a girl. After a few trial runs, she embarks on a home exchange trip to France.
And that’s where the setting comes into its own. Although still nervous about handling everything by herself, Katherine makes it to Provence, and even manages the rental car. Then it happens:
As she rounded a corner, cresting a small hill, she suddenly pulled the car to the side of the road and burst into tears.
In front of her was a postcard scene from Provence in June. An enormous field of golden sunflowers glistened with an intensity that was hard to believe, as if someone had plastered a Visit Provence poster smack in her face. To one side was the classic mas, with its outbuildings, the shades of the yellow-gray limestone farm structures softened by the mid-afternoon sun. Traditional weathered blue shutters on the south facing windows and doors were flung open in this fine day. […]
She stepped out of the car and hollered at the top of her lungs, “I’m here. I’ve done it! Je suis arrivée!”
Provence, the place and the people, slowly seduces Katherine. As she opens to accept the gifts it offers, she finds herself both healing and becoming the person she lost during her marriage. She still doesn’t know if she could ever trust in a relationship, but as she meets the wealthy Australian Nick and the enigmatic local Philippe, she begins to wonder if that could be possible. In the second book of the series, Promises to Keep, Katherine continues to grow, to take new chances on promises, even if it means facing the possibility of loss.
Katherine’s healing and growth is a slow and cautious process, and at every step the people and places of Provence are a beautifully described and real force, supporting and celebrating her change. But it’s a slow, almost incremental process, one in which the tiny pieces of everyday life and friendship and love are rediscovered and celebrated. If you are looking for a fast-moving story with lots of action scenes, steamy sex, and dramatic events, these aren’t the books for you. But if you’re interested in a careful exploration of a mature woman discovering just who she is, and whether that’s even a person she likes, then I recommend this series. I would give five out of five stars for the beautiful writing, compelling description of an all-too-common betrayal, and most of all for Katherine’s change and growth. My only disappointment is that I’ll have to wait a few months for the next book. In the meanwhile, I’m going to miss my good bookfriends, Katherine and Provence.
***I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
January 3, 2018
♥♥♥♥♥
The author provided me with a complimentary copy of each of the three books in this series. I am providing an honest review of this first book. All opinions are completely my own. I am not being compensated in any way. I will review the other two books when I have had a chance to read them.
This is a revealing review, but will not spoil your enjoyment of the book.
I must say that what first drew me to this series is the cover artwork of the three books. The soft, sunny scenes were so appealing, that I was curious to see if the stories inside matched what the covers promise. I am happy to say that the first book, at least, does indeed deliver to the fullest! The author uses words to paint the scenes from a beautiful pink rose bouquet to a homey kitchen and a charming farmhouse in the south of France. It’s not all pretty scenes, though. You also see the mess when the goats invade and leave behind their distinct contributions after grazing through the garden. You picture in your mind the memories that Elizabeth shares from the war.
No, it is by no means all pretty scenes. Ms. Sands has us feeling the happy anticipation of a twenty-second wedding anniversary. But she gives us a hint about what sort of man is behind this as his preparations for the celebration are predictable. Everyone knows where they will be going for this dinner. A man of rigid habits? And we feel the total shock of what the note says as our main character’s mind goes completely blank and she withdraws and shuts down. She cries for two days. She uses a technique her mother taught her with making two lists, pros and cons. But the cons list is longer. She simply can’t get a grasp on what is happening in her life.
But, once she does, she takes some petty revenge and seems to move on to making her life function again and finding purpose. She reaches out to family and friends just as they reach to support her. She obviously is well-thought of in her professional life and well-liked in her social circle.
She doesn’t want to live in the house she and her husband owned. So she moves home with her mother, Elizabeth, 85 years old. She and her mother are very close. You can tell from the way her friends speak of her mother that they are very familiar with her as well. Friends and family are well-integrated. One of her best friends is her cousin, Andrea. Her BFF is Molly. Molly is quite the character. She’s a comfort and a problem at the same time. While she supports Katherine, she’s also got a secret that she’s not sharing and it seems to be a problem that is escalating.
Elizabeth, Katherine’s mother, lived through WWII and will not speak of what happened to her and to the family during that time. But for Christmas, Elizabeth gives Katherine a book sewn into a cover and tells her she must promise not to read it until she, Elizabeth has died. Elizabeth has written her story for Catherine. After Elizabeth dies, Katherine reads her family’s story and is amazed at all it encompasses. All but her mother had been taken away by the Nazis and died at Auschwitz and such places. Her mother had been smuggled out in disguise and was the only one to survive to tell their story. Katherine felt she could understand some things about her mother better now. Particularly her favorite saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”.
Katherine’s cousin, Andrea, gets her involved in doing a house exchange. Years ago, Katherine had spent some time in the south of France while taking a course in French. Her memories of the area have her wanting to return. So she does an exchange to a farmhouse in Sainte-Mathilde, where she’s taken under the wing of a wonderful neighbor and an amazing dog. Both will help Katherine heal and see that there is still so much to life.
The pace of this story allows for long bike rides in the countryside and for cafe au chocolate while strolling the marketplace and chatting with the many vendors. That doesn’t mean the story is slow. The leisurely pace is soothing but not soporific. It is healing, but certainly has no trouble speeding up when crises arise and danger is an issue. If time and life had allowed, I would have read this book in one sitting. It certainly had no trouble holding my interest. I am eager to read the other two books in the series, though this could be considered a stand-alone. I want to know what else happens to these characters. I want to read more of this author’s wonderful writing. I highly recommend this book and probably this whole series to you if you enjoy the best of women’s lit. This certainly compares well with authors such as Jill Mansell, Anita Hughes, and Connie Chapell. The other two books in this series are:
Promises to Keep #2 and I Promise You This #3
The author provided me with a complimentary copy of each of the three books in this series. I am providing an honest review of this first book. All opinions are completely my own. I am not being compensated in any way. I will review the other two books when I have had a chance to read them.
This is a revealing review, but will not spoil your enjoyment of the book.
I must say that what first drew me to this series is the cover artwork of the three books. The soft, sunny scenes were so appealing, that I was curious to see if the stories inside matched what the covers promise. I am happy to say that the first book, at least, does indeed deliver to the fullest! The author uses words to paint the scenes from a beautiful pink rose bouquet to a homey kitchen and a charming farmhouse in the south of France. It’s not all pretty scenes, though. You also see the mess when the goats invade and leave behind their distinct contributions after grazing through the garden. You picture in your mind the memories that Elizabeth shares from the war.
No, it is by no means all pretty scenes. Ms. Sands has us feeling the happy anticipation of a twenty-second wedding anniversary. But she gives us a hint about what sort of man is behind this as his preparations for the celebration are predictable. Everyone knows where they will be going for this dinner. A man of rigid habits? And we feel the total shock of what the note says as our main character’s mind goes completely blank and she withdraws and shuts down. She cries for two days. She uses a technique her mother taught her with making two lists, pros and cons. But the cons list is longer. She simply can’t get a grasp on what is happening in her life.
But, once she does, she takes some petty revenge and seems to move on to making her life function again and finding purpose. She reaches out to family and friends just as they reach to support her. She obviously is well-thought of in her professional life and well-liked in her social circle.
She doesn’t want to live in the house she and her husband owned. So she moves home with her mother, Elizabeth, 85 years old. She and her mother are very close. You can tell from the way her friends speak of her mother that they are very familiar with her as well. Friends and family are well-integrated. One of her best friends is her cousin, Andrea. Her BFF is Molly. Molly is quite the character. She’s a comfort and a problem at the same time. While she supports Katherine, she’s also got a secret that she’s not sharing and it seems to be a problem that is escalating.
Elizabeth, Katherine’s mother, lived through WWII and will not speak of what happened to her and to the family during that time. But for Christmas, Elizabeth gives Katherine a book sewn into a cover and tells her she must promise not to read it until she, Elizabeth has died. Elizabeth has written her story for Catherine. After Elizabeth dies, Katherine reads her family’s story and is amazed at all it encompasses. All but her mother had been taken away by the Nazis and died at Auschwitz and such places. Her mother had been smuggled out in disguise and was the only one to survive to tell their story. Katherine felt she could understand some things about her mother better now. Particularly her favorite saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”.
Katherine’s cousin, Andrea, gets her involved in doing a house exchange. Years ago, Katherine had spent some time in the south of France while taking a course in French. Her memories of the area have her wanting to return. So she does an exchange to a farmhouse in Sainte-Mathilde, where she’s taken under the wing of a wonderful neighbor and an amazing dog. Both will help Katherine heal and see that there is still so much to life.
The pace of this story allows for long bike rides in the countryside and for cafe au chocolate while strolling the marketplace and chatting with the many vendors. That doesn’t mean the story is slow. The leisurely pace is soothing but not soporific. It is healing, but certainly has no trouble speeding up when crises arise and danger is an issue. If time and life had allowed, I would have read this book in one sitting. It certainly had no trouble holding my interest. I am eager to read the other two books in the series, though this could be considered a stand-alone. I want to know what else happens to these characters. I want to read more of this author’s wonderful writing. I highly recommend this book and probably this whole series to you if you enjoy the best of women’s lit. This certainly compares well with authors such as Jill Mansell, Anita Hughes, and Connie Chapell. The other two books in this series are:
Promises to Keep #2 and I Promise You This #3
February 7, 2017
The Promise of Provence is the perfect mix of women's fiction but also travel writing, with a fair amount of delicious food descriptions too. This is a story that starts with some reasonably heavy topics for the first 20% and then after that once Katherine is in France, I found myself enjoying the book even more.
Katherine is going through a large amount of change in this story, her husband divorces her very early into the book, and she moves back in with her aging mother. We soon learn just what happened to her mother, in her childhood and it was an experience that no one should ever have to endure, but yet its not unique either, unfortunately. That whole chapter rang so true with me, with my own knowledge of a certain period of history, and doesn't make for the most comfortable of reading, but its written rather matter of fact so, I was able to cope with it.
Katherine's cousin encourages her to register with a house exchange website, and given Katherine is recovering from a rather controlling marriage, where she has barely left Canada for many years, she is nervous but also excited about the possibilities of international travel, especially when enquiries come in from France, as she is a keen Francophile.
Over the course of the book, you are treated in great detail to the history and region of Provence and also the Cote D'Azur, as Katherine explores, and is shown various little towns and villages. She befriends assorted men, so there is always the hint of romance on the scene, but on the whole it is more a journey of discovering its good to spend time with yourself, and how empowering solo travel really is.
Travelling around the Cote D'Azur with the descriptions of the coastal train, took me back to my own day trip to the South of France, and being on that train. The details are so accurate its breathtaking, as are the views from windows!
We meet a Goat farmer, and learn all about different cheeses, Katherine takes part in a wine harvest, she cycles, she explores and generally over the course of her home exchanges immerses herself in French culture and life.
It is incredibly clear from the writing, how much Patricia Sands must love France, as the book in places reads as almost a love letter to Provence and the French way of life.
I enjoyed Katherine's friendships with her cousin and best friend, and loved it when Molly (best friend) was away with Katherine, as the extended exposure to each other, really altered the dynamics of the book for a bit.
The Promise of Provence I found to be a steady paced read, that I really enjoyed dipping in an out of. It took me a few days to read this, which is slow for me, but whenever I was reading, I was entertained by what I was reading. I am already eager to see what happens in the next book of this series.
Thank you much to Patricia Sands for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Katherine is going through a large amount of change in this story, her husband divorces her very early into the book, and she moves back in with her aging mother. We soon learn just what happened to her mother, in her childhood and it was an experience that no one should ever have to endure, but yet its not unique either, unfortunately. That whole chapter rang so true with me, with my own knowledge of a certain period of history, and doesn't make for the most comfortable of reading, but its written rather matter of fact so, I was able to cope with it.
Katherine's cousin encourages her to register with a house exchange website, and given Katherine is recovering from a rather controlling marriage, where she has barely left Canada for many years, she is nervous but also excited about the possibilities of international travel, especially when enquiries come in from France, as she is a keen Francophile.
Over the course of the book, you are treated in great detail to the history and region of Provence and also the Cote D'Azur, as Katherine explores, and is shown various little towns and villages. She befriends assorted men, so there is always the hint of romance on the scene, but on the whole it is more a journey of discovering its good to spend time with yourself, and how empowering solo travel really is.
Travelling around the Cote D'Azur with the descriptions of the coastal train, took me back to my own day trip to the South of France, and being on that train. The details are so accurate its breathtaking, as are the views from windows!
We meet a Goat farmer, and learn all about different cheeses, Katherine takes part in a wine harvest, she cycles, she explores and generally over the course of her home exchanges immerses herself in French culture and life.
It is incredibly clear from the writing, how much Patricia Sands must love France, as the book in places reads as almost a love letter to Provence and the French way of life.
I enjoyed Katherine's friendships with her cousin and best friend, and loved it when Molly (best friend) was away with Katherine, as the extended exposure to each other, really altered the dynamics of the book for a bit.
The Promise of Provence I found to be a steady paced read, that I really enjoyed dipping in an out of. It took me a few days to read this, which is slow for me, but whenever I was reading, I was entertained by what I was reading. I am already eager to see what happens in the next book of this series.
Thank you much to Patricia Sands for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Read
July 2, 2013My first book addition to the 7th annual Canadian Reading Challenge for both Canadian locations and Canadian author. Patricia Sands writes knowledgeably about Toronto and surrounding area of St Jacobs, home territory of our MC, as well as her travels to Provence, France. Descriptions have piqued my interest in both the area of France and the home exchange program that brought the book's protagonist to discover same.
Secondary characters and subplots in abundance for this 450 page contemporary women's first in a series of fiction novels. It makes for a lengthy summer read. Dealing with several serious topics - divorce, job loss, aging, familial relationships, holocaust, romantic relationships both flings and established. We follow our protagonist in her life journey from the moment of discovering her husband's disclosure of infidelity through its aftermath in Catherine's life. Realistic reactions and actions of characters keep the story authentic.
In reading this novel, I continued to feel I was reading about our MC without ever becoming connected with her. Emotions didn't impact me at any level other than surface with some situations leaving me feeling she was quite cold. Such as her refusal in contacting her extremely generous home exchange neighbour who welcomed and befriended her throughout her first Provence experience, with her surprise upcoming 2nd homestay. It left me bewildered without any explanation for this neglect. It also left me wondering at the depth of romantic interest paid her by the local Frenchman following her snub in not contacting him about her anticipated return to France, neither her arrival once there. These actions didn't endear her to me and left me questioning the accolades paid her by the love interests she meets.
The book is contemporary in thought and action, with language to match, which I must address for anyone considering the book. I am not always aware of these details prior to receiving a book for review. Hopefully this alerts you to possible concerns and considerations for your own reading choice regarding The Promise of Provence.
I received an ecopy of the book via France Book Tours for reading and reviewing for the upcoming July book tour.
Secondary characters and subplots in abundance for this 450 page contemporary women's first in a series of fiction novels. It makes for a lengthy summer read. Dealing with several serious topics - divorce, job loss, aging, familial relationships, holocaust, romantic relationships both flings and established. We follow our protagonist in her life journey from the moment of discovering her husband's disclosure of infidelity through its aftermath in Catherine's life. Realistic reactions and actions of characters keep the story authentic.
In reading this novel, I continued to feel I was reading about our MC without ever becoming connected with her. Emotions didn't impact me at any level other than surface with some situations leaving me feeling she was quite cold. Such as her refusal in contacting her extremely generous home exchange neighbour who welcomed and befriended her throughout her first Provence experience, with her surprise upcoming 2nd homestay. It left me bewildered without any explanation for this neglect. It also left me wondering at the depth of romantic interest paid her by the local Frenchman following her snub in not contacting him about her anticipated return to France, neither her arrival once there. These actions didn't endear her to me and left me questioning the accolades paid her by the love interests she meets.
The book is contemporary in thought and action, with language to match, which I must address for anyone considering the book. I am not always aware of these details prior to receiving a book for review. Hopefully this alerts you to possible concerns and considerations for your own reading choice regarding The Promise of Provence.
I received an ecopy of the book via France Book Tours for reading and reviewing for the upcoming July book tour.
October 16, 2015
[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
Fifty something Katherine Price comes home to celebrate her anniversary with her husband James, who, as regular as clockwork has left an amazing vase of her favorite roses....and a note telling her he was leaving her for another woman who was expecting his child!
She turns to her girlfriends: Molly and ( cousin) Andrea, who are supportive as she begins to redefine her life as a divorcee. She moves in with her mother,who is declining and they both relish in their time together that the ex husband frowned upon, and when Anyu passes, Kat starts to find herself. With Andrea's support and Molly's cheerleading, she begins to travel as part as a home exchange program, returning to Provence, a place she had fallen in love with prior to her marriage. With that, comes adventures and friendships Katherine couldn't imagine!
Like the author, I too love Peter Mayle's books, and the opportunity to read books about Provence, a place on my personal bucket list is an opportunity not to miss. Ms. Sands love of France is genuine in these pages. Her descriptions have you from the beginning, and it was all I could do NOT to binge read this in one sitting. My one problem was the Molly storyline with the stalker and whether it could have been removed, but I did not write this so in that regard, who am I to judge? Bon chance!
Fifty something Katherine Price comes home to celebrate her anniversary with her husband James, who, as regular as clockwork has left an amazing vase of her favorite roses....and a note telling her he was leaving her for another woman who was expecting his child!
She turns to her girlfriends: Molly and ( cousin) Andrea, who are supportive as she begins to redefine her life as a divorcee. She moves in with her mother,who is declining and they both relish in their time together that the ex husband frowned upon, and when Anyu passes, Kat starts to find herself. With Andrea's support and Molly's cheerleading, she begins to travel as part as a home exchange program, returning to Provence, a place she had fallen in love with prior to her marriage. With that, comes adventures and friendships Katherine couldn't imagine!
Like the author, I too love Peter Mayle's books, and the opportunity to read books about Provence, a place on my personal bucket list is an opportunity not to miss. Ms. Sands love of France is genuine in these pages. Her descriptions have you from the beginning, and it was all I could do NOT to binge read this in one sitting. My one problem was the Molly storyline with the stalker and whether it could have been removed, but I did not write this so in that regard, who am I to judge? Bon chance!
October 12, 2015
The Promise of Provence is a wonderful tale of a woman in search of herself. Katherine is a fifty-five year old woman with a nice life in Toronto. She has a good job as a researcher and a happy marriage, that is until James, her husband leaves her an anniversary bouquet with a note saying he wants a divorce. As Katherine's world falls apart she relies on friends and family to help her pick up the pieces and start again.
Her life takes on a new twist when her cousin suggests she try a house exchange holiday in France. What follows is a journey on the way to a new outlook on life, new friends and a new beginning as Katherine realizes she is not too old or too scared to take on new adventures and challenges in her life.
This story is so well told that I felt like I was with Katherine in the south of France. I could picture the sights, sounds and smells from the generous descriptions. All in all, I felt this book allowed me to join Katherine on a personal journey and an adventure where I learned about a new country and culture along the way.
I'm probably not the only reader who would love to see this book made into a film. The characters and the scenery would be great for it. Needless to say, I can't wait to read the second book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Her life takes on a new twist when her cousin suggests she try a house exchange holiday in France. What follows is a journey on the way to a new outlook on life, new friends and a new beginning as Katherine realizes she is not too old or too scared to take on new adventures and challenges in her life.
This story is so well told that I felt like I was with Katherine in the south of France. I could picture the sights, sounds and smells from the generous descriptions. All in all, I felt this book allowed me to join Katherine on a personal journey and an adventure where I learned about a new country and culture along the way.
I'm probably not the only reader who would love to see this book made into a film. The characters and the scenery would be great for it. Needless to say, I can't wait to read the second book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2019
“Promise of Provence”. What if it was your twenty-second Anniversary you are 55 and planning a beautiful candle light dinner for two, champagne, a dozen roses, and the best food, when the doorbell rings, it’s a messenger with a note. From your husband, “I want a divorce, I found a younger woman”. It is the story of lost love and love found. Katherine Price has to make a new life for herself. When her cousin gives her the idea of a house swap, she tries it, her house in Toronto for a swap in the Provence for two weeks. Will this get her out of her funk? What beautiful writing, I felt I was right there with her.
July 12, 2018
Pack your bags and be prepared to be swept up in the glory of the food, sights, and feels of the south of France in Sands' lush story of a woman whose life changes in an unexpected way. At first, devastated, until the location and people of Provence rescue her. For fans, be delighted with knowing that there are two more books in the series!
August 31, 2014
On the day of Katherine’s 22 wedding anniversary, she walks into her kitchen and smiles at the bouquet and note left for her by her husband, James. He obviously has some sort of surprise for her. He does. He is leaving her for his pregnant girlfriend. Katherine is stunned. She takes a few days off of work to make her self presentable and stable enough to be able to tell people what happened.
She goes back to work and with the help of her friends (friends that she had neglected during her marriage), she slowly starts to rise above the grief. When someone suggests a home exchange, she finds a house in France with a couple who would like to stay at her house in Canada.
She heads off to France for two weeks, unsure of how she will do traveling along. There she finds gorgeous countrysides and friendly people. She makes friends, eats well, and explores the cities. She has a blast and when given the opportunity later, heads back again for a longer three month stay. Through it all Katherine learns to be herself again, to trust again.
The book is filled with descriptions of luscious French countrysides, lifestyles easy and laid back with long conversation filled meals. It is a happy feel-good book. One that makes you want to hop on the next plan to France!
She goes back to work and with the help of her friends (friends that she had neglected during her marriage), she slowly starts to rise above the grief. When someone suggests a home exchange, she finds a house in France with a couple who would like to stay at her house in Canada.
She heads off to France for two weeks, unsure of how she will do traveling along. There she finds gorgeous countrysides and friendly people. She makes friends, eats well, and explores the cities. She has a blast and when given the opportunity later, heads back again for a longer three month stay. Through it all Katherine learns to be herself again, to trust again.
The book is filled with descriptions of luscious French countrysides, lifestyles easy and laid back with long conversation filled meals. It is a happy feel-good book. One that makes you want to hop on the next plan to France!
June 26, 2013
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I was never fully engaged with the story. The side story that was included was more of a distraction for me and I never fully understood what it had to do with the story. The story seemed a little disjointed and was not easy for me to read.
I never really connected with Katherine. I felt like she never really allowed me to know her and that made it difficult to understand her. There were moments in the book where I thought there might be a breakthrough but it never really happened for me.
Perhaps I was not the right audience for this book. I didn’t dislike it and was able to finish reading it. It was not a bad book just not fully enjoyable for me.
I never really connected with Katherine. I felt like she never really allowed me to know her and that made it difficult to understand her. There were moments in the book where I thought there might be a breakthrough but it never really happened for me.
Perhaps I was not the right audience for this book. I didn’t dislike it and was able to finish reading it. It was not a bad book just not fully enjoyable for me.
September 24, 2017
Maybe it was the many years I lived in Europe that made this novel so appealing to me. Or perhaps that the past decade my husband and I have been home exchangers, something central to the heart of this story. The protagonist, Katherine, I took a while to warm up to; but as I finished this novel, I realized I wanted to know more about her life and budding romance in Provence. So now, I will happily begin Book 2 in this trilogy. Vivid descriptions of this sun drenched part of Europe will entice first time visitors to plan an upcoming trip...and for those of us who have been to that part of the world many times, it's an invitation to return! I hope others enjoy Patricia Sands' Provence novels as much as I am!
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