What do you think?
Rate this book
Love in Provence #3
I Promise You This
Suddenly single after twenty-two years of marriage, the calm of Katherine Price’s midlife has turned upside down. Seeking to find her true self, she took a chance on starting over. A year later, she is certain of she’s in love with Philippe and adores his idyllic French homeland, where he wants her to live with him.
But all that feels like a fantasy far removed from Toronto, where she’s helping her friend Molly, hospitalized after a life-threatening accident. Staying in her childhood home full of memories, Katherine Is she really ready to leave everything behind for an unknown life abroad? And if all her happiness lies with Philippe, will it last? Can she trust in love again?
Searching her heart, Katherine finds the pull of the familiar is stronger than she thought. An unexpected meeting with her ex, the first time since his cruel departure, and a stunning declaration of love from an old flame spur her introspection.
With sunlit backdrops and plot twists as breathtaking as the beaches of Antibes, author Patricia Sands brings her trilogy about second chances to a provocative and satisfying close that proves that a new life just might be possible—if you’re willing to let your heart lead you home.
But all that feels like a fantasy far removed from Toronto, where she’s helping her friend Molly, hospitalized after a life-threatening accident. Staying in her childhood home full of memories, Katherine Is she really ready to leave everything behind for an unknown life abroad? And if all her happiness lies with Philippe, will it last? Can she trust in love again?
Searching her heart, Katherine finds the pull of the familiar is stronger than she thought. An unexpected meeting with her ex, the first time since his cruel departure, and a stunning declaration of love from an old flame spur her introspection.
With sunlit backdrops and plot twists as breathtaking as the beaches of Antibes, author Patricia Sands brings her trilogy about second chances to a provocative and satisfying close that proves that a new life just might be possible—if you’re willing to let your heart lead you home.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2016
304 people are currently reading
798 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 24, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG FOR THIS SERIES STARTING 5/24!
I Promise You This picks up immediately where things ended in the second book, which thank goodness as it ended on a gigantic cliffhanger and I was desperate to know what happened! Due to a tragedy, Kat finds herself back home in Canada and is surprised by the conflicting emotions she’s experiencing upon her return home. She begins to question her decisions as of late and has many moments of doubt as she wonders if she’s been hasty in deciding to make France her permanent home. Once again, the way that Sands infused the reality of life into Kat’s story pleased me greatly as things were not all rainbows and roses for her, it was an accurate portrayal of what someone’s real life could actually be.
Switching things up and having Philippe visit Canada was a nice change of pace as the first two books were primarily set in France. Seeing how he fit into Kat’s life was interesting and seemed only fitting as usually she was the one struggling with a language barrier and a completely different culture. I don’t want to say much about the plot, but as with book two there were some surprises and secrets that cropped up again.
Though this was an ideal way to end this trilogy I’m still really sad to say goodbye to this series and the lovely characters that I’ve grown to know and love. I’ll especially miss reading all the gorgeous descriptions of the food Kat eats and the stunning locales she visits as Sands has a real knack for bringing the setting to life. If I didn’t already have the urge to visit France I most certainly would have developed one now and can’t wait until one day when I can experience it for myself!
GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG FOR THIS SERIES STARTING 5/24!
I Promise You This picks up immediately where things ended in the second book, which thank goodness as it ended on a gigantic cliffhanger and I was desperate to know what happened! Due to a tragedy, Kat finds herself back home in Canada and is surprised by the conflicting emotions she’s experiencing upon her return home. She begins to question her decisions as of late and has many moments of doubt as she wonders if she’s been hasty in deciding to make France her permanent home. Once again, the way that Sands infused the reality of life into Kat’s story pleased me greatly as things were not all rainbows and roses for her, it was an accurate portrayal of what someone’s real life could actually be.
Switching things up and having Philippe visit Canada was a nice change of pace as the first two books were primarily set in France. Seeing how he fit into Kat’s life was interesting and seemed only fitting as usually she was the one struggling with a language barrier and a completely different culture. I don’t want to say much about the plot, but as with book two there were some surprises and secrets that cropped up again.
Though this was an ideal way to end this trilogy I’m still really sad to say goodbye to this series and the lovely characters that I’ve grown to know and love. I’ll especially miss reading all the gorgeous descriptions of the food Kat eats and the stunning locales she visits as Sands has a real knack for bringing the setting to life. If I didn’t already have the urge to visit France I most certainly would have developed one now and can’t wait until one day when I can experience it for myself!
May 22, 2016
The third in Patricia Sands’ France-based Love in Provence series, I Promise You This follows on from Book 2: Promises to Keep, where the heroine, Katherine, leaves behind painful memories of her failed marriage in Canada to go to France to begin a new life with her French love, Philippe.
I Promise You This begins where book 2 ends, with Katherine returning to Canada to help her friend Molly, after a serious accident.
But her hometown evokes memories of all that Katherine left behind, and after a meeting with her ex-husband and a declaration of love from an old flame, Katherine asks herself if she’s truly ready to abandon all of this for an unknown new life in a foreign country, with Philippe. And if she does take the plunge, is this new love just a quirk of lust, or is it everlasting? After the disaster of her marriage, is she able to trust in love again?
Once back in France, amidst the stunning countryside of Provence, the smells of the flowers and trees, the succulent food and wine, we continue to follow Philippe and Katherine on their voyage of new love. Some plot twists involving other members of Philippe’s family add to the surprise and suspense of the story.
The author’s love of this part of France is evident through her breathtaking descriptions of the countryside, the villages, the gastronomic food and wine, which she deftly brings to life.
I Promise You This brings the Love in Provence trilogy to a satisfying close, leaving us with joy and the hope that a new life is possible, if we’re game to take the risk.
Highly recommended to readers of contemporary romance, women’s fiction and francophiles.
I Promise You This begins where book 2 ends, with Katherine returning to Canada to help her friend Molly, after a serious accident.
But her hometown evokes memories of all that Katherine left behind, and after a meeting with her ex-husband and a declaration of love from an old flame, Katherine asks herself if she’s truly ready to abandon all of this for an unknown new life in a foreign country, with Philippe. And if she does take the plunge, is this new love just a quirk of lust, or is it everlasting? After the disaster of her marriage, is she able to trust in love again?
Once back in France, amidst the stunning countryside of Provence, the smells of the flowers and trees, the succulent food and wine, we continue to follow Philippe and Katherine on their voyage of new love. Some plot twists involving other members of Philippe’s family add to the surprise and suspense of the story.
The author’s love of this part of France is evident through her breathtaking descriptions of the countryside, the villages, the gastronomic food and wine, which she deftly brings to life.
I Promise You This brings the Love in Provence trilogy to a satisfying close, leaving us with joy and the hope that a new life is possible, if we’re game to take the risk.
Highly recommended to readers of contemporary romance, women’s fiction and francophiles.
March 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this trilogy. This is a great ending to a great series. This makes me want to go back to France and spend the summer or longer touring around. Great characters.
October 31, 2016
This is part of a lovely series about a Canadian woman finding a second chance at love with a Frenchman, This book tells the story of the start of their life together in France. It is well written and the characters are engaging. The book gives a realistic view of what it is like to move to another country and start a new life there with someone.
May 17, 2016
Katherine, who we have already witnessed being left by her rat of a husband and then losing her mother, now finds herself back in a cold, wintry Toronto, just when she thought her life would always be in the south of France with Philippe. Her best friend Molly needs her and it is a tough and emotional time for everyone. Patricia’s books always have a traumatic sad part, before France can soothe and heal as only France knows how to and this book, the third in the series, is no exception. Being back in her Mother’s house, away from Philippe and alone, but surrounded by memories of ‘home’, she questions her decision to start a new life in France. Philippe, however, is never far from her thoughts and as she opens up about her feelings she begins to understand the importance of love, family, friendship and what it means to feel at ‘home’.
This book is very emotional with simmering passion, lots of surprises and tears, well for me at least. As with the other books in the series it is the colours and scents of Provence that stand out for me when reading it and really take you there. Patricia’s obvious love for the area is present in every page. I can’t not mention the flavours too, as you would expect from a novel with a character who is French and in the business of cheese, the food they eat plays an important role and is described to perfection.
It was lovely to be back in France with Katherine and to see how her life has changed so much in a short time, I’ve really enjoyed following her journey and I'm sure you will too. I would recommend starting with book one, The Promise of Provence and if you can, read all three together. This will save you from having to trawl through your memory to place characters and events from previous books who reappear here.
If you are looking for a virtual holiday in Provence, this series of books will give you the perfect escape along with a warm, feel-good feeling too.
This book is very emotional with simmering passion, lots of surprises and tears, well for me at least. As with the other books in the series it is the colours and scents of Provence that stand out for me when reading it and really take you there. Patricia’s obvious love for the area is present in every page. I can’t not mention the flavours too, as you would expect from a novel with a character who is French and in the business of cheese, the food they eat plays an important role and is described to perfection.
It was lovely to be back in France with Katherine and to see how her life has changed so much in a short time, I’ve really enjoyed following her journey and I'm sure you will too. I would recommend starting with book one, The Promise of Provence and if you can, read all three together. This will save you from having to trawl through your memory to place characters and events from previous books who reappear here.
If you are looking for a virtual holiday in Provence, this series of books will give you the perfect escape along with a warm, feel-good feeling too.
August 14, 2016
Making the right choices in life!
In this third and allegedly final part in the series we can see the protagonist Katherine being faced with loads of daily life-changing choices and challenges, concerning her love, feelings, place of residence, possibly career etc.
It logically wraps up her journeys and endeavors through a wide mixture of cultures, countries, landscapes and human, interpersonal relationships.
The author's exploration of linguistic diversity of Canada, France and to a certain degree 'Australia' is quite remarkable as well.
The reintroduction of Nick as Kat's old flame was a fresh and intriguing idea. However, friendship in that case seemed like the only feasible option.
Moreover, Molly's extreme and unexpected circumstances were both very realistic and pivotal. Despite her hard times, she seemed to be like an 'angel' to everyone else involved in the story. By gravitating towards her hospital bed and trying to ease her situation, they somehow succeeded in putting their own lives in order.
The climax of the storyline was in a way the favorable development of Molly's love story, to which Katherine also contributed significantly.
Phrases, such as: 'once bitten, twice shy', 'trouble in paradise', 'what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger' actually sounded so alive and were given some augmented, or even novel, unconventional meanings and contexts.
All in all, Patricia's main messages are clearly positive and invaluable regarding real love based on deep feelings, long awaited marriage(s) and reasonable life choices at any age.
Furthermore, I enjoyed the thrilling comparison between the 'rat race' and the harmonious enjoyment of life in Provence. In that case, the author encourages everyone of us to search for our own 'Provence' in our everyday hectic lives. Thus, that does not mean a form of 'escape'. It simply means 'growing up' and finding our true selves.
In this third and allegedly final part in the series we can see the protagonist Katherine being faced with loads of daily life-changing choices and challenges, concerning her love, feelings, place of residence, possibly career etc.
It logically wraps up her journeys and endeavors through a wide mixture of cultures, countries, landscapes and human, interpersonal relationships.
The author's exploration of linguistic diversity of Canada, France and to a certain degree 'Australia' is quite remarkable as well.
The reintroduction of Nick as Kat's old flame was a fresh and intriguing idea. However, friendship in that case seemed like the only feasible option.
Moreover, Molly's extreme and unexpected circumstances were both very realistic and pivotal. Despite her hard times, she seemed to be like an 'angel' to everyone else involved in the story. By gravitating towards her hospital bed and trying to ease her situation, they somehow succeeded in putting their own lives in order.
The climax of the storyline was in a way the favorable development of Molly's love story, to which Katherine also contributed significantly.
Phrases, such as: 'once bitten, twice shy', 'trouble in paradise', 'what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger' actually sounded so alive and were given some augmented, or even novel, unconventional meanings and contexts.
All in all, Patricia's main messages are clearly positive and invaluable regarding real love based on deep feelings, long awaited marriage(s) and reasonable life choices at any age.
Furthermore, I enjoyed the thrilling comparison between the 'rat race' and the harmonious enjoyment of life in Provence. In that case, the author encourages everyone of us to search for our own 'Provence' in our everyday hectic lives. Thus, that does not mean a form of 'escape'. It simply means 'growing up' and finding our true selves.
October 23, 2018
This series has become very special to me and the third and final book in the Love in Provence could not have been better. I felt like I was reunited with old friends and family and was lucky enough to be transported into this story set in the south of France. Katherine’s world is rocked once again when she receives an urgent call from her cousin’s Andrea and Terence; breaking the news that her best friend Molly has been in an accident and she is in a coma. Katherine immediately returns home to Toronto to make decisions concerning Molly’s care. She tells Philippe to stay in France and come later once Molly improves. During this separation Kat is flooded with insecurities and doubts to where her home is; should she stay in Toronto or leave everything behind and start a new life in France with Philippe the man she love’s. Lots of surprises pop up in the story and I don’t want to ruin the joy of reading this story for others. You will have to find out for yourself where and how Kat’s journey ends. I am sad that this is the last book in this series, but it makes way for new adventures for the characters that have become so dear to me. One of my Favorite quotes in I Promise you this comes from Molly; “It’s a hell of a story Katski! I can’t wait to see what happens next.” Thank you Patricia for writing this wonderful story. Congratulations! I truly can not wait to read what comes next. If you have read the first two books in this series The Promise of Provence and Promises to Keep; you will not be disappointed with I Promise you this! If you have not read this series yet, put it on your TBR list, you will be for a real treat!
July 4, 2016
Second chance romance and the South of France. I’m in! That’s what I was thinking when I requested I Promise You This but I failed to notice it was the last in the Love In Provence series. Doesn’t matter, I liked it all the same. I may have loved it if I’d read the previous titles but alas… This is a love letter. A love letter to Provence and a love letter to embracing the second half of your life and living it fully and with love.
I appreciate romances that feature women close to my own age. We’re undervalued in the romance genre. We’re just as passionate, viable and desirable as a twenty year old and far more interesting because we’ve got some life experience and have thankfully figured out who we are and what we want and most definitely what we don’t. Katherine is just coming into owning all of that after a long marriage but she gets there too!
The themes of friendship, change, loyalty and taking risks are always in the background if not central to the plot. Life can be scary, love terrifying. We get to go along with Katherine as she puts her past behind her and learns to take a risk and embrace an unknown future. And she does it knowing that no matter how far away she goes the people and the place that she considers home will always be there for her. It’s a lovely story. Like a weekend getaway. Light, well written and romantic on many levels.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciate romances that feature women close to my own age. We’re undervalued in the romance genre. We’re just as passionate, viable and desirable as a twenty year old and far more interesting because we’ve got some life experience and have thankfully figured out who we are and what we want and most definitely what we don’t. Katherine is just coming into owning all of that after a long marriage but she gets there too!
The themes of friendship, change, loyalty and taking risks are always in the background if not central to the plot. Life can be scary, love terrifying. We get to go along with Katherine as she puts her past behind her and learns to take a risk and embrace an unknown future. And she does it knowing that no matter how far away she goes the people and the place that she considers home will always be there for her. It’s a lovely story. Like a weekend getaway. Light, well written and romantic on many levels.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2016
4.5 stars
It's an extraordinary romance about the second chance in life and the difficulties and fears to pursue happiness. Breathtaking landscapes, great characters, brilliant dialogue and a strong plot: this book is a real treat.
Kat has left her beloved Toronto to start a new life in Provence with the man she loves. Her friend Molly has had a bad accident and she returns home to help her. Being back in her homeland brings good memories to mind and she is tormented by doubts. Has she made the right choice to go to live in Provence? The love she feels for Philippe will be so strong that it can overcome all adversity?
Kat is a generous woman, unselfish, a great friend but also fragile and insecure. She was really hurt in the past and is afraid to suffer again.
I love Provence and was delighted by the wonderful descriptions of Antibes that the author has done in this book, it really seemed to be there.
It's the third book in a series, can be read as stand alone but for a more engaging reading I recommend reading the series in order.
Highly recommended for those who love romantic stories and Provence
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's an extraordinary romance about the second chance in life and the difficulties and fears to pursue happiness. Breathtaking landscapes, great characters, brilliant dialogue and a strong plot: this book is a real treat.
Kat has left her beloved Toronto to start a new life in Provence with the man she loves. Her friend Molly has had a bad accident and she returns home to help her. Being back in her homeland brings good memories to mind and she is tormented by doubts. Has she made the right choice to go to live in Provence? The love she feels for Philippe will be so strong that it can overcome all adversity?
Kat is a generous woman, unselfish, a great friend but also fragile and insecure. She was really hurt in the past and is afraid to suffer again.
I love Provence and was delighted by the wonderful descriptions of Antibes that the author has done in this book, it really seemed to be there.
It's the third book in a series, can be read as stand alone but for a more engaging reading I recommend reading the series in order.
Highly recommended for those who love romantic stories and Provence
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2016
This was book 3 of the Love in Provence series. I loved this entire series. In these stories, France is kind of another character. There are descriptions of places and history and food. The main character, Kat, falls in love with Phillipe, but also with the people, places, and food in France. I loved the descriptive writing. It made me want to visit all the places that Kat visited and it made me hungry for good food. Very enjoyable read.
May 20, 2016
**** "I Promise You This" by Patricia Sands
The last book in the Love in Provence trilogy, Patricia Sands tells the story of Katherine and Phillipe as they begin their lives in Antibes. They are clearly a very in love and happy couple.
When Kat must return to Toronto, where she grew up and spent most of her adulthood, she begins to struggle with several issues. First, her best friend Molly has been in an accident and Kat is designated as her next of kin. The first week or so are an emotional roller coaster. Between spending the days at the hospital and all of the unknowns of Molly's condition and spending the evenings packing up the house she grew up in, Kat begins to question her move to France, her priorities and many other issues. The only one she doesn't waiver on is her love of Phillipe.
Once Molly's condition is clearer, Kat has more time on her hands, so to speak, and while packing also goes through multiple memories of her childhood, that if her parents, and still questions whether moving to France is running away, a decision made too quickly, and many issues of self-doubt and worry.
When she talks of France others notice that her eyes light up, her body posture changes, and she emits an aura of happiness. While she loves her hometown of Toronto, she seems to be the last one to know where her home and heart really lies: in France. And Phillipe is an amazing bonus in all of that.
A lot of the book was pointing out tourist spots in Toronto and France -- places she has visited or does visit. So a good portion of the book feels more like it is written as a tour guide. While many of these are interesting and their is great description but also expands on the charters actions and personality, others seemed to be added as extra and felt like it didn't really add to the book or the characters.
"I Promise You This," is a novel that reminded me of a coming of age book, but for someone in the middle of their life. It inspires hope, joy, love, friendship, family, and knowing oneself as inside and out as we grow and change within our life span.
The last book in the Love in Provence trilogy, Patricia Sands tells the story of Katherine and Phillipe as they begin their lives in Antibes. They are clearly a very in love and happy couple.
When Kat must return to Toronto, where she grew up and spent most of her adulthood, she begins to struggle with several issues. First, her best friend Molly has been in an accident and Kat is designated as her next of kin. The first week or so are an emotional roller coaster. Between spending the days at the hospital and all of the unknowns of Molly's condition and spending the evenings packing up the house she grew up in, Kat begins to question her move to France, her priorities and many other issues. The only one she doesn't waiver on is her love of Phillipe.
Once Molly's condition is clearer, Kat has more time on her hands, so to speak, and while packing also goes through multiple memories of her childhood, that if her parents, and still questions whether moving to France is running away, a decision made too quickly, and many issues of self-doubt and worry.
When she talks of France others notice that her eyes light up, her body posture changes, and she emits an aura of happiness. While she loves her hometown of Toronto, she seems to be the last one to know where her home and heart really lies: in France. And Phillipe is an amazing bonus in all of that.
A lot of the book was pointing out tourist spots in Toronto and France -- places she has visited or does visit. So a good portion of the book feels more like it is written as a tour guide. While many of these are interesting and their is great description but also expands on the charters actions and personality, others seemed to be added as extra and felt like it didn't really add to the book or the characters.
"I Promise You This," is a novel that reminded me of a coming of age book, but for someone in the middle of their life. It inspires hope, joy, love, friendship, family, and knowing oneself as inside and out as we grow and change within our life span.
April 26, 2016
This book follows the story set out in the two previous books, The Promise of Provence and Promises to Keep. At this point in the story Katherine has returned to Toronto from the South of France because her best friend Molly has been involved in an accident that left her seriously injured. Katherine is also grappling with her feelings about relocating to France to be with Philippe on a permanent basis. She is not in doubt about her feelings for Philippe but she's feeling unsettled about leaving friends, family and everything that feels like home behind.
As Molly's situation improves, Philippe comes to Toronto to be close to Katherine. With the support of those closest to her she decides she is willing to take a chance on love and make the move back to France. Once there, she realizes she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
I was happy to be reunited with all the characters from the previous books in this one. They all have their own stories that unfold throughout this series and as a reader I felt like I was accompanying each of them on an life changing journey. In the second half of the book the sights and smells of France permeate the pages, which made it a joy to read. Frankly, it was so easy to get caught up in the characters, the setting and the story that I felt like I was on vacation. And the upbeat nature of the story made it a book that I didn't want to end.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
As Molly's situation improves, Philippe comes to Toronto to be close to Katherine. With the support of those closest to her she decides she is willing to take a chance on love and make the move back to France. Once there, she realizes she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
I was happy to be reunited with all the characters from the previous books in this one. They all have their own stories that unfold throughout this series and as a reader I felt like I was accompanying each of them on an life changing journey. In the second half of the book the sights and smells of France permeate the pages, which made it a joy to read. Frankly, it was so easy to get caught up in the characters, the setting and the story that I felt like I was on vacation. And the upbeat nature of the story made it a book that I didn't want to end.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
May 7, 2016
[ 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]
“Life is full of choices . . . don’t be afraid to make them . . . live it well.”
Katherine has returned to Toronto after her best friend Molly has a near death accident and has been placed in an induced coma to possibly help her heal. At the moment, that is questionable. Katherine is all Molly has now that Molly's brother is gone, and she knows she needs to be there. She finds Molly in ICU surrounded by caregivers and the ever-present Father DeCaprio as they all work towards a full recovery.
As much as she loves her life in Provence with Phillippe, she needs to make decisions about her former life in Toronto. Should she break all ties? Should she stay in Canada? What's next for this 57 year old woman? Who is her "family"?
Through a series of vignettes, we see how Kat defines her new life, saying goodbye to some and embracing others. As usual, Sands' love affair with both Toronto and Provence are quite obvious, and the love stories that twine throughout are compelling. You will find heartache, laughter and tears as this Provencal trilogy comes to a satisfying close, leaving a door slightly ajar that other stories may follow. One can only hope.
“Life is full of choices . . . don’t be afraid to make them . . . live it well.”
Katherine has returned to Toronto after her best friend Molly has a near death accident and has been placed in an induced coma to possibly help her heal. At the moment, that is questionable. Katherine is all Molly has now that Molly's brother is gone, and she knows she needs to be there. She finds Molly in ICU surrounded by caregivers and the ever-present Father DeCaprio as they all work towards a full recovery.
As much as she loves her life in Provence with Phillippe, she needs to make decisions about her former life in Toronto. Should she break all ties? Should she stay in Canada? What's next for this 57 year old woman? Who is her "family"?
Through a series of vignettes, we see how Kat defines her new life, saying goodbye to some and embracing others. As usual, Sands' love affair with both Toronto and Provence are quite obvious, and the love stories that twine throughout are compelling. You will find heartache, laughter and tears as this Provencal trilogy comes to a satisfying close, leaving a door slightly ajar that other stories may follow. One can only hope.
Read
May 12, 2016>Upcoming Book Tour mid May <
Unique experiences of Kat, a mid-fifties woman moving toward establishing a new life in France. An accident in her home city of Toronto, Canada has her flying back to attend to her best friend's injuries. Once on home turf, doubts about her choices and decisions rise to the surface, creating inner conflict regarding her intended new direction. Much introspection and interaction with cousins and friends keep the story low key. Less about action and more about inner change and reaction.
An Australian friend provides a dream afternoon spent viewing Niagara Falls by helicopter provides opportunity for expressing her new career pursuit of photography and a break before it's back to the hospital. Unusual relationships formed in the previous books re-enter the story adding to her circle of support and an exotic element to the story. Good descriptions of winter life at home in Canada and Cote d'Azur French Riviera coastal life of France add to the picturesque settings.
The final episode in Kat's journey of loss and disorientation into her new life and location.
May 25, 2016
I loved this book. I just wish I had read the first two in the series. What is there not to love? Great characters, tragedy, love, surprises along the way, and making tough decisions in the face of tragedy.
I enjoy books that have that element of “what would I do if I were in that situation?” Also, real situations that can happen to anyone but when you see it play out with others, it makes you think. Not to mention that having moved from one country to start a new life in a new country is a decision that cannot be taken lightly. Having immigrated myself from Venezuela to the USA, I know what it means to change your entire life. It redefines what you refer to as “home”. I have been to France several times and love to visit, however it has to be very different to actually live there. In this story, we get a glimpse of what that would be like and what those of us who have had the pleasure of visiting love most about France – especially Provence.
I would consider this book a light, sweet, but engaging love story that definitely has me looking forward to reading the first two in the series. Enjoy!
I enjoy books that have that element of “what would I do if I were in that situation?” Also, real situations that can happen to anyone but when you see it play out with others, it makes you think. Not to mention that having moved from one country to start a new life in a new country is a decision that cannot be taken lightly. Having immigrated myself from Venezuela to the USA, I know what it means to change your entire life. It redefines what you refer to as “home”. I have been to France several times and love to visit, however it has to be very different to actually live there. In this story, we get a glimpse of what that would be like and what those of us who have had the pleasure of visiting love most about France – especially Provence.
I would consider this book a light, sweet, but engaging love story that definitely has me looking forward to reading the first two in the series. Enjoy!
May 17, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I Promise You This is the third book in the Love in Provence series. While the book does fill in details about major events that happened in the first two books, there are some minor characters from the first two books who show back up in this book without explanation, so I would recommend reading the series in order instead of reading this book as a stand-alone.
At the start of the book, Kat is heading back to her hometown of Toronto because her best friend, Molly, has been in a car accident and is in a coma. As Molly has no relatives, Kat is in charge of making medical decisions for Molly until she regains consciousness. Kat dearly misses her partner, Philippe, while they are separated, but being back home begins to raise questions about whether she is really ready to leave it behind and start a new life in France.
This book is definitely one to check out when you are looking for something saccharine-sweet. Nick and Philippe will make you wish that men like them existed in real life! I would love to see a spin-off book about Simone's story during World War II.
I Promise You This is the third book in the Love in Provence series. While the book does fill in details about major events that happened in the first two books, there are some minor characters from the first two books who show back up in this book without explanation, so I would recommend reading the series in order instead of reading this book as a stand-alone.
At the start of the book, Kat is heading back to her hometown of Toronto because her best friend, Molly, has been in a car accident and is in a coma. As Molly has no relatives, Kat is in charge of making medical decisions for Molly until she regains consciousness. Kat dearly misses her partner, Philippe, while they are separated, but being back home begins to raise questions about whether she is really ready to leave it behind and start a new life in France.
This book is definitely one to check out when you are looking for something saccharine-sweet. Nick and Philippe will make you wish that men like them existed in real life! I would love to see a spin-off book about Simone's story during World War II.
May 25, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Book 3 in the Love In Provence series. Patricia Sands, the author, has put together a series of remarkable stories and characters that you fall in love with! One of the best things I liked about the third book is that the author brings all the stories and characters together during the novel.
As usual, Ms. Sands' novels entice me to travel to France. Her descriptions are amazing and she provides these through the eyes of her characters in such a way that I felt that I was standing next to Katherine and Phillipe!
This has been an excellent series. I wish there was a Book 4!
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest review.
As usual, Ms. Sands' novels entice me to travel to France. Her descriptions are amazing and she provides these through the eyes of her characters in such a way that I felt that I was standing next to Katherine and Phillipe!
This has been an excellent series. I wish there was a Book 4!
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest review.
May 5, 2016
This book was slow reading at first. I had not read the first 2 books of the trilogy. The story did not pull me in right away, but as I continued to read I got to know the characters and I started to enjoy the story. I liked the fact that the main character was more my age because it gave me a sense of there's still a chance for me and to go for my dreams. I'm looking forward to reading the first 2 books. It was definitely a feel good story. I've never been to France and never really thought about traveling there but now it's on my bucket listed of places I would like to visit .https://francebooktours.com/2016/04/0...
April 26, 2016
When Molly is badly injured in an accident Kat is on the first plane back to Toronto to look after her best friend. Back in familiar surroundings however she starts to have doubts about her commitment to a life in France with Philippe - this is where she grew up where her friends and family are can she really give all this up.
To add to her confusion her ex husband and ex lover both turn up wanting to start again and the distance between her and Philippe is a problem. Can her love for Philippe overcome all of these obstacles?
A great ending to the trilogy of books again with great descriptions of France and the Antibes area, lovely light reading great for the beach
To add to her confusion her ex husband and ex lover both turn up wanting to start again and the distance between her and Philippe is a problem. Can her love for Philippe overcome all of these obstacles?
A great ending to the trilogy of books again with great descriptions of France and the Antibes area, lovely light reading great for the beach
May 26, 2016
I have now read all three books in Patricia Sands’ 'Love in Provence' series, so I will comment on the third book, I Promise You This, as the culmination of this series.
The first book, The Promise of Provence, introduces Katherine Price, who is expecting to celebrate her 22nd anniversary, but instead finds that her husband James has left her for another woman he met in their cycling club. This devastating news begins a process of grief and recovery for Katherine who wonders how she missed this crevasse opening up in her life just below the surface of apparent happiness. In this book, and those that follow, Katherine will begin to examine her life and herself and ask what the ingredients of a deeper, more dependable happiness might be.
One of the first things she rediscovers is friendship, reconnecting with her childhood friend Molly who still lives nearby in their city of Toronto, Canada. Another is family; Katherine’s mother is in declining health and needs her daughter’s help, just as Katherine needs her mother’s support as a bulwark against despair and fear. After her mother dies, Katherine must hold on to the lessons of strength her mother communicated. Molly then encourages her to strike out in a new direction and take a chance on a two-week home exchange in the south of France, in the village of Sainte-Mathilde. Katherine had been to France in her youth, and even fallen in love there, so this opportunity seemed to pick up another piece of her life that she had laid aside during her marriage.
Provence opens up her epicurean side with sightseeing, photography, food and wine; new friendships form, including the unexpected possibility of dating again. After some false starts, Katherine begins to build a new relationship with Philippe, a fromager, whose home base and cheese market is in Antibes on the Côte d’Azur. As Book 1 closes, Katherine decides to arrange a longer stay in Antibes.
Books 2 and 3 build on the foundation laid out skillfully so far. In Book 2, Promises to Keep, Katherine and Philippe’s romance begins to encounter some real-life challenges, as secrets from Philippe’s past begin to intrude on the fantasy of the present moment. I found it interesting that Katherine was surprised by her feelings at many turns. She had reached her late fifties without much self-awareness, perhaps suppressed by her life with her dominant ex-husband. Although Philippe was very different from James, she had to face her choice of another man who was capable of withholding important truths about himself. The revelation of his secret and how they cope with it together makes Promises to Keep a very meaty installment in this trilogy.
In the final book, I Promise You This, Katherine and Philippe’s relationship is tested by separation. Katherine’s friend Molly has been seriously injured in an auto accident and Katherine is the closest thing she has to family. Katherine flies back to Toronto, taking up a place at Molly’s bedside and taking on the responsibility for her health decisions, since Molly was placed in a medically induced coma.
Back in Toronto, Katherine experiences a more powerful sense of returning home than she had anticipated. She is surprised by her deep attachment to the city and to her way of life there. As attractive as life in France had become for her, she feels a tug-of-war beginning in her heart. Can she really leave her old life behind so completely, and recreate herself in a new country, with a new career, and committed to a new man? While she grapples once more with the pieces of her identity, she must help her friend Molly awaken to life again. And what about Philippe? Will he wait passively for Katherine to make her decision, or will he take action to keep the woman he loves from slipping away?
Although the series is called 'Love in Provence,' I think the recurring word promises in each book’s title offers the key to appreciating this carefully crafted series. At first, a broken promise–James’s infidelity and sudden departure–propels Katherine in a completely new direction, across the ocean in fact! Energized by the beauty and abundance of Provence, she experiences the promise (in the sense of latent possibility) of embracing a new, independent life. In the second book, Katherine pledges to stay with Philippe even when the secrets from his past threaten their peace and even their safety. Finally, I Promise You This thrives on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding one’s true home. Katherine promises Philippe to return to France but will she be able to fulfill this promise? Will she ever be able to make a vow to someone again? First, she must honor the promise implicit in her friendship with Molly, coming to her aid in crisis and seeing it through. And she has one last meeting with her ex-husband; sadly, she was not ready to forgive him, but I can only wonder if that might change in the future (the author intimates that she might continue these characters’ lives in a future series).
Katherine begins to understand another kind of promise she has made, since she was thrust into life on her own: To live fully and be true to herself. She will need to work out the implications of this promise to herself, before she can move forward. This book raises the question, are we ever truly “on our own” in this life? Do we want to be? Or do we want to choose the promises we make to care for others, the promises to keep for a lifetime. I Promise You This takes a look at such questions from several angles. Its characters are very human in their strengths and weaknesses, in their virtues and temptations, and consequently felt real to me.
Like the other books in this series, readers hungry for glimpses of daily life in Provence will find much to savor in this book: meals described in loving detail, the produce of farm and field, the natural beauty of the region, and the excitement of towns and cities. This book can be read on its own, as the author unobtrusively weaves the necessary information from the earlier books into her story. But reading the earlier books does repay the effort to follow the whole arc of this involving series.
You can find my full review at The Fictional 100.
*Note*: I thank France Book Tours and NetGalley for providing an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first book, The Promise of Provence, introduces Katherine Price, who is expecting to celebrate her 22nd anniversary, but instead finds that her husband James has left her for another woman he met in their cycling club. This devastating news begins a process of grief and recovery for Katherine who wonders how she missed this crevasse opening up in her life just below the surface of apparent happiness. In this book, and those that follow, Katherine will begin to examine her life and herself and ask what the ingredients of a deeper, more dependable happiness might be.
One of the first things she rediscovers is friendship, reconnecting with her childhood friend Molly who still lives nearby in their city of Toronto, Canada. Another is family; Katherine’s mother is in declining health and needs her daughter’s help, just as Katherine needs her mother’s support as a bulwark against despair and fear. After her mother dies, Katherine must hold on to the lessons of strength her mother communicated. Molly then encourages her to strike out in a new direction and take a chance on a two-week home exchange in the south of France, in the village of Sainte-Mathilde. Katherine had been to France in her youth, and even fallen in love there, so this opportunity seemed to pick up another piece of her life that she had laid aside during her marriage.
Provence opens up her epicurean side with sightseeing, photography, food and wine; new friendships form, including the unexpected possibility of dating again. After some false starts, Katherine begins to build a new relationship with Philippe, a fromager, whose home base and cheese market is in Antibes on the Côte d’Azur. As Book 1 closes, Katherine decides to arrange a longer stay in Antibes.
Books 2 and 3 build on the foundation laid out skillfully so far. In Book 2, Promises to Keep, Katherine and Philippe’s romance begins to encounter some real-life challenges, as secrets from Philippe’s past begin to intrude on the fantasy of the present moment. I found it interesting that Katherine was surprised by her feelings at many turns. She had reached her late fifties without much self-awareness, perhaps suppressed by her life with her dominant ex-husband. Although Philippe was very different from James, she had to face her choice of another man who was capable of withholding important truths about himself. The revelation of his secret and how they cope with it together makes Promises to Keep a very meaty installment in this trilogy.
In the final book, I Promise You This, Katherine and Philippe’s relationship is tested by separation. Katherine’s friend Molly has been seriously injured in an auto accident and Katherine is the closest thing she has to family. Katherine flies back to Toronto, taking up a place at Molly’s bedside and taking on the responsibility for her health decisions, since Molly was placed in a medically induced coma.
Back in Toronto, Katherine experiences a more powerful sense of returning home than she had anticipated. She is surprised by her deep attachment to the city and to her way of life there. As attractive as life in France had become for her, she feels a tug-of-war beginning in her heart. Can she really leave her old life behind so completely, and recreate herself in a new country, with a new career, and committed to a new man? While she grapples once more with the pieces of her identity, she must help her friend Molly awaken to life again. And what about Philippe? Will he wait passively for Katherine to make her decision, or will he take action to keep the woman he loves from slipping away?
Although the series is called 'Love in Provence,' I think the recurring word promises in each book’s title offers the key to appreciating this carefully crafted series. At first, a broken promise–James’s infidelity and sudden departure–propels Katherine in a completely new direction, across the ocean in fact! Energized by the beauty and abundance of Provence, she experiences the promise (in the sense of latent possibility) of embracing a new, independent life. In the second book, Katherine pledges to stay with Philippe even when the secrets from his past threaten their peace and even their safety. Finally, I Promise You This thrives on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding one’s true home. Katherine promises Philippe to return to France but will she be able to fulfill this promise? Will she ever be able to make a vow to someone again? First, she must honor the promise implicit in her friendship with Molly, coming to her aid in crisis and seeing it through. And she has one last meeting with her ex-husband; sadly, she was not ready to forgive him, but I can only wonder if that might change in the future (the author intimates that she might continue these characters’ lives in a future series).
Katherine begins to understand another kind of promise she has made, since she was thrust into life on her own: To live fully and be true to herself. She will need to work out the implications of this promise to herself, before she can move forward. This book raises the question, are we ever truly “on our own” in this life? Do we want to be? Or do we want to choose the promises we make to care for others, the promises to keep for a lifetime. I Promise You This takes a look at such questions from several angles. Its characters are very human in their strengths and weaknesses, in their virtues and temptations, and consequently felt real to me.
Like the other books in this series, readers hungry for glimpses of daily life in Provence will find much to savor in this book: meals described in loving detail, the produce of farm and field, the natural beauty of the region, and the excitement of towns and cities. This book can be read on its own, as the author unobtrusively weaves the necessary information from the earlier books into her story. But reading the earlier books does repay the effort to follow the whole arc of this involving series.
You can find my full review at The Fictional 100.
*Note*: I thank France Book Tours and NetGalley for providing an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2017
Despite knowing that book 2 had ended on a cliff hanger and being eager to jump back into the story, instead it has taken me many months before I had a chance to read this book 3.
It didn't take too long until I was back up to speed with most characters although took a bit longer for me to remember who Molly is.
This is a fabulous third book to end a trilogy with, and I believe all the lose ends are tied up neatly.
Loved picking back up with Philippe and Katherine's story, and the section of the book set in Toronto was great, as its a city I've never really thought about before reading this.
Then all the descriptions of French towns and villages had my mouth watering and found myself either eager to know more or to visit for myself.
Really enjoyed this last book of the series, although i do regret having left it so long to read it.
Thank you to Patricia Sands for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 13, 2017
Great escapist read
This series of books really explore romantic love at any age. Really a pep talk for all women to be strong, to know themselves & to chase their dreams. Very empowering.
This series of books really explore romantic love at any age. Really a pep talk for all women to be strong, to know themselves & to chase their dreams. Very empowering.
June 7, 2016
Patricia’s books read like travel guides with some plot thrown in. The descriptions of the locales and the food and the people make it feel as though you’re there! It helps that I follow Patricia’s Instagram account (@patricialsands) and see her beautiful photos of France and her travels ! Click HERE to see her travel journal and Fall in Love with Provence!
The second book (Promises to Keep) finds Kat remaining in France with Philippe and exploring their relationship. There’s some drama and intrigue, but nothing scary. I don’t do scary, after all. The book ends with a cliff hanger and I Promise You This picks up with Kat returning to her native Toronto to care for her great friend who was in a bad auto accident.
This third and final book in the Love in Provence series has Kat looking in her heart and wondering if she can leave the first and only home she has known for a new life in France. Being in her childhood home while her friend recuperates from her life-threatening accident brings Kat closure – with her ex-husband’s betrayal and with her mother’s death. She packs up her treasured memories and boxes them for their voyage to her new home in France, wondering if she will ever return. She is never unsure about her feelings for Philippe and their life together in Provence, even though an old beau professes his feelings.
This is a satisfying resolution to this story of a woman starting her life over after an emotional crisis. In the first book her mother taught her that “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Her friends taught her to “Take a chance. Make a choice to change your life.” In this final book in the trilogy, her new found friend, Simone, teaches her “Once you choose to do what you really want to do, you will begin living a different kind of life. It will be the life you are meant to be living in that moment of time.” Kat and Philippe are looking forward with great happiness to opening their Inn, to developing the website blending their love for photography and cheese (Fromagegraphie – love it!). Their happiness exudes and Kat realizes that home is, truly, where your heart is.
Kat and Philippe are living the life of their dreams – doing what they love, loving what they do. Seems like I just read some articles about happiness that insist that very same theme – live authentically! (Like this one and this one!) And here are some quotes:
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” – Mahatma Ghandi
“The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.” – HH The Dalai Lama
“Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.” – Helen Keller
As I said earlier, these books read as travel guides and make you yearn for your own travel adventures – thankfully I now have a fresh passport and am always ready! France is definitely on the list!
https://walkietalkiebookclub.com/2016...
The second book (Promises to Keep) finds Kat remaining in France with Philippe and exploring their relationship. There’s some drama and intrigue, but nothing scary. I don’t do scary, after all. The book ends with a cliff hanger and I Promise You This picks up with Kat returning to her native Toronto to care for her great friend who was in a bad auto accident.
This third and final book in the Love in Provence series has Kat looking in her heart and wondering if she can leave the first and only home she has known for a new life in France. Being in her childhood home while her friend recuperates from her life-threatening accident brings Kat closure – with her ex-husband’s betrayal and with her mother’s death. She packs up her treasured memories and boxes them for their voyage to her new home in France, wondering if she will ever return. She is never unsure about her feelings for Philippe and their life together in Provence, even though an old beau professes his feelings.
This is a satisfying resolution to this story of a woman starting her life over after an emotional crisis. In the first book her mother taught her that “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Her friends taught her to “Take a chance. Make a choice to change your life.” In this final book in the trilogy, her new found friend, Simone, teaches her “Once you choose to do what you really want to do, you will begin living a different kind of life. It will be the life you are meant to be living in that moment of time.” Kat and Philippe are looking forward with great happiness to opening their Inn, to developing the website blending their love for photography and cheese (Fromagegraphie – love it!). Their happiness exudes and Kat realizes that home is, truly, where your heart is.
Kat and Philippe are living the life of their dreams – doing what they love, loving what they do. Seems like I just read some articles about happiness that insist that very same theme – live authentically! (Like this one and this one!) And here are some quotes:
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” – Mahatma Ghandi
“The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.” – HH The Dalai Lama
“Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.” – Helen Keller
As I said earlier, these books read as travel guides and make you yearn for your own travel adventures – thankfully I now have a fresh passport and am always ready! France is definitely on the list!
https://walkietalkiebookclub.com/2016...
February 19, 2017
I just finished reading the entire trilogy. This is an inspiring romance as well as a travelogue that makes me want to immediately head to the South of France. Along the way. there were so many wonderful culinary experiences that have caused a weight gain just from reading about them.
Katherine lives in Toronto and is cruelly dumped on her 22nd wedding anniversary. She really struggled to move on her life. We get to enjoy the wisdom of Kat's wonderful mother who was a survivor of Nazi terror in WWII. The abiding theme throughout was "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." When she is convinced to take a two week vacation by exchanging homes with a family in Provence, her life changes. In the three books, we see a total transformation for Kat from a controlled, narrow-outlook person to a completely transformed individual.
Katherine lives in Toronto and is cruelly dumped on her 22nd wedding anniversary. She really struggled to move on her life. We get to enjoy the wisdom of Kat's wonderful mother who was a survivor of Nazi terror in WWII. The abiding theme throughout was "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." When she is convinced to take a two week vacation by exchanging homes with a family in Provence, her life changes. In the three books, we see a total transformation for Kat from a controlled, narrow-outlook person to a completely transformed individual.
December 29, 2017
A mid-life divorce leads to a woman finding herself and a new chance at love. I Promise You This is the conclusion to Katherine's story- her love affair with Provence, the Cote d'Azur, Phillipe, friendship, food, and photography. It was a gentle story full of warm, evocative language that paints such vivid pictures that I felt I was there. And, to top it off, Janet Metzger's narration was stellar making an already delicious, flavorful story that much more.
Kat's story has come full circle in this final segment of the Love in Provence series which, yes, must be read/ listened to in order. In book one, she left behind Toronto- family, ex, and old time- to embrace a new adventure with Phillipe the cheese seller in the south of France where she fell in love with the life there, embracing it all so thoroughly. Book two saw her weathering Phillipe's secrets and finding her place in her new life so that she thinks all is set in stone. But then Molly's accident brings her back to Toronto in book three.
It was almost inevitable. She had to come back. She had to have the crisis of encountering home, her ex, a former lover, Phillipe in her home environment. I think this was the book that made it more realistic- all the beauty and color and amazing loveliness that is her last several months. It only felt real when balanced against these temptations, choices, and challenges that befall her. Oh, and more of Phillipe's family secrets. I was so into the story that I got nervous when she started doubting nearly everything.
Still, the pull of Provence and the south of France with all it has to offer including Phillipe is there and larger than life. I loved how the author brought it all back around and closed it out just right.
Janet Metzger is a fantastic match for this series. She is Katherine to me and all her other fantastic renditions of friends, family, accents, and emotions. She made me see this book so clearly like I was right there. I think I would listen to almost anything if she narrated it.
So, I felt bittersweet when I finished this one. It's such a lovely, colorful, and warm story about an older heroine who must make choices and take some chances to have a more fulfilling life. I will miss my visits with Kat in the south of France and Toronto for that matter.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kat's story has come full circle in this final segment of the Love in Provence series which, yes, must be read/ listened to in order. In book one, she left behind Toronto- family, ex, and old time- to embrace a new adventure with Phillipe the cheese seller in the south of France where she fell in love with the life there, embracing it all so thoroughly. Book two saw her weathering Phillipe's secrets and finding her place in her new life so that she thinks all is set in stone. But then Molly's accident brings her back to Toronto in book three.
It was almost inevitable. She had to come back. She had to have the crisis of encountering home, her ex, a former lover, Phillipe in her home environment. I think this was the book that made it more realistic- all the beauty and color and amazing loveliness that is her last several months. It only felt real when balanced against these temptations, choices, and challenges that befall her. Oh, and more of Phillipe's family secrets. I was so into the story that I got nervous when she started doubting nearly everything.
Still, the pull of Provence and the south of France with all it has to offer including Phillipe is there and larger than life. I loved how the author brought it all back around and closed it out just right.
Janet Metzger is a fantastic match for this series. She is Katherine to me and all her other fantastic renditions of friends, family, accents, and emotions. She made me see this book so clearly like I was right there. I think I would listen to almost anything if she narrated it.
So, I felt bittersweet when I finished this one. It's such a lovely, colorful, and warm story about an older heroine who must make choices and take some chances to have a more fulfilling life. I will miss my visits with Kat in the south of France and Toronto for that matter.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
The third in Patricia Sands’s France-based Love in Provence series, I Promise You This, follows Book 2, Promises to Keep. It wraps up the trilogy like a magic ring which had started earlier and now is closed. But no -- there is still an opening somewhere, and we hope it leads to more of this wonderful adventure.
Patricia Sands’s style is effective and natural. She writes concisely, clearly, and well. Her sentence structure and vocabulary transform her prose. They highlight effective ways to get her true point to shine through her text. Sands understands the beauty of a simple sentence well constructed, and this helps the readers understand the main points better. Although the story is told by an omniscient narrator, we have the feeling that we hear Katherine's voice throughout. We see what she sees and taste the food together with her.
The settings bring us smells and colors and sounds – flowers, food, rain, sea, mountains, roads, trees, soil, sky – seen through a car, an airplane, walking, mainly through bicycles, but also -- and very importantly -- through Katherine's camera. We can smell, see, hear, taste, together with the characters. And what a treat that can be for us! The South of France has become alive in all its splendor, and Toronto has also been present.
We get to know the characters to perfection through their actions as well as their thoughts and words. – Katherine, the protagonist; Philippe, Molly, Nick – among several others. What readers should not ignore are the backgrounds of the older characters – Katherine's mother (in Book 1); Simone, François. They add a level of “life” that helps us understand the present lives of the younger characters. Katherine’s mother constantly told her “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” And it is repeated throughout the three books. It seems that philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was right. Scientists have found that although traumatic experiences such as losing a loved one can be psychologically damaging, small amounts of trauma can make us more resilient.
Simone and François have also been “marked” by their gripping background, and we are privileged to know them. We are also fortunate to have read this third book in the Love in Provence series, and we can only hope now that there will be more, since there is still so much we want to know about their future.
Patricia Sands’s style is effective and natural. She writes concisely, clearly, and well. Her sentence structure and vocabulary transform her prose. They highlight effective ways to get her true point to shine through her text. Sands understands the beauty of a simple sentence well constructed, and this helps the readers understand the main points better. Although the story is told by an omniscient narrator, we have the feeling that we hear Katherine's voice throughout. We see what she sees and taste the food together with her.
The settings bring us smells and colors and sounds – flowers, food, rain, sea, mountains, roads, trees, soil, sky – seen through a car, an airplane, walking, mainly through bicycles, but also -- and very importantly -- through Katherine's camera. We can smell, see, hear, taste, together with the characters. And what a treat that can be for us! The South of France has become alive in all its splendor, and Toronto has also been present.
We get to know the characters to perfection through their actions as well as their thoughts and words. – Katherine, the protagonist; Philippe, Molly, Nick – among several others. What readers should not ignore are the backgrounds of the older characters – Katherine's mother (in Book 1); Simone, François. They add a level of “life” that helps us understand the present lives of the younger characters. Katherine’s mother constantly told her “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” And it is repeated throughout the three books. It seems that philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was right. Scientists have found that although traumatic experiences such as losing a loved one can be psychologically damaging, small amounts of trauma can make us more resilient.
Simone and François have also been “marked” by their gripping background, and we are privileged to know them. We are also fortunate to have read this third book in the Love in Provence series, and we can only hope now that there will be more, since there is still so much we want to know about their future.
April 19, 2017
Happily ever after
I loved this series. The books can not be pigeon holed as one thing or another, so the stories feel fresh. Reading books where the main characters are mid-life, dealing with tragedy, but also joy, and happy endings. Everyone deserves joy.
I loved this series. The books can not be pigeon holed as one thing or another, so the stories feel fresh. Reading books where the main characters are mid-life, dealing with tragedy, but also joy, and happy endings. Everyone deserves joy.
May 20, 2016
The three stories in this series are now coming full circle, and this is best read in series order! Kat had fled Toronto after her marriage dissolved, and now she is returning to help her friend Molly after an accident. She’s found what could be a new life in Provence, one that includes her new love Philippe, the wondrous country and all of the new places to explore. But, being back in Toronto around all of the familiar places, family, friends and smells, she’s wondering if the next stage of her love should be in France.
She doesn’t doubt her love for Philippe, but the familiarity of coming home to the place she’d known so long is compelling, and leaves her with decisions. I adored Kat’s journey here, not so melancholy or hurt now that time has passed, but she’s been bold, if running scared, in her choice to head to ‘somewhere else’. She (and we) are just fortunate it was Provence.
The scenery here breathes through the story, the familiar landscape of Toronto with its sights and sounds juxtapose against the newly discovered Provencal sights, and she is clearly torn. With Philippe making a grand gesture to follow Kat and see what their future holds, I couldn’t put this book down.
Sands uses the good (and bad) of all Kat’s experiences to help inform her decision: it is always scary to make large changes in your life, and while the first steps on her journey were made with tears in her eyes and a determination to be anywhere BUT where she was, there has been time and distance for Kat to finally choose the setting for the next chapter in her life.
Soft and warm, this story is easy to follow and full of characters that appear real and present in the room as you read. To gain the best perspective, this is a series that is best read in order – and that will be no great sacrifice. A wonderful summer read that will have you transported to worlds and places far away.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
She doesn’t doubt her love for Philippe, but the familiarity of coming home to the place she’d known so long is compelling, and leaves her with decisions. I adored Kat’s journey here, not so melancholy or hurt now that time has passed, but she’s been bold, if running scared, in her choice to head to ‘somewhere else’. She (and we) are just fortunate it was Provence.
The scenery here breathes through the story, the familiar landscape of Toronto with its sights and sounds juxtapose against the newly discovered Provencal sights, and she is clearly torn. With Philippe making a grand gesture to follow Kat and see what their future holds, I couldn’t put this book down.
Sands uses the good (and bad) of all Kat’s experiences to help inform her decision: it is always scary to make large changes in your life, and while the first steps on her journey were made with tears in her eyes and a determination to be anywhere BUT where she was, there has been time and distance for Kat to finally choose the setting for the next chapter in her life.
Soft and warm, this story is easy to follow and full of characters that appear real and present in the room as you read. To gain the best perspective, this is a series that is best read in order – and that will be no great sacrifice. A wonderful summer read that will have you transported to worlds and places far away.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
March 4, 2018
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story begins with Kat entering the security area at the international airport, on her way back to Toronto to apply for her extended Visa to stay in France. But then her love, Philippe, calls out to her, and she changes her mind. She simply cannot leave France, while the man she loves is left behind. This is a love Kat never envisioned herself having again. It's a love she swore she'd never get caught up in again, when her husband of 22 years leaves her on the eve of their anniversary, for a life with his mistress, and the child they were expecting.
Life is good for Kat, finally. She has a new love, Philippe, and a love for France that has deepened more than she expected. As she settles into her relationship with Philippe, and the country she has chosen to begin her new life in, she once again takes up activities that had, at one time, been vital to her soul. Oh, she experiences moments of sadness, where she remembers her past life, of the friends she misses and just the land itself where she once lived. But Kat realizes those sad memories have been replaced by new happier memories. She's reminded she's chosen a new life elsewhere to achieve a newer happier fuller being. And, as for Philippe, she experiences "schoolgirl moments, she thought as her heart fluttered, at the very notion of him". Oh, to have such a love in your life!
So, take this book and snuggle down into your favourite chair. Experience Kat's new found happiness, and enjoy the explicit descriptions of France Patricia Sands gives us. She's a fantastic author. She has a way of putting her thoughts down on paper that make me feel as if I were in France, experiencing Kat's feelings myself. Patricia Sands knows how to make her words and thoughts sing.
This story begins with Kat entering the security area at the international airport, on her way back to Toronto to apply for her extended Visa to stay in France. But then her love, Philippe, calls out to her, and she changes her mind. She simply cannot leave France, while the man she loves is left behind. This is a love Kat never envisioned herself having again. It's a love she swore she'd never get caught up in again, when her husband of 22 years leaves her on the eve of their anniversary, for a life with his mistress, and the child they were expecting.
Life is good for Kat, finally. She has a new love, Philippe, and a love for France that has deepened more than she expected. As she settles into her relationship with Philippe, and the country she has chosen to begin her new life in, she once again takes up activities that had, at one time, been vital to her soul. Oh, she experiences moments of sadness, where she remembers her past life, of the friends she misses and just the land itself where she once lived. But Kat realizes those sad memories have been replaced by new happier memories. She's reminded she's chosen a new life elsewhere to achieve a newer happier fuller being. And, as for Philippe, she experiences "schoolgirl moments, she thought as her heart fluttered, at the very notion of him". Oh, to have such a love in your life!
So, take this book and snuggle down into your favourite chair. Experience Kat's new found happiness, and enjoy the explicit descriptions of France Patricia Sands gives us. She's a fantastic author. She has a way of putting her thoughts down on paper that make me feel as if I were in France, experiencing Kat's feelings myself. Patricia Sands knows how to make her words and thoughts sing.
May 30, 2016
The third in Patricia Sands’ France-based Love in Provence series, I Promise You This follows on from Book 2: Promises to Keep, where the heroine, Katherine, leaves behind painful memories of her failed marriage in Canada to go to France to begin a new life with her French love, Philippe.
I Promise You This begins where book 2 ends, with Katherine returning to Canada to help her friend Molly, after a serious accident.
But her hometown evokes memories of all that Katherine left behind, and after a meeting with her ex-husband and a declaration of love from an old flame, Katherine asks herself if she’s truly ready to abandon all of this for an unknown new life in a foreign country, with Philippe. And if she does take the plunge, is this new love just a quirk of lust, or is it everlasting? After the disaster of her marriage, is she able to trust in love again?
Once back in France, amidst the stunning countryside of Provence, the smells of the flowers and trees, the succulent food and wine, we continue to follow Philippe and Katherine on their voyage of new love. Some plot twists involving other members of Philippe’s family add to the surprise and suspense of the story.
The author’s love of this part of France is evident through her breathtaking descriptions of the countryside, the villages, the gastronomic food and wine, which she deftly brings to life.
I Promise You This brings the Love in Provence trilogy to a satisfying close, leaving us with joy and the hope that a new life is possible, if we’re game to take the risk.
Highly recommended to readers of contemporary romance, women’s fiction and francophiles.
I Promise You This begins where book 2 ends, with Katherine returning to Canada to help her friend Molly, after a serious accident.
But her hometown evokes memories of all that Katherine left behind, and after a meeting with her ex-husband and a declaration of love from an old flame, Katherine asks herself if she’s truly ready to abandon all of this for an unknown new life in a foreign country, with Philippe. And if she does take the plunge, is this new love just a quirk of lust, or is it everlasting? After the disaster of her marriage, is she able to trust in love again?
Once back in France, amidst the stunning countryside of Provence, the smells of the flowers and trees, the succulent food and wine, we continue to follow Philippe and Katherine on their voyage of new love. Some plot twists involving other members of Philippe’s family add to the surprise and suspense of the story.
The author’s love of this part of France is evident through her breathtaking descriptions of the countryside, the villages, the gastronomic food and wine, which she deftly brings to life.
I Promise You This brings the Love in Provence trilogy to a satisfying close, leaving us with joy and the hope that a new life is possible, if we’re game to take the risk.
Highly recommended to readers of contemporary romance, women’s fiction and francophiles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews