The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes

by Patricia Sands

THE LOVE IN PROVENCE CHARACTERS ARE BACK ... Everything was going so well in Kat and Philippe’s life together. Then suddenly it wasn’t. Roman ruins delayed the work on the Villa des Violettes. The Russian drug gang might be back in the neighbourhood. On top of that, Kat had worked herself into what Molly classified as a full blown “Christmas conundrum.” Kat wanted the holidays to work perfectly as she blended a Canadian Christmas with a Provençal Fête de Noêl for the first time in their new home. Now she’d lost her confidence and, with it, the holiday spirit. Philippe hoped a weekend trip to the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything. As it happened, things were about to get worse.

Genres: Christmas, France, Fiction, Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2018

About the author

Bestselling 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

Reviews

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just took the most wonderful virtual Christmas holiday to the south of France in the pages of this book. Philippe and Kat are such wonderful characters and "spending" the First Noel at the Villes des Violettes is an adventure. Patricia Sands has written in these pages the essence of Antibes, France and the surrounding countryside. I felt like I was experiencing the sights, smells, sounds and camaraderie of the people and places. The luscious cuisine made my mouth water so many times.

The story contains so many aspects and had me turning the pages to enjoy as much of this visit as possible. Kat's anxiety of combining Christmas traditions from her childhood, to blending Philippe's into the mix and adding their own, new traditions, was just the beginning of the story. There is mystery, suspense, puppy and kitty antics, love, romance and even a weekend trip to Strasbourg to experience the Christkindelsmariks. The folk lore and traditions Ms. Sands writes into the story are fascinating, too. I had so much fun going on this Christmas vacation and spending the holiday with the lovely characters in this book. Simone is a very wise and wonderful mother figure for Kat and helps her find balance and perspective in many ways. I loved the chocolate labs, Rocco and Coco...and their kitty sister, Belle, too.
Ms. Sands brings such a wonderful message of how just being together with family, friends and even your fur babies is what's important.

I loved this book and truly feel like I spent a holiday in the south of France with friends and family enjoying the traditions old and new.

This book is a sure way to usher in the Christmas spirit and get you in the holiday mood!

I want to say merci to Patricia Sands for the privilege of reading this wonderful book and including me in this Joyeux Noel!

Another wonderful 5 plus stars book by Patricia Sands.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to take a holiday vacation!
I opened the pages of this beautiful book and was flown to France to spend the Christmas season at the Villa Des Violattes with Kat, Phillippe, Rocco, Coco and their friends.
The food, decorations and love was abounding.
I went to town with Kat and peeked in the markets and cafe’s.
The wonderful descriptions Patricia Sands put in to each page gave me the feeling that I was enjoying all of the different cheeses, dishes prepared, and of course, the champagne!
I could smell the pine coming from the boughs.
Everyone wants the “perfect” Christmas with old and new memories.
Kat is no exception. She misses her home in Canada, the traditions and her parents, but wants to intertwine old and new customs into her new villa and family.
Can she get over this fear that she won’t be able to fulfill her dream?
There are many new friends to help Kat and Phillippe celebrate. One person in particular that I adore is an elderly, wise woman named Simone. She reminds Kat of her own mother. Simone has an insight that will be needed to help with an unexpected emergency . She hopes to make Kat understand that “Home is truly where the heart is”.
This is just the sweetest story! You can’t help, but want to start decorating for your own holiday!
Joyeux Noel!

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas book this turned out to be. Not the usual romantic chic lit but a history lesson too. Provence in France was a beautiful setting for this about Kat and Phillipe on the lead up to Christmas. Phillipe is French snd Kat is Canadian. Both traditions mingling and many ups and downs but all ends well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will certainly look for this author again. So much research has gone into this book and it makes you want up keep reading to find out more about their life and their friends.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not been disappointed in the books I’ve read by Patricia Sands yet and this is no exception. I throughly enjoyed it from start to beautiful finish. I am not usually into holiday books but lately have read a couple and enjoyed them so much. This one kept me turning the pages wanting more. Wanting to know what was coming next.

The characters are so likable and real. The story is one that will stay with me. It had something for everyone and I love when books do that. I loved the puppies and the cat. I love animals and when they are in a good book that makes it even better.

I have to thank Ms Patricia Sands for the ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review. It was one that I consider a must read.

A 5 star book for sure. I always look forward to more by Ms Sands. Add this to your reading list and enjoy. I know I did.

[Jane Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Sands FIRST NOEL AT THE VILLA DES VIOLETTES is the best kind of escapist fiction - a delightful story with a gorgeous south of France setting. This charming Christmas novella features Kat, Phillippe and other characters from her beloved Love in Provence series. Newly married Kat struggles with anxiety about her first Christmas in a new country, the renovation of her and Phillippe’s villa, as well as worries about previous troubles with the Russian mafia in the area that may be resurfacing. FIRST NOEL is a perfect blend of well-drawn characters, multi-faceted drama and gorgeously detailed descriptions of the food and character of this breathtaking part of the world. I highly recommend it as a great holiday read for any time of the year!

[Carla Suto · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FIRST NOËL AT THE VILLA DES VIOLETTES by Patricia Sands is a heart-warming continuation of her beloved LOVE IN PROVENCE series, just in time for Kat and Philippe’s first Christmas at the Villa des Violettes. Kat wants it to be the perfect holiday celebration, blending her parents’ Old World traditions, Canadian Christmas and the Provençal Fête de Noêl of her new home, but figuring out how to do so is overwhelming her and dampening her Christmas spirit. The story draws the reader straight into the lives and hearts of the characters, old and new, and into the festive setting. As with all of Patricia Sands’ books, I felt like I was right there in the South of France with all of the charming characters. The author brings the gorgeous surroundings to life with her vivid and sensory descriptions of the scenery, food and customs of Antibes, as well as the excitement of the Christmas market in Strasbourg. The story has the perfect blend of romance, friendship and intrigue and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend this wonderful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this delightful series.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. First of all—that cover! Isn't it just amazing? Then the fact that it's a Christmas book will always put it at the top of my reading list. The First Noël transports the reader to France—during the holidays. How enchanting!

I fell in love with Katherine when I read book one in the Provence series. When I saw that this book was coming out, I binge-read the other two books in the series so I could 'catch up' with the lives of Kat and Philippe.

Everything should be perfect for this delightful couple as they embark on their new lives together but Kat struggles to find the Christmas spirit. She just wants to make this a memorable first Noël in their new home.

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes is filled with interesting characters, beautiful scenery, delicious foods, wonderful traditions, friendships, and lots of love. I loved every minute of it!

Book Two in the Villa des Violettes series is coming May 2019! Whoo hoo! I can't wait.

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beloved characters of The Promise of Provence series continues with this lovely story; The First Noel Villa des Violettes.

Patricia Sands has captivated the reader yet again with her flawless ease of storytelling. The scene is set as Christmastime/Noel in the South of France approaches and with that, the sights and sounds of the French countryside and a holiday season you will thoroughly enjoy being a part of.

Our favorite characters return with their uniquely
charming personalities, they're love of family and friends, their joy and love of French Cuisine, as well as their endearment to the festivities rich in tradition amongst the stunningly descriptive backdrop of an old-world community we've all come to know and love as..... Antibes.

Patricia blends a delightful story of romance, intrigue, and heartwarming tidbits that not only keep you engaged but deeply enriched by its presentation.

I thank Patricia for this engaging narrative along with the gifting of this ARC in order that I may read and review.

Tres Bon!

Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club

[Deborah Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely written novella by Patricia Sands. It is the first Christmas at the Villa des Violettes and Kat is so afraid that it will not be perfect. This book continues the Provence series and it is a wonderful read. I was in Antibes, France. I was shopping in the market. I could smell the bread baking. I loved the two dogs, Coco and Rocco. I could see them romping around. The dialogue is French and English which made it feel more realistic. I could taste the fish and the apricot crepes on the first Noel. I was there, immersed into the French culture. Filled with love and friendship this is a wonderful holiday read for any time of the year. Patricia Sands brings us to France. There is some drama which simply made the book that much better. Great read! You will be transported to Antibes.

[Jeanne Maliner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Patricia Sands has developed her characters, Kat, Phillipe, and Simone to the next level. They are delightful and so alive. This is not just a Christmas novella. It has a fantastic plot filled with intrigue, romance, well-developed, friendships, kindness and a general good read. Even the pups are enjoyable. The setting is described to the point that the reader feels like they are travelling in France in reality. When shopping in the markets, one can feel the excitement and hear the noise. I suggest that everyone read this and become a die-hard fan of Ms. Sands.

[Keith Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat, Philippe and the gang from the Love in Provence series are back!

This Christmas novella has twists and turns and heart-stopping moments that will keep you engrossed till the end. And the final scenes of a multicultural and blended-family Christmas will warm your heart.

Patricia Sands is a master at bringing the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Provence to life in her books. As a reader you feel like you are with Kat and Philippe in the coastal city of Antibes where they live, with its narrow winding streets and charming markets and cafés. And the trip the two take north to Strasbourg, to visit the famous Christmas markets, paints a vivid picture of life in this beautiful Alsatian city.

The First Noël a lovely read and just in time for the holidays.

[Mrs C Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read revisiting old friends

This book is another set in the south of France. Revisiting Kat & Philippe from Patricia Sands previous works. It takes us thru their first Christmas in their renovated house. U thoroughly enjoyed it.
I’m looking forward to the next instalment

[Serena Soape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this book was fantastic and took me right to France again with Kat and Phillipe. I love the way Patricia Sands makes us go with the characters wherever they are and well any book with pets in it is a plus for me. Cannot wait for the next book. Quick read that kept me from putting it down.
5 plus stars

[Alisha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book by Patricia Sands that I’ve read and absolutely loved it!!
Her words make you feel as if you are living in the story with the characters and feel each emotion that is described. Also it’s set at Christmas and helps get you in the mood for your own Christmas celebration.

[J_McA 251 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be honest that I had not read any of the previous books with these characters, so I was kind of coming in blind. Boy, I didn’t know what I have been missing! I absolutely loved the way the author transported me to the Cote d’Azur. I also appreciated how she described previous events, because her references to past events were organic; it didn’t feel like she was forcing an explanation, nor did she just pass off comments as throwaways (which can make a new reader feel lost). Kat spoke to me, because her realizations about Philippe felt very familiar (as did trying to balance multiple traditions perfectly). I was so happy to be able to read this; it wasn’t a traditional Christmas story, but it had plenty of spirit and reminders about what is REALLY important in the season. P.S. I went right out and got the previous three books so I can fully read the backstory.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so mesmerized by this story and the various Christmas traditions, foods, and places that I dreamed about it this week. I was the character in the book and I didn’t wanna wake up as I was too busy packing my bags, decorating my house for Christmas, and planning my Christmas menu.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had the most delightful vacation to Antibes and did not have to leave my couch. A vacation to France, at Villa des Violettes. What a beautiful countryside setting and the food amazing!
My first introduction to Kat and Philippe as I have not read any of the other books.
Loved Kat and Philippe and their wonderful friends and family.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Home is where my heart is had become her mantra. But from time to time she faltered a little. Transferring your life from one country to another wasn’t always the easiest thing, no matter how badly you wanted it.”

The Villa des Violettes has finally gotten clearance to continue the work Kat and Philippe had to stop when Roman ruins were found in what was planned as parking on their property. And, as much as Kat loves Provence, the holiday season doesn’t seem as joyful as it might. She’s settled into their home, and even with the dogs and a cat that simply moved in, she’s not feeling all that celebratory. Her husband keeps telling her to get out of what her best friend Molly has dubbed:”the Christmas conundrum”. Whatever she does will be enough. It’s not that she’s unhappy. She just wonders if her first Joyeux Noël at the Villa, will actually be that.

The jigsaw puzzle continues as we are surrounded with traditions from Provence, the Basque region, Strasbourg, Christkindelsmärik, history and beauty, all seen through the eyes of the artist in both Katherine AND Patricia Sands, both of who love France. However, there is also a fleeting look at contemporary issues troubling everyone these days. No wonder Katherine is not feeling the joy in this season.

I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was to receive this advanced copy of Patricia Sands’ latest book. My old friends, the ones I met in her *Love in Provence* series are back as the work on their new “bed and breakfast”: Villa des Violettes, which is the first in a new series. However, this could be read as a stand alone as Sands does a great job “catching up” with Katherine and Philippe in their new/old home after marriage.

As per usual, this author continues her promise of contemporary fiction with older people, a fine change from most authors who focus on young people and young couples. And I will persist in my high recommendation of her work. 5/5

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Xmas read

Lovely being back with them again. A great book to be reading over Christmas. Ready for more to come next year.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, heart-touching holiday story set in the same world as Patricia Sands' bestselling Love in Provence series. While preparing for her first Christmas season at the Villa des Violettes, unexpected events force Kat into a frenzy of worries in the midst of her plans for the perfect celebration--one that pairs her Canadian roots with Provencal traditions.

When her beloved puppy Rocco disappears, and an old nemesis threatens in the background, Kat and her husband Philippe must lean on their found family in Cap d'Antibes for help.

This is such a lovely little book that will endear readers to Patricia's warm-hearted writing. While reading the Love in Provence series isn't a necessity before reading The First Noel at the Villa Des Violettes, it will help with understanding the characters' backstories a bit more.

This is a sweet, low-stress comfort read that fully immerses you in all the sights, sounds, and flavors of life in Provence. And it's so refreshing to read a novel with a middle-aged heroine. Love happens at all ages, and it's nice to see that represented in women's fiction! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. They're such a treat!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spirit of Christmas

What a wonderful story! Patricia Sands, in her writing, pulls the reader into the spectacular scenes, dialogues, and lives of her characters. Revisiting with Kat and Phillippe was a joy. Always, the writing keeps the reader entranced. For anyone who loves France, travel along in this book series. Envision the food, the villages, and daily life, and you will find you have travelled far, without leaving the comfort of your home. Well done Patricia! Watching and waiting for more.

[Christie Sitterly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Patricia Sands' book is akin to partaking in a delightful feast for the senses. There is so much imagery in The First Noel at the Villa des Violettes that I could see the French countryside, as well as smell the Christmas feast, feel the fluffy fur of pups Rocco and Coco (and Picasso, my favorite!), and practically taste those apricot crepes! This was a lovely story about mingling traditions and culture, and counting friends as family. I'm looking forward to future novellas about the Villa des Violettes!

[Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a bit of escapism reading, this book is the answer. In this book, Sands evolves Kat and Philippe’s love story and brings deeper insight into the lifestyle on the French Riviera. A bit of mystery, a solid dose of December holiday stress, and social interaction with friends and family this novella is an engaging read.

[Karen Komarinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The First Noel at Villa de Violettes; Kat an Phillipe and the whole gang are back together and its going to be Kat and Phillipe first official Provencal fete de noel. Roman ruins delayed the work on Villa de Violettes with the stress of waiting if they continue, they have received word that the Russian drug gang might be back looking for what was left behind last year. With all of this happening Kat is feeling overwhelmed & she wants to make this holiday a perfect one. She is worried that she will not be able to blend a Canadian Christmas with a Provencal Fete de noel plus include her family traditions without disappointing Phillipe and their dear friends. With a pep talk from Molly, a visit from her nephew Andrew she is feeling more confident. Philippe hoped a weekend trip tho the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything. Once again I feel like I visited the Christmas markets and spent Christmas at Villa de Violettes as guest of Kat and Phillipe. I just want to thank Patricia Sands for taking us back to Provence to celebrate Kat and Phillipe first official Christmas together. I can't wait for the next adventure.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This festive novella does so much. It not only takes us back to Kat and Philippe and their villa in Provence, where we left them in book three celebrating their marriage, it also shares many of the delightful Provencal Christmas foods and traditions as well as taking us to the Christmas markets of Alsace.

I was so pleased to get back to the Provence that Patricia describes so well, and to spend time with Kat and Philippe. I thought this book was a wonderful mix of familiar characters, love, family, good friendships and French festive fun. Kat is anxious, both about her first Christmas at their villa and about history repeating itself with trouble from the past rearing its head again, but with Philippe being his usual loving, strong and supportive self, I had no doubt their first Christmas would be just perfect.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Noel Villa des Violettes is a Christmas Novella with the characters from Patricia Sands Provence series. I have not yet read the Provence series and I was able to follow the story without any questions. Kat and Phillipe are spending their first Christmas/Noel in their home in the South of France. Kat is nervous about combining both her Canadian traditions with the traditions of Provençal Fête de Noêl. Patricia is a wonderful storyteller making you feel like you are in the South of France. The descriptions of the markets and the food had me salivating! The story has mystery, romance, friendships and celebrations. The First Noel was a wonderful read and I am looking forward to reading the Provence series.

[Lynn Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully charming European holiday story, that totally embraces family love and camaraderie. The story follows Kat and her fears, as well as her adjustment to living in France with her new husband and two dogs. Enjoyed the shopping trips and site seeing adventures on bike and by foot. I felt like I had time traveled to the French Markets and was walking down the street with them. Very much enjoyed learning all the French phrases in the book, as well as their holiday traditions with gift giving and Christmas meals. A heartwarming story of pet love and extended family. Definitely recommend this as a must read book to add to your book shelf reading list! Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story which helped me get into the holiday spirit. I had not read the other books in this series, but I had no problems following the story. In fact, I now want to go back and read the series from the beginning. The setting was delightful and I was transported to Provence and the Villa des Violettes. The dogs were a cute addition to the story. Author Patricia Sands created such lovely, fleshed out characters, which is a major part of any good story, in my opinion. Even the cover is a delight. All around a truly delightful story.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and Phillipe are spending their first Christmas in their new home. Kat is worried about blending the traditions of her native Canadian celebrations with French traditions. This book is a fun Christmas read. Filled with sprinklings of French words and descriptions of yummy sounding food. Among other worries Kat has inherited a kitty about to have babies and her and Phillipe adopted two rescue dogs who are very energetic. While on a weekend getaway, Rocco one of the dogs turns up missing compounding Kay’s worries.

Enjoy the descriptive foods and traditions!

[Pernette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Patricia Sands book that I have read. The First Noel at the Villa des Violettes was an entertaining read. I enjoyed the story and the noted items and locations from France. When you throw in the story of Family, friends, Christmas and a mystery you have a very interesting read. Would recommend.


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