Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

Books Patricia Sands Love in Provence Series

Patricia Sands is one of those people you cannot get enough of, she is warm, open and always ready for discovery. Bitten by the European travel bug at age 21, Sands spent a year backpacking and exploring local cultures, many miles away from her home in Toronto. Through life’s twists and turns, she became a “possibilitarian” – her mantra for anything you want to do is within your grasp. Read the details of Patricia Sand’s backstory here.

The main character in Patricia Sands’ three-part series is Katherine, not Patricia, yet when Sands walked into the Arles restaurant with her camera around her neck – I wondered who was coming to lunch? Sands is a passionate photographer, and so is the book’s character. The books are women’s fiction, yet factual on many levels from home exchanges (Sands and her husband are pros) down to the details of living in Antibes and Toronto.

Lunch in Arles Patricia Sands @PerfProvence

Sometimes the lines between fiction and reality can be a bit blurred, so it may be no surprise that Katherine’s mantra is “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” This philosophy becomes evident in I Promise You This (Love in Provence Book 3).

Next time I see Patricia, I will ask her if she knows of a good-looking cheesemonger at the Antibes market. Promises to Keep (Love in Provence Book 2).blank

Sands loves doing research; when we met, she talked about a day trip she had planned to discover the Camargue. A second trilogy – with different characters – is planned shortly. Will Sands’ visit the Bouches de la Rhone and Arles appear in one of her books? Who knows, but it sounded like a fun day.

La Merenda, Nice @Patricia_sands

Earlier this year, Patricia Sands shared “Is Provence Calling To You” a post filled with her favourite things to do while in the region. Next year, Sands will be back in Provence co-leading a tour for the Women’s Travel Network.

Now, for the best part! The book giveaway:

Patricia Sands has generously donated one set of signed copies from her “Love in Provence” series (books 1-3) for a lucky reader who would like to dive into her Antibes-based love story. Leave us a comment below this post or on our Facebook page telling us why you want to read (and dream) your way to Provence.

The lucky winner will be picked on September 19th

Please share this with friends and family.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).

58 Comments

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    Michele Simon
    September 10, 2016 at 10:11 pm — Reply

    I’ve had a rough summer and would enjoy a French love story to carry me away.

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      September 10, 2016 at 11:32 pm — Reply

      HI Michele: Thanks for your comment, we will announce the winner on Sept 19th. In the meantime, yu can sign-up for our weekly newsletter for a small dose of Provence each week. Thanks for reading.

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    September 12, 2016 at 8:21 pm — Reply

    I have gone to France twice but never made it to Provence. When I look at the pictures Patricia Sands takes, they make my heart sing. Would love to read the books about Provence and love and lightness–especially in this ultra-heavy election season when we need emotional getaways more than ever!

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:05 pm — Reply

      Hi Maddie: Thanks for your comment Patricia certainly has a way of transporting us to Provence.

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    Lisa Hagenbucher
    September 12, 2016 at 8:29 pm — Reply

    I would love to be taken away to Provence through these books, thanks for the chance.

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:07 pm — Reply

      Hi Lisa: thank you for taking the time to comment. Having read the trilogy I can say that Patricia is a master story teller. If you want to read more Perfectly Provence articles please sign-up for the weekly newsletter.

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    Linda Moffitt
    September 12, 2016 at 8:40 pm — Reply

    I Love to read I’m a SAHM and that is My escape and Patricia’s Books look Really Great for My intended purposes Thanks for the chance to win :)

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm — Reply

      LOL Linda, I had to look up SAHM and I understand how Patricia’s stories might be the answer. If you want a weekly virtual “get-away” please sign-up for the weekly newsletter.

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    Jeannie D.
    September 12, 2016 at 8:53 pm — Reply

    I will definitely be signing up for your newsletter. I would love to win a set of Patricia’s books.

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:11 pm — Reply

      Hi Jeannie: Thanks in advance for signing up for the newsletter and for commenting on Patricia’s books.

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    Debra
    September 12, 2016 at 11:14 pm — Reply

    I read Patricia’s series. I fell in love with the characters. It was such a dream come true for me. From my home I traveled to this wonderful region of France. I so enjoyed the food, the history, the varies areas. I learned so much, and all the while enjoyed being with the characters. These books are truly wonderful.

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:13 pm — Reply

      Hi Debra: I agree Patricia is a master story teller and her novels transport you to another world. If you want to read more Perfectly Provence articles please sign-up for the weekly newsletter.

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    September 12, 2016 at 11:17 pm — Reply

    I would love to win this set of books and be swept away to Provence…..since I probably am not going there any time soon, but it would be fun to read a story set there. Thanks for the great giveaway and for the chance to win!!

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:16 pm — Reply

      Hi Amy: thanks for taking the time to comment. Patricia’s trilogy is sure to “sweep” you away to another world – cheers to dreams of Perfectly Provence. Please sign-up for the weekly newsletter if you are interested in a weekly escape.

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    Carol Daigle
    September 12, 2016 at 11:30 pm — Reply

    I would like to read these books because that will be the only way I can get to Provence. I am sure they would be great stories to get lost in!! Thank you for the chance to win.

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:32 pm — Reply

      Hello Carol: Many thanks for your comment. Yes, Patricia’s books are certainly a way to be transported to the dreamy world of Provence. If you are interested in a weekly escape, please sign-up for the Perfectly Provence newsletter.

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    Celeste Romero
    September 13, 2016 at 2:52 am — Reply

    I am thankful for the chance to win one of Patricia’s books. Her writing is incredibly rich with details to the point you can actually feel like you are there! Thank you again for the chance to win!

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:29 pm — Reply

      Hello Celeste: we agree Patricia’s books are a chance to float away to another world. Please sign-up for the weekly newsletter if you are interested in a weekly escape.

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    Jacinda Smeltzer
    September 13, 2016 at 5:51 am — Reply

    France wasn’t on my radar until I read this series. I fell in love with a country and its cultural through these books! It even inspired me to plant some Provence lavender!

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:20 pm — Reply

      Hi Jacinda: It sounds like Patricia’s goal of converting readers into Francophiles is working. Thank you for taking the time to comment. If you want to read more Perfectly Provence articles please sign-up for the weekly newsletter.

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    Sarah
    September 13, 2016 at 12:45 pm — Reply

    I have had a number of trips to Provence over the last few years and would welcome a literary trip back over the long and cold Canadian winter!!

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      September 13, 2016 at 2:18 pm — Reply

      LOL Sarah – who wouldn’t want an escape from Canadian winter? Patricia’s trilogy could be the perfect “ticket.”

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    Lisa
    September 13, 2016 at 6:44 pm — Reply

    I would love to “escape” in this trilogy!! The more I read about it, the more I want to read each of these books. They’ve been on my radar for a while.

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:40 am — Reply

      Hello Lisa: From personal experience Patricia’s novels are a Perfectly Provence “escape.” Thank you for taking the time to comment. If you want a weekly dose of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Lesa Neace
    September 13, 2016 at 6:59 pm — Reply

    This sounds like a wonderful series to get into. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:38 am — Reply

      Hello Lesa: Thanks for commenting! Patricia Sands’ trilogy certainly is a wonderful series. If you want a weekly dose of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Judy grogan
    September 13, 2016 at 7:08 pm — Reply

    I have been to Normandy, Chartres, and Paris but not Provence. I feel a special connection to France since my father was KIA in France in WWII and buried in Normandy. Would love to win. Thanks

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:37 am — Reply

      Hi Judy: There are so many fabulous regions in France, it would be hard to choose the #1…but I must admit my heart is in Provence. Many thanks for taking the time to comment. If you want a weekly dose of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Susi Galley
    September 13, 2016 at 8:36 pm — Reply

    I’ve seen Patricia’s postings about wonderful chateaus and lavender fields – I love baguette and cheese – so I can get lost right in the middle of Patricia’s books. :)

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:36 am — Reply

      Hi Susi it’s true you can get lost in Patricia Sands’ Provencal landscape. Thank you for your comment. If you want a weekly dose of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Darlene
    September 13, 2016 at 9:15 pm — Reply

    I would like to read these books because it is the only way that I will ever get to Provence. I love reading Patricia’s books. Thanks for the chance to win these!!!

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:34 am — Reply

      Hello Darlene it is a good thing there are authors like Patricia Sands who can “transport” us to dreamy worlds. Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you want a weekly dose of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    September 14, 2016 at 12:32 am — Reply

    I’ve been ill (again) and it gets so frustrating to be sick over and over again, with no end in sight. To read about Provence…well, it would be great to be lost in such a tale of beauty. Oh, and I signed up for your newsletter so I could have a regular dose of loveliness. :)

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      September 14, 2016 at 6:32 am — Reply

      Thanks Michelle – wishing you a speedy recovery!

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    Erin
    September 14, 2016 at 10:42 am — Reply

    I have always dreamed of taking a trip to Provence to shop the food markets and to take cooking lessons.

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      September 15, 2016 at 12:19 pm — Reply

      Hi Erin: Patricia Sands’ books will make you book a trip! Please sign-up for our weekly “Perfectly Provence” newsletter.

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    Anne Marie
    September 14, 2016 at 4:55 pm — Reply

    I’ve holidayed in France a few times but have yet to visit Provence – I’m sure this trilogy will change that !!

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      September 15, 2016 at 12:18 pm — Reply

      Hi Anne Marie: I actually think Patricia Sands should work for the tourism office for Provence, her books “sell” the region. Please sign-up for a weekly dose of “Perfectly Provence” our newsletter.

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        Anne Marie
        September 17, 2016 at 4:03 am — Reply

        Already signed up and looking forward to reading your weekly newsletter !

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          September 18, 2016 at 2:39 am — Reply

          Thanks Anne Marie!

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    Susan Jackson
    September 15, 2016 at 6:50 am — Reply

    I love the easy “seeming” life in this part of France. Of course that thought is all from books s I havebeen to France many times but have not made it to Provence–so u til I make it I will live it thru books!!

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      September 15, 2016 at 12:15 pm — Reply

      Hi Susan: Thank you very much for commenting. Yes, Patricia Sands has a certain way with words that is able to transport you to another world. If you are interested in a weekly does of “Perfectly Provence” please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Kasey Clark
    September 15, 2016 at 6:09 pm — Reply

    I want to read/dream my way to Provence through these books, so I prepare myself for an actual visit to the south of France. Bucket list: to see/smell those fields of lavender :)

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      September 16, 2016 at 1:01 am — Reply

      Thank for your comment Kasey – Patricia’s books will certainly help to dream your way to Provence. If you are interested in a weekly dose of “Perfectly Provence” please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Deana Dick
    September 16, 2016 at 1:34 pm — Reply

    Oh Province take me away to a place that I only dream of. I would love the chance to read your books. You are a new author to me, so it will be an honor to read them.
    Thank you

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      September 18, 2016 at 2:43 am — Reply

      Hello Deana: Patricia Sands is a wonderful author, she paints a picture of Provence that might have you booking a plane ticket. If you are interested in our weekly newsletter a touch of Provence, please sign-up.

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    Rene Daihl
    September 16, 2016 at 9:49 pm — Reply

    I love France and I love to read – and I would love to read these books. They would be a great way to relax after a long day at work.

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      September 18, 2016 at 2:41 am — Reply

      Hello Rene: Patricia Sands has a way of capturing Provence and French life in general that certainly can make a day at work disappear into the background. If you are interested in a weekly touch of Provence, please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Sue Malizia
    September 17, 2016 at 2:16 pm — Reply

    It’s the next best thing to being there! I’m currently reading book three…and it’s just as good as the others! Would love to have the opportuni to win signed copies. =)

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      September 18, 2016 at 2:44 am — Reply

      Hello Sue: That is great to hear that you are already a Patricia Sands fan! If you are interested in a weekly touch of Provence, please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Cecile VanTyne
    September 18, 2016 at 10:49 am — Reply

    What beautiful books! I have not read anything by Patricia yet…found her through Bette Lee Crosby. So, I’d love to read these books and I’ve signed up for the emials. Thanks for the opportunity! :-)

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      September 18, 2016 at 3:22 pm — Reply

      Thanks Cecile, once you have started reading Patricia’s books ou will be hooked. Many thanks for signing up for our newsletter.

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    Denise Duvall
    September 18, 2016 at 7:57 pm — Reply

    I would love to go to Provence for the sun, the food and wine, the scenery and the people.

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      September 19, 2016 at 1:14 am — Reply

      Hello Denise: Those are all fabulous reasons to go to Provence! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Patricia Sands has a way of transporting the readers in her novels. If you want a weekly touch of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Lisa
    September 18, 2016 at 10:12 pm — Reply

    I love a well written romantic novel that includes the culture, community and landscape of the location it takes place. All these truly create an escape into the lives of the characters.

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      September 19, 2016 at 1:13 am — Reply

      Hi Lisa: Thank you for taking the time to comment. Patricia Sands has a way of weaving all of these things (culture, community and landscape) into her novels. If you want a weekly touch of Provence please sign-up for our newsletter.

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    Maggie Herbert
    September 19, 2016 at 4:07 am — Reply

    I have been hoping to read these books for some time. I am currently suffering from France deprivation due to spouse illness.

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      September 19, 2016 at 11:21 am — Reply

      Hi Maggie: thank you for taking the time to comment on this post. Patricia’s books are almost as good as a trip to Provence. If you need some “virtual” French temptation each week please sign-up for our newsletter.

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