Christmas in Provence New Book by Author Patricia Sands

Book Review: The First Noël

Kat, Philippe and the gang from the “Love in Provence” three-book series are back, in a delightful new novella from Patricia Sands, The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes.

Kat and Philippe are looking forward to their first Christmas together at the villa, and what should be a time of joy becomes a full-blown “Christmas conundrum” for Kat as she agonizes over how to blend Canadian and Provençal Christmas traditions in her new home. And a shadow is cast by memories of the recent loss of her mother and their joyful Christmases together. Can Kat pull herself out of her funk in time for the holiday?

Besides the turmoil in her heart, Kat is worried about the unexplained goings-on in the woods near her house. Is the Russian drug gang back in town? Her worries give way to panic when her beloved new pup Rocco goes missing. Thank goodness for the wisdom of her friend Simone and her mysterious (and very helpful!) connection to the powerful Inspector Thibideau of the Paris commissaire’s office. And we can always count on Kat’s exuberant friend Molly for some sound sisterly advice.

The plot’s twists and turns and occasional heart-stopping moments will keep you engrossed in the action until 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 flavours 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 is a delightful tale of love and friendship and a perfect book to read during this holiday season. Or maybe to give as a gift!

Or click the cover page below:

Other Holidays Reading from Provence:

Provence Inspired Memoirs – These are memoirs inspired by those who have chosen to settle in Provence for a period. What is appealing about these books is that the authors have all visited more or less the same geography, yet each story is different. Some are humour-filled tales of expats trying to fit in, and others are reflections on the attraction of cultural differences.

Love Stories Inspired by Provence – A budding romance, a Provencal setting and voila – a love story. This list of books only begins to scratch the surface of the popular women’s fiction genre. However, these are authors we recommend as they write beautifully, inviting you into the lifestyle in the South of France with their prose. These books may be fiction, but these authors have “done their homework” with regards to historical facts, understanding local traditions and immersing themselves in the culture.