Memoir by Kristin Espinasse: A Year in French Life

Kristin Espinasse never set out to make France her home, but life has a way of turning plans into delightful surprises. After falling in love with a charming Frenchman, Jean-Marc Espinasse, Kristin embarked on a journey that led her to share her heart and humour with the world through her beloved blog, ‘French Word-a-Day.’ In her latest treasure trove, A Year in French Life, Kristin’s voyage comes to life through recent narratives that offer readers a warm embrace of French culture and life. Our review of this heartwarming memoir by Kristin Espinasse follows.

About the Author

Embracing the sun-soaked beauty of Provence, Kristin Espinasse has been weaving stories that connect hearts across continents for over two decades. Starting her blog in 2002, Kristin’s ‘French Word-a-Day’ has blossomed into a heartfelt narrative celebrating life’s little joys and linguistic magic. Her contributions to ‘France Today‘ and her books, Words in a French Life (2007) and Blossoming in Provence (2011), have established her as a cherished guide for anyone seeking to dive into the French lifestyle. Please read our review of Blossoming in Provence here.

In 2021, the French government awarded Kristin a gold medal—La Médaille des Valeurs Francophones—for her continuous efforts in sharing the French language and culture.

Book Review

In A Year in French Life (Volume 1), Kristin Espinasse opens a doorway into her charmingly chaotic life in France’s heartbeat. Beginning with a chase worthy of a film scene, when Ricci the dog breaks free, readers are drawn into a year filled with laughter, love, and introspection. From navigating the serpentine streets of Marseille with her mother to celebrating her daughter’s academic triumphs, Kristin’s stories are infused with warmth and celebratory nuance. Every page is a testament to living with gratitude amidst unpredictability, capturing the poignant moments of joy and reflection that anchor us all.

Organized chronologically by month starting in January 2024, Kristin shares articles from her online journal. These stories involve family members, including Jean-Marc, their two adult children, Max and Jackie, her mother, Jules, and Ricci, their adopted Australian Shepherd.

Joyful moments include the “First Turn of the Key” at Max and Ana’s (his girlfriend) new apartment near La Ciotat. One of the year’s biggest highlights is Jean-Marc and Kristin’s 30th wedding anniversary in July. On the side of happy times is a family reunion in October, a “father-daughter voyage,” where Kristin and her siblings enjoy a 7-day cruise with their father.

Sprinkled throughout the book are funny scenarios once they are in the rearview mirror! As anyone who owns a house knows, there is always potential for something to go awry in the home maintenance department. In the Espinasse household, those annoying maintenance issues include temperamental plumbing, unpredictable locks, and surprises in their urban garden.

Kristin reflects on the year and how rapidly it passed. As is often the case, our “plans” do not entirely turn out as we envision, but Kristin closes the year with gratitude for all the help she received from family, friends and strangers.

A Year in French Life is available on Amazon, or you can contact Kristin directly at kristin.espinasse@gmail.com, and she will mail you a copy directly. This book is an enjoyable read for anyone.

Wine Tours in Provence

Jean-Marc, affectionately known as ‘Chief Grape,’ turns winetasting into an educational journey in Provence. It’s a great nickname for someone who loves wine, from planting to growing, harvesting, and blending. We discovered that Jean-Marc offered wine tours in Provence and settled on a date for wine tasting in the Bandol and Cassis appellations. Although there are many other appellations in Provence, those two regions were of interest to us given the proximity to the Mediterranean and unique terroir in a small geography. Our wine tour and tasting experience in Bandol and Cassis was excellent. Jean-Marc introduced us to some lesser-known gems. Please read about our day wine tasting with Jean-Marc Espinasse and Provence Wine Tours.

Jean Marc Espinasse ©Kristin Espinasse