Patricia Sands Explores ‘The French Effect’ in her Latest Novel

Patricia Sands released her 13th novel, The French Effect, a captivating story of leaving a Canadian ski town for Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. Filled with pain aux raisins, road trips, and dancing, it’s ideal for adventure seekers or those craving a holiday escape—like an extra treat in a baker’s dozen. In The French Effect, Sands examines some of life’s challenging moments, including loss, illness, and loneliness. Meanwhile, she encourages readers to embrace life despite these hardships. So, why not learn to tango?

Patricia Sands, Author

Patricia Sands lives two hours north of Toronto, but her heart’s other home is the South of France. An avid traveller, she spends part of each year on the Côte d’Azur and in the countryside of Provence. Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book club favourite. The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series, 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.

Drawing Lessons, Sands’ fifth novel, also set in the south of France, was released by Lake Union Publishing in 2017 and was a Finalist in the Somerset Literary Book Award 2019. The Villa des Violettes 4-book miniseries released in 2019/23

Her novel, The Secrets We Hide, was published in August 2022 and received the 2023 Book Excellence Award for Women’s Fiction; Winner – Women’s Literary Fiction -International Impact Book Awards, 20242; Finalist – Women’s Fiction – American Fiction Awards, 2024.

In March 2023, Lost At Sea, Book 8 in the nine-book Sail Away series, was published.
On January 1, 2025, A New Leash on Life, Book 9, in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series was released.

In November 2025, her 13th novel, The French Effect, was published.

A lifelong photographer, follow her on Instagram @psands.stories.

Please find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page, or her website, where you can find links to her books, social media, and a monthly newsletter with special giveaways and sneak peeks. She would love to hear from you!

The French Effect: A Novel

Nora Bennett, the main character in Patricia Sands’ novel, The French Effect, is a widowed author living in a Canadian ski town. Surrounded by her friends, the “Girls,” she is content but struggles with writer’s block and recalls her late husband, Jeremy. Her daughter, Chloe, is married and living in Paris with her husband, and they are young artists navigating the art world. The story follows Nora’s journey as she spends six weeks in France dog-sitting and exploring life in a new country.

Out of the blue (or was it?), Nora receives a FaceTime call from Chloe with a proposition: “How about Christmas in Paris with a side trip to the vineyards of Provence?” Chloe asked if Nora could come to Paris for the Christmas holidays and consider dog-sitting Atticus for their neighbour, Giselle, for six weeks while she was away in Mexico.

The French Effect invites you to imagine yourself in Nora’s position. Would you take the chance, or would you carefully consider all the potential challenges of caring for someone else’s dog in a big city?

Spoiler alert: Nora decides to pack her bags and spend six weeks in France. While there, she is swept off her feet as she learns to tango with the handsome Luc. Through her time with Luc, Nora learns an important lesson: despite facing his own difficult personal circumstances, Luc is committed to enjoying life to the fullest. There is also another intriguing character: Chloe’s father-in-law. He is grumpy, gruff, and seems unapproachable, but with Atticus’s intervention, things take an unexpected turn.

A Few Words from Patricia Sands

When I first met Patricia Sands, it was apparent that her mantra, ‘Become a Possibilitarian,’ truly reflects her way of life. We may not always cross paths in France, but her stories always inspire. She kindly agreed to answer some questions about her latest novel.

You live in a Canadian ski town, have some great girlfriends, and have experienced loss and love. Was the main character, Nora, inspired by you?

I’m frequently asked that question. Well, for starters, Nora is almost thirty years younger! Having said that, as you well know, my never-ending dream is to live in France, and I’m certain that comes through in all my protagonists. She is an author, loves dogs, has wonderful girlfriends, has a great love for her daughter, and is attracted to intriguing French men … so, guilty there.

Is living in Paris, even part-time, a personal dream?

As much as I love the south of France, I would never turn down an opportunity to live in Paris. After writing this book, I plan to spend more time there.

Do you know how to tango?

No, but I’ve often watched people in France enjoying tango and have been intrigued by it.

The novel touches on memories of WWII, tragic situations, illness, and joy. How did you balance all the themes and characters?

That was an interesting challenge, which required a great deal of research. I’m so glad I was able to make it work. When I was in Paris this summer, I went to the old Jewish quarter in Le Marais to learn more.

You always do your research for your novels, but was there a real discovery for you while writing The French Effect?

Yes, indeed. Marie-Louise’s recollections of her childhood in Paris during the Occupation brought entirely new history to me. I discovered that there had not been much written about children in Paris during those years, and the research was truly an education.

Is pain aux raisins your favourite Viennoiserie?

Absolutely.

Any last words on The French Effect?

With all the chaos in the world around us, writing this story was a happy experience for me. Writing anything about France gives me tremendous pleasure, and I have grown to love the characters. I could have written so much more, but the publishing deadline was important to me. The reviews have all been so positive and satisfying; it warms my heart. My hope is for the story to be a rewarding, entertaining and informative read.

More Books By Patricia Sands

Who Should Read “The French Effect”?

The French Effect is an easy read about real-life situations with friends and family. It recognizes life can feel “too easy,” leading to routines, but also promotes taking risks, facing life positively, and discovering truths.

Patricia Sands thoroughly researches French history, traditions, and culture. As a talented author, she immerses readers in vivid scenes, from a Parisian dance hall to a Provencal mas. “The French Effect” is an engaging story ideal for Francophiles, armchair travellers, and those seeking an escapist tale.

Buy “The French Effect”

Rosé all day: wine tour with sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits in Provence

Splash of rosé here, splash of rosé there, splash of rosé everywhere. Let's explore three wonderful wine estates in the world-famous rosé area that is Provence!

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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).