On the evening of her twenty-second wedding anniversary, Katherine Price can’t wait to celebrate. But instead of receiving an anniversary card from her husband, she finds a note asking for a divorce.Fifty-five and suddenly alone, Katherine begins the daunting task of starting over. She has her friends, her aging mother, and her career to occupy her, but the future seems to hold little … promise—until, after a winter of heartbreak, Katherine is persuaded to try a home exchange holiday in the South of France.
In Provence, bright fields of flowers bloom below medieval hilltop villages with winding cobblestone streets. Charmed by the picturesque countryside, the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, and the enchantment-filled boulevards of Paris, Katherine feels life opening up once again. Lavender perfumes the air, and chance encounters hint at romance and passion. But memories of heartbreak and betrayal linger—and her former life waits for her back home. Can she find the courage to begin again?
Revised edition: This edition of The Promise of Provence includes editorial revisions.
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Pack your bags and be prepared to be swept up in the glory of the food, sights, and feels of the south of France in Sands’ lush story of a woman whose life changes in an unexpected way. At first, devastated, until the location and people of Provence rescue her. For fans, be delighted with knowing that there are two more books in the series!
Sumptuous descriptions of Provence, the picturesque homes, countryside and delectable food, all support this beautifully written story of Kat, an engaging and feisty character who will win you heart. Finding the strength to rebound from the ultimate hurt, she takes a giant leap of faith in order to heal and forge a new future for herself. Patricia Sands has translated a love of the South of France into a delightful and yet though provoking book that transports the reader and leaves them wanting more, of both Kat and Provence.
“Life is full of choices. Don’t be afraid to make them when you know they are right for you.” A wise phrase spoken by Francois, an older gentleman that Katherine rescues, sums up this refreshing story for me. Katherine has had a rough year with her husband leaving her and her parents dying. She finds it hard and lonely to think of life alone. A trip to Provence finds her discovering herself all over again. This is a modern tale of middle-aged woman finding herself, maybe for the first time. As a special treat, the reader gets to experience Provence with all it’s simple, yet sensory treasures. Just the book to read when you need a vacation from life’s challenges, and can’t jet away to Provence yourself!
I Loved the story, but I don’t speak French!
January 23, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
It’s kinda rude to have a character speak a language and make your reader stop to find the translation, imho. Other than that, I loved this book!
BOOK REVIEW:
The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands
As an avid reader, I have enjoyed so many wonderful books, in just this year alone…..but once in awhile a story comes too us that leaves such an impression that it becomes part of us. This is a story so rich and wonderful and a must read for any woman who feels she has seen and felt hurt, abandonment, a sense of not belonging – life’s sting of failed relationships, loss and her own restraints which hold her from moving forward.
Looking at the cover of Patricia Sand’s, The Promise of Provence, which is delightful in its own right, you might think it to be a cozy romance or even a sweet little story of sugarey-delight….but this story holds much more than you would expect.
Patricia writes of strength, new beginnings, new experiences, family and it’s history, strong friendships along with the insertion of the most beautifully described scenery and old-world charm that will make you actually feel it’s presence.
The writing is fluid and impeccably executed. The characters are written as real and believable.
I am not one to write reviews too include spoilers and with this particular story, I feel it imperative to hold true to that.
The Promise of Provence will make you feel and experience all emotions. It is smart, funny, sassy, sad, superbly researched and of course, a most gratifying and meaningful read. A scenic stroll through life itself.
I feel this story exudes the very meaning of being true to one’s self. It wasn’t just a book I read, it was an experience.
The Promise of Provence; Book one in the Love in Provence series
Denise Birt
Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club
Much like Calgon, Patricia Sands takes her reader away from the stresses of real life into a whirlwind journey in Provence and Antibes. Rife with quirky characters, warm friendships, blooming love, and the bond between dog and human (you will love pup, Picasso!), the reader will quickly become ensconced in this novel. Sands’ rich descriptions made me feel as if I had been to the places she describes. She paints such beautiful scenery, I could easily visualize each scene. I can’t wait to dive into her other Love in Provence books!
I love this book! I will start on the second one this evening.
“What does not kill us, Makes us stronger!”
What happens to Katherine in her marriage, can possibly happen to anyone! It is not a myth.
But the story and focus of this book is for the reader to follow along with an intelligent and resourceful woman of over 50 who is faced with a sudden change in her life. It is hard to face, but she realizes she can start anew with her life. Within a year, Katherine faces divorce, the death of a precious parent and change in her career. She also gains a new bonding with her mother and learns a whole hidden history. She finds strength in friends and most of all, she becomes stronger.
Sometimes the events we feel are losses will prove to be the beginning of finding the best part of ones self.
I am a woman enjoying my “next 50 years” and it is hard to find good and interesting books with characters in this age group.
My review of The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands
The cover says it all! Seriously though, Patricia has a gift of being able to make you feel as though you are the person viewing and enjoying the beautiful experiences her main character, Katherine, is embracing throughout her journeys. Who doesn’t love old cottages, luscious flower gardens, scrumptious foods paired with magnificent wines, amazing people, and incredible views?! I loved this book and so will you. Take a trip to France in The Promise of Provence, you won’t be disappointed!
Love this series. Great for an armchair traveler!
The Promise of Provence is a magnificent and beautiful story of heartbreak, love, family, friendship and courage. A wonderful experience as I traveled around France and lived vicariously through Katherine, visiting places I only hope to see someday in real life! Eating and enjoying delicious foods, seeing beautiful landscapes and countrysides! Patricia Sands tells more than just a story….this was like a history lesson, travel companion, and self-help book all wrapped in one! Magnifique!
This is an amazing part of a trilogy! Well worth the time to read. Easily read, fascinating for anyone who has or hasn’t been to France! Absolutely beautiful!
Wow – just wow. I absolutely loved the journey I went on with this book. Patricia made me feel like I was right there with Katherine for the entire journey. I cannot wait to read the next book ! 5 plus stars
Loved this story of rebirth and love, set (mostly) in Provence. The descriptions of French countryside were yummy. I also really appreciated the exploration of female friendships, and how nurturing/valuable they can be, especially as one grows older. Loved the dog, Pico, and hope he appears in the follow-up stories! This kind, wise book was really like a vacation in the south of France.
Written beautifully, made you feel as if you were right there in Provence. Great story
The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands is a warm beautifully written tale of family, friendship, disappointment, and love set in Provence, France. Katherine Price’s world is destroyed when she anxiously awaits the return of her husband to celebrate their anniversary only to receive a card from her husband telling her he wants a divorce, followed shortly by the death of her mother. Shattered, Katherine begins to process that her world as she thought it to be, was no longer an option. Her trip to Provence, France, begins a journey of self discovery and the growth of strength that she didn’t realize she possessed.
Patricia Sands’ strength is that she paints such beautiful pictures with her words. She enables the reader to arm chair travel to this area of France along with Katherine and see through her eyes. The descriptions of the homes hundreds of years old, winding roads and lanes, beautiful flowers, fields of grape arbors, wonderful foods, olives and baggetts, and interesting multi layered individuals make this book a feast to be read and savored. Oh I so want to visit and taste all this for myself. This is just the perfect book to read when you need a beautiful escape so take a virtual vacation and read The Promise of Provence.
This beautifully written book certainly covers a lot of ground, a lot of topics – home swapping, travelogue, cheese, wine, a little about the Holocaust, Ukraine, friendship, and, of course, romance. But for me, the main lesson from Ms. Sands’ story is that it is never too late to follow your dream. It may require you to step outside your comfort zone but you may find it was definitely worth the risk.
Katherine Price, 55 years old, thought her 22-year marriage was stable until her husband left her a note telling her he was in love with another woman and he wanted a divorce. On top of this crisis her mother Elizabeth fell ill and died. Only after her mother’s death does Katherine learn of her mother’s survival of the Holocaust which distressed Katherine even more. Noticing the stress Katherine was dealing with, her cousin Andrea convinced her to try a home swap so she could get away for a while. Katherine had always gone on vacations with just her husband to places he wanted, so it was natural that she would be nervous about traveling on her own, but she did it – she accepted a swap to southern France. There she found a new life for herself as she delighted in the art, the food, the people, and the charm of the land. For Katherine this was a story of healing and finding faith in herself.
It is so refreshing to read the story of a mature woman recovering from a failed relationship and betrayal and finding a new joy for life. It was obvious through the written details that many of Katherine’s experiences mirrored Patricia’s own life. The descriptions are so vivid I felt like I was vacationing in southern France right alongside her. The characters are delightful and real. (My favorite character was Pico. Adorable!) Katherine’s friend Molly was a great “sidekick” who definitely added humor to the story. As in real life, not all the characters are likeable – yet are still totally believable. Relationships developed slowly and some will be further developed in the remaining books of the series (LOVE IN PROVENCE and I PROMISE YOU THIS). The story touches on so many emotions – anger, fear, grief, love, joy.
This book brought back thoughts I have had previously of moving to another country in my retirement. Maybe I need to think more on that.
Thank you to Patricia Sands and Tonni Callan for the opportunity to read and review this enchanting book.
What a beautiful story! You will be very shocked and surprised how this story begins and shown how in an instant life can change and one is forced to forge a new path. Katharine after dealing with loss reconnects with family and friends and finds her voice and true self. I found myself having strong connections when she spoke about her families past and history. My Fathers Parents both came from the Ukraine, my fathers mother came to America all by herself at the age of Seventeen to marry Frank. I never met bubba and Ditto but I have heard some stories along with traditions and I have few belongings that belonged to bubba that I treasure.
Stories are important to share and keep memories and History alive. Many of my uncles served over seas in WWII they would share some but there was to much sadness…as stated by Kat’s mother Elizabeth in the book.
I found Kat’s connection and love of France remind of the feeling I had and still hold close to my heart I felt when I was 17 and Visited Florence Italy and Venice, seeing the art and buildings that I thought I would only see in a book. Then Later in life I went back and fell in love with Taormina Italy and the rocky beaches and blue water and the lovely people. The Promise of Provence will touch your heart and soul!
My Favorite Line From This Novel is “ one joy scatters a thousand griefs” This Novel is truly a beautiful gift and everyone should put it on their list to read!
Thank you Patricia for a wonderful journey
My first ever Patricia Sands book….definitely won’t be the last! I loved going on Kathryn’s journey! The author’s writing pulls you right into the srory and you feel as if you are there as the main character learns to redefine her life and live it to its fullest. This one has all the feels…you will be brought to tears, and laugh the next minute as you experience the Provence area lol France.
French travel, French food, French romance. I enjoyed it at the beginning, but after a point, I lost interest in hearing about the next trip, meal, or fling. It’s an ok book. Who knows? You might just find it more thrilling than I did.
I really enjoyed this book. I have never been to France and the descriptions of all of the places that the lead took us to was very informative and detailed. The people in the book were well written and made me feel like I would like to know them too.