THE LOVE IN PROVENCE CHARACTERS ARE BACK …Everything was going so well in Kat and Philippe’s life together. Then suddenly it wasn’t. Roman ruins delayed the work on the Villa des Violettes. The Russian drug gang might be back in the neighbourhood. On top of that, Kat had worked herself into what Molly classified as a full blown “Christmas conundrum.” Kat wanted the holidays to work perfectly as … to work perfectly as she blended a Canadian Christmas with a Provençal Fête de Noêl for the first time in their new home. Now she’d lost her confidence and, with it, the holiday spirit.
Philippe hoped a weekend trip to the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything.
As it happened, things were about to get worse.
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The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes is a charming story that transports the reader to the Cote d’ Azur and sweeps them up in the French traditions of celebrating Christmas. Add in two playful puppies, the threat of danger, and the promise of love and you have a delightful tale that you will want to return to year after year.
This magnificent piece brought my French heritage to life! I thoroughly enjoyed the language, reading out loud the language of my family. The gentle role of the tongue. The seductive sound. If you have never been to France, this book brings it to you! The sights are so descriptive and smells so elaborately described, you will see and smell the singular French south. Kat is a woman who left her native Canada and moved to France with her second marriage. She struggles to prepare la fete du
Noel. She tries to combine Canada, her Hungarian roots and French tradition. Good descriptions are incredibly accurate, and you can picture the wonderful cheese plates and entrees of the region. If course there are anxious moments! But overall, a magnificent Christmas read! Thankyou Patricia Sands!
Home is where my heart is had become her mantra. But from time to time she faltered a little. Transferring your life from one country to another wasn’t always the easiest thing, no matter how badly you wanted it.”
The Villa des Violettes has finally gotten clearance to continue the work Kat and Philippe had to stop when Roman ruins were found in what was planned as parking on their property. And, as much as Kat loves Provence, the holiday season doesn’t seem as joyful as it might. She’s settled into their home, and even with the dogs and a cat that simply moved in, she’s not feeling all that celebratory. Her husband keeps telling her to get out of what her best friend Molly has dubbed:”the Christmas conundrum”. Whatever she does will be enough. It’s not that she’s unhappy. She just wonders if her first Joyeux Noël at the Villa, will actually be that.
The jigsaw puzzle continues as we are surrounded with traditions from Provence, the Basque region, Strasbourg, Christkindelsmärik, history and beauty, all seen through the eyes of the artist in both Katherine AND Patricia Sands, both of who love France. However, there is also a fleeting look at contemporary issues troubling everyone these days. No wonder Katherine is not feeling the joy in this season.
I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was to receive this advanced copy of Patricia Sands’ latest book. My old friends, the ones I met in her *Love in Provence* series are back as the work on their new “bed and breakfast”: Villa des Violettes, which is the first in a new series. However, this could be read as a stand alone as Sands does a great job “catching up” with Katherine and Philippe in their new/old home after marriage.
As per usual, this author continues her promise of contemporary fiction with older people, a fine change from most authors who focus on young people and young couples. And I will persist in my high recommendation of her work. 5/5
Reading a Patricia Sands’ book is akin to partaking in a delightful feast for the senses. There is so much imagery in The First Noel at the Villa des Violettes that I could see the French countryside, as well as smell the Christmas feast, feel the fluffy fur of pups Rocco and Coco (and Picasso, my favorite!), and practically taste those apricot crepes! This was a lovely story about mingling traditions and culture, and counting friends as family. I’m looking forward to future novellas about the Villa des Violettes!
The First Noel Villa des Violettes is a Christmas Novella with the characters from Patricia Sands Provence series. I have not yet read the Provence series and I was able to follow the story without any questions. Kat and Phillipe are spending their first Christmas/Noel in their home in the South of France. Kat is nervous about combining both her Canadian traditions with the traditions of Provençal Fête de Noêl. Patricia is a wonderful storyteller making you feel like you are in the South of France. The descriptions of the markets and the food had me salivating! The story has mystery, romance, friendships and celebrations. The First Noel was a wonderful read and I am looking forward to reading the Provence series.
Are you ready for a holiday trip to the South of France? The First Noel at the Villa des Violettes allows you to experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and romance of the country without leaving your favorite reading spot. Patricia Sands constructed a love and life in her Love In Provence Series that readers can’t leave, so the first book in her Villa des Violettes box set returns them to Kat’s and Philippe’s beautiful villa.
Kat is worried about Christmas (Noel) and the imagined expectations of her friends and family. She still worries about nefarious people from her past, and she’s concerned that someone has been on her property. The mystery deepens when one of Kat’s and Philippe’s dogs disappears. Will they find their treasured pet? Will Kat overcome her anxiety over the perceptions of her family and friends, and enjoy the holiday?
I won the book during an online giveaway, so I read it without having read the Love In Provence Series. It was easy to follow the plot, though, because Patricia Sands merged details from the original series effortlessly into the book. I felt as though I had met the characters on my own French vacation, and they filled me in about their past with easy dialog. I was impressed by the strong female bonds between the characters, and the differences in age did not prohibit a friendly connection. Additionally, the diction is lovely and easily drips from the pages as Patricia Sands blends French and English languages seamlessly.
I enjoyed the story, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys travel, food, and a tiny dose of intrigue!
Patricia Sands s
Reading a Christmas story in Spring was actually quite enjoyable! You will take a wonderful trip to France, enjoying the combined traditions of the First Noel and Canadian Christmas. You will feel the pure joy as the story celebrates this beautiful holiday in the village, and at the lovely Villes des Violettes. The food descriptions will have you craving French cuisine. Plus, furry friends are added, making it even more adorable. “The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes,” will give you that warm cozy feeling; but hold on, you will be drawn into an intriguing mystery along the way.
Phillippe and Kat are such a cute, compatible couple; enjoying life to the fullest. While working hard to renovate their villa, obstacles keep testing them; but they are resilient and nothing can stop them.
Patricia Sands is an excellent storyteller! She writes as if she’s been to France! Well, she has, and it shows in this story. Her descriptions are so real; I just immersed myself into the scene. This is book one of her “Villa des Violettes” series. I read this on an e-reader so getting the translations of the French words made it more fun; though Patricia makes the reader understand the content just fine if you read the print book. I look forward to visiting France again through the authors next book. If you are looking for a wonderful series, I recommend you start with this book anytime of the year!
~This e-book was given to me through a giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
Yearning for a story to jump-start your holiday spirits? This is the PERFECT book! Although it was published last year, this December (2019) finds me slipping back into the Cote d’Azur and into the lives of Phillippe and Kat. Having already read the second in this set of novellas (I seem to have a penchant for living life backwards), I immediately felt an intimacy with the characters and plot, ensnared in their web of passions and intrigue.
Being a person who is ridiculously into food, Patricia Sand’s descriptions always make me want to dive into a sumptuous wedge of French chevre, a delicate beignet, or toss a fennel-stuffed fish onto the grill. And their holiday feast? Sigh (-: What I wouldn’t give to be a guest at their table. The novella’s cultural synergy of various Christmas traditions did my heart good.
I’m looking forward to the next novella about the Villa des Violettes! Soon, please?
Wow – this book was fantastic and took me right to France again with Kat and Phillipe. I love the way Patricia Sands makes us go with the characters wherever they are and well any book with pets in it is a plus for me. Cannot wait for the next book. Quick read that kept me from putting it down.
5 plus stars
A beautiful Christmas Novella. It’s filled with friendships, kindness and romance!
The descriptions of France make you feel like you are there. You will fall in love with the characters, they are delightful. A wonderful book that I enjoyed!
There is so much to love about this book. First of all—that cover! Isn’t it just amazing? Then the fact that it’s a Christmas book will always put it at the top of my reading list. The First Noël transports the reader to France—during the holidays. How enchanting!
I fell in love with Katherine when I read book one in the Provence series. When I saw that this book was coming out, I binge-read the other two books in the series so I could ‘catch up’ with the lives of Kat and Philippe.
Everything should be perfect for this delightful couple as they embark on their new lives together but Kat struggles to find the Christmas spirit. She just wants to make this a memorable first Noël in their new home.
The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes is filled with interesting characters, beautiful scenery, delicious foods, wonderful traditions, friendships, and lots of love. I loved every minute of it!
I just took the most wonderful virtual Christmas holiday to the south of France in the pages of this book. Philippe and Kat are such wonderful characters and “spending” the First Noel at the Villes des Violettes is an adventure. Patricia Sands has written in these pages the essence of Antibes, France and the surrounding countryside. I felt like I was experiencing the sights, smells, sounds and camaraderie of the people and places. The luscious cuisine made my mouth water so many times.
The story contains so many aspects and had me turning the pages to enjoy as much of this visit as possible. Kat’s anxiety of combining Christmas traditions from her childhood, to blending Philippe’s into the mix and adding their own, new traditions, was just the beginning of the story. There is mystery, suspense, puppy and kitty antics, love, romance and even a weekend trip to Strasbourg to experience the Christkindelsmariks. The folk lore and traditions Ms. Sands writes into the story are fascinating, too. I had so much fun going on this Christmas vacation and spending the holiday with the lovely characters in this book. Simone is a very wise and wonderful mother figure for Kat and helps her find balance and perspective in many ways. I loved the chocolate labs, Rocco and Coco…and their kitty sister, Belle, too.
Ms. Sands brings such a wonderful message of how just being together with family, friends and even your fur babies is what’s important.
I loved this book and truly feel like I spent a holiday in the south of France with friends and family enjoying the traditions old and new.
This book is a sure way to usher in the Christmas spirit and get you in the holiday mood!
I want to say merci to Patricia Sands for the privilege of reading this wonderful book and including me in this Joyeux Noel!
Another wonderful 5 plus stars book by Patricia Sands.
I just had the most delightful vacation to Antibes and did not have to leave my couch. A vacation to France, at Villa des Violettes. What a beautiful countryside setting and the food amazing!
My first introduction to Kat and Philippe as I have not read any of the other books.
Loved Kat and Philippe and their wonderful friends and family.
Charmingly French—the scenery, the language, the food. I could taste the fromage at Phillipe’s market and envision the lovely flower stands. Made me want to hop on a plane to the French Riviera. Sands is a master of description and brings the lovely Villa des Violettes to life. A must-read for your holiday entertainment
The beloved characters of The Promise of Provence series continues with this lovely story; The First Noel Villa des Violettes.
Patricia Sands has captivated the reader yet again with her flawless ease of storytelling. The scene is set as Christmastime/Noel in the South of France approaches and with that, the sights and sounds of the French countryside and a holiday season you will thoroughly enjoy being a part of.
Our favorite characters return with their uniquely
charming personalities, they’re love of family and friends, their joy and love of French Cuisine, as well as their endearment to the festivities rich in tradition amongst the stunningly descriptive backdrop of an old-world community we’ve all come to know and love as….. Antibes.
Patricia blends a delightful story of romance, intrigue, and heartwarming tidbits that not only keep you engaged but deeply enriched by its presentation.
I thank Patricia for this engaging narrative along with the gifting of this ARC in order that I may read and review.
Tres Bon!
Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club
I loved The First Noel at Villa de Violettes; Kat an Phillipe and the whole gang are back together and its going to be Kat and Phillipe first official Provencal fete de noel. Roman ruins delayed the work on Villa de Violettes with the stress of waiting if they continue, they have received word that the Russian drug gang might be back looking for what was left behind last year. With all of this happening Kat is feeling overwhelmed & she wants to make this holiday a perfect one. She is worried that she will not be able to blend a Canadian Christmas with a Provencal Fete de noel plus include her family traditions without disappointing Phillipe and their dear friends. With a pep talk from Molly, a visit from her nephew Andrew she is feeling more confident. Philippe hoped a weekend trip tho the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything. Once again I feel like I visited the Christmas markets and spent Christmas at Villa de Violettes as guest of Kat and Phillipe. I just want to thank Patricia Sands for taking us back to Provence to celebrate Kat and Phillipe first official Christmas together. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
I have not been disappointed in the books I’ve read by Patricia Sands yet and this is no exception. I throughly enjoyed it from start to beautiful finish. I am not usually into holiday books but lately have read a couple and enjoyed them so much. This one kept me turning the pages wanting more. Wanting to know what was coming next.
The characters are so likable and real. The story is one that will stay with me. It had something for everyone and I love when books do that. I loved the puppies and the cat. I love animals and when they are in a good book that makes it even better.
I have to thank Ms Patricia Sands for the ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review. It was one that I consider a must read.
A 5 star book for sure. I always look forward to more by Ms Sands. Add this to your reading list and enjoy. I know I did.
THE FIRST NOËL AT THE VILLA DES VIOLETTES by Patricia Sands is a heart-warming continuation of her beloved LOVE IN PROVENCE series, just in time for Kat and Philippe’s first Christmas at the Villa des Violettes. Kat wants it to be the perfect holiday celebration, blending her parents’ Old World traditions, Canadian Christmas and the Provençal Fête de Noêl of her new home, but figuring out how to do so is overwhelming her and dampening her Christmas spirit. The story draws the reader straight into the lives and hearts of the characters, old and new, and into the festive setting. As with all of Patricia Sands’ books, I felt like I was right there in the South of France with all of the charming characters. The author brings the gorgeous surroundings to life with her vivid and sensory descriptions of the scenery, food and customs of Antibes, as well as the excitement of the Christmas market in Strasbourg. The story has the perfect blend of romance, friendship and intrigue and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend this wonderful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this delightful series.
My second book by Patricia Sands that I’ve read and absolutely loved it!!
Her words make you feel as if you are living in the story with the characters and feel each emotion that is described. Also it’s set at Christmas and helps get you in the mood for your own Christmas celebration.
I wanted to take a holiday vacation!
I opened the pages of this beautiful book and was flown to France to spend the Christmas season at the Villa Des Violattes with Kat, Phillippe, Rocco, Coco and their friends.
The food, decorations and love was abounding.
I went to town with Kat and peeked in the markets and cafe’s.
The wonderful descriptions Patricia Sands put in to each page gave me the feeling that I was enjoying all of the different cheeses, dishes prepared, and of course, the champagne!
I could smell the pine coming from the boughs.
Everyone wants the “perfect” Christmas with old and new memories.
Kat is no exception. She misses her home in Canada, the traditions and her parents, but wants to intertwine old and new customs into her new villa and family.
Can she get over this fear that she won’t be able to fulfill her dream?
There are many new friends to help Kat and Phillippe celebrate. One person in particular that I adore is an elderly, wise woman named Simone. She reminds Kat of her own mother. Simone has an insight that will be needed to help with an unexpected emergency . She hopes to make Kat understand that “Home is truly where the heart is”.
This is just the sweetest story! You can’t help, but want to start decorating for your own holiday!
Joyeux Noel!