Exploring France And Friendship With Patricia Sands
Photo: Patricia Sands, award-winning author, channels her passion for Provence’s landscapes and culture into mesmerizing stories of transformation and friendship. Photo: Courtesy of #PatriciaSands
Celebrating Resilience And the Spirit of French Living
Patricia Sands, renowned author of women’s fiction, reflects on her love for the south of France, celebrating friendship and resilience in inspiring novels that capture the beauty of transformation and connection.
P atricia Sands, an award-winning Canadian author, has a remarkable way of transporting readers to landscapes of beauty and stories of deep emotional resonance. Though based in Toronto, her heart belongs to the south of France—a region that serves as both setting and inspiration for many of her evocative novels. Through works such as The Promise of Provence, the Love in Provence trilogy, and her award-winning The Secrets We Hide, Sands showcases themes of transformation, friendship, and resilience that strike a chord with readers around the globe.
Sands’ literary career began with her debut novel, The Bridge Club, a deeply personal story inspired by her lifelong friendships. She has since established herself as a powerful voice in women’s fiction, exploring the complexities of relationships and the strength of reinvention at any stage of life. Her works transport readers to the sun-drenched villages of Provence and the sparkling coastline of the Côte d’Azur, immersing them in the unique allure of French culture. For Sands, the setting is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right that enriches the personal growth of her protagonists.
Patricia Sands masterfully weaves heartfelt narratives, celebrating women’s resilience, lifelong friendships, and transformative journeys through the enchanting lens of France.
“Since nine of my stories are set in the south of France, it is clear how much I cherish and know the region,” Sands shares. “The beauty and lifestyle of the area naturally blend into my characters’ stories. It’s not just a setting but a force guiding their inner journeys.” The sensory and emotional experiences of Provence inform much of her storytelling, creating a vivid, transportive experience that invites readers to feel as though they are walking the same cobblestone streets or savoring the same lavender-scented breeze.
Highlights:
- Passion for the south of France inspires her storytelling.
- Began writing career at 65, proving it’s never too late for new dreams.
- Female friendship is a central theme in her novels based on real-life experiences.
- The Secrets We Hide won the 2023 Book Excellence Award for Women’s Fiction.
Her novel The Secrets We Hide, which won the 2023 Book Excellence Award for Women’s Fiction, emerged during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how it was inspired by a story she had drafted years prior but revitalized with new emotional depth. “It was hard to write my usual happy stories set in France during the pandemic, when so many people around the world were facing tragedies. Somehow, I channeled my emotions into the characters’ struggles, which brought the novel to life in a unique way.”
Collaborative writing has also been a rewarding experience for Sands. Her novella Lost at Sea, part of the Sail Away series, told its own distinctive story within the shared theme of life at sea. “While we coordinated on publishing elements like cover design and promotion,” Sands recalls, “each author had the creative freedom to write their own stories. I loved writing younger characters for a change and found it both new and exhilarating.”
Sands’ works are especially loved for their emphasis on female friendships. She credits her personal life for this recurring theme. “Friendships have been an essential part of my life,” she says. Her debut novel, The Bridge Club, was inspired by a real-life group of women whose fifty-year friendship continues to flourish. Sands notes that her editor was initially surprised by the absence of conflict among the characters, but she explained, “Many assume female friendships are fraught with rivalry or tension. In reality, most of the women I know focus on empathy, honesty, and mutual support. This mindset resonates with my readers because they see themselves and their friendships reflected in my stories.”
Starting her writing career at the age of 65, Sands is a living testament to the belief that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Initially gaining recognition for her photography, she found that storytelling through visuals translated seamlessly into her ability to create compelling fiction. “I didn’t intend to publish my first novel,” she admits, “but the stories in my photography soon found their way into my writing.”
For aspiring writers, especially those beginning their creative journey later in life, Sands offers encouraging words. “It is never too late to try something new or follow a dream,” she advises. “One of the best advices I received came from Stephen King’s On Writing. In essence, if you have a story to tell, sit down and start writing. Don’t worry about grammar or the details at first—just tell the story.”
Sands’ recurring theme of transformation and reinvention is perhaps most evident in her personal journey as an author. Through her books, writing retreats, and connection with her devoted readers, she continues to share her passion for storytelling and the enchanting landscape of the south of France. For those who encounter her work, Patricia Sands offers a reminder that life, like fiction, is shaped by connection, discovery, and the courage to embrace new chapters.
