One of the most amazing benefits of being a writer is connecting with other writers.
A few years ago, I read Elizabeth Bard's fabulous novel, Lunch in Paris, one of my favorite memoirs of all time. Truly. Before my own memoir was published, I contacted Elizabeth to ask her if she would be willing to endorse Seven Letters from Paris. And I hoped and I prayed that she'd say yes. After giving my book a read, she did! I'm so very thankful!
But I'm even more thankful for Elizabeth's friendship. Although we live five hours away from one another, on our yearly trip to Provence, Jean-Luc and I were able to meet Elizabeth, her husband, Gwendal, and her adorable son, Alexandre, two summers ago at their ice cream shop in Céreste: Scaramouche. Ermagad. BEST ICE CREAM AND SORBETS EVER! (My favorite is abricot fantasme). Before dessert, though, Elizabeth had us over for a lovely impromptu lunch – fresh vegetables and hams and cheeses and wine.
One thing is for sure: Elizabeth is just as delightful in person as she is on the page. Last year, we had her family over at our house in Toulouse to celebrate Thanksgiving (or as they say here: Tanksgeeving).
Long story short: I was thrilled when Elizabeth asked me to blurb her latest memoir, Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes, which released on April 7th of this year. A few months before the publication date, her publisher sent me an ARC (advanced reader copy) and I inhaled one delightful page after the over. I simply adored this book...and here's what I said:
My advance copy of Picnic. |
"A journey to the true heart and soul of living la vie française. Warm, thoughtful, and beautiful–– a memoir to be savored one delicious chapter (and recipe) at a time. From truffle hunting to harvesting saffron, readers will discover that there is way more to France than just Paris. The simple things in life -- love and cooking with love -- make every struggle and adjustment worth it. Bon app!"
So, if you're looking for a fabulous summer read that will transport you to the south of France, DO pick up a copy of Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes. It's one delectable read! Highly recommended!!! (Ice cream at Scaramouche and lunch at Elizabeth's house not included...)
p.s. You'll find an endorsement from yours truly on the back cover.
xox
Samantha
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