crolovr's review
5.0
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.
lsmoore43's review
5.0
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 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.
lindak0412's review
5.0
I was happy when I saw that we would be able to revisit Kat and Philippe at their villa in France. We got to know them so well in the Love in Provence series, and I must admit, I became rather fond of them. They seem like some old friends of mine at this point, so I was glad to check in with them again as they continue their adventures in trying to remodel the Villa des Violettes and to prepare for Kat's first real Christmas as a hostess in her new homeland. What tradition should she follow? How will she meld her Canadian heritage with her new French existence and manage to keep it all as meaningful as possible for everyone involved? This is more of a longish novella that give you just enough time to stop and check in with this couple's life as they prepare for and then welcome friends and family for the holidays. They have their dogs, Coco and Rocco, to keep up with now too. Adventure abounds where these two rambunctious pups are concerned. Our beloved Picasso makes his appearance as well. If you've read the Love in Provence series, and loved those books like I did, this one picks up where they left off, and you will not be disappointed. Can you tell I liked it? I bet you will too.
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