If you’ve followed the Barefoot Blogger for a while, you already know how much I adore France — and how grateful I am for the friendships it’s brought into my life. One of the most special of those friendships is with Patricia Sands, the bestselling author whose novels capture the heart and soul of this country I now call home. The French Effect by Patricia Sands is her latest, and perhaps, the best French love story yet. You decide!
Patricia and I have spent more than ten years enjoying each other’s company, sharing our love of France and the joy of discovery. For several of those years, we co-hosted women’s tours of the South of France, welcoming travelers from around the world to experience this region through our eyes — the food, the markets, the villages, and the people.
This year, both of us retired from the tours and treated ourselves to a different kind of adventure — four weeks of “Slow Travel” together through Paris, Antibes, Nice, and Uzès. You’ll be hearing more about our adventures in future blogposts.
During our month-long holiday, we revisited many of the places that inspired Patricia’s newest book, The French Effect — especially in Paris.
A Story That Begins in Paris
In The French Effect, Patricia brings the Lapin Agile cabaret, the Le Moulin de la Galette restaurant in Montmartre, to life. Even the former apartment where Vincent and Theo van Gogh once lived plays a role. The story follows Nora, a Canadian widow who spends Christmas in Paris and unexpectedly finds herself on a journey of healing, rediscovery, and love. What begins as a simple act of kindness — caring for a friend’s dog — unfolds into something far richer as she reconnects with family, passion, and purpose.
Patricia’s writing paints every scene in vivid detail — the glow of Paris lights, the aroma of fresh bread, the pulse of the tango. As always, she weaves history into the heart of her story. This time, a moving thread about the French Resistance that reminds us of the courage and resilience woven into French life.
Love, Loss, and Second Chances
The French Effect is a love story for grown-ups — tender, passionate, and real. It explores how grief softens with time, how courage returns, and how love can surprise us at any age. From the quiet romance of Paris at Christmastime to the sunlit days on the Riviera, Patricia takes readers on an unforgettable journey of love, life, and renewal.
About Patricia Sands
Patricia Sands is the bestselling author of The Promise of Provence and other beloved novels that celebrate friendship, travel, and self-discovery. Her stories are filled with authenticity, drawn from a deep affection for France and her time spent living and writing here.
For me, she’s not just an author I admire — she’s a dear friend who continues to inspire me with her creativity, generosity, and love for this country we both treasure.
Where to Find the Book
The French Effect is now available in paperback and eBook through your favorite bookstore. Order your copy here.
Whether you dream of France, love a great romance, or simply want to be transported to Paris and the Côte d’Azur for a few hours, The French Effect is a story you’ll read and want to pass along to your friends.
More stories from Patricia?
Here’s another favorite:
The Bridge Club is a heartwarming story of female friendship written by my BFF Patricia Sands. The book celebrates friendship shared with eight women over a half-century… and counting.
…and there are more!
One Response
Pat’s book is a wonderful trip to Paris and the Cote de Azur. Miss you guys!