Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Provence Book Giveaway

This novel, just published, looks like one I'm going to have to read. Not that I'm brokenhearted or anything but how can anyone resist a story set in the place they live and love? Plus, I'm told the plot contains many things dear to my heart, including shocking confessions, nosy neighbors, enigmatic Frenchmen, old houses in small French villages, lavender, vineyards, warm winds and pistou! Have any of you read it yet?  My lovely friends at Bantam Books/Random House have offered to send a gift copy to one lucky Provence Post reader. Simply leave a short comment by clicking "comments" below, tell us what Provence means to you and we'll pick a winner within a week or so. The rest of you brokenhearted folks will have to order the book on Amazon here.  
Posted by Julie Mautner at 4:59 PM
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57 comments:

  1. KarenaApril 6, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Julie, oh my just my kind of book!! I am sure it is a great read.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Right now I'm reading, A Year in Provence, would love to win and continue reading about Provence :)

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  3. JacquelineApril 6, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    This looks like a great book! I love the cover. Ahhh Provence! Sunshine, fields of flowers, following in the steps of Van Gogh, painting on location.......

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  4. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Provence promises us the hope for a better life by returning to the lives of our ancestors. Simple rustic personal.

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  5. RonaApril 6, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Since a friend I adore chose Provence as the place to heal her broken heart, this book seems extra-tempting to me. And what a wonderful part of the world: the beauty, the architecture, the food and, for us shoppers, the ceramics. I hope your friends at Bantam Books/Random House know how tempting this book sounds -- and how addicting your blog is.

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  6. PriscillaApril 6, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I'm reserving it at the library - just in case I don't win.

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  7. cigalechantaApril 6, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I love Provence and miss everything about that earthly paradise, The Campaniles, the lavoirs, the moss covered fountains,
    filds of lavender, wild growing thyme, the friendly people, that book may show it all. Wishing me luck.

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  8. AprylZAApril 6, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Provence is the serendipity of AIXploring Cézanne's world, and colors, and paintbrushes and canvas...
    http://www.facebook.com/AprylZA

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  9. Jeanne HenriquesApril 6, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Julie, what a fantastic book cover. The story line is right up my alley too. It has been a while since I read a book set in Provence. I loved A Year in Provence. I look forward to reading what you think of the book once you read it.

    Best wishes...

    Jeanne xx

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  10. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    I am going to Provence this summer for the first time, so excited, I know it will be magical!! WOuld love to read the book!

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  11. deedeeApril 6, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    What does Provence mean to me? Home sweet home, that's what :)

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  12. Meridith MooreApril 6, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Looks like a must read. I would love to win it!

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  13. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Provence is my dream of escape from hectic, crazy reality - a place to lose myself in the beauty of landscape,the taste of terroir, and the magical mix of flowers, gardens and those oh-so colorful French people. Reading about Provence puts a gentle twist on my dream of escape; life is hectic and crazy wherever we live it...but somehow it's hazily veiled and refined with thoughts of sunny Provence.

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  14. Delana@dujourApril 6, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    The day I moved here I fell in love with the color...the intense blue of the sky and the way the light, which seems so particular to this region, works it's magic on everything it falls upon. The color of the pines against the white rock, the red poppies that insist on their place in the fields, the yellow sunflowers that perfectly contrast to the lavender that grows alongside. The orange-red glow of the vines in the fall and the way the mountain St. Victoire changes it's color every day. The colorful people and the magic palette of the language. It's the whole package. And I would love to read the book.

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  15. Ginger GApril 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    ... started many years ago when I watched "A Year in Provence" on PBS - oh, the wait to see the next season of the series. Of course, I bought the DVD and it is watched several times a year - especially in the grey, gloomy winter here in Bainbridge Island, WA.

    Have six of Peter Mayle's books about Provence sitting on my bookshelf, as well as others that describe Provence lives and dreams.

    "The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted" has an open spot on my "dream/to do" shelf.

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  16. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Julie: Yes, I certainly hope I just...might win this one!
    Oh to be back in Provence; the smells, the colors, those hot summer afternoons: I long to feel it all again...
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  17. SusanApril 6, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Great story line...Perhaps it will help heal mine and many other broken hearts out there. J'espère gagner le livre!! Merci, Julie!

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  18. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Provence is where I was born and I grew up. I now live in cold Canada, and miss my native home terribly at times. I'm headed back for a couple of weeks, this month.
    I always love to read how others see the place from where I came... It would be a delight to me to read this book!

    Bises,

    Astrid.

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  19. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    This sounds like it has all the elements of a page turner that I won't be able to put down. And no doubt it will fuel the desire to travel there immediately.

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  20. elizabeth opalenikApril 6, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Julie, Home is where the heart is and my heart breaks every time I have to leave Provence! I am thankful for your blog and any book that brings me back to that visual smorgasbord!

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  21. NicolaApril 6, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    It's odd even the word Provence automatically conjurs up many images which unlike other 'cliches' are absolutely true. Provence and everything Provencal get's under your skin, it is all about the smells, the tastes, the beauty - working in the profession I do helping clients find their dream property in France is a pleasure. I never have to sell Provence - it sells itself.
    It looks such an interesting book, very exciting! nicola x

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  22. bare-faced gardenerApril 6, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    I first came to Provence as a teenager and fell in love with it.

    From that time on my dream was to live here – and now I do :)

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  23. LesliApril 6, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    As I sit here in rainy Seattle, I dream of the lavender, the little stone houses, the warm and sun drenched streets and people of Provence. A place to heal not only broken hearts, but to bask in the beauty and joy of one of the most incredible regions of La Belle France. Reading this could get me through the rain!

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  24. Gretchen OrrApril 6, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    It looks wonderful - I can't wait to read it. A perfect start to planning our trip to Provence!

    Gretchen

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  25. BridApril 6, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Provence to me ...in the words of Shakespeare "No sooner met but they looked; no sooner looked but they loved;no sooner loved but they sighed...." As you like it


    Brid - Ireland

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  26. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    I spent my junior year in Aix-en-Provence and it was a year that profoundly changed my life. I will forever keep a bit of Provence in my heart.

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  27. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    I first came to Provence in 1969 when I spent my junior year in Aix-en-Provence; it was a year that profoundly changed my life. I will forever carry a bit of Provence in my heart and my garden always contains a pot of lavender.

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  28. Mary James LawrenceApril 6, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    I am far from the brokenhearted perspective but perhaps it lightens the heart of all who come....even the brokenhearted. It is indeed blissful....

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  29. pro_venceApril 6, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Ouh là là !
    Quintessential Provence ? There are so many places, feelings, sounds, smells, tastes... it is a mixture of impressions. Mine would probably be... garlic (healthy, too) and herbs of Provence in my vinaigrette for mesclun (young spinach leaves, different kinds of salad, roquette [what's it called in english ?]...).

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  30. jeudi41April 6, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    PROVENCAL POPPIES...

    Crimson poppies sway in the wind
    near silver spindles of grain,
    Vitrine vines aglow after the rain
    full of promise for the fall,
    Guarded by cedar sentinels tall
    Tournesols bending in time,
    Sun and shadow marking their rhyme
    I long to return just once more,
    to unique Provence which I adore
    Where I may sit on an old stone wall,
    Thinking of simply nothing at all
    Happy to be where many have been,
    Where many will come and leave again
    Timeless as the poppies at my feet,
    In the fields of provence where life is
    sweet....
    Judith B. Dunn... 04/06/2011

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  31. Lisa L.April 6, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I am very excited to read this book! I am going to pass on this title to my friends. This is the second book that I have highly enjoyed from The Provence Post! I think any book that you post I would read!
    Lisa L.

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  32. www.maydelory.wordpress.comApril 6, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    I came from a Twitter post for a contest. I haven't read the book but it looks like my style. Hope I win.

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  33. AnonymousApril 7, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Still remember my trip there 10 years ago...Would love to do it again..this book sounds like a real treasure...Cheri

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  34. Sharon Stanley RuggerioApril 7, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Alas, living in Houston, Texas, the city of selfish developers who pour concrete over everything...beautiful Provence might inspire me to return to my canvases and paints. Muses are alive and well there, I suspect.

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  35. Focus Yoga StudioApril 7, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Provence is the promise of hope and peace. After loosing my husband and oldest child to cancer, I long for a place of serenity, beauty and rest. Healing for me has been hope for something in the future and not being hooked by brokenness in my past. I'm looking forward to reading this book!

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  36. Focus Yoga StudioApril 7, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Provence is the promise of hope and peace. After loosing my husband and oldest child to cancer, I long for a place of serenity, beauty and rest. Healing for me has been hope for something in the future and not being hooked by brokenness in my past. I'm looking forward to reading this book!

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  37. Kelly's KitchenApril 7, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Provence is my where my dreams lie. The thought of another book about Provence is thrilling! I only hope I can one day fulfill my dream, but until then reading a new book will do the trick!

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  38. AnonymousApril 7, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Oh the things life throws at us - for me it has been a separation after 34 years of marriage; a daughter getting married, a son-in-law having a heart attack while his wife (another daughter) was six weeks pregnant; and finally the birth of my first grandchild the same week I will sign divorce papers. I love all things french and although I have never been to Provence believe that someday I will call it home. Can't wait to get my hands on this novel!

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  39. Jane, Naples, FloridaApril 7, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    I have purchased it and adore it!
    I can only imagine how beautiful
    Provence is...and I will make it
    there someday!

    Jane
    Flora Doora

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  40. BevApril 7, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Provence is a dream vacation!

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  41. Schnitzel and the TroutApril 7, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    Fpund your blog and I am thrilled. Absolutely love Provence and, in fact, we will be there in June. Would love to read this book. Merci.

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  42. enelraApril 8, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    I love Provence - my favorite spot is Lourmarin. I read everything I can find about the place that I feel is part of me. Arlene Janssen

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  43. LindaApril 8, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Like everyone else, I love the lavender and the blue skies in summer.

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  44. DebraApril 8, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Julie, Provence is my dream. I think of traveling there, heck, moving there everyday! My passion began in 3rd grade French class and has never ceased. I really thought by my BIG birthday my dream would have come true . . .
    still waiting.
    Thanks for your interesting posts; I enjoy reading them very much.

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  45. DelApril 8, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    For me, Provence means 'memories' - memories of the new and wonderful experiences I shared with my daughter in the February of 2007 in the magical medieval villages of the Luberon. Del

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  46. JoanneApril 9, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I see Provence in my mind's eye....as a place to recover from unrequited love and burst into bloom again...

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  47. RingBaliApril 9, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I have vineyard at home and love to sit under it

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  48. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    Dear Provence Post:

    Ten years ago this spring, I got my first passport and a French-English dictionary and headed for Provence in order to further my culinary pedigree. Receiving this book would totally make up for the irony of walking into my first French kitchen...and meeting my German mentor.

    All my love to St. Rémy~
    James

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  49. chateaudelilleApril 11, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Ive only been to Provence once and would so love to go back and discover more. I loved their architecture and statues and fountains. But I adored their linen and bought quite a few pieces back to give me that rustic and natural feel Provence does so well. Im a new follower only just finding you.Looking forward to what you will share with us. Fiona

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  50. 'LosApril 11, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    For me, Provence means the familiarity of all the people I know in the village I live in and wave to as I walk through it, making friendly small talk along the way. It's the security of my partner's family close by to rely on if we need anything and the exasperation of receiving their advice, shared with us as generously as meals, tools, and extra blankets for guests.

    I'm amused by all of the characters all around me, and their often-convenient logic. I’m bewildered at the lack of incentive to work to make money, and relieved that people don't measure each other’s value by the amount of money they make. I’m as frustrated by the closure of services during the middle of every day, as much as I love the long, leisurely lunches.

    Things happen slowly here and simple tasks and arrangements can be unimaginably complicated. And I’m happy to go with it, let go of control, let go of stress, and enjoy the tastes, fragrances, the cadence of the southern French way of speaking, and the funny Provençal accent.

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  51. LibrarianladyApril 11, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Hi everyone, this is my very first post!
    I have not read the book but I know the author. She actually writes under a pseudonym, her real name is Joanna Baggott. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida where we used to live.
    I'm trying to talk her into doing a reading at Book-in-Bar in Aix.I'll let you all know if I convince here (smile)
    Maria

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  52. SueApril 11, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    What does Provence mean to me: The beautiful flowers in pots on the windowsils. Or peddling my bike into the town to shop at the bakery or local butcher. Where they wrap the baguette with a square of paper so I may carry it home. Or finding fresh grown asparagus from a local farm. Life is full of simple wonderful pleasures in the south of France. I want to go back...
    Sue

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  53. CindyApril 12, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    We are going to buy a lot in Lorgues in just a week and 1/2, and we'll build a little villa there! We love it! My husband is French and has family in Provence. I've read every book I can find about France for 15 years and can't wait to live there! : )

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  54. Julie MautnerApril 13, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Jeudi41 can you email me? Random House and I have chosen your poem as the winner of our little contest! But we're having trouble reaching you. Email me: juliemautner@aol.com
    Thanks!

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  55. Beadboard UpCountryApril 13, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Hi Julie!
    I never do this but I would like to put my hat in the ring.....Provence means to me the first time Robes and I went together to France (he, only having been a right bank person in Paris during the "Oil expense account" days had never gone SOUTH)We rented an apartment before it was "de rigeur" and were welcomed by the most delightful family, the "Mazaloubouds" in the very tiny village of La Roque Alric in the Valcluse. The views, their hospitality, the generosity and the willingness to please and share
    made our first trip to France together a heartfelt and memorable one. I am getting a little messy thinking of this...... But I know what Provence is....... Please you should probably offer to someone who hasn't been there to give them incentive to go. But if you have a spare copy to give out, donne a moi, s'il vous plait!;) Maryanne

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  56. Lavender HoneyApril 18, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Provence means a lot to me because it is where my son was born.

    It is a world full of contrast: glorious sun + scary mistral, beautiful estates + run down dwellings, a private haven + tourist trap, old + new ... all harmoniously living together.

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  57. Kathleen HurderMarch 15, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    I would love to read this lovely book.....at my new, three hundred year old petite maison en Provence!!!

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