Short stories with cats set in mainly in TOKYO
Your chance to win copies of Patricia Sands’ brilliant ‘Love in Provence’ trilogy, plus a colourful South of France beach bag!
19th August 2016
We have a really exciting prize for you this month…
Photo by Patricia Sands
The winner of our easy to enter competition will receive signed copies of Patricia Sands’ brilliant Love In Provence trilogy (The Promise Of Provence, Promises To Keep, and I Promise You This) plus a colourful and robust beach bag featuring the names of popular South of France resorts. It features an internal draw tight closure for added security.
The Love In Provence trilogy has received critical acclaim. It is Patricia’s love letter to this very beautiful part of the world. The three books are extremely well-written describing the falling in love of Canadian, Katherine Price, with Philippe – and the progression of their love affair though to a provocative and satisfying close in the third book. A series that is very well worth reading.
To enter this exciting competition all you have to do is write in the Comments box below the name of the one place or activity you would like to experience in beautiful Provence.
It’s that easy!
The competition close at midnight UK time on Tuesday 30th August and the winner will be the first name drawn out of the hat on Wednesday 31st.
The TripFiction team
Catch Patricia via her website, and on Twitter, Facebook and she shares amazing photos on Instagram.
Join Team TripFiction on Social Media: Twitter (@tripfiction), Facebook (TripFiction), Instagram (TripFiction) and Pinterest (TripFiction)… and now YouTube
Please wait...
The lavender fields & all the beauty of Provence!!!
Thanks to everyone who entered, and made this our most successful competition ever! We had over 200 entries – quite amazing.
The name first out of the hat when we drew the prize earlier today was that of Amanda Champion.
Congratulations to Amanda!
Everything Antibes.
I would like to return to Moustiers Ste. Marie and browse through the shops full of unique white faience pottery. I would like to climb the mountain to the chapel this time, as I didn’t have a chance before.
Nice would also be nice.
I would love to see the French Riviera again.
I would very much like to revisit Saint Remy de Provence. It is so charming and delightfully picturesque!
I would very much like to revisit Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It is so very charming and delightfully picturesque!
Enjoying a glass of rose with my wonderful husband of 40 years in any of the little villages with a view. Les Beaux, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Gordes, Oppede, just to name a few.
Bouillabaisse with a glass of rose, on a patio, with gorgeous sun shining down on the land where god must surely live. Yup.
I would start with the lavender fields and work my way to see the historical buildings and castles.
Touring the ruins, trying the food out. Relaxing on a balcony to name just a few.
I would love to visit and photograph the Valensole Plateau. The lavender looks so peaceful and beautiful!
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is an idilic place and I’d love a return visit.
The markets.
I would love to walk the town and visit all the historical buildings and castles.
I would love to go and visit thee Lavender fields and see some old buildings/cottages.
My husband and I visited Provence on our honeymoon, 10 years ago. We were planning to enjoy a flight on a hot air balloon, but due to the Mistral winds, the flight had been cancelled. The activity is high on my ‘bucket list’ for our next trip to this beautiful travel destination.
I would like to take the boat from St Maxime to St Tropez and then spend some time people watching in a quayside cafe before exploring the cobbled streets and then relaxing on white sand beach, bliss!
Walking with my husband and sharing thoughts about the architecture in the town.
I’d love to spend a day in the lavender fields.
Most definitely the Lavender fields. I love all things lavender.
Arles is a wonderful town as is Aigue Morte
The wonderful markets
I would like to take the little train from Antibes to Nice.
To stay in a cottage close to the lavender fields. Having the books to read as the sun sets. Idyllic
First I’d visit Provence Lavender Fields. This is so beautiful. The colors and I can only imagine the smell of lavender.
I would love to go on a picnic in the beautiful countryside of Provence, eating the wonderful cheeses, olives and breads of the region as well as drinking the wonderful French wines.
Wine tasting with a sexy frenchman!!
The Lavender Fields and the beautiful countryside.
I would love to see either the beautiful fields of lavender or a field of sunflowers in person.
I have absolutely loved all 3 of your books about Kat in Provence and look forward to your next book.
Would love to experience the region but if I can only pick one activity it would be to visit the lavender fields.
eating the food
I would like to have a wine tasting, to see the lavendar fields and to taste the wonderful French cooking.
Definitely a market cafe for good coffee and pastry.
Wine, bread, cheese, olives and a charming gentleman like Phillippe to grace an outdoor table in quaint cafe with me….
I would like to visit the little village of Ansouis between the Luberon massif and the Durance river. Ansouis has a castle which was first built in the 10th century and then modified in the 13th, 15th and 19th centuries.
I love your novels they are so true to life I Really feel I have stayed in all the Mediterranean towns you describe .i am from Perth Australia and our winter has been the coldest on record so I go to a different world when I read your books.
I would love to see the lavender fields. I would also love to see the city at night.
I would love to spend time in the countryside, staying in an inn, checking out the wineries and restaurants and small villages. And taking lots of photographs!
I would love to see the Lavender fields, sunflowers and vineyards. Explore the cafes and restaurants and enjoy drinking wine and taking in the experience and culture of Provence!
The lavender fields would be fun!
When I was a young girl of 22 I went to Montpelier to visit my friend who was an exchange student. We travelled by train, first south to Palavais, then North to Paris stopping in Dijon, Orange and Avignon. I am 56 now and would love to re-visit those places with my daughter who is 23. I loved Avignon and if nothing else I vow to return some day.
The wine for sure!!
To be sitting on a breezy veranda, sipping white wine, and taking in the beautiful fields of lavender, the aromas, and just communicating with the spirit and peace of my surroundings…that would be a relaxing pause, away from the whirlwind of life!!!
I’d love to spend a day in a village market. Bread, cheese, fresh vegetables, flowers, handmade lace, local wine, lavender sachets, scarves, all would be overflowing my basket. Then a stroll into the countryside to picnic under a Provence blue sky. Sigh…
I love Provence but have never been there during lavender season. I would love to see the fields of purple and fall asleep to the smell of lavender coming in through the window.
So many things to choose from and I can’t make up my mind. Everyone has some great ideas and I want to do them all.. 🙂
Cycling Provence while based in Antibes.
I want to sit seaside and watch the sunrise and then fall.
I would love to go truffle digging with all those adorable truffle doggies!
Seeing the local architecture and Maybe drive through or stay a couple days in the country side.
Visit where the trilogy was written and see if my images of your delightful stories fits the actual places..and see it today as I was there 60 years ago as a new bride for two years.
I would love to see the lavender fields, I would love to sit and eat in the restaurants, I would love to bicycle around the area, I would just love to visit Provence. Any and all of these things would be wonderful.
I would love to take a walking tour of Arles.
The sunflowers
Oh, so many choices, but I’d love to experience the lavender fields in bloom. I’d also love to go back to Antibes!
I would like to do a Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo. Actually I would love to eat my way thru Provence.
I’d like to visit the gardens next to thepope’s palace in Avignon. I didn’t have enough time when I was there last year. Other gardens were beautiful so I can only imagine what this garden would be like.
Visiting historic buildings and sampling the foods and wines. Touring the markets ranks up there, too.
This is truly a challenging question. So many places on my “must see” list. Notre Dame Cathedral would be a definite place along with hoping to stay at one of the castles. Anything where we could stay for a while, enjoy the local cuisine and drink in the history.
I would love to visit the lavender fields as whenever you post them on your Facebook I just wish I could be there they are so beautuful!
Would love to drive through Provence and visit small villages. Sometimes the best times are those which are not planned.
A restaurant on the water
Sanary sur Mer
The Beach! Anywhere where I can sit on the beach and watch the water and read in peace.
Provence was one of my favourite places to visit! Loved my time there.
I would just love to walk in, take in the sites, visit the shops, taste the food and wine. The simple things.
Cycling the countryside to really experience all that Provence has to offer…..food, wine, scenery etc
Making plans to do just that in 2017 for our 50th anniversary.
Top of the list would be cooking school, then vineyards and wine tastings, lavendar fields, and perfumeries. Yes, I know you said pick one, but that’s practically impossible!!
Lie down in a field of lavender!
SO many activities to choose from… wine tasting, yummy cheese and of course lavender fields
The wine and cheese, of course!
I would love to cook with the the Chefs. They have such amazing food
Love to play pétanque
Pétanque
I would love to visit the lavender fields, watch how its made into perfume and just everything! Thank you for chance!
Many years ago, I traveled through Provence heading to Nice, and then onto Italy. However, returning during “lavender season” is on my list.
I have to go see the lavendar fields and oh so much more! Thanks for the chance!
Would love to see the lavender fields!
Sipping wine while viewing the lavender fields and reading a good book.
I would like to enjoy the landscape
I would love to wander around Port Grimaud, admiring the boats and then I’d visit Frejus for a relaxing swim in the Mediterranean.
Phillips cheese counter.
The lavender fields and museum would be a must
The area around Cadanet in the Luberon. Out daughter was a teaching assistant in the village school for a year and given a house to rent by the wonderful Maire. Needless to say we visited often! Miss it so much.
The delta flatlands of the Camargue, usually described as “melancholic”. I am told that the endless stretch between the two arms of the Rhône is enthralling. I would love to gaze upon the marshes, home to black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos – not to mention every other bird on the move.
I’d love to visit the historic villages – they’re always so pretty and interesting.
To see & scent the fields of flowers.
I would go to the amazing hill top medieval village of
Saint-Paul de Vence, I’d arrive late when all the visitors had gone but just in time to see the sky lit up by the stunning sunset. I’d have a glass of bubbly in my hand and my husband by my side – bliss !
It sounds all encompassing but the whole enchilada. The architecture, nature, history, food, romance… all of the above!
I would love to visit Menton and the other small villages in Provence.
The Lavender Fields
Would love to return to beautiful Avignon, walk round the city walls and enjoy a lavender ice cream sitting by the river x
Sipping wine and people watching.
Lavender fields and restaurants
The Verdon Gorge looks spectacular, I would absolutely LOVE to see it!
Thanks so much for a beautiful giveaway 🙂 x
I should love to visit nice. Have always wanted to go and we must support it after the atrocities earlier this year
Love to visit the lavender fields.
I have always wanted to see Lavender made into essential oil – it seems such a dry plant yet it gives up such a rich oil.
I’d love to revisit Marseilles ,have some bouillabaisse for dinner and visit some lovely French markets
I would love to explore the Greoux les Bains region on foot, taking in the gorgeous countryside, food and wine.
I’d love to visit The Verdon Gorges.
I would love to sit in the garden of a chateau drinking a cold glass of champagne, eating fresh warm croissants with unsalted butter whilst reading a book and breathing in the heady scent of the lavender fields while I dream about staying here forever.
Visit to the lavender fields and drink French wine and est beignets!
I would love to see Saint-Remy!
Wine taste, try some local foods and drinks, explore nearby Castles. Have never been to France & would just love to go.
I would enjoy seeing fields of lavender and sunflowers–sites that influenced painters.
I would love to see lavender fields, sunflowers and places that influenced Van Gogh and so many other painters.
The lavendar fields in full bloom
I would love to see Eze again and walk the rocky beach in Menton.
I would love to do it all!!! The lavender fields.The food!! The wine!! EVERYTHING!!!
I would love to win these books! I know I would love them. I want to go to go to Provence so bad and only read books that are set in Provence or Paris!
The lavender fields.what a great giveaway. Thanks for the chane.
See Van Gogh’s & Monet’s art sites!
I would love to experience the historic parts of Provence.
Visit the lavender fields and then eat some delicious food and drink wine!!
Visiting the lavender fields
To eat local cheese & bread & to drink French wine in a Provencal kitchen with a family from Provence!!!
I could be very happy anywhere in Provence . . . but a visit to a perfume factory would do wonders.
I would love to visit the markets in Provence. And check out the cheeses and foods of the area. By the way, your book covers are gorgeous. Would love to win this amazing collection. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
The cuisine.
The lavender fields, historical architectural
structures and markets
I want to return to Prvence, I was there during Christmas when the lights were bright & festive. There was a chill in the air and we dined @ Coeur de le Bastides, one of the oldest restaurants in Aix en Provence. The memories are heartwarming.❤️
User: Heidi
I would love to explore the area and enjoy the wine!
Hiking and bike riding during the lavendar time with stops in small villages for lunch and maybe finding someplace to buy and live in Provence
I would love to see the sunflowers ( my favorite flowers) and explore the villages and markets.
I would start the day with a Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat Hike and complete my day with a Wine Tour and a A Taste of Nice Food Tour; and repeat again the next day!
Reading Patricia’s books makes me feel as if I’v been there but I’d love to experience it all…the fields of lavender and sunflowers, the shops and markets, and trying the different foods, cheeses and wines first hand.
I’d love to go back to Avignon and this time, have the chance for a proper look around.
Id love to visit Cannes and mingle with the Stars during film festival time
I would love to see the lavender fields and
go wine tasting, and go to a local cafe for coffee and excellent pastries.
Definitely visit lavender fields and just walking thru country
I would love to see the lavender fields.
L’Atelier Cuisine de Mathilde In Aix would be my pick .The fresh French food is mouth watering good and a cooking class would be right up my ally .The markets are amazing with all the different smells , colours it’s a experience you can’t miss .
I would begin with experiencing a lovely seaside meal in Antibes, with many of the region’s famous culinary offerings. Of course, then I’d head out to spend 3-4 weeks exploring the rest of the area.
There are so many amazing things to see and do but if I had to pick one I would pick go to the markets. I love the way Patricia described the market in her books
I’d like to spend time in the countryside. Perhaps near the lavender fields jus to get it know the real “flavor” of the country and its people.
I want to go to Provence. Thanks for sharing
I would love to lay down in the middle of a lavender field and then travel from town to town and drink in all the history. Sigh, what a wonderful trip that would be :).
I would like to visit Monaco and the lavender fields.
Castle Hill
I would lovery to visit the French Riviera. It looks beautiful and the water looks blissful.
I would love to visit the French Riviera. It looks beautiful and the looks water blissful.
Just all of the area. I feel in love with Provence after your books, especially the lavender fields.
I love the markets of Provence. Not only wonderful food but clothes, fabrics and many other items.
I’d like to see the 11th-century Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque in the Luberon.
I would love to see the fields of lavender.
I would love to meander through the streets and enjoy the culture of wine, food, and people! Also taking day trip out into the country side would be a must!
What a trip it would be to see the lavender fields, do wine tasting and see the vineyards of the country side.
I would like to visit Antibes and Côte-d’Azure. Also, I would like to try all of the delicious foods that are always mentioned when I read about this area.
A quiet area with a beautiful view where I can read and have a glass of wine.
Carrierres des Luminaires. Was there with Patricia in 2014. Love to go back
I would love to tour all of the vineyards and countryside that makes it so beautiful! I would all of love to try all of the exotic food!
I would like to do wine tasting.
Sipping a fine rosé & enjoying delicious Provençal cuisine w. Patricia Sands @ Restaurant L’amandier de Mougins. Oh-la-la – c’est très magnifique.
After reading this series, would love to try the food. The olives, cheeses and baguettes sounded amazing. I was constantly hungry! And I would love to see the lavendar!!! This series inspired me to plant some Provence lavendar in my backyard and next year we’re going to put it in the front yard!!
Tasting all the wines of the region.
It’s too hard to just pick one place but would love to experience the different cafes and restaurants in the little villages…also the lavender fields are a must!
I often dream to come back to Provence. It’s my place on the Earth! Love to visit many towns and the small villages, drive through vineyards, smell and taste….and experience Provence again!
Walking the narrow streets of the old town of Antibes and visiting Le Marché Provençal, the beautiful market there.
I love all of the Provence region but would love to visit Antibes where I know alot of Patricia’s books take place…. The books all transport you to France and it is almost like being there!!!!
A cooking class with all local products.
Traveling to the sights that honor Mary Magdalene in Provence would be at the top of my list to visit.
I’d definitely love to see all the lavender fields!
Visiting the wonderful cafes and restaurants for the amazing food!
I would like to see the Camargue Wetlands. It looks fun. 🙂
I would love to buy various cheeses at the market in Antibes
The Lavendar field would be lovely
The lavender field would be heaven!
I would like to revisit the amphitheatre in Nimes.
I should love to visit Nice and surrounding villages. The history is wonderful. Would enjoy lavender fields and see how perfume is made. Loved the travel with Patricia’s characters through her books!
Definetly the lavender. And a castle, if its haunted that’s a bonus
I would like to see the vineyards and countryside
I would love to visit Antibes. I would love to visit the markets.
The Markets to experience all the wonderful bread, cheese and wines
I miss French bread, REAL French bread! I lived in France until I was 11. de Gaulle was president, and hated Americans, so that was tough. We moved to the States in ’65. I’d love to go back and be able to enjoy it. The lavender fields would be at the top of my list! The 1st painting I ever sold was of the lavender fields, I regret that I didn’t take a photo of it.
hiking, cycling from village to village, meditating in the lavender field…..
The stunning, dramatic Gorges du Verdon
See the Calanques!
I would love to just walk and walk and walk whilst taking in the beauty of the region.
I would love to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur. I would love to walk through the shops and collect the beautiful pottery made there.
I enjoyed visiting Provence many many years ago when on my OE. I’d love to go back and do some geocaching around Nice 🙂
Visiting the lavender fields and historic buildings
I loved ‘The Promise of Provence’ as we’ve visited many of the beautiful places described in the book, including Antibes. I’d love to spend a month or two in Antibes and read the rest of the trilogy!
I would love to return to Aix en Provence and explore it some more. I was only there on a cruise stop and loved what I saw. I would also like to see the Van Gough exhibition in Arles.
I would also love to visit the lavender fields, to experience the calming colour of purple and to smell in the wind the aromas of rural France. Bliss.
Owww, I would love to visit the lavender fields <3
I’d love to climb Mont Ventoux on my bike. Whether I’d ever be fit enough to though is another matter!
I would love to visit the lavender fields around Le Plateau de Valensole!
I want to see where the flowers and herbs are grown for their perfume.Would be in heaven!
The perfumeries.
I’d love to walk through those endless arrays of dazzling sunflowers, so uplifting.
The amazing lavender fields.
I’d love to see the town Aix en Provence and go to the area when the lavender is blooming.
l would like to stay in a quiet cottage with one of your books to read after a day seeing the local scenery.
lavender fields for me
Van Gogh’s sunflowers
I’d love to visit the lavender fields.
Visiting the lavender fields and historic buildings …. Sampling local food and drink
It has to be wine tasting for me!
Visiting the beautiful lavender fields.
I am would like to see the lavender fields
I would like to see the blossoming lavender field 🙂
Cycling through countryside and stopping at lavender fields
Visiting the Lavender fields would be wonderful x
The parfumerie in Grasse
Cycling through historic villages
The Camargue, with beautiful birds and horses
I think a trip to the Lavender Museum in Coustellet would be fantastic. A sea of Lavender spread out and perhaps try some Lavender honey – it would be wonderful to see the process from star to finish.
OMG It has to be the Lavender Fields
Wine tasting.
Trip to the nearest castle.