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    Drawing Lessons
    Drawing Lessons
    Drawing Lessons
    Audiobook12 hours

    Drawing Lessons

    Written by Patricia Sands

    Narrated by Susan Hanfield

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The author of the Love in Provence series returns to the South of France with a poignant portrait of a woman who must learn how to create a new life for herself…

    Sixty-two-year-old Arianna arrives in the South of France for a two-week artists’ workshop full of anticipation but burdened by guilt. Back home in Toronto, she has been living with the devastating diagnosis of her husband’s dementia and the heartbreak of watching the man she has loved for decades slip away before her eyes. What does her future hold without Ben? Before her is a blank canvas.

    Encouraged by her family to take some time for herself, she has traveled to Arles to set up her easel in the same fields of poppies and sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh. Gradually, she rediscovers the inner artist she abandoned long ago. Drawing strength from the warm companionship and gentle wisdom of her fellow artists at the retreat—as well as the vitality of guest lecturer Jacques de Villeneuve, an artist and a cowboy—Arianna searches her heart for permission to embrace the life in front of her and, like the sunflowers, once again face the light.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateOct 1, 2017
    ISBN9781543602791
    Drawing Lessons
    Author

    Patricia Sands

    Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, but her heart’s other home is the South of France. An avid traveler, she spends part of each year on the Côte d’Azur and occasionally leads groups of women on tours of the Riviera and Provence. Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book-group favorite, and The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series (followed by Promises to Keep and I Promise You This), was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, was an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and was a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. Sands also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence, and she appears as a public speaker for women’s groups. Visit her online at www.patriciasandsauthor.com.

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    Reviews for Drawing Lessons

    4.5/5

    18 ratings5 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Author Patricia Sands gives us a beautifully written story of human frailties and human strengths, of facing a major change in your life and learning to move on, of healing.When I began this book I was expecting it to be a romance novel, but romance is actually only a small part of the story. And when it does enter the story it is beautifully done with a slow progression of two mature characters getting to know each other. But the strength of this book lies in how GREAT characters from various backgrounds with their own mix of life challenges come together to further their love of art and how they compassionately share their collective life experiences and lessons in support each other. For the main protagonist Arianna it is truly a life-changing two weeks as she struggles to come to terms with her new life. Ms. Sands’ love of the French countryside is revealed in her stunning descriptions. I was so enthralled I just had to view the images myself on the internet – images of the walls of Aigues-Mortes, the wild horses and the enormous salt deposits of the Camargue. I was able to totally lose myself in this delightful story and highly recommend it.
    • 4/5
      Patricia Sands writes beautiful stories that transport the reader to the Provence area of France. She knows how to make the area part of the story. The group of artists who spend two weeks together was a very hodgepodge of personalities who got along great. I enjoyed learning a lot about the area. What I had a hard time with was two people barely knowing each other and one changes their life because of this short encounter. I just don't believe stuff like that happens. I know it's fiction but it felt rushed at the end. Other than that, anything by Patricia Sands is enjoyable.
    • 5/5
      Life can change dramatically.The title Drawing Lessons can be interpreted in different ways, it can relate to the arts, or our life experiences.Patricia Sands takes you on an incredible journey to the south of France. Culture, food, wine, history of Arles and the eclectic group of people she meets at the the retreat.Arianna is a sixty two year old women who is on a journey after the devastating news that the love of her life has dementia. Her family encourage her to take a trip to Le Mas des Artistes in Provence, to find her happiness once again.Sometimes letting go is the hardest part.Arianna is reluctant to let go of everything back in Toronto, she is stuck in the "now" of her life. The journey she takes with her new found friends and fellow artists help her gain strength each and every day. As she progresses so does her artwork. Where once she could not find her muse, now it was all around her and she couldn't wait to fill her journal and take pictures.After reading the book there was so much that I wanted to research from the life of Vincent Van Gogh, the Camargue and surrounding areas. I felt as though I was experiencing everything Arianna was.This was an incredible journey that I believe everyone should experience.@patriciasands @lakeunionpublishing
    • 4/5
      Drawing Lesson by Patricia Sands had three of my favorite things -- vivid descriptions of the south of France, wonderful descriptions of food and lots of information about Vincent Van Gogh. And along with that, a wonderful story full of unforgettable characters. Arianna is 62 years old and is trying to find joy in her life. Her husband, Ben, no longer remembers who she is due to dementia and after being his main care giver, she puts him in a memory care unit and tries to learn how to live on her own. With her children's encouragement, she signs up to take a painting course in France to try to remember the joy that she had gotten from her painting before life changed her plans. She is in a group with an eclectic group of artists and after initially questioning whether she is really good enough to be in the group, she gradually learns to embrace life and her painting again.This is a lovely story about individual growth and looking for the good in life. I highly recommend this book.I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
    • 4/5
      MY REVIEW OF "DRAWING LESSONS" by Patricia SandsI just had an emotional journey as I finish "Drawing Lessons" by Patricia Sands. The genres of this novel are Fiction and Women's Fiction, with a touch of Romance.The story takes place in Canada and in the South of France, where the author provides a detailed view of the gorgeous colorful landscape and scenery, and provides a sensory image of the feel, taste, touch, smell and sights of the region. It is a perfect place for an artist or painter to enjoy the spectacular views. The timeline of the story is in the present.The characters are described as sensitive, creative, loving, and caring.The situations that the characters face are complicated, complex and distressing.  Ariana faces each day as if looking at a blank canvas, and sees everything in black, gray and white. Ariana, now 62 once had the passion to be an artist. As she watches her beloved husband Ben, slip into the cruel world of dementia, Ariana hopelessly stands by. Her family encourages Ariana to go to the Southern part of France,  and found herself through Art.Ariana does meet new friends, and has new experiences, and as the short time passes is in the process of creating and accepting a new life for herself.I appreciate that the author describes dementia, and how devastating at first it is to the patient, and family members. How incredibly frustrating and sad it is to see the person you love physically be present, but no longer emotionally aware, I also  love the way the author discusses the importance of family support, friends, love, and hope. I also like the way the author describes individual growth and acceptance to live life. I would recommend this story for readers who look to see the positive in life, when there is negative.  I received a copy of this ARC for my honest review.