The Magic of Provence: Pleasures of Southern France

by Yvone Lenard

Book Overview

When Yvone Lenard returned to her native France and purchased a house in a hilltop village of Provence, an enchanted world of food, wines, and unusual adventures-including chicken rustling, flirtatious advances from neighbors, and a s ance-opened up before her. This is her account of the spell cast on her by Provence, from her first morning's visit by a charming prince bearing a jug of the village's vin rose to the growth of her friendship with a...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767906829
• ISBN13: 9780767906821
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

One of the best!

Yvone Lenard's tale of her times in Provence, is magical and very beautiful. Her writing style is great and I loved the recipes throughout the book. I keep this book in my kitchen for the great recipes!

Brings Provence to Life

My wife and I discovered this book just before a planned trip to Provence. Yvone's tales of her lovely village of Ansouis inspired us to seek it out and it was everything she describes, down to the quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful Chateau. If you are planning a trip to France, or just dreaming of one, this book will inspire you. The stories are filled with humor and passion, and her love of the people and region are evident on every page--never patronizing or condescending. As a bonus, she shares recipes at the end of each chapter--we have tried several and they are delicious! We are looking forward to reading her new book, "Love in Provence."

This masterpiece requires a response!

What a great pleasure, from laughter to tears, to read The Magic of Provence! This review comes after a second reading, which is a first for me. I feel as if I know both the author and her husband as good friends. My compliments for a delightful mental trip to France.

I'm Going to France

I was introduced to this book by a friend who's travelled extensively around the world and visited France several times. He was really taken by the book because he always thought Provence was pretty special, but for some reason he could never quite explain why. This book, he said, captured the ambience and spirit of Provence like nothing else he had ever read on the subject. He thought I might find it a good read even though I've never even been to France.Boy was he ever right! This book is wonderful. The author writes in a way that makes you feel almost as if you know her. I like that. Best of all, the stories carried me away to Southern France, and the recipes--some of which I actually decide to try--brought the "magic" of Provence to my house. Now, I've got to go to France. I may even take up French . . .

Great fun, I felt like I was in Provence!

This book lets you join in the adventure of living in Provence. You can practically feel the sunshine, and taste the wine. All the people seem like neighbors. I can't wait to try some of the recipes. If you can't travel to Provence, or are considering it, this is the book to read.