The Magic of Provence: Pleasures of Southern France - Softcover

. . . (an) enchanting collection of essays in which Lenard tells of a vacation home in a fairy-tale town. For the most part, life in the village is delightful, and Lenard describes it with wit and affection. Adding to the book's appeal, tempting Provencal recipes end each chapter. " Publisher's Weekly""

"" Lenard crafts narratives skillfully, and her recounting of a disastrous Aida performed in a monumental Roman ruin is hilarious. Mark Knoblauch, "Booklist ""

"" This delightful and beautifully written book could be entitled Joie de Vivre in Provence. With great talent Yvone Lenard writes of the magic to be found in that sunny part of France. Each of the twenty stories is followed by an exquisite menu of regional foods and wines that will enchant and inspire you to share in the spirit and joy of Provence. Raoul Aglion, author, "Roosevelt and de Gaulle""

Reading each fascinating tale, I kept thinking, 'Why can't these charming, warm adventures ever happen to me?' and then, just before the end, voila! she pops out a couple of recipes letting me join her in the magic. Thanks, Yvone, for each delicious mouthful. You're the best! Peter Baldwin, Emmy award-winning television writer and director"

The Provence of Yvone Lenard has a distinction, an elegance, a sense of humor and a fragrance! Her book brought tears to my eyes and made me proud of the country where I was born, more beautiful even, as seen through the eyes of this born writer. Lucien Clergue, author, "My Friend Picasso""

If you want to taste the wine, smell the lavender and walk the country roads of Provence in the moonlight with someone you love, this is the book for you. Roger Cossack, Host of CNN's "Burden of Proof""

"The Magic of Provence" is a wonderful book. A delightful mixture of living, eating, drinking and socializing in one of the world's most unique regions. Lively, witty and often touching reading. Bravo Yvone Lenard! Dominique Lapierre, author, "Is Paris Burning?""

" . . . (an) enchanting collection of essays in which Lenard tells of a vacation home in a fairy-tale town. For the most part, life in the village is delightful, and Lenard describes it with wit and affection. Adding to the book's appeal, tempting Provencal recipes end each chapter." --Publisher's Weekly

"Lenard crafts narratives skillfully, and her recounting of a disastrous Aida performed in a monumental Roman ruin is hilarious." --Mark Knoblauch, Booklist

"This delightful and beautifully written book could be entitled "Joie de Vivre in Provence." With great talent Yvone Lenard writes of the magic to be found in that sunny part of France. Each of the twenty stories is followed by an exquisite menu of regional foods and wines that will enchant and inspire you to share in the spirit and joy of Provence." --Raoul Aglion, author, Roosevelt and de Gaulle

When Californians Yvone Lenard and her husband began to fantasise wistfully about owning a home in Provence, they made a hasty gamble. Purchasing a sixteenth-century wreck, they dubiously listened to the agent's promise to completely renovate the house within a year. When they returned to the picturesque hilltop village twelve months later, their rubble had been transformed into a dream house - fully furnished and beautifully renovated. To top it off, Lenard was immediately greeted by a prince who stopped in to welcome his new neighbours. After this enchanting beginning, Lenard draws on her unique insight into the subtleties of her native culture to tell the story of her joyous reunion with France, capturing the sights, flavours and faces of Provence in a way no outsider could. With verve and wit, she relates tales of the close-knit community in which she soon becomes a fixture, of her travels in the region, and of visits from American friends who find unexpected romance and magic in Provence.

Incorporating succulent recipes, along with tips for entertaining in the Provencal style, and infused with the imagined scents of lavender and fresh herbs, The Magic of Provence is a delight for all the senses - and a journey to bliss.