Drawing Lessons (Unabridged‪)‬

(I received a copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility)
Read 9/23-10/3 review postponed until 10/12 as part of Le FrenchBook Tour

( I recieved this advanced copy from NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it. )

“The gifts we give each other at Thanksgiving are priceless,” Ben reminded Arianna now. “The best kind—love, laughter, and lots of delicious things to eat.”

Ben and Arianna have been part of a wonderful community, running a welcoming family restaurant and raising a multi generational family.

And then, Ben is slapped with a terminal diagnosis. And the world changes as Arianna steps forward to become the head of her family.Watching Ben deteriorate by inches as he retreats into himself is devestating. Her family and friends are supportive but this is a trail Arianna must forge herself.

Coming across a travel opportunity she joins a group of artists varied in their experience but all converging in Provence to learn more about van Gough and have some interesting experiences most tourists don’t get. Each participant brings their own lives with them, and adds to the bouillabaisse of the splendid table. Arianna becomes stronger and more open as her life begins to reopen. Every day of the trip is a reminder that life goes on, and it’s Fall can be as wonderful as its Spring. But for that to happen, her closed in soul must find its own way back to the “...love, laughter and good things to eat”

This is a story about the invasion of an impeding death and how it affects the rest of life. It is a hopeful understanding of an attempt at mindfulness and the courage to “soldier on”. However, it is a lovely saying “goodbye” to your love and turning towards a hope filled future.

As a minister and elder advocate, I applaud Ms.Sands treats these subjects with tenderness. Having red almost everything she has written, I am in awe of the mirror she holds up to the human psyche. I cried myway through the beginning of this well researched situation, and cried my way through the long goodbye that ends it. The tears in the middle were sweet and full of life, color and life. This is a book to be cherished. 5+ Stars and a spot on my list of the best books of 2017.

Drawing Lessons is tantalizing! Author Patricia Sands paints exquisite word pictures that takes her readers through the emotional journey of Arianna's life. She has lived a fabulous life up until the last few years when her husband & soulmate Ben developed dementia. She once was an accomplished artist and she decides to take a class in France to renew her interest and hopefully renew her spirits as well. She is joined together with other artists who are craving to improve their craft under the careful tutelage of several gifted artists. The group is very diversified with people from the US, Canada and England and they all have very different backgrounds for their art skills. Sands takes readers on a phenomenal adventure as she tells the stories of these artists coming together, finding common ground, encouraging one another and forging friendships for a lifetime! They begin to see how the gorgeous areas of France - the flora, fauna, food, culture, history, and people - influence art past and present. Sands' superlative descriptions will have you feeling as though you're seeing the breathtaking sights of flamingos flying over iridescent marshes, seeing the beautiful old buildings and natural scenery that Van Gogh painted and tasting all of the gastronomic delights at each meal or snack. I was provided an ARC by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.