My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kSzhbb5oEk

Enjoy! ( )

Peter May's first two books, A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence were simply wonderful - maybe because they were one of the first of what has now become a flood of House Hunters International real estate porn books. His later efforts have not been so good. His mystery series is mediocre and his novels aren't much better, however, I had hope for this slim volume of memories of Mayle's twenty-five years in Provence.

Sadly, I was disappointed. This book is just a rehash of his other efforts. The author died earlier this year, so perhaps his estate was just mining one last book from his unpublished journals,. ( )

This book was a total delight and yet I was surprised and a little saddened to hear that the author died before he saw, as it turned out, his last book to be published. Having read all of his previous works it was a delight to revisit, with him, his beloved Provence with the advantage of hindsight. Peter was able to bring a fresh appreciation and joie de vivre to his writings about his decision to move to this region of France and of the engaging/eccentric characters who befriended him and took it upon themselves to educate him into the ways of all things French.
RIP Peter Mayle....I will miss your writings. ( )

3.5 Another favored author who passed at the beginning of this year. This book of essays Chronicles the many years he and his wife spent in Provence. Some have been issued before, some are new, but all are his last published words.

This book made me laugh, his writings always contain humor and as one can imagine starting life in a new country one must have a great deal of humor.

Made me hungry, as he explores area cafes and restaurants, with descriptive examples of wonderful food, good meals.

Made me yearn for a good Rose, well maybe good wine in general as he and his wife buy a property with a small vineyard attached.

Made me want to travel here, the small towns that make up this area sound so charming. The wonderful descriptions of scenery and gorgeous views.Three hundred days of sunshine, I can't imagine.

Mayle seems like such a charming man, one I would have wanted to meet in person. Perfect reading for a summers day. He will be missed. ( )

**The beloved author Peter Mayle, champion of all things Provence, here in a final volume of all new writing, offers vivid recollections from his twenty-five years in the South of France--lessons learned, culinary delights enjoyed, and changes observed.**
Twenty-five years ago, Peter Mayle and his wife, Jennie, were rained out of a planned two weeks on the Côte d'Azur. In search of sunlight, they set off for Aix-en-Provence; enchanted by the world and life they found there, they soon decided to uproot their lives in England and settle in Provence. They have never looked back. As Mayle tells us, a cup of *café* might now cost three euros--but that price still buys you a front-row seat to the charming and indelible parade of village life. After the coffee, you might drive to see a lavender field that has bloomed every year for centuries, or stroll through the ancient history that coexists alongside Marseille's metropolitan bustle. Modern life may have seeped into sleepy Provence, but its magic remains.
With his signature warmth, wit, and humor--and twenty-five years of experience--Peter Mayle is a one-of-a-kind guide to the continuing appeal of Provence. This thoughtful, vivid exploration of life well-lived, à la Provence, will charm longtime fans and a new generation of readers alike.
**
### Review
“Full of thoughtful reflections and trenchant observations . . . it all adds up to a better understanding of the people and culture of Provence. Mayle is astute at capturing the rhythm of life there.”** —Regan McMahon, *San Francisco Chronicle***
“A warm, nostalgia-soaked look at the place [Mayle] loved so dearly, packed with fond recollections of the pleasures of life in the region, from pastis to Pétanque . . . An ideal summertime read.” **—Lila Battis, *Travel and Leisure***
“This 25-year retrospective serves up the cozy cafes, refreshing rosés and joie de vivre that drew many people in Mayle’s footsteps to the sun-washed Luberon region . . . [a] well-loved writer’s contented recap of a life well lived.” **—Maureen McCarthy, *Minneapolis Star-Tribune
* * *
“Endearing . . . Short and sweet, these stories paint an idyllic picture of a charming, slow-paced place, the sort that might beckon for the next season of life. And with Mayle's memories, tips and powerful storytelling, you'll realize it's possible, whichever destination you pick.” **—Ashley Day, *USA Today***
“Treads delightfully familiar ground for fans who succumbed to the charms of Mayle’s first book"**** —Beth J. Harpaz, *Associated Press*****
“A bittersweet pleasure . . . While Mayle can pen a mouthwatering description of bouillabaisse, what has always drawn his readers to his writing are his loving portraits of people, community and the Provençal way of life.” **—Carla Jean Whitley, *BookPage***
“This valedictory memoir will hold special appeal to devoted readers of his Provencal adventures as well as those in search of confirmation that daydreams do come true.” **—*Library Journal***
“[Mayle’s] keen eye and wit are much on display in this all-new collection of writings on his times in the south of France.” **—*The Philadelphia Inquirer***
"Fans of Mayle (who died in January) will be delighted by this final book from Provence’s most impassioned booster. . . . Composed in a uniformly bright and jocular voice, this is a breezy valedictory note for a much admired writer." ***--Publishers Weekly***
### About the Author
PETER MAYLE is the author of fifteen previous books. A recipient of the Légion d'Honneur from the French government for his cultural contributions, he lived in Provence with his wife, Jennie, for more than twenty-five years. He died in January 2018. ( )