Departures and Arrivals

What better place to celebrate the launch of my debut novel than a much-needed, relaxing vacation to somewhere tropical. Now that I’m back, I can forget about all the stress and anxiety (MAJOR anxiety—did I mention anxiety?) leading up to it and focus on the wonderful memories I made.

Plus, I can celebrate that while poolside, I finished my first big round of editing for my second book, A Year of Summer. And before you judge me for working on vacation, I find it relaxing to get lost in the story. Now, it’s in the hands (er, devices) of my trusted test readers.

Provenance Unknown Book Launch

Speaking of travel, I’m grateful to the friends, family, community members, and strangers who came from far and wide to attend the first Provenance Unknown book launch celebration on April 2, hosted by the Roundhouse Cafe in Saanich (Greater Victoria, British Columbia). Right next to Rutledge Park, the venue gave attendees a first-hand look at one of the key locations in the book!

Bonus: for the first time, the Archivists Who Write critique group met in person, and it filled my heart. Learn more about the group through a two-part blog post from the Association of Canadian Archivists.

Missed it? Fear not! I’m hoping it was the first of many bookish events. If you have one you’d like me to attend, please reach out using the Contact page.

Where It All Began

The day after the launch, I dropped off a gift for Rutledge Park neighbours at the Rutledge Park Little Free Library. 📚 🎁

The park—including its signature pink elephant—plays a major role in this story, so it was only fitting that I share the book with area residents!

Have Book, Will Travel

While I’ve been occupied with launch-related work, my book is having fun in Paris. (Without me 😭). After checking out the rooftop view from Galeries Lafayette, this copy of Provenance Unknown ended its adventures by hiding out somewhere in Shakespeare and Company. If you find it, it’s yours!

Despite being jealous of everything my book is getting up to 😆, I love getting book photos from readers. Keep them coming!

Victoria: City of Gardens

I’m sensing a theme here. People. Places. Travel.

I got my copy of Rivanna Review – Issue 7 in the mail a few days before jetting off. My article, “Victoria: City of Gardens”, is a feature! If you like a side of archival research with your travel writing, this one’s for you.

Here’s a peek; get the full piece by ordering online.

Les Bouquinistes

My Grape Escape by Laura Bradbury

I didn’t realize until after I’d read the book that Laura is a fellow Victoria resident. Bonus! While not a Paris book, it’s 100% French. And just such a great, smooth, read that I’m confident in selecting it as my pick for this month. My favourite part? The cast of characters the author meets in and around Beaune, Burgundy. Note to self: go back and read the whole series.

Here’s the blurb from the author’s website:

Is Laura’s sudden decision to choose a Revolutionary-era ruin in a tiny french village over a legal career in London profoundly wise or utterly insane?

In My Grape Escape, the fifth book in Laura Bradbury’s #1 bestselling Grape Series, Laura emerges from her final law exams at Oxford far from unscathed. Everyone expects her to follow the well-trodden path of establishing a prestigious legal career in London, but instead she buys an eighteenth century ruin near her husband’s village in Burgundy.

Laura’s idealistic visions of bicycling through French vineyards with fresh baguettes under her arm had not included steaming plates of veal brains for breakfast or taming an electrician named Tin Tin. Still, as Laura learns the art of bartering for antique furnishings and rekindles her romance with Franck, she gains a newfound perspective. Will running from the law to the vineyards of France trump the expectations she has long held for herself? Find out in My Grape Escape, book five in Laura’s beloved Grape Series.

The past little while has been hectic for me, for obvious reasons. I promise to have more Bouquinistes picks next month!

As always, thanks for reading. Merci!

Sonia