Patricia Sands proves that it’s never too late to start something new, her novels inspire women to embrace change and follow their passions later in life.
Patricia Sands had no idea that her life would take a turn toward authorship at 65. Yet, this was precisely when she discovered her true calling. After decades of being a wife, mother, world traveler, and photographer, Patricia chose to pursue her passion for writing, and what followed was a literary career that has not only garnered accolades but inspired countless women around the world.
Now 80 years old, Patricia is the author of 13 novels, including The Bridge Club, The Promise of Provence, and The French Effect. Her books, predominantly set in the South of France, showcase powerful, life-affirming stories of women who are reinventing themselves later in life. Through her characters, Patricia explores the themes of second chances, personal growth, and the courage to take risks, no matter how old you are.
Embracing Life’s Turning Points: A Late Start in Writing
Patricia’s story is one of late bloomers, second chances, and unexpected adventures. Widowed at 43, Patricia’s early life was filled with the challenges of raising a family and navigating loss. At 45, she returned to university and became a teacher. She remarried at 50 and embraced a life filled with children and grandchildren. Patricia’s life path led her to focus on family, travel, and photography. Writing novels came, quite unplanned, in her early sixties..
Her first novel, The Bridge Club, was published in 2010 and quickly became a book club favorite. The story about eight women navigating life’s challenges resonated deeply with readers, many of whom saw parts of themselves in the women Patricia wrote about. But this was just the beginning for Patricia, and it set her on a path to becoming a much-loved author.
The South of France: A Place of Inspiration and Transformation
The setting of Patricia’s novels plays as significant a role as the characters themselves. The South of France, a place she has visited for over three decades, serves as a backdrop to the stories she crafts. From the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera to the quiet, rolling vineyards of Provence, the region provides a rich, sensory experience for readers to immerse themselves in.
“The South of France isn’t just where I write; it’s where I feel most alive,” Patricia says. “It’s a place where every stone, every sunset, and every corner feels like it holds a story. My novels reflect my deep love for the region, and I hope they bring that same sense of awe to my readers.”
Her Love in Provence series, which began with The Promise of Provence, has become a hallmark of her writing career. With vibrant characters and poignant plots, Patricia’s books transport readers to the beautiful landscapes she adores. This connection to the South of France is palpable, and it’s something Patricia wants her readers to feel as they follow her characters’ journeys.
Empowering Women Through Fiction
What sets Patricia’s work apart is her focus on women over 50. At a time when the literary world often ignores older female protagonists, Patricia has chosen to highlight stories of women who are embracing change, starting over, and finding new paths to happiness and fulfillment.
“I believe that women of a certain age have stories that need to be told,” Patricia explains. “The world often tells women that their best years are behind them. But I want to show that it’s never too late to take a leap, to change your life, or to embrace something new. That’s why I write about women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, they have wisdom, strength, and so much more to give.”
Her 2022 novel, The Secrets We Hide, won the 2023 Book Excellence Award for Women’s Fiction, and The French Effect, published in 2025, continues to reinforce her commitment to bringing these important stories to life. Each of her protagonists faces challenges that are relatable and universal, offering readers inspiration and encouragement to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change.
The Indie Publishing Path: Embracing Creative Freedom
Starting out indie with The Bridge Club, Patricia’s Love in Provence trilogy and Drawing Lessons were traditionally released by Lake Union Publishing. She later chose to return to indie publishing. For her, this was not about rejecting traditional routes, but about gaining the creative freedom to publish on her own terms. But always, she stresses, with the help of professional editors. With indie publishing, Patricia could maintain full control over her deadlines, cover designs, and the speed at which her stories were told.
“I found indie publishing to be incredibly liberating,” she says. “I didn’t have to wait for approval or go through long processes. I could publish when I felt ready, after polishing final drafts with excellent editors.. The freedom to control my own schedule and decisions has allowed me to stay true to my vision as an author.”
Patricia’s decision to embrace indie publishing reflects her belief in the power of independence and taking charge of her career. It also shows her commitment to providing readers with the stories they crave, on her terms.
A Love for Photography: Capturing Life’s Beautiful Moments
Patricia’s creative interests extend beyond writing, she is also a passionate photographer. Her Instagram account, @psands.stories, showcases the stunning beauty of the South of France.. Photography allows Patricia to capture the moments that inspire her writing, and the two forms of art complement one another beautifully.
Patricia’s love for photography enriches her books and gives her followers an intimate look at her life and creative process. It’s a testament to her belief that creativity doesn’t have boundaries, it flows in many forms and finds expression in everything she does.
A Life Well-Lived: Continuing to Write, Travel, and Inspire
At 80, Patricia Sands is showing no signs of slowing down. She continues to write novels that resonate with readers, and she remains active in the literary world, offering support and inspiration to fellow authors. Her success is proof that it’s never too late to start something new, and she is passionate about inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of age.
Patricia’s journey is one of inspiration, demonstrating that age should never be an obstacle to pursuing your passions. Her work encourages women to take chances, embrace their stories, and live boldly.
Join Patricia on Her Creative Journey
If you haven’t yet experienced the world of Patricia Sands, now is the perfect time to dive into her heartwarming novels. Whether you’re seeking stories of love, self-discovery, or reinvention, Patricia’s books will take you on a journey you won’t forget.
To explore Patricia’s books, learn more about her creative process, and stay updated on her latest releases, visit her official website, check out her Amazon Author Page, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
