Eight Days in Provence: A Moment of Sensualite

Rating:
Summary: Intoxicating journey of self-renewal
Review: Don't mess with women scorned; strong women who believe they're doing the right thing when they get married, have a child, and slip into a comfortable life role that unravels when divorce rewrites the script. When illusion falters, women of substance like the one voiced here by Huntley do the right thing for themselves. If this means pursuing other illusions, hey, at least this time their eyes are open. And looking for all kinds of long overdue treats.

Jennifer is no fool hungry for romance and hoping to be swept up in fantasy. The appetite is there, but passivity and resistance of typical romance heroines is refreshingly replaced by an assertive self-awakening. Her senses heightened by a need for sensual rebirth, she pursues hints and signals her willingness to play -- fully aware that whatever happens will be framed by the parameters of an eight-day sojourn away from real life.

In Provence she can be "Jenny," the traveler so sensitive to her environment that sights, smells, tastes, and sounds all take on a luscious texture that crosses the line between healing and decadence with just the right measure of daring comfort. Huntley's gift for description offers endless possibilities for almost merciless teasing; you may find yourself suddenly craving a call to your travel agent.

Now, add one charming, flirty travel guide and stir; the resulting heady concoction will deliver the pleasant buzz of a satisfying read. James gives Jenny no reason to believe their affair has potential outside the hothouse ethics of vacation behavior, despite the growing closeness that prompts him to share aspects of his private life with her. They do draw her in, mirroring some of her own priorities and vulnerabilities. A more naive woman might be tempted to abandon reason. But Jenny is in Provence to let go, and the risk of nourishing one's heart with this kind of freedom is having to break it as well.

This intimate, passionate first-person narrative begs to be packed along to the beach, sneaked into boring meetings, curled up with in your favorite me-time spot. Treat yourself to it and savor its provocative flavors.

Rating:
Summary: Appreciation of Provence
Review: I loved this book. It is an enchanting glimpse into a week-long escape from reality, and is as much an atmospheric picture of the author's walking holiday in Provence as of her 'moment of sensualite'. Definitely a book for the cold winter evenings, when we all wish we could be in the south of France, enjoying the food, scenery and good company - especially the sort of good company Jennifer finds!