Rating: 
Summary: Slightly disappointing
Review: Although I mildly enjoyed "The Magic of Provence," I felt that too much emphasis was given on certain, select topics, such as her friendship with the local nobility, and not quite enough to such things as the seasons, the surrounding country, and what (besides the *lavandin*) makes Provence so special, so unique. The recipes are good, the descriptions of her house beautiful, and the Aida story hilarious, but I felt that the entire work would have benefitted from some tightening up.
Rating: 
Summary: Give Something Else A Try
Review: Although Lenard's book is not really a "bad" read, I agree with the other reviewers that it can be very dry and progress slowly. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with the dutchess, and I do love the chapter about the cats--but something is lacking. Therefore, I suggest that readers with an interest in Provence try Peter Mayle's books about the region. Mayle is much funnier and his books hold one's attention and flow smoothly from one anecdote to the next; something that Yvone Lenard should aspire to.
Rating:
Summary: Give Something Else A Try
Review: Although Lenard's book is not really a "bad" read, I agree with the other reviewers that it can be very dry and progress slowly. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with the dutchess, and I do love the chapter about the cats--but something is lacking. Therefore, I suggest that readers with an interest in Provence try Peter Mayle's books about the region. Mayle is much funnier and his books hold one's attention and flow smoothly from one anecdote to the next; something that Yvone Lenard should aspire to.
Rating:
Summary: Perfume From Provence Redux
Review: As a collector and reader of books on Provence, I was entertained by the book; however, it is a quite modest addition to the body of existing personal narratives. The book's most off-putting aspect was the author's constant gushing over neighbors who are minor lapsed royalty. At one point she even labels an airport worker a communist for reacting negatively to her namedropping reference to the duchess in order to obtain more favorable treatment. Her inclusion of recipes, although not novel, did provide optional ingredients to permit their preparation with easily obtainable ingredients. Nothing as profound as Durrell's or Ford's books on Provence, the book most resembles a predecessor which title it appears to borrow from: Lady Winifred Fortescue's "perfume From Provence".
Rating: 
Summary: A shallow book about a wonderful place
Review: As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in various areas of Provence as well as reading many books on the subject, I found this to be one of the worst books I have read to date. In reality it is more about the author than Provence. To make matters worse the recipes are far from authentic. Whoever heard of anyone in Provence using Worcestershire sauce? I read the book last month while working with someone at a cooking program in Provence, and we had some good laughs over the recipes. If you want to read something new and authentic try Carol Drinkwater's, The Olive Farm or The Provence of Alain Ducasse.
Rating:
Summary: No magic.
Review: Attention rich people who have the ability to buy a house in Provence: this does not make you worthy of writing about it. I found this book to not only be pretentious, but lagging and frustrating as well. From the encounters with royalty to the nights she sleeps (heaven forbid) alone in a house without heat in winter, Mrs. Lenard comes off as boring and elitist. Although some of her encounters were vaguely charming, the overall book was hardly worth the few quick hours it took to read. If the fact that she has a dog named Truffles, and a pet rabbit who does commercials are not enough to turn you off, you may enjoy this book; my copy has been donated to the library.
Rating:
Summary: A pretentious and opportunistic book
Review: Billed as a book written by a Californian who moves to Provence, this book is actually written by a French woman who, after spending some time in Beverly Hills, moves back to France into a home that has been "modernized" for her. If you're more interested in boring acounts of how to impress your neighbors than you are in the joy of living life in a beautiful part of the world, then by all means - buy this book. My girlfriend and I were thoroughly disappointed, and returned this pretensious monstrosity for a full refund. For a more substantial and joyful read, try "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle, the book that almost certainly inspired Lenard's shallow and uninspired effort.
Rating:
Summary: Boorish
Review: Definitely among the worst. I wish I had seen the other negative review before I bought this book. The writing is poor and the anecedotes are dull. Ms. Lenard all but spells out how you too, can rent out her house when she's not there. Furthermore, she refers to Van Gogh and Cezanne as Vincent and Paul. And this after reprimanding the French for not respecting their own national treasures!
Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable armchair trip to Provence
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I've read all of Peter Mayle's books on Provence, and while his are charming and wonderful, they're a bit snobby sometimes. Yvone Lenard writes in a more personal, honest and open way. You really feel like you get to know her neighbors, and the way of village life. Her stories are funny, intriguing, and draw you in - I picked up this book every time I had a few moments to read. There's a Web site for the book and you can see pictures of the amazing house they renovated. Made me want to go to Provence even more, and if I can find 5 friends to go along with me, I'm going to rent her house for a week and see those mountain views for myself. All in all, a very enchanting book. I'd still recommend Peter Mayle and eagerly await his next novel or travelogue, but now count Yvone Lenard among my new favorites. Vive la France!!
Rating: 
Summary: I enjoyed it.....and then I met her
Review: I found the book at our local book store a month before my wife and I left for a trip to Italy and Provence. My wife read it before we left and really enjoyed it. I read it in Italy as preparation for our time in the south of France. I, too, found it quite pleasurable. Ms. Lenard's account of the incredible way she and her husband found their house and the good fortune that followed was in sharp contrast to so many "I bought a home in Europe and the renovations were a disaster" tales. Her anecdotes about life in Provence were certainly euphoric and somewhat over the top, but, hey, why not? When you live in a lovely home in one of the acknowledged paradises on Earth, it seems only fitting to revel in your good fortune. It's the good life and good for you, Yvone.
Now, about my tease: sure enough, we met Ms. Lenard and her husband on our trip. They were friendly, warm, and most gracious in the brief time we spent together. Now, does this make objectivity impossible in writing this review? Probably - but honest - I really did enjoy the book and recommend it highly, whether you're an armchair traveler or are planning a trip to the south of France.
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