Book Launch Party Recap

What a night!

We had the most wonderful time celebrating the launch of The France Dance, a charming new novel by the lovely Lauren Palmer. If you have not heard the story behind it, buckle up, it’s a good one.

Lauren joined my A Taste of Provence trip in 2023 and was so moved by the food, the landscape, and the entire experience that she returned home and wrote a novel. Pretty incredible, huh?

The book follows Noelle, a New York City ballerina, who finds herself in the magical city of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the very same village that serves as home base for my Provence trips. As Noelle explores the region, she enjoys unforgettable encounters, visits favorite places, and tastes foods whose flavors evoke the pure essence of Provence. I know you’ll be enchanted by her journey.

Grab your copy here, you won’t want to miss it.

Since Lauren and I are both fans of a good fête, I threw a bash to celebrate the book launch, and what a turnout! Over 110 guests gathered in our Areo County Airport Hangar for an unforgettable evening of connection, conversation, and cheer.

The evening was full of special moments; hearing Lauren tell more about the book…

…meeting Janis, a fellow traveler from our 2023 Provence trip- who inspired a character of the same name in the novel…

but the highlight for many, was purchasing a personalized copy of The France Dance from the author herself!

Of course, no celebration is complete without fantastic food, and the array was pure Provençal heaven: Tomato Basil Tartlets, Pepper and Beef Farci, Leek and Bacon Tarts, Croque Monsieur Tartine, Goat Cheese Truffles, and always my favorite, Gougeres, those golden cheesy puffs that never last long.

We also had generous boards filled with cheeses, nuts, olives, meats, and other sun-kissed nibbles that bring the South of France to life.

To sip, I served a light and lovely Lavender Lemon Fizz, a crisp Chenin Blanc, and the star of the show was Ott Chateau de Selle, a juicy rosé, generously provided by Brian Palmer. A perfect touch of fiction brought to life.

It was such a joy to reconnect with many A Taste of Paris alumni- several had just returned from our April trips to Paris and the Loire Valley, and to share an evening steeped in friendship and French flair.

We ended on a sweet note with a show-stopping madeleine board that had everyone talking.

It was filled to the brim with dreamy little cakes in lemon, coconut, chocolate, cherry almond, raspberry, and pistachio, one more beautiful than the next! I’ll be sharing a few of these Madeleine recipes right here on the blog next week- Stay tuned!

And if The France Dance has you dreaming of Provençal skies and the glittering Mediterranean, why not come with me? There’s just one seat left open for our September 2025 trip, and it’s calling your name!

Ready for a French adventure of your own?

ATOP April 2026 trips will be opening soon, so be sure to join the WAITLIST NOW to snag your spot before they disappear.

Thanks for coming along for the Book Launch Party Recap- it was such a special evening and a true honor to host!

The beautiful party photos are by Liz Labianca

PS– Donna May was the winner of the door prize: 2 French Madeleine tins carried back from Paris, a bottle of Ott Chateau de Selle rosé, and a lavender bunch.