The title and sub-title tell you what the book is about – an American (woman) moves to Provence and slows down to really experience her life and to spend time making photos just for herself. The title doesn’t tell you that it’s a lovely, oversized coffee table book full of gorgeous photos, French recipes, instructional photography tutorials and more. I have been following Jamie Beck on Instagram because she lives in France and is an amazing photographer. When I heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it.

I had to laugh at the reviewers who criticized her photos and her writing. Yes, it’s all about her – it’s a memoir for crying out loud! She writes about how she discovered herself in the peaceful French countryside after living for years in the high-stress, fast-paced world of New York City.

The book is organized by seasons, with a French glossary and an extremely helpful index to assist you in easily locating what you’re looking for.

I found her writing style to be thoughtful, reflective, and often poetic. I do agree with other commenters that the font is too small (I’m glad to know it wasn’t just me). But the beautiful photos - of which many look like just like paintings – compensate for that issue.

This would make a wonderful gift for a Francophile, art lover, photographer, armchair traveler, or anyone who appreciates well-written memoirs. ( )