Ann shares spicy tales
22 August 2008
Get ready for a sassy read full of joie de vivre in Ann Rickard’s latest book, Ooh La La! A French Romp.
The fifth book by the long-term Noosa News feature and travel writer will be released nationally on September 1 and launched officially at berardo’s restaurant on September 18 and 19.
Ann is well known for her humorous travel narratives – including her bestseller Not Another Greek Salad – and last year she won the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ Travel Book of the Year, and Australian Travel Writer of the Year 2005.
Ooh La La! tells the story of Ann becoming a tour guide and taking a small group – from her fan base all over Australia – to the south of France. “It’s about me being a bit out of my depth, but muddling my fun way through,” she said. “It follows us through all the fun and the ups and downs.”
Added to the mix is the sexy Amanda, a voluptuous “woman of a certain age”. Amanda, who owns the 18th century property near Provence where the group stays, keeps getting Ann side tracked with her stable of young French lovers.
Despite being quite flighty, Amanda had access to some of the best chefs in the region, organised cooking demonstrations for the tour, and enabled guests to get up close with all the local characters of the village.
“I met Amanda when she read my other books a couple of years ago and contacted me by email,” Ann said.“Long story short, I was in France, visited her, we clicked, we hatched a plan to host tours in France together. So, against the backdrop of her stunning French property, the colourful markets, the charms of the French countryside, the quality food, wine and musical entertainment, the tour came together in one joyous fortnight.”
Publisher, New Holland, has lined up a huge national marketing campaign and will also pitch the book to the US market early next year.
Ann said this is her “best book by far’’ and should make readers feel as though they are in France with the tour group.
“It’s more sassy than the usual books about France because of Amanda with her young lovers and joy for life,” she said. “I think it will inspire people, especially women.”
To get in on all the fun of this happy read, book to attend the berardo’s launches: September 18, four-course dinner with music, $85 (includes wine); September 19, three-course lunch with music, $75 (includes wine). Bookings: 5447 5666.
Ooh La La! A French Romp will be released September 1 in all good book shops ($29.95). Purchasers in the first two months will receive free Ann’s bestseller Not Another Greek Salad.
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