When I began work on my website earlier this year, I bought myself three gorgeous coffee-table-style books to read as a reward for finishing the site. Nothing like a little incentive, huh?!

Several months later, it’s time to come good on that promise to myself. (I’m rather proud of myself for holding out, for not devouring the books long ago.)

All three of the books that I purchased are special to me because they celebrate beauty and style, and their photos and written descriptions help remind me that I am creating a beautiful life for myself. Creating a beautiful life is something you can do for yourself, too – and it’s my mission to inspire you to take action towards that!

The first of the three books, French Essence: Ambience, Beauty and Style in Provence, was published last year, and was on my wishlist for quite a few months before I finally gave in to its irresistible allure.

Written by Australian expat Vicki Archer, French Essence provides an outsider-turned-insider’s celebratory view of life in Provence. As I mention in my blog posting entitled Things I Love, I adore ‘English- and French-style gardens, homes and architecture’ – and this book lets me fall into a world of beauty, French-style.

Having cherished Vicki’s first book, My French Life, which chronicled the journey Vicki and her family took in purchasing and renovating a 17th century farmhouse in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, I knew I was going to love this latest book. Within its pages are vivid, larger-than-life photography by the exceedingly talented Carla Coulson; evocative, all-senses descriptions of life in Provence that make you feel as though you’re really there; and glossy, heavy paper (the latter being very important in Joanne’s world).

I also love that it includes a sumptuous special section on Christmas – Christmas being another of my favourite ‘things’!

Sigh… I adore immersing myself in beauty. Do you? It makes my heart sing.

If you’d like to purchase this lovely book as a gift to yourself and to fire your inspiration, head here:

US version: French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence

UK version: French Essence: Ambience, Beauty and Style in Provence

Now, time to absorb myself in book number two. Stay tuned.

PS Vicki also has a gorgeous French Essence blog – if you love Provence, head there now (to the blog, or to Provence, or to both!).