A Northern Light in Provence

“When 35-year-old Ilse Erlund is transported from her home in coastal Greenland to a medieval hilltop village in Provence to translate the work of an esteemed poet, she discovers that true understanding requires moving beyond words, into empathy’s more uncertain terrain. Big-hearted, whimsical, and enchanting, A Northern Light in Provence is more than a delightful escape; it’s an invitation to explore the potential of human connection.”—#1 New York Times bestselling novelist Christina Baker Kline, author of The Exiles

“A gorgeous ice-and-fire romance that will plunge you into both the infinite tundra of Greenland and the color-soaked mountains of Provence … an immersive, sensual read that demands a hammock, bare feet, and a well-iced bottle of rosé.”—Helen Simonson, author of The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club

“A charming and beautifully written novel about self-discovery, the power of language and yes, love! All of which left me yearning for my own Provençal adventure. Elizabeth Birkelund reminds us that sometimes we must step out of our comfort zones to pursue our dreams.”—Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants and At the Water’s Edge

“Birkelund’s lyrical language transported me to sunny Provence, where I imagined myself sitting amidst a vineyard, wine glass in hand, and to the icy waters of Greenland, where I found myself reaching for a warm wool blanket. The developing bond between the troubadour poet and his French translator moved me deeply.”—Alka Joshi, author of The Jaipur Trilogy

“This sweeping, gorgeous novel is more than just a love story—it’s a life-affirming tale about finding who and where you’re meant to be. Birkeland has the uncanny ability to transport you with her prose to both the charming (and cold!) Greenlandic village and then the warm, idyllic French countryside, but her real gift lies in laying bare the truth of the human heart. I loved it.”—Colleen Oakley, author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

“With its heart-stopping lyricism and immersive story, this intensely moving, vivid, and evocative novel stayed with me long after I finished it. The questions it poses about life, and love, continue to haunt me.”—Lauren Belfer, author of Ashton Hall

“I was deeply moved by this tender and wise novel about a translator discovering the poetry of daily life—and her own heart—in two of the most beautiful places on earth. Birkelund has crafted an unforgettable story about love, literature, and the difficulties in separating our dreams from our illusions… . As surprising as it is delightful.”—Will Schwalbe, New York Times bestselling author of The End of Your Life Book Club

“Birkelund sets her enchanting tale of love and loss in exotic Greenland and sun-dappled Provence… . [She] constructs a rich world replete with real emotional stakes and lovely insights on how translation relates to life… . This sumptuous tale deserves a wide audience.”—Publishers Weekly

Elizabeth Birkelund is the author of two previous novels, The Runaway Wife and The Dressmaker. She started her career in the editorial department of European Travel and Life magazine, then turned to freelance writing as a monthly personal finance columnist for Cosmopolitan. She has written for numerous national publications, including Glamour, Self, Working Woman, and Victoria.

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