Description
Book SynopsisWith one bounced check, Nancy Brook’s world collapsed around her. She was charged with a felony and thrown in jail even though her husband had pilfered money out of their business account. Eventually, the charges were dismissed, but her marriage and business were over. A decade later at age forty-three, Nancy thrived as a bank vice president and single parent. Still, she couldn’t get her dating act together. After seven break-ups in seven years, she knew it was time for a change.
The cure for her dating blues? A 700-mile cycling expedition from Bordeaux to the Alps. In France, Nancy wasn’t a corporate manager, a mother, or someone’s girlfriend. She was reborn into a beautiful new world—without responsibilities or expectations.
Cycling, Wine, and Men: A Midlife Tour de France reveals an introspective journey through post-divorce dating, single parenthood, and finding happiness and independence as an unattached woman in her prime. Nancy had thought the perfect guy would make life complete. Instead she learned that pursuing passions and fulfilling lifelong dreams created deeper fulfillment than her latest homme parfait. Experience the ride of a lifetime as Under the Tuscan Sun meets Sex in the City.
Trade Review“Cycling, Wine, and Men is a charming, delightful, and enlightening read. I fell madly in love with Nancy Brook—her words rang true, her insights and honesty felt like a good friend. A constant reminder to live your life fully, forgive yourself daily, and love yourself more. There’s a line in her book, ‘There’s a gift in the waiting,’ which perfectly describes this gem of a memoir.”
– Amy Ferris, author of Marrying George Clooney, Confessions from a Midlife Crisis
“Brook’s observant tale left me longing to box up my bike and head back to France. A journey isn’t about the destination, but the valleys, the climbs, and the small hamlets along the way. As she demonstrates, what you learn about yourself in the process often proves to be the ultimate souvenir.”
– Kathleen Flinn, author of The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry
“When it comes to heartache and relationships, many women often put healing on the back seat when maybe they should be putting it on a bike seat—literally and figuratively! This book does a wonderful job of reminding women that while the journey may be more important than the destination…sometimes the destination is just what is needed to return to happiness and contentment at home.”
– Kimberly Dawn Neumann, author of The Real Reasons Men Commit and founder of DatingDivaDaily.com
“Honest, heartfelt, and inspiring. I admire Nancy Brook’s courage to overcome challenges and explore life’s possibilities.”
– Rick Frishman, bestselling author and Morgan James publisher
“I love the lesson of the book: looking for happiness outside of ourselves never produces lasting satisfaction.”
– Peggy McColl, New York Times bestselling author
“Cycling, Wine, and Men is sure to inspire others to follow their bliss.”
– Theo Pauline Nestor, author of How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed
“If you subscribe to the notion that life is about lessons, Nancy Brook’s life has a few to offer. Here’s the most important one: We all need people. But sometimes, the person we need most is the one we discover in ourselves.”
– Craig Lancaster, author of 600 Hours of Edward and The Summer Son
“Nancy Brook’s chronicle of cycling through France, as a means of ‘re-cycling’ her life, goes beyond the typical ‘I survived’ genre. She invites the reader to join her up and down the hills, deep into the nooks and crannies of the countryside, and into the hearts of the country folk—as she braves the terrain apart from the safety of her riding companions. Nancy literally reaches out to grab life in the very best way—on her own terms. Bravo and thank you, Nancy, for a great read and a great ride!”
– Bonnie D. Graham, producer/host “Read My Lips” on BlogTalkRadio.com
“In this captivating and delightful memoir, Nancy Brook takes us on an exploration through both the rolling hills of the French countryside and her own internal journey toward self-acceptance. We grow along with her as she cycles and examines her life and relationship choices. Cycling, Wine, and Men: A Midlife Tour de France is exquisitely written and hard to put down. A real joy to read!”
– Kristen Moeller, MS, author of Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie– How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Your Life
“At age 43, Nancy Brook takes a long, backward look at her life: It’s a path pockmarked by a husband’s betrayal, cavalier lovers and a long, lonely climb up the career ladder. But there’s also something else. Buoyed by remarkable resilience and an innate belief in love that refuses to be snuffed out, she embarks on a mid-life adventure bicycling through France. Riding through the bucolic French countryside and over grueling mountain passes, Nancy’s tour de France quickly becomes an engaging tour de life. Honest, reflective, with more than a little sauciness, Nancy’s journey becomes the reader’s journey to rediscovering love, levity, and a life—well lived.”
– Allyn Calton, editor, Magic City Magazine
“Cycling, Wine, and Men by Nancy Brook is a touching, heartfelt tome about her rough and unfortunate time leading up to a cycling tour of France. Reading about her life and a string of bad luck that leads up to her big decision to bicycle through France is filled with tension and drama and wrestles with the idea of making it all right by taking this trip. While reading, you will find yourself rooting for her and wanting to yell out, ‘Yes, go to France!’ And what a time it is. Ms. Brook’s first book is a must read for anyone who has ever lived through life’s various trials and tribulations, just to see if it turns out okay.”
– Mark Stephen Levy, author of Overland
“Riveting! I could not stop reading.”
– Linda Cassell, executive coach, Quantum Leap Coaching & Training
“Cycling, Wine, and Men is a Gold Medal Winner. I started reading because author Nancy Brook is a colleague. But that’s where the road divides. Newly divorced and seeking the coveted new life, Brook showed me the roadway. Sharing her personal journey, she gives us a rich book with insight, poise, and warmth. A great read for women AND men alike.”
– Eric Gelb, author and copywriter, www.PublishingGold.com
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note
Prologue Bon Voyage
Chapter 1 Looking for Love
Chapter 2 My French Fascination
Chapter 3 Why I Shouldn’t Go to France
Preparing for a Bicycle Tour
Chapter 4 The Journey Begins
Chapter 5 Independence in France
Chapter 6 French Lessons in Bordeaux
French Wine Facts
Chapter 7 Falling into Wine Country
Chapter 8 A Birthday in the Vineyards
Chapter 9 Along the Dordogne
Chapter 10 Les Grottes
U.S. Dating Facts
Chapter 11 Blind Date
Chapter 12 Au Revoir, Montreal
Chapter 13 On the Road to Rocamadour
French Camping: What You Need to Know
Chapter 14 Mystical Conques
Chapter 15 Golden Moments
Bicycle Touring: Must Haves
Chapter 16 Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
Chapter 17 The Old Lady in Le Pompidou
Chapter 18 Kisses on Bastille Day
Top Ten Climbing Tips
Chapter 19 The Giant of Provence
Chapter 20 A Day in Olive Country
If the Shoe Fits…
Chapter 21 Climbing the Cols
Chapter 22 The Last Big Climb
Chapter 23 On Top of the World
Save Money on Paris Museums
Chapter 24 Last Stop: Paris
Chapter 25 Welcome Home
Afterword Satisfied on My Own
Acknowledgements
Helpful French Expressions
Wines along the Way: Bordeaux to the Alps
About the Author
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