#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The beloved memoir of self-discovery set against the spectacular Tuscan countryside that inspired the major motion picture starring Diane Lane—now in a twentieth-anniversary edition featuring a new afterword “This beautifully written memoir about taking chances, living in Italy, loving a house and, always, the pleasures of food, would make a perfect gift for a loved one. But it’s so delicious, read it first yourself.”—USA Today For more Frances Mayes, including a tour of her now iconic Cortona home, Bramasole, watch PBS’s Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special! More than twenty years ago, Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—introduced readers to a wondrous new world when she bought and restored an abandoned Tuscan villa called Bramasole. Under the Tuscan Sun inspired generations to embark on their own journeys—whether that be flying to a foreign country in search of themselves, savoring one of the book’s dozens of delicious seasonal recipes, or simply being transported by Mayes’s signature evocative, sensory language. Now with a new afterword from Frances Mayes, the twentieth-anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun revisits the book’s most popular characters.
A lavishly illustrated ode to the joys of Tuscany’s people, food, landscapes, and art, from the bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun and See You in the Piazza “A love letter to Italy written in precise and passionate language of near-poetic density.”—Newsday In Tuscany celebrates the abundant pleasures of life in Italy as it is lived at home, at festivals, feasts, restaurants and markets, in the kitchen and on the piazza, in the vineyards, fields, and olive groves. Combining essays by Frances Mayes and a chapter by her husband, poet Edward Mayes, with more than 200 full-color photos by photographer Bob Krist, each of this book's five sections highlights a signature aspect of Tuscan life: La Piazza: the locus of Italian village life. With photographs of the shop signs, the outdoor markets, medieval streets, people, their pets and their cars, and snippets of conversations overheard, Mayes reveals the life of the Piazza in her town of Cortona as well as out-of-the-way places such as Volterra, Asciano, Monte San Savino, and Castelmuzio. La Festa: the celebration. Essays and photos of feasts and celebrations, such as the Christmas dinner for twenty-seven at a neighbor's house and a donkey race around the church at Montepulciano Stazione, illustrate how the Tuscans celebrate the seasons--their open ways of friendship, their connection to nature, and most of all, their sense of abundance. Il Campo: the field. Here Edward Mayes evokes the deep sense of the shift of seasons as he picks olives before he and Frances head off to the olive oil mill and enjoy the first bruscette with new oil. La Cucina: the kitchen. An intimate view of the all-important role of the kitchen in Tuscan culture, including photographs of her own kitchen and gardens, menus from great local cooks, the elements of the Tuscan table, dishes with cultural and culinary notes on each, and, of course, delectable recipes. La Bellezza: the beauty. From the quality of the light falling on sublime landscapes in different seasons and Tuscan faces in moments of laughter to a silhouette of cypress trees in the early evening and a wild bird perched on a neigbor's head, In Tuscany features views of beauty that reveal the singular splendor of one of the world's best-loved and most artistic regions.
Chocolate cake makes sweet dreams come true. In a real-life fairy tale, author Sheryl Ness shares how she fell in love with Vincenzo, a chef in a quaint Tuscan kitchen, over his decadent hot chocolate cake. This enchanting memoir will transport you to the cobblestone streets, lush hillsides dotted with grapevines and olive trees, and unique characters that create the backdrop for Sheryl's Italian love story. Love in a Tuscan Kitchen is sprinkled with traditional recipes she collected along the way and flavored with rich accounts of how her dreams were fulfilled many times over while living in a picturesque village in Chianti. Raise a toast and taste pure joy as Sheryl opens her heart to love, and in turn finds herself on a remarkable journey of discovery through the people, traditions, and customs of Italy as the blond Americana fell in love with the chef with twinkling eyes.
He's her best friend's brother. She's spending the summer at his ranch. What could go wrong? Out of all of her friends, Rose is the 'single' one. She isn't lucky in love. In fact, she's the opposite. So, her friend Katie decides to whisk her away for a few weeks of sun and relaxation. There's only one problem - they're off to visit Katie's brother Thomas at his magnificent Italian ranch. And Rose is petrified of horses. Deep in the Tuscan countryside, Rose faces her fear and slowly discovers that the freedom of riding a horse is like nothing else in the world. But she also discovers Thomas and - despite Katie's warnings - she begins to fall for his charms. Is Thomas as wonderful as Rose thinks he is? Or is she about to make another bad choice, and get her heart broken? 'Love in Tuscany' is a sweet, clean, romance novel with no cliff hangers and a HEA. It is the third stand-alone novel in the True Love Travels series by Poppy Pennington-Smith.
Tuscany is a territory that is tucked away in the middle of Italy, and it is a region that calls wanderers and lovers with its unrivaled splendor. The book "The Romance of Tuscany, Italy: A Journey Through Love and Beauty" is an engrossing examination of this enthralling location, a testament to its enduring attractiveness, and a celebration of love in all of its manifestations. Tuscany portrays a vivid picture of romance, enticing you to embark on a journey you will never forget, with its rich landscapes, history, cuisine, culture, and art. This will be an amazing experience. The beauties of Tuscany provide the setting for this love story that is actually with nature itself. A magnificent symphony of green and gold may be found in the rolling hills of Chianti, which are decorated with vineyards and olive trees. Travelers can follow roads lined with cypress trees as they snake through the countryside to reach picture-perfect towns and villages that appear to have been lifted from a dream. The sandy beaches, rocky coves, and azure waters along the shoreline lend an air of mysticism to the landscape. These natural marvels are largely responsible for Tuscany's status as one of the most famously romantic places in the entire world. As you flip the pages of this book, you will delve into the region's rich history, which spans from the time of the Etruscans to the Renaissance era, which is commonly referred to as the golden age of Tuscany. Throughout this book, you will learn about the Etruscans, the Renaissance, and everything in between. A narrative of creative and architectural marvels is woven together by the Medici heritage, which played an important part in the development of Florence and the beginning of the Italian Renaissance. Readers are captivated by tales of festivals, customs, and the Tuscan way of life because Tuscany's cultural traditions are equally as enthralling as the Tuscan way of life itself. This book not only sheds light on Tuscany's most famous places, but it also reveals the region's best-kept secrets when it comes to romantic getaways and off-the-beaten-path excursions. Away from the madding masses, these beautiful strolls, hidden courtyards, and secret gardens all provide opportunities for moments of intimacy and connection. You will also have access to helpful suggestions for the logistical aspects of organizing your romantic trip to Tuscany, such as recommendations for modes of transportation, accommodations, romantic gestures, and basics for packing. This book will serve as your reliable guide to writing your very own love story set in Tuscany. A voyage through one of the most romantic locations in the world, "The Romance of Tuscany, Italy: A Journey Through Love and Beauty" is a journey that is entertaining, instructive, and evocative all at the same time. It extends an invitation to completely submerge yourself in the ageless charm of Tuscany and uncover the numerous guises of love and beauty that may be found in this region of Italy. This book is your passport to a world of love and beauty in the very center of Italy. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, daydreaming about Tuscany, or simply wishing to be transported to a place of unrivaled charm, this book is your ticket to a world of love and beauty in Italy.
In the heart of Italy's rolling countryside lies a land where time seems to slow down, and the essence of romance lingers in the air like the scent of blooming wildflowers. Tuscany, with its sun-kissed hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming cobblestone streets, has always been a canvas for love stories, both timeless and new. Amidst this enchanting landscape, where every corner tells a tale of history and passion, unfolds a story that merges the magic of the past with the possibilities of the present. "Finding Love in Tuscany" invites you on a journey where the past casts its shadows and the future beckons with open arms. Our tale begins with a desire for a fresh start, a chance to escape the bustling routine of everyday life. As fate would have it, the path of two souls crosses amidst the golden hues of a Tuscan sunrise. Emily, an adventurous soul in search of inspiration, finds herself drawn to the allure of Tuscany's art, culture, and culinary delights. Meanwhile, Luca, a local vineyard owner, carries with him the weight of family traditions and a history that reaches back through generations. As Emily and Luca's worlds collide, they discover that Tuscany holds more than just breathtaking landscapes-it holds the key to unraveling their pasts and reshaping their futures. Amidst the echoing whispers of old romances and the vibrancy of the present moment, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking passions they never knew existed. Through stormy nights and sun-dappled days, within the walls of centuries-old villas and the narrow streets of historic towns, Emily and Luca's connection deepens. They learn that love is not just a destination but a journey-one that navigates through the intricacies of culture, family, and personal histories. "Finding Love in Tuscany" is a story of embracing the unknown, of embracing each other, and of finding the courage to rewrite the script of their lives. Join us as we explore the art, beauty, and mystery of Tuscany, where the past and present intertwine, and where love blooms in the most unexpected of places. As the Tuscan sunsets paint the sky with hues of gold and crimson, let us turn the page and embark on this captivating journey together.
Lose yourself in Italian blue skies and sun-kissed streets with this gorgeous, heart-wrenching story about love and second chances. Fans of That Month in Tuscany, T.A. Williams and Lucy Coleman will fall head over heels for Mia and Luca’s incredible romance. Mia Moretti is looking for a place to heal. A devastating illness has taken her talent for painting, and her dreams of being an artist have been broken. Clutching a one-way ticket to Florence, Mia hopes that in Tuscany’s rich green vineyards she can find herself again. It doesn’t take long for Mia to fall in love with the crumbling walls and endless views of Villa Belladonna. But what Mia doesn't count on is handsome local Luca Bonnici. With his charming smile and easy laugh, he intrigues Mia, and his confidence reminds her of the person she used to be. As she jumps on the back of his motorcycle and spends long days gazing into his smouldering chestnut eyes, she begins to feel free. But just as Mia starts to wonder if she could stay in Florence, or hold a paintbrush again, tragedy strikes, and she realises that she may not really know Luca at all. Will the secrets between them bring them together, or force Mia, heartbroken, to return home for good? What readers are saying about Her Tuscan Summer: ‘Absolutely exceptional! Breathtaking; beautiful; heartbreaking and outstanding! I haven't been to Italy, but now, I’d love to go just to walk where Mia and Luca walked.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Breathtaking… will stay with me for a long time... Mia’s struggle touched my heart… I adored this novel… For a wonderful escape into beautiful Florence, I highly recommend this beautiful book (and make sure you have tissues nearby!).’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I cannot recommend this novel enough. Once I opened the first page, I was immediately lost in Mia’s heartfelt journey… a novel that resonates with you, long after the last page is read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautiful, emotional, picturesque… I was swept away… The story of Mia and Luca had me captivated from beginning to end, in fact I read half of this book in one day.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was absolutely transported to Tuscany and I did not want to leave! Such a gorgeous love story… a set of characters that will stay with you long after you reluctantly have to leave them and Tuscany behind.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A heart-warming, intimate love story that takes the reader on a chauffeured voyage of Florence, and the beautiful surrounding landscapes… a glorious emotion-filled read. The story was so beautifully written and portrayed, that I didn't want it to end.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frances Mayes, whose enchanting #1 New York Times bestseller Under the Tuscan Sun made the world fall in love with Tuscany, invites readers back for a delightful new season of friendship, festivity, and food, there and throughout Italy. Having spent her summers in Tuscany for the past several years, Frances Mayes relished the opportunity to experience the pleasures of primavera, an Italian spring. A sabbatical from teaching in San Francisco allowed her to return to Cortona—and her beloved house, Bramasole—just as the first green appeared on the rocky hillsides. Bella Tuscany, a companion volume to Under the Tuscan Sun, is her passionate and lyrical account of her continuing love affair with Italy. Now truly at home there, Mayes writes of her deepening connection to the land, her flourishing friendships with local people, the joys of art, food, and wine, and the rewards and occasional heartbreaks of her villa's ongoing restoration. It is also a memoir of a season of change, and of renewed possibility. As spring becomes summer she revives Bramasole's lush gardens, meets the challenges of learning a new language, tours regions from Sicily to the Veneto, and faces transitions in her family life. Filled with recipes from her Tuscan kitchen and written in the sensuous and evocative prose that has become her hallmark, Bella Tuscany is a celebration of the sweet life in Italy.
A Tuscan Love is a short tale that tells the story of a unusual love that defies boundaries and pushes to deep existential questionings, a long journey of life till when balance and happiness are found at last. It takes place in Tuscany, Italy, in Florence and Siena, and its story makes an echo to "The Knight of the Red House" by Alexandre Dumas, as Flaminia, one of the main characters, has a fascination for that literary hero, and Fabio, who falls in love with Flaminia, will endeavour to become a modern incarnation of a chivalrous knight. But can happiness truly be found when you become someone else?
