Review

“Folk traditions and mythical love stories intertwine with inspired advice in this unconventional travel tome.” — May WINE ENTHUSIAST

Product Description

From the sensuous sound of water lapping against the walls of Venice’s ancient palazzi to the intoxicating fragrance of citrus blossoms in Sicily, Italy is a country made for lovers. In 10 distinct chapters, Monica Larner-who has divided her life between Italy and America since childhood-guides the reader through Italy’s most inspiring destinations, including romantic locales, exclusive hotels, and tantalizing restaurants. Each region has its own unique amorous legends, love rituals, and aphrodisiac recipes that inspire and seduce. Beautifully illustrated with dozens of luscious color photographs that evoke the magic and fantasy of a romantic trip far away, the book includes complete information on getting married abroad, and will prove an invaluable and enjoyable resource to any true romantic.

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From Publishers Weekly

In this lighthearted memoir by television’s former L.A. Law star, Tucker delve graciously into the rich lifestyle, cuisine and local wine of central Italy when he and his wife, actress Jill Eikenberry, make an impromptu purchase of a 350-year-old stone cottage in the Umbrian countryside. The Tuckers break away from the Bay Area to acquaint themselves with the Rustico, their new second home. Despite speaking limited Italian, they quickly befriend their expatriate and Italian neighbors and with them set out to celebrate the regional cuisine found in local trattorias, tavernas and the aromatic kitchens of new acquaintances. Language gaffes and the occasional couple’s spat is to be expected, as the Tuckers begin to re-evaluate their lives. The simplicity and heartiness of Umbria begins to feel more like home for them, and little by little the Tuckers let go of their more career-ambitious lives in the U.S. Jill’s revitalization of her theater career in New York becomes as much of an accomplishment as her taking art classes with 16 non-English-speaking Italian housewives. Tucker simply appreciates his relationships forged with Gloria, the owner of the local orta-frutta shop and the town’s butchers. Guileless narrative intertwined with generous descriptions of Italian fare make Tucker’s food memoir and travelogue a satisfying look into the good life. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
–This text refers to the

Hardcover
edition.


From Booklist

Driving through Italy, television actors Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry and her young Korean^B assistant are seduced by the stately, relaxed pace of Italian life. Swapping their dream of a house in Provence for an Italian venue, they find a friend’s home for sale near Spoleto, and Tucker quickly seals a deal. The delights of Italian food awaken Tucker’s latent epicure. His determined compulsion to savor every edible raised on local farms ultimately obliges him to spend some serious hours at the local gym. Returning for a time to their California home, they want to share their love of Italian food by hosting a dinner party, but egocentric American friends can’t even gracefully accept this generous invitation, citing a catalog of dietary restrictions and food fears. Foodies will slaver and bristle with envy at the surfeit of pungently fresh truffles that appear at seemingly every meal. Mark Knoblauch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
–This text refers to the

Hardcover
edition.

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Review

“In this beautiful collection, women share their experiences firsthand, reflecting on the ways France’s unique culture has enriched and enchanted their lives.”

Product Description

Legendary for fabulous food, persistent men, and a lyrical language, Italy has inspired many great love affairs?with the country itself. From the notorious occupants and cuisine of Sicily, to the ancient marvels of Rome, to the couture of Milan, women throughout the ages have invented and reinvented adventure in this diverse and voluptuous land. In this thrilling and layered new collection, women from Barbara Grizzuti Harrison to the neo-Tuscan Frances Mayes to Mary Simetti Taylor explore and describe in loving prose individual infatuations with a land that is both complicated by and adored for a rich tradition.

Product Description

France has long captured the imagination of Americans. For some women, a love of France and all things French started when they were schoolgirls tackling one of the most seductive of tongues. For others, the attraction came later when, drawn to what many consider the world’s most exalted culture, they made summer trips or even moved there, learning much about this beguiling country along the way. In this beautiful collection, two dozen women describe the country they love and why they fell under its spell. Women explore their firsthand experiences with the people, landscape, flavors, history, art, culture, and character of this enchanted land. Featuring a delightful mix of perspectives-from M.F.K. Fisher’s first days in Dijon and Janet Flanner’s account of post-War Paris to the contemporary prose of Amanda Hesser-this book is sure to strike a chord with Francophiles everywhere.