Spiced with recipes from Mayes' 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. Ever since she decided to buy the rundown farmhouse Bramasole and document her adventures in Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes has turned a twist of fate. 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. 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. It is also a memoir of a season of change, and of renewed possibility. 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.

She is also the author of A Year in the World, Bella Tuscany, Every Day in Tuscany, Women in Sunlight, and Bringing Tuscany Home, among others. The award-winning movie by the same title was based off of her memoir. Now truly at home there, Mayes writes of her deepening connection to the land, her flourishing friendships with local people and the joys of art, food and wine. Frances Mayes is the international bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun and The Tuscan Sun Cookbook. 'Bella Tuscany' is a passionate and lyrical account of her continuing love affair with Italy. 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.

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.

Bella tuscany by frances mayes