MSI Press Blog

  Here is another book review of  From Tuscany with Love  by Lauretta Avina, a newly released book that has been on the Amazon top 100 lists in several categories. It comes from a colleague of the author. 'Why you are the way you are' was beautiful. When reviewing  From Tuscany with Love , I really loved that it revealed to me even more about who you [the author] are and where you came from. 'Why you are the way you are' was beautiful. The weaving of a personal story with the nonfiction historical happenings and the family recipes are timeless. The strongest memories are those that involve the senses of smell, taste, and hearing. The recipes are a microcosm for what we all seek; comfort through family and friends 'breaking bread' with the deep roots of food passed down from generation to generation. ( Claire E. Grissom, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness,  San Benito High School District)  Book Description: From Tuscany with Lov...

     Today's Publisher's Pride is  From Tuscany with Love  by Lauretta Avina, which reached the following sales rankings on Amazon: #1 in hot new releases emigrant & immigrant biographies #3 in hot new releases in Italian cooking #93 in hot new releases in cookbooks, food & wine #21 in emigrant & immigrant biographies [this is all books historically published in this category list] #34 in emigration & immigration studies #55 in culinary biographies & memoirs Book Description: From Tuscany with Love  is an emotional memoir capturing the heartfelt journey of a scared, little girl from the rolling hills of Lucca to the bustling life in America. Through evocative stories and cherished family recipes, the author pays tribute to the rich culture, love, and flavors that shaped her life. This memoir beautifully blends personal reflections on family, resilience, and the timeless traditions of Tuscan cuisine, offering readers a deeply personal and...

Here is another book review of From Tuscany with Love by Lauretta Avina, a newly released book that has been on the Amazon top 100 lists in several categories. "I never had a cookbook that brought a tear to my eye, but this one did. I have known Lauretta for over 40 years. I grew up in Gilroy, and we met in theater at our high school. I was also a shy kid trying to fit in. Her story brought back my own bittersweet memories of finding my way. I did not realize the depth of her experience until I read her book. That is how her story is simultaneously unique and universal. Different from yours or mine, but also the same. Reaching out through the delightful aroma of fresh baked biscotti, weaving in world history, sharing happiness and heartache, and tapping into the place that makes us human. Lauretta is proudly passionate about life. About family, cooking, justice for the voiceless, and about her love for Italy. As I was reading, I could hear every word in Lauretta's own voice. ...

  Sharing the latest book review for From Tuscany with Love by Lauretta Avina --  From Edward Fitzhenry:  It was Napoleon Bonaparte (no stranger to Tuscany) who once said, “An army marches on its stomach!”  He realized the importance of plentiful quality food for the success of his military campaigns. It’s equally true to recognize that food contributes to the memories of our childhood, whether in America or abroad…”food maketh the man” (or in this case woman!) Lauretta  Avina, in her book ‘From Tuscany with Love’ takes us marching into her Tuscan (Lucca) past and sustains us on the journey with local and familial recipes.  You may indeed take  the woman from Tuscany, but you can never take Tuscany from the woman!! And for that I am most grateful.  Her recipes, stories and experiences are a feast for body and soul.  In writing this culinary autobiography Ms. Avina has gifted us with a share of her heritage. And because we can recreate the r...