MSI Press Blog

    Good Wednesday Morning, everyone! The Hollister Certified Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, starting April 16 through October 22, 2025, right in downtown Hollister on San Benito Street. It’s a lively weekly event with over 60 vendors, live entertainment, and a bounty of fresh produce, flowers, and local treats. If you’re planning a visit, just a heads-up: pets aren’t allowed due to health regulations—though trained service animals are welcome. And what better way to celebrate fresh, local ingredients than with a recipe straight from the heart of Tuscany? Hollister’s own Lauretta Avina—chef-in-chief at MSI Press and author of the beloved From Tuscany with Love —invites readers into her kitchen with a memoir that’s as rich in flavor as it is in feeling. Raised in the rolling hills of Lucca, Lauretta brings generations of Tuscan tradition to life through evocative stories and cherished family recipes. Whether you’re shopping the stalls of San Be...

   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 flavorful lo...

  You would be surprised where you might find some unique -- and tasty -- recipes. Some of more interesting books have some special recipes tucked inside them. See, for example... Dia de Muertos . Ever wonder how to make some of those yummy Day of the Dead treats? Sula has the recipes for you! Syrian Folktales . Muna has included more than a folktale from each region of Syria; she has also included recipes from each region of Syria. Maybe this is one of the reasons that this is one of our best-selling books. Girl, You Got This! -- you might be surprised -- contains healthy recipes for mothers-to-be who are paying involved in fitness activities. HOWEVER, unlike Amazon's stubborn classification of The Optimistic Food Addict as a cookbook, it is anything but. Dr. Fisanick, the author, shares personal stories of coping with overeating and provides much self-help and guidance to readers. There is not one recipe there! (Seek instead, recipes in the books listed above.) But, should be i...

Colorin' Colorado features Syrian Folktales as a n excellent way to gain better English language skills and learn a lot about Syria in the process. Muna Imady, the author, was a teacher, so Colorin' Colorado, you made a good call! The book is on sale at a big discount on Amazon . Learn more about the book HERE . See posts about Muna Imady and her book HERE .