MSI Press Blog

  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...

  Released today: Ebook edition of From Tuscany with Love by Lauretta Avina. Book description: Lauretta Avina, an Italian American immigrant, has a deep passion for sharing good food with family and friends. Her first cookbook, Ricette del Mio Paese, came out in 2011. Lauretta is the founder and president of the Franca Barsi Memorial Scholarship, created to honor her late sister, a victim of domestic violence. In addition to her advocacy for domestic violence victims, she is a staunch supporter of military veterans and their families. She also advocates for students in her role as a Guidance Technician at her local high school. Lauretta enjoys preparing delicious meals, often using vegetables and spices from her husband's garden. She is well-known in her community especially for her Lasagna alla Lucchese and her Biscotti. Endorsement:  I never had a cookbook that brought a tear to my eye, but this one did. [Lauretta's] story is simultaneously unique and universal. Different ...

  Excerpt from Recovering from Domestic Violence, Abuse, and Stalking by Joanna Romer -  My Experience: Lauretta Avina              “I’m a huge believer in counseling, and I never used to be.”   When Lauretta Avina heard that her sister had been murdered by her boyfriend, she couldn’t believe it at first. “I felt disbelief,” she said. “I managed to walk next door to my neighbor’s house. I told him, ‘My sister’s dead!’” Lauretta said her sister, Franca Bars, who was 38 at the time of her death in 2006, had been going with her boyfriend David on and off for seven years. “I only met him once,” Lauretta told me. “He had an angry look. That was two months before the murder.” Despite the angry look, Lauretta said she would never have imagined David capable of murder. “My sister’s exact words were ‘He would never hurt me,’” Lauretta said. “A friend said later he was abusing her. I kick myself in the butt—why didn’t I q...

  Our first publication of the new year is by Lauretta Avina, a culinary artist of Italian derivation. From Tuscany with Love has it all: memories of Italy, easy-to-follow recipes from Italians and Italian Americans, and illustrations. Coming very soon! Stand by! Book description: In progress Book signing information: In progress Book launch information: In progress For more posts about Lauretta and her book, click  HERE . For more recipe books, clear  HERE . Purchase this book at 25% discount with coupon code FF25 at  MSI Press webstore ! Want to buy this book and not have to pay for it? Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it. Are you an author concerned about a load of phishing and scams that come your way and might be legitimate offers? Or conversely, do you want to make sure a legitimate offer is actually legitimate and good? Join the free  MSI Press discussion group  on January 11, 2025 as we examine how to tell the difference and explore how...