Frances Mayes Always Italy with Ondine Cohane

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

The world’s favorite expert on la dolce vita (Under the Tuscan Sun author) guides readers through Italy’s iconic regions, replete with lavish National Geographic images.

This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys. In these illuminating pages, Frances Mayes, the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and many other bestsellers, and New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane reveal an Italy that only the locals know, filled with top destinations and unforgettable travel experiences in every region. From the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre and the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands to the Renaissance architecture of Florence and the best pizza in Rome, every section features insider secrets and off-the-beaten-path recommendations (for example, a little restaurant in Piedmont known for its tajarin, a pasta that is the perfect bed for the region’s celebrated truffles). Here are the best places to stay, eat, and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town, and unique terrain. Along the way, you’ll make stops at the country’s hidden gems–art galleries, local restaurants, little-known hiking trails, spas, and premier spots for R&R. Inspiring and utterly unique, this vivid treasury is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy.

my thoughts:

Talk about the perfect book to armchair travel to Italy with - Always Italy by Frances Mayes.  It is spectacular! Gorgeous photographs that will have you imagining yourself wandering the streets of Italy, living 'la dolce vita'.  History about the cities and towns that make up such a beautiful country.  Tons of tidbits and recommendations about where to stop, eat, and sleep. It is treasure trove of information that you must-read for yourself. Especially, if you dream of visiting Italy one day.  I was lucky and was able to visit Italy during grad school. The trip was one I will never forget. The cities were amazing and unforgettable - Firenze was my absolute favorite! I truly hope to visit again one day. 

Mayes and travel writer, Ondine Cohane capture the beauty, the culture, and the history with such vividness, such love, and such joy.  Their words make you feel as if you are breathing in Italy and all it has to offer. This book is such a treat to read. Not only will you get lost in the photographs and words, but you will daydream about the trips you will take to a beautiful country that will leave you with memories galore. With the world thrust into the uknown at the moment, books like Always Italy are just perfect to get caught up in, because they share the beauty of the world with you and remind you that life wasn't always this scary. And, one day, you will be able to witness the beauty of the world once more.

I would happily recommend Always Italy to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!


Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Always Italy

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Women: The National Geographic Image Collection

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

This powerful photography collection, drawn from the celebrated National Geographic archive, reveals the lives of women from around the globe, accompanied by revelatory new interviews and portraits of contemporary trailblazers including Oprah Winfrey, Jane Goodall, and Christiane Amanpour.

#MeToo. #GirlBoss. Time’s Up. From Silicon Valley to politics and beyond, women are reshaping our world. Now, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, this bold and inspiring book from National Geographic mines 130 years of photography to showcase their past, their present, and their future. With 300+ stunning images from more than 50 countries, each page of this glorious book offers compelling testimony about what it means to be female, from historic suffragettes to the haunting, green-eyed “Afghan girl.”

Organized around chapter themes like grit, love, and joy, the book features brand-new commentary from a wide swath of luminaries including Laura Bush, Gloria Allred, Roxane Gay, Melinda Gates, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, and the founders of the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements. Each is accompanied by a bold new portrait, shot by acclaimed NG photographer Erika Larsen. The ultimate coffee table book, this iconic collection provides definitive proof that the future is female.

my thoughts:

Oh my, gorgeousness! Women by The National Geographic Image Collection is beyond stunning.  I fell in so deep with this beautiful tome chock full of images of women from all over the world.  These photographs captured so much emotion, history, and livelihood - they were brilliant. I spent days with this book, just pouring over the each picture and finding myself smiling, tearing up and just taking it all in. The strength and fortitude of women is crystal clear throughout the book and I just loved that. Women is one book you most definitely don't want to miss out on. It is truly special and makes for quite the reading experience. I absolutely LOVED it to bits. And, I can't wait to share it with loved ones - I just know they are going to enjoy looking through this book and placing it front and center on their coffee tables.

I would happily recommend Women to fans of National Geographic and anyone interested in their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Women

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!