If you like traveling, if you like to totally immerse yourself in something of interest or if you would like to do those things but haven't the money nor the time, you will find pleasure in the book. ( )

I really liked this travelogue. The author starts north in Torino and moves south geographically instead of her actual chronology. She is very descriptive and tells some stories about their travels in many cases but in some instance just lists restaurant and places to go. I would have like more detail in those spots. I like that she has added recipes and plan on trying a few. This book makes me want to get online and book a trip right now. I also like that she included links to reading material related to the place so that I can get further information on interesting topics. However, I have two major gripes with this book. The first is a lack of a map of any kind. I know, I can go to google maps and look something up but it is tedious, time consuming and breaks the flow of the book. The second is a lack of photos. I wanted photos of some of the specific places or foods she talked about but I also wanted pictures of the finished product in the recipes. I think these are major flaws that hopefully will be fixed by publication. I’ll give it three stars now but would give it four of five if maps and photos are added. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. ( )

If you are an armchair traveler as I am and you love reading about Italy, get this book immediately! I certainly loved Under the Tuscan Sun as well as Mayes’ next book Bella Tuscany. This one won’t disappoint if you are fans of Frances Mayes and like a foodie/cultural narrative.

See You in the Piazza isn’t a novel. I’d describe it as a cross between a memoir and a travel guide, yet it isn’t specifically either one. It’s the sort of Ex-Pat lit that I can sink my teeth into, traveling vicariously through descriptive writing.

Our author has traveled extensively throughout Italy enjoying the foods, culture and atmosphere, eventually purchasing a second home in Tuscany. Yet Ms. Mayes says she feels the same excitement as she did her first few years of living in Italy. “To know Italy would take ten lifetimes.”

It’s a foodie book for sure – Olive trees, Negroni, homemade pasta, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, recipes and more. The book is set up geographically from north to south. It doesn’t have to be read cover to cover, rather you may choose the county of interest. This will stay on my Kindle as a reference guide in case I’m ever able to visit Italy.

Read this and you will want to pack up and move, enjoy a different culture and pace. This book was published March 12, 2019 so hustle to your favorite bookstore or online retailer and immerse yourself with Frances Mayes’ Italian travels.

Sharing with Heather for her March Foodies Read series.

Thank you very much Netgalley for this digital copy of the book. It’s one I will refer to often, especially if I am fortunate enough to travel to Italy. I received this complimentary copy and am not compensated for my opinion/review. ( )

From the author of Under the Tuscan Sun comes another beautiful book about Italy. In See You in the Piazza, Frances Mayes has written a travelogue, a cookbook, an historical tome. She lovingly describes Italy's people, art, architecture, food and wine. The recipes are very detailed and tantalizing. Each geographical area of Italy has its own style of cuisine so therefore you will find a variety of recipes. But what stands out is the prose. I frequently find myself reading passages out loud to my husband. The book is so well written that it needs to be shared. See You in the Piazza is a book to be owned because you will return to it time and time again and not just for the appetizing recipes but also for the pure joy of reading about Frances Mayes' love affair with Italy. Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I LOVE ITALY!!!! And until I can retire there in a few years, books like this help keep me sane.
What a wonderful travelogue of SO many places in Italy, of the sights, the people, the FOOD! You can almost picture the scenes, the smells and the tastes.
It's a long book, over 400 pages. The better to savor it slowly, reading one chapter at a time.
The only complaint I have, (and as this is an advance reading copy, maybe it will be fixed in the final product?), is that there were no photos. The addition of photos would make this a truly outstanding book! ( )