Available in paperback at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository and for Kindle, Nook, and iBooks!
At Least You’re in Tuscany: A Somewhat Disastrous Quest for the Sweet Life
Written by: Jennifer Criswell
Trade paperback
216 pp.
ISBN: 978-0-09821023-7-4
Author’s website: http://jennifercriswell.com
When dream meets reality . . .
At Least You’re in Tuscany: A Somewhat Diastrous Quest for the Sweet Life is Jennifer Criswell’s memoir about her first year in Montepulciano during which her dream of expat life meets the reality of everyday challenges and results in sometimes funny, often frustrating, always lesson-filled situations.
Jennifer Criswell’s move from New York City to Tuscany was not supposed to go like this. She had envisioned lazy mornings sipping espresso while penning a best-selling novel and jovial Sunday group dinners, just like in the movies and books about expatriate life in Italy. But then she met the reality: no work, constant struggles with Italian bureaucracy to claim citizenship through her ancestors, and, perhaps worst of all, becoming the talk of the town after her torrid affair with a local fruit vendor.
At Least You’re in Tuscany is the intimate, honest, and often hilarious tale of Jennifer’s first year in Montepulciano. During that time, her internal optimist was forced to work overtime, reminding her that if she were going to be homeless, lonely, and broke, at least she would be all those things—in Tuscany. Jennifer’s mantra, along with a healthy dose of enthusiasm, her willingness to embrace Italian culture, and lessons gleaned from small-town bumblings, help her not only build a new, rewarding life in Italy but also find herself along the way.
Here is what is being said…
“An honest, funny, and compulsively readable account of one woman’s quest to live the Tuscan dream.” - Signe Pike, author of Faery Tale: One Woman’s Search for Enchantment in a Modern World
“I absolutely fell in love with At Least You’re in Tuscany, Jennifer, and most of all, her dog Cinder. Italy is a place of magnificent dreams but also of puzzling and challenging realities. Jennifer captures the dichotomy in a way few authors have. She also speaks to all of us who have had a mid-life change, willingly or unwillingly. I couldn’t put this book down. You won’t be able to either.” – Kathy McCabe, Publisher, Dream of Italy Travel Newsletter
“Jennifer Criswell’s memoir At Least You’re in Tuscany: A Somewhat Disastrous Quest for the Sweet Life, about her first year in Montepulciano, is an expat tale with a twist. Along with the tales of food, wine, and men are stories about visa issues, the bureaucracy, and cracked laundry. Jennifer’s first year wasn’t an easy one, but she writes with humor and honesty. I enjoyed meeting her neighbors and, as fellow expat, I appreciated (and understood) her optimism even when dealing with the comune. But not to worry Tuscany lovers! It’s not all gloom and doom. It’s Tuscany after all, and Jennifer’s love for her new home shines through. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves Italy or Tuscany or who is thinking about moving overseas.” - Arlene Gibbs, author of The Rebirth Of Mrs. Tracey Higgins and co-screenwriter of the hit Hollywood film, Jumping The Broom
“If you’re dreaming of making a move to Italy one day, or simply enjoy reading expat tales, I’d highly recommend At Least You’re in Tuscany by Jennifer Criswell. It’s a tale not only about life in Tuscany but also about having the determination to follow your heart’s desires – no matter what challenges life throws your way! – Laura Thayer, Ciao Amalfi!
“A book for anyone who has ever wanted to know how to chuck it all and move to Italy, or for those who would love to do it vicariously, this book is a wonderful gem. In the end, Criswell truly lives out the proverb: ‘Chi la dura, la vince!’ (He who endures, wins.)” – Barbara Zaragoza, Naples (Napoli) Guide
“Having read the book, I feel I know a great deal about Jennifer Criswell and I admire her staying power and determination. . . . I was delighted that she didn’t seem to hold anything back. “ – About Abruzzo
Read an excerpt of At Least You’re in Tuscany.
Available in paperback at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository and for Kindle, Nook, and iBooks!
Booksellers: This book is available at Ingram, IndieBound, and Baker & Taylor.
* For personal orders of five or more books (for book clubs, etc.), please contact Gemelli Press for available discounts. *
