Laugh More: Stories from an Unexpected Life

by Debbie Travis

Lifestyle pioneer and bestselling author Debbie Travis is back with a book of ridiculously funny, touching and true stories drawn from her own life and dedicated to everyone in desperate need of a good laugh.A decade ago, Debbie Travis gave up her hectic life as the producer and star of several hit TV shows to move to a 13th-century crumbling farmhouse and vast olive orchard in Tuscany, which she and her husband then turned into the boutique hotel and wellness retreat. That was a big change in direction—and Debbie’s shared the best of what she learned on that journey in two bestselling books full of humane, heartfelt and sensible advice on pursuing your true passion (Design Your Next Chapter) and making room for happiness, health and connection ( Life Lessons from a Tuscan Villa).Now, in Laugh More, Debbie digs down to what really keeps her going, especially when the going gets her talent for telling a good story and sharing a good laugh. Organizing them around the passing of the seasons at the Villa Reniella, Debbie gathers up a brilliant mix of stories from her daily life and from her past—growing up headstrong in a struggling family in northern England (her mum perfected dog-food shepherd’s pie), travelling the world as a model (not so glamorous), becoming one of the first home renovation TV stars (by the seat of her overalls) and encountering the famous and the delightful (especially her wicked and wonderful grandmother, Joyce). Snortingly funny, poignant, inspirational and full of the human foibles Debbie loves so much, Laugh More is a warm and cozy book to curl up with, and even better to read aloud. And since memories are so often ignited by great eating, Debbie has added a fifteen of her favourite, seasonal recipes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Home designer, television host and producer, best-selling author, sought-after public speaker, and host of Tuscan getaways at her personal villa.

Reviews

[Rachel Barraza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only laughed out loud once, if that. But it was a pleasant enough audiobook to listen to.

[Sharon Broughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming memoir of a life well lived (so far) highlighting the delights and challenges of renovating and restoring a Farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. While I wasn’t a follower of the author’s home improvement shows, this didn’t make the book any less enjoyable. She shares memories of growing up in the UK, life in Canada, the joys and hilarity of family, and a few recipes tucked in to remind us how often wonderful food is a centerpiece to ensure a gathering’s success. Read by the author, the audiobook was enjoyable, like one is hearing the stories over a cup of coffee by a roaring fire. And yes, it makes a trip to Tuscany seem essential.

[heidi canton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Debbie, as I am, you have likely listened to her podcast with Tommy Smythe: Trust Me, I’m a Decorator. The pair are hilarious, as is Debbie in her own right. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll think, and you’ll laugh again. Give this book a try. It will brighten your day!

[JessOfAwesome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got and ARC of this book.
I love the rustic lifestyle. This book has cute illustrations and even recipes for country living. Too, the separation of each part as seasons also showcase Debbie changing herself.

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A happy little book,full of her stories of renovating a villa in Italy. Her writing is more like a series of long stories, told over coffee (or wine) and she has no issue with laughing at herself. Reading this actually had me pulling up the web page for her villa and contemplating a trip.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir — light and funny. Made me want to spend time in Tuscany!

[Bookonarooftop]

This was my first book by Debbie Travis, and I chose the audiobook simply because I thought the cover was cute.

I went in without knowing much about the book, but I ended up really enjoying it. Debbie takes us through a year in her life, and I loved how the story was structured around the seasons.

What stood out to me were the flashbacks, past stories, and even the recipes she included, they added so much charm and personality to the book. I even want to try some of those recipes. I always love to read how food influence people and what role it plays in their life.

While it wasn’t particularly deep or profound, it was still an engaging and interesting listen.

[Kim D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not familiar with Debbie Travis - her TV/modeling days or now as a writer/hostess. This had a feel of a Britisn version of a less-culinarily-focused Ina Garten collection of stories.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes you smile is a wonderful thing but a book that makes you laugh out loud is genius. Laugh More: Stories from an Unexpected Life by Debbie Travis is one of those books. British-born lifestyle guru Travis was well-known to many due to several television series that she produced and hosted. And then her life took a serendipitous turn when she and her husband bought a 13th century farmhouse and olive grove in Tuscany. Needless to say renovations were involved and Italian bureaucracy was not helpful. This became their permanent home as well as being converted to a wellness retreat during tourist season. Travis treats the reader to humorous anecdotes of life in Italy as only she can, often with self-deprecating details that will have you shaking your head. And because this is Italy there are also recipes. During trying times, this is the perfect pick-me-up. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, which made her stories come to life with her giggles. Highly recommended.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Travis' new book was a delight to read. Full of wonderful stories from her past as a model and then a decorator were both fun and poignant. She even included tales from her childhood all of which shed a light on her philosophy of life.
Debbie included tales about the work she and her husband Hans completed on their villa in Tuscany that they use as a wellness retreat and a base for antique car rallies. It sounds absolutely beautiful!
She included some yummy sounding recipes which I am definitely going to try!
A great read!

[Lauren Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

"But we dedicate ourselves to this tiny corner of our world, we always realize it's also so much more- and never boring, never disappointing"(266)

I loved the idea of this book; and Debbie is a treasure! I did find it all over the place and hard to follow. I wish the ending was stronger.

This book was a quick read, as I read it in a day.

I would recommend this book to any Debbie Travis fan over there!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun listening to Debbie's story as she recounted various tales of her youth and present day. This book focussed on the most recent part of her life, her time in Italy spent renovating a country home and turning it into a retreat. But she also shared stories of how she met her husband, what her life was like from childhood to adulthood, and a host of other interesting tidbits. Debbie's narration of her book brought the stories to life. 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Debbie Travis’ novel about her life and living in a Tuscan villa. She is entertaining and funny! Reading Laugh More felt like I was sitting in a room with Debbie just having a conversation. Her writing is simple and direct and delightful! Lots of stories about her life and the challenges of living in a restored 13th century Italian villa. Makes me want to partake in one of her women's retreats at her villa!
I will look to read Debbie's other books now!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I was never a dedicated watcher of her design shows, I found her book a refreshing change from all the doom and gloom currently in the world. As a northerner myself (From Manchester but living away from Britain for 48 years elsewhere but mainly in Canada) I can empathize with her journey. Moving countries is a huge undertaking as I can vouch for having moved to five different countries through work. She seems to have made a success of her dreams with her Italian ‘hotel’.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read you can pick up and put down as needed. Debbie’s writing is down to earth and descriptive, you can almost taste Tuscany. I laughed out loud at some parts and got a little sniffly at others. I have tried a few of the recipes and they’re delicious and not complicated. This would make a great summer read. I highly recommend it.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and caught myself smiling a few times while listening to it in the car. I'm a sucker for accents and it made the funny things Debbie said that much funnier. Love, Life, Pets, and lots of food and recipes...you'll find it all here.

[Vanessa Adelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable listen narrated by the author. I liked learning about Travis’ move to Italy, the renovations, olive oil business, and retreats that she carried out, as well as some of her back story. Light read, low stakes, fun time. Not likely to stay with me in the long term.

[Emily Suchanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laugh More is a memoir that’s as light and breezy as it is surprisingly profound. Debbie Travis—of Ciao House fame takes us on a journey through her life, full of charm, wit, and the kind of relatable mishaps that make you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend over a glass of wine. What’s so delightful about Travis’s writing is how she doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life whether it’s her unconventional career trajectory, her personal highs and lows, or the sheer chaos of her own 'unexpected life.' The book sparkles with the kind of humor that feels like an invitation to find joy in the unplanned moments and the missteps we all make along the way.

But what I wasn’t expecting and what made Laugh More more than just a light read was how it touched on the deeper layers of resilience and self-discovery. Travis balances the humor with insight, showing that it’s not just about the laughs, but about learning to embrace the unexpected with grace and optimism. If you’re looking for something that’s both uplifting and full of heart, Laugh More delivers exactly what it promises: a reminder to not take life too seriously, and to always find the joy in the journey.

[Dianne Gow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful memoir from Debbie. And awesome recipes as well!

[Joana D'Arc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animado. Espetáculo!

[Debbie Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Canadian television designer Debbie Travis gives an account of the adventure of purchasing a villa in Tuscany with her husband, as they have reached the empty nest stage of life.

[JennLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in this one. The title is misleading; I definitely did not "laugh more". Some of the stories were amusing, but others were quite poignant and sad.

[Trity Dow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming stories from Debbie’s life and a few recipes I’m looking forward to trying.

[Benita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Travis made me want to move to Tuscany. That’s not really a hard sell, but she painted a warm and funny and inspiring picture of her life there . Entertaining read .

[Jess T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant escapism into life in Tuscany. Easy read

[Tamara]

I am not enjoying this book so I'm just going to stop. That is to be my new motto for 2025, not to waste time on things I don't like.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not awesome, but not terrible

[Karen Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Debbie Travis is a good story teller and many of them made me laugh and some brought a tear. A nice light read during a tumultuous time in the world right now

[Brooke G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some tales were extremely entertaining, while others missed the mark for me. It has, however, made me daydream quite a bit about a trip to Tuscany.