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Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse
For fans of Stanley Tucci and Frances Mayes, Barbara Boyle’s story of leaving her California home to restore an old stone farmhouse in Italy’s Piedmont—only to fall in love with the food and people of her enchanting new town—will delight and inspire.
An updated twist on the classic Under the Tuscan Sun, this is the deeply personal story of how fiftysomething Barbara Boyle leaves her busy and familiar life behind in San Francisco and begins taking apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home—a new life—in the largely undiscovered region of Piedmont, Italy.
Filled with discoveries and pleasures of the stunning places and food she encounters, Pinch Me also details Barbara’s frustrations in adjusting to a new culture, as well as the startling heartbreak of being faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. But even in the midst of this crisis, she and her husband create a home out of the stone ruin they had found, forming deep friendships in their little town and unlocking a new level of joy in life. She shares intimate moments, joyous and bittersweet, as a new wife, stepmom, and a member of a community—and, of course, she shares a few recipes reflecting the gastronomical excellence of the region.
A touching memoir filled with food, friendships, and scenes of Italy, Pinch Me is ultimately a celebration of love, of learning to see the world, as well as oneself, through a different window, and of the powerful joy that comes from building a dream.
An updated twist on the classic Under the Tuscan Sun, this is the deeply personal story of how fiftysomething Barbara Boyle leaves her busy and familiar life behind in San Francisco and begins taking apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home—a new life—in the largely undiscovered region of Piedmont, Italy.
Filled with discoveries and pleasures of the stunning places and food she encounters, Pinch Me also details Barbara’s frustrations in adjusting to a new culture, as well as the startling heartbreak of being faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. But even in the midst of this crisis, she and her husband create a home out of the stone ruin they had found, forming deep friendships in their little town and unlocking a new level of joy in life. She shares intimate moments, joyous and bittersweet, as a new wife, stepmom, and a member of a community—and, of course, she shares a few recipes reflecting the gastronomical excellence of the region.
A touching memoir filled with food, friendships, and scenes of Italy, Pinch Me is ultimately a celebration of love, of learning to see the world, as well as oneself, through a different window, and of the powerful joy that comes from building a dream.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
About the author
Barbara Boyle
8 books29 followersFor years, Barbara Boyle enjoyed a colorful worldwide career as a creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Lowe and other advertising agencies, creating commercials and stories for Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Mars Inc, and dozens of other marketers. Always a writer, this is the first time she has had the time required to author a book. Her flash fiction has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Star 82 Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, and other literary journals. Food and wine have also been a lifelong passion of hers. While living in Paris, she took the Regional French Cuisine course at Le Cordon Bleu and later completed the professional cooking course at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York. She now resides in a farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy with her husband, Kim, surrounded by orchards, vineyards and barking deer, and maintains a home in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 13, 2025
This is a lovely atmospheric memoir about a retired woman named Barbara, and her husband, Kim who discovered the beauty of the Piedmont region of Italy while on their honeymoon. Barbara tells about their fascination with the culture of this region and how she couldn’t stop thinking about it once she returned home to California. She wondered what it would be like to live there and that’s when their adventure commenced. After a couple of house-hunting trips, they found a 300-year-old farm house that they renovated by keeping as much of the original design as possible. I loved learning about the region and seeing the results of the transformation thought a QR code included with the book. Barbara adds many recipes and customs from the region which I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. So much so, that I’m now in the early stages of planning my own trip to visit this part of Italy!
Thank you @barbaraannboyle10 & @booksforwardpr for the gifted arc.
April 2, 2025
"Pinch Me" author Barbara Boyle has created a book that I had real trouble putting down. It is well written, interesting and charming from start to finish. As I read her story of starting her life anew in Italy, I wanted to start packing.
She weaves her reality just beautifully; touching on the challenges but really emphasizing the beauty, peacefulness and wonderful people she has met within small Italian villages (and don't get me started on the food and wine). Between trying to get a license plate for her car and a three hundred year-old home renovated, there is no doubt that she and her husband share a lot of grit but one can easily understand why they pursued their dream.
As an aside, Barbara includes some local recipes that are nothing short of mouthwatering.I would like to learn more about the local friends that Barbara and Kim have made. I hope she writes a book about restaurants in the area(s) and fills it with more of the wonderful recipes that she and her husband have enjoyed. I was so sorry when this book ended. A compelling, joyous read.
She weaves her reality just beautifully; touching on the challenges but really emphasizing the beauty, peacefulness and wonderful people she has met within small Italian villages (and don't get me started on the food and wine). Between trying to get a license plate for her car and a three hundred year-old home renovated, there is no doubt that she and her husband share a lot of grit but one can easily understand why they pursued their dream.
As an aside, Barbara includes some local recipes that are nothing short of mouthwatering.I would like to learn more about the local friends that Barbara and Kim have made. I hope she writes a book about restaurants in the area(s) and fills it with more of the wonderful recipes that she and her husband have enjoyed. I was so sorry when this book ended. A compelling, joyous read.
February 13, 2025
Pinch Me 🍝🍷
A huge thank you to @booksforward for the ARC! Pinch Me is out today, February 11th, 2025, don’t forget to grab a copy to dream about your future trip (or home…) in Italy!
“None of us escape this life unscathed, or unscarred. None of us make the long life journey without heartache or loss. It is not that bad things, hard things, don't happen. They will. What matters, though, is how incredibly the good things calm the sting. What matters is that we set ourselves up to catch the good things in our nets and keep them near.”
Pinch Me brings you on the beautiful journey Barbara and her husband, Kim, take when they buy a 300-year-old farmhouse in Monforte, a small town in the Piemonte region of Italy, and turn it into their dream home.
This was the perfect read to escape the cold and pretend I’m back in Italy! Barbara is living out many peoples dreams (mine included) to buy a house in Italy. I loved the way she described her Italian community and neighbors - always so inviting and hospitable, reminding you to slow down and enjoy what matters in life. She included recipes throughout the book and QR codes with many pictures, which added a lot to the reading experience. The view of the Alps from their place is just stunning.
P.S. it’s so lovely to see that all proceeds from this book go to breast cancer research 🥹🩷
A huge thank you to @booksforward for the ARC! Pinch Me is out today, February 11th, 2025, don’t forget to grab a copy to dream about your future trip (or home…) in Italy!
“None of us escape this life unscathed, or unscarred. None of us make the long life journey without heartache or loss. It is not that bad things, hard things, don't happen. They will. What matters, though, is how incredibly the good things calm the sting. What matters is that we set ourselves up to catch the good things in our nets and keep them near.”
Pinch Me brings you on the beautiful journey Barbara and her husband, Kim, take when they buy a 300-year-old farmhouse in Monforte, a small town in the Piemonte region of Italy, and turn it into their dream home.
This was the perfect read to escape the cold and pretend I’m back in Italy! Barbara is living out many peoples dreams (mine included) to buy a house in Italy. I loved the way she described her Italian community and neighbors - always so inviting and hospitable, reminding you to slow down and enjoy what matters in life. She included recipes throughout the book and QR codes with many pictures, which added a lot to the reading experience. The view of the Alps from their place is just stunning.
P.S. it’s so lovely to see that all proceeds from this book go to breast cancer research 🥹🩷
December 31, 2025
If my daughter walks in on me watching a movie, she will ask if the storyline revolves around a woman renovating a house in Italy. It's a narrow genre to be sure, but she knows it is my jam. Barbara Boyle gives me what I want in a memoir. She is a captivating writer who gives the essence of what it is like to really ground yourself in Italy. My husband and I have been to Italy 5 times in the last decade, and it won't be our last. Now I want to visit Barbara's part of Italy. She so beautifully describes the people, the landscape, the culture, and of course---the food. She has included recipes, naturally and QR codes that link to photos of the home she and her husband so lovingly created out an old stone barn. This book will live on my shelf next to Under the Tuscan Sun, 1000 Days in Venice and others. But it will be pulled down often. I've already gifted it to three of my friends.
August 2, 2026
There's a problem with this book. It makes me want to up sticks and head to Piemonte, so I can live among Barbara Boyle's neighbors, preferably next door to her. The author's account of falling in love with the region, making friends, learning to live in a more Italian way, is inspiring. If you'd like a taste of it before you buy the book, check out Barbara's Substack, Letters from a 300-year-old Italian Farmhouse. And did I mention that she includes recipes for the dishes she writes about?
Terrific book for when times are anxiety-inducing..
Terrific book for when times are anxiety-inducing..
January 23, 2025
PINCH ME, Barbara Boyle’s memoir, takes the reader on a slow but delicious tour of the Langhe, a hilly area in the north of Italy. The author writes in detail as she describes a simpler but more satisfying way of life. I loved the off-the-main roads view of Italy.
Barbara and her husband bought a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte. I loved so much about this book, especially the unique local personalities and the special foods created by and shared with these friends. I regret that I can’t meet Piero and Innes, wonderful people who love to offer regalinos (gifts) frequently. Cooking and sharing their creations are the Italians’ way of caring for someone.
A unique feature is the use of a QR Code for photographs that go along with each chapter. And, oh, the recipes—If only I could try the polenta with fresh bread and butter. The included recipes are sure to bring on a craving for pasta.
Within the lines of this memoir, one can read the unspoken challenge to fulfill your longings, to chase your dreams, even if it leads you to a country on the other side of the world. A restored house became both their home and their sanctuary.
Publishes February 11, 2025.
Barbara and her husband bought a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte. I loved so much about this book, especially the unique local personalities and the special foods created by and shared with these friends. I regret that I can’t meet Piero and Innes, wonderful people who love to offer regalinos (gifts) frequently. Cooking and sharing their creations are the Italians’ way of caring for someone.
A unique feature is the use of a QR Code for photographs that go along with each chapter. And, oh, the recipes—If only I could try the polenta with fresh bread and butter. The included recipes are sure to bring on a craving for pasta.
Within the lines of this memoir, one can read the unspoken challenge to fulfill your longings, to chase your dreams, even if it leads you to a country on the other side of the world. A restored house became both their home and their sanctuary.
Publishes February 11, 2025.
December 21, 2024
Welcomed to mouth-watering recipes, breath-taking vistas of the alps, orchards and nearby vineyards, “Pinch Me” is a joyful, comforting, sensory delight and I didn’t want to put it down. Boyle, tells the story of creating a home from a 300-year-old farmhouse in the little town of Montforte in the Piemonte region of northern Italy. It is here that she and her husband find community, warmth and friendship when they take a leap and make a dream come to life. Boyle shows us how, even when hard things happen, we can seize and savor the “good things in our nets…and…keep them near.”
March 18, 2025
inspiring!
What a great story and account of their life in Italy. Having lived in Rome myself, and returning to all regions of Italy every year, my husband and I share their dream of a home of our own in Italy. Piemonte is a favorite region of ours too. Maybe someday we will meet in person and visit their 300 year old Italian farmhouse. Che Bella!!
What a great story and account of their life in Italy. Having lived in Rome myself, and returning to all regions of Italy every year, my husband and I share their dream of a home of our own in Italy. Piemonte is a favorite region of ours too. Maybe someday we will meet in person and visit their 300 year old Italian farmhouse. Che Bella!!
March 5, 2025
A book review seems incredibly impersonal after the journey Barbara has taken me on so instead I am going to write the author a thank you letter.
Dearest Barbara,
In a time of such bitterness and pessimism, your memoir was a sweet morsel of hope, connection and optimism. Witnessing your dreams come to life was truly awe-inspiring and I feel so blessed that you allowed me, and all the other readers, to go on this journey with you. There are moments, places and people that cross our paths that if we don’t take the time to pause, be present, and pay attention, we miss the extraordinary that exists within the ordinary. You write in a way that brings an entire community and home to life. It was such a gift to feel transported into your life and your 300 year old barn. I felt like I had a seat at the table with you and your guests savoring food and friendship. I now feel such a sense of loss after finishing the last page and closing the book. I hope you continue to write as I can’t wait for our next great adventure together.
With much admiration and appreciation,
Jamie
P.S. I have purchased your book for numerous family members and friends as everyone deserves to witness this beautiful fairytale unfold.
September 25, 2025
I am normally such a “hard marker”, but I absolutely loved this book. I discovered it while cycling in Piedmont and it totally conveys everything I also came to love about this area. I just adored this book and am so grateful that the author has put on paper the affection I feel for these people and their wonderful country.
Some favourite quotes from the book:
"The Langhe is authentic. It is everything that is wonderful about Italy, but without tourists"
"the essence of truly great cooking—it is not about spectacle or pretence, but about simply caring for someone else" (the book contains local recipes)
and her explanation of the region's name:
"the Langhe. Its name means “tongues” and refers to the miles and miles of ridgeline ... The roads that run along the ridgelines make for sweepingly scenic driving, in every season.
Some favourite quotes from the book:
"The Langhe is authentic. It is everything that is wonderful about Italy, but without tourists"
"the essence of truly great cooking—it is not about spectacle or pretence, but about simply caring for someone else" (the book contains local recipes)
and her explanation of the region's name:
"the Langhe. Its name means “tongues” and refers to the miles and miles of ridgeline ... The roads that run along the ridgelines make for sweepingly scenic driving, in every season.
December 13, 2024
This book carried me away to a little known corner of Italy, a hilltown in Piemonte. I loved every part of it, from the stories of the various local characters, to the descriptions of life in such an extraordinary society; from the author's descriptions of the amazing gastronomy, to the lazy afternoons and the romantic evenings at her 300 year old home. I loved the clever use of photographs and oh, her recipes! It all made me feel like I was right there. I didn't want the book to end, but I was left feeling inspired and empowered to chase a dream or two of my own!
September 8, 2024
True confession: I’ve never been to Italy. But after reading Pinch Me, I feel as though the author transported me there. Not to tourist sites such as the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa but rather to the Langhe, a hilly area in the northern part of the country. Barbara Boyle describes in colorful and tasty detail a way of living there that is simpler and slower and deeply satisfying; so much so that it compelled her and her husband to change the course of their lives.
You might consider Pinch Me to be a terrific cookbook with pages of mouth-watering descriptions of food and drink sprinkled throughout, complete with authentic recipes. You could think of it as a travel guide with insider tips on where to go and dine and what to see and eat when visiting. It could even teach you some Italian along the way. But to me, the essence of this book is inspiration, a heartfelt guide to going after what you truly want. Daring to get married a second time. Falling in love with a country on the other side of the world. Boldly deciding to build a house there, a sanctuary, a community and a life. Why did the author do that? Just because it makes her happy.
We all deserve to make ourselves happy. Thank you Barbara Boyle, for sharing your story in a beautiful way, for showing us the courage it takes to make it happen.
You might consider Pinch Me to be a terrific cookbook with pages of mouth-watering descriptions of food and drink sprinkled throughout, complete with authentic recipes. You could think of it as a travel guide with insider tips on where to go and dine and what to see and eat when visiting. It could even teach you some Italian along the way. But to me, the essence of this book is inspiration, a heartfelt guide to going after what you truly want. Daring to get married a second time. Falling in love with a country on the other side of the world. Boldly deciding to build a house there, a sanctuary, a community and a life. Why did the author do that? Just because it makes her happy.
We all deserve to make ourselves happy. Thank you Barbara Boyle, for sharing your story in a beautiful way, for showing us the courage it takes to make it happen.
Read
December 4, 2024Reading this has allowed me to live my wildest Italian expat dreams through the eyes of Barbara. Her dedication and joy in undertaking such a large project is both inspirational and aspirational. Readers looking to find a new passion and really learn to appreciate the simple pleasures of life will love sitting down and curling up with Pinch Me.
January 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Having family that lives in Northern Italy it was refreshing to read about the wonderful people there, the delectable foods and wine, and the beautiful country. The dialect is different than what you’d find on the internet translator sights, which the author touches on. I admire the author’s and her husband’s sense of adventure and dedication to their aspirations and dreams. The personal trauma and journey the author goes through tugged at my heartstrings. My heart goes out to her.
I loved that there were QR codes included at the end of most chapters that directs the reader to pictures pertaining to the chapter giving the reader a true visual of their experiences and the beauty of the country, people and food. And! the recipes! What a treat!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel to Italy, loves Italian food and/or wine, or to anyone who just loves to read.
I loved that there were QR codes included at the end of most chapters that directs the reader to pictures pertaining to the chapter giving the reader a true visual of their experiences and the beauty of the country, people and food. And! the recipes! What a treat!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel to Italy, loves Italian food and/or wine, or to anyone who just loves to read.
February 8, 2025
A charming book about the author and her husband renovating a home in Italy.
Boyle did something that many people dream about but few execute. She fell in love with Italy and made the giant leap to living there.
She describes the processes she and her husband dealt with as they transitioned from life in the US to life in Italy. The bit about their car was absolutely crazy!!
What I loved most about the book were the people she introduced to the readers. The lovely neighbors in Italy and her faithful friends that were with her every step of the way.
There are good people and Boyle’s book reinforces that. It is also inspiring to anyone who is considering becoming an ex pat.
Thanks to She Writes Press, Books Forward and the author for the digital copy.
Boyle did something that many people dream about but few execute. She fell in love with Italy and made the giant leap to living there.
She describes the processes she and her husband dealt with as they transitioned from life in the US to life in Italy. The bit about their car was absolutely crazy!!
What I loved most about the book were the people she introduced to the readers. The lovely neighbors in Italy and her faithful friends that were with her every step of the way.
There are good people and Boyle’s book reinforces that. It is also inspiring to anyone who is considering becoming an ex pat.
Thanks to She Writes Press, Books Forward and the author for the digital copy.
February 13, 2025
This is the perfect book for someone who is contemplating living in Italy for a while.
This is not about how to do it, but rather what kind of adventures await you. It is elegant in its simplicity. And as cooking and eatintg come up, the author furnishes just enough recipes to make you want more.
Something I haven't seen before is the inclusion of QR codes at the end of some chapter to refer to pictures of some of the events the author writes about.
Even if you only contimplating a short visit, it is really nice to read about that no angst, aggression, or disfunction.
Well done!
This is not about how to do it, but rather what kind of adventures await you. It is elegant in its simplicity. And as cooking and eatintg come up, the author furnishes just enough recipes to make you want more.
Something I haven't seen before is the inclusion of QR codes at the end of some chapter to refer to pictures of some of the events the author writes about.
Even if you only contimplating a short visit, it is really nice to read about that no angst, aggression, or disfunction.
Well done!
February 7, 2025
This is a beautifully written memoir. Italy has always been a dream of mine. The setting seemed beautiful. Reading about Barbara and Kim's journey made me excited for them. They made their dream come true. I love how interactive the book is. It is filled with access to pictures and full of recipes that I will be making. I want to punch Mario in the throat for what he did. Other than that, if you want to go to Italy, this is a must-read.
April 12, 2025
The Short of It:
If you want to feel wonderful about the world again, pick this up. It’s a beautiful, feel-good memoir.
The Rest of It:
This book is wonderful. In its brief 216 pages, I lingered and made the recipes and scanned all the QR codes for photos. Yes, people! Delicious Italian food AND photo albums of the restoration process of this beautiful 300 year old farmhouse. Barn, really.
Barbara Boyle and her husband Kim visit a small Italian town for vacation and fall in love with the town, its people and the overall sense of place. So much so that when they return to their US home in San Francisco, they begin to dream about a possible home there. Could that work?
With the right realtor, a dedicated construction crew and lots of trips back and forth, they purchase what is essentially a barn and turn it into the most beautiful home, overlooking the hillsides and wildflowers and yes, grapevines too.
I am not a big RENO person. As soon as foundation talk enters the chat, I tune out but not in this case. Solving the foundation issues in a 300 year old relic, takes precision, care and creative solutions. I found this part to be fascinating. Also, how they started with the roof! I would never have even though to start with that when the walls are crumbling and held up by mud.
Construction aside, the relationships that this couple built there are admirable and the kindness of strangers, who eventually become neighbors was so comforting and sweet. I loved hearing about their interactions with the local businesses too. All of the delicious restaurants and pasta making experiences and the emphasis on fresh produce and simple ingredients.
Reading Pinch Me was a palate cleanser for my soul. Anyone in need of that needs to find a copy immediately. I will say this, there is a deeper topic introduced towards the end and also a COVID pandemic mention given how it affected that region. But, it was just what the doc ordered as far as escapism.
Highly recommend. It will be on my fave list at the end of the year. Would make a great gift too. I would include some photos of the house but I want you to get the book and scan those QR codes for the albums!
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
September 1, 2026
Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse* is a warm, engaging, and beautifully personal memoir about leaving behind the familiar and having the courage to build a completely different life. Barbara Boyle takes readers from California to the Piedmont region of Italy, where an extraordinary old stone farmhouse becomes the starting point for an unexpected new chapter.
What makes the memoir especially appealing is the sense of adventure behind Barbara's decision. Restoring a 300-year-old stone structure is certainly not an ordinary way to begin a new life, and the challenges of renovating the farmhouse provide plenty of memorable moments. At the same time, the story is about much more than a physical renovation. Barbara is also rebuilding her understanding of home, community, marriage, and what it means to pursue a long-held dream.
I particularly enjoyed the way food, friendships, culture, and everyday discoveries are woven throughout the story. The experience of adjusting to life in Italy gives the memoir a wonderful sense of place, while Barbara's interactions with the people around her show how a new community can gradually begin to feel like home. The recipes and descriptions of Italian food add another enjoyable layer to the journey.
The memoir also takes an unexpectedly vulnerable turn when Barbara faces a breast cancer diagnosis. Rather than allowing this difficult experience to overshadow the story, it becomes another part of her larger journey and highlights the importance of love, friendship, resilience, and appreciating the life she and her husband are creating together.
Overall, *Pinch Me* is an uplifting memoir about reinvention, adventure, love, food, friendship, and the courage to step outside a familiar life. Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, stories about starting over, Italy, renovation adventures, and books about pursuing dreams should find Barbara Boyle's journey both inspiring and enjoyable. It is ultimately a celebration of discovering that sometimes the life we never planned can become the life we cherish most.
What makes the memoir especially appealing is the sense of adventure behind Barbara's decision. Restoring a 300-year-old stone structure is certainly not an ordinary way to begin a new life, and the challenges of renovating the farmhouse provide plenty of memorable moments. At the same time, the story is about much more than a physical renovation. Barbara is also rebuilding her understanding of home, community, marriage, and what it means to pursue a long-held dream.
I particularly enjoyed the way food, friendships, culture, and everyday discoveries are woven throughout the story. The experience of adjusting to life in Italy gives the memoir a wonderful sense of place, while Barbara's interactions with the people around her show how a new community can gradually begin to feel like home. The recipes and descriptions of Italian food add another enjoyable layer to the journey.
The memoir also takes an unexpectedly vulnerable turn when Barbara faces a breast cancer diagnosis. Rather than allowing this difficult experience to overshadow the story, it becomes another part of her larger journey and highlights the importance of love, friendship, resilience, and appreciating the life she and her husband are creating together.
Overall, *Pinch Me* is an uplifting memoir about reinvention, adventure, love, food, friendship, and the courage to step outside a familiar life. Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, stories about starting over, Italy, renovation adventures, and books about pursuing dreams should find Barbara Boyle's journey both inspiring and enjoyable. It is ultimately a celebration of discovering that sometimes the life we never planned can become the life we cherish most.
January 1, 2025
I have been so lost in this memoir, 𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑯 𝑴𝑬 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒍𝒆 that I received from @shewritespress & @booksforwardpr coming in February!
My fantasy is to do this exact thing: to buy a bit of a fixer-upper, historic home in a hidden jewel of Italy, have the people embrace me and give grace as I learn Italian, and slowly embrace a slower culture that prioritizes community and the simple things.
This is the romanticized version.
The reality is a bit more difficult for Barbara and her husband Kim as they fell in love with Piemonte region of Northern Italy. I enjoyed hearing about some of the more difficult and disappointing aspects to help temper my absolute envy! Not that I wished for any of those aspects, but it gave a reality to this dream. And then to have to deal with some very real difficulties made this new home all the sweeter.
There were so many wonderful moments in this memoir that pointed to the loveliness of the people of this region (with a notable but not utterly derailing exception), the stunning beauty of the landscape, and the ability to start fresh at any point. I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the recipes included with the stories of how food brought people together, creates community and identity, and gives deep sustenance. (Also, the photos...!)
I feel inspired. I also loved feeling like I could enjoy the process from my own known space. I honestly love the idea of this, but don't think I could actually pull my roots to travel permanently overseas. I'll never say never, but I loved being able to live vicariously a bit through some of this journey! I am also reminded of how human and loving and wonderful people are all over the world.
My fantasy is to do this exact thing: to buy a bit of a fixer-upper, historic home in a hidden jewel of Italy, have the people embrace me and give grace as I learn Italian, and slowly embrace a slower culture that prioritizes community and the simple things.
This is the romanticized version.
The reality is a bit more difficult for Barbara and her husband Kim as they fell in love with Piemonte region of Northern Italy. I enjoyed hearing about some of the more difficult and disappointing aspects to help temper my absolute envy! Not that I wished for any of those aspects, but it gave a reality to this dream. And then to have to deal with some very real difficulties made this new home all the sweeter.
There were so many wonderful moments in this memoir that pointed to the loveliness of the people of this region (with a notable but not utterly derailing exception), the stunning beauty of the landscape, and the ability to start fresh at any point. I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the recipes included with the stories of how food brought people together, creates community and identity, and gives deep sustenance. (Also, the photos...!)
I feel inspired. I also loved feeling like I could enjoy the process from my own known space. I honestly love the idea of this, but don't think I could actually pull my roots to travel permanently overseas. I'll never say never, but I loved being able to live vicariously a bit through some of this journey! I am also reminded of how human and loving and wonderful people are all over the world.
February 28, 2025
Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...
The first few chapters talk of Barbara and her husband visiting Northern Italy, finding cute restaurants to eat in, and finding the area delightful. Eventually, they decide to look for property there, to use as a vacation home.
So then the chapters move more into their finding and buying a home. There is a lot of talk about the renovations, as they actually buy a barn that needs to be divvied up into rooms to make it a house. But there is equal talk about meeting their neighbors, sampling the local wines and cheeses, learning Italian, and so forth.
Eventually, they come to love the community as a whole, and make the decision to make their home in Italy their primary home. They host many friends and family, who come to see this crazy plot of theirs taking shape.
They do still have to travel to the States sometimes, of course – for family gatherings there, or to take care of their taxes. They even find themselves stuck in the States for longer than they planned at one point – thanks to Italy going into COVID lockdown first, and then the US following a bit after. But overall, it’s a good life they’ve developed, and Barbara makes sure to recognize that.
This is a truly charming memoir, but it comes with a warning: Most of the chapters end with a recipe, so don’t read while hungry! It was a fun read – especially if you like things like travel, pasta, wine, gardening, or home renovations.
The first few chapters talk of Barbara and her husband visiting Northern Italy, finding cute restaurants to eat in, and finding the area delightful. Eventually, they decide to look for property there, to use as a vacation home.
So then the chapters move more into their finding and buying a home. There is a lot of talk about the renovations, as they actually buy a barn that needs to be divvied up into rooms to make it a house. But there is equal talk about meeting their neighbors, sampling the local wines and cheeses, learning Italian, and so forth.
Eventually, they come to love the community as a whole, and make the decision to make their home in Italy their primary home. They host many friends and family, who come to see this crazy plot of theirs taking shape.
They do still have to travel to the States sometimes, of course – for family gatherings there, or to take care of their taxes. They even find themselves stuck in the States for longer than they planned at one point – thanks to Italy going into COVID lockdown first, and then the US following a bit after. But overall, it’s a good life they’ve developed, and Barbara makes sure to recognize that.
This is a truly charming memoir, but it comes with a warning: Most of the chapters end with a recipe, so don’t read while hungry! It was a fun read – especially if you like things like travel, pasta, wine, gardening, or home renovations.
June 2, 2026
Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse is a warm, richly detailed memoir that blends travel, home restoration, and personal transformation into a deeply immersive story of starting over in a new country and a new phase of life.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its setting. The author brings rural Italy’s Piedmont region to life with vivid attention to detail, capturing not just the beauty of the landscape, but also the rhythm of daily life, food culture, and the slow unfolding of belonging in a new community.
The renovation of the 300-year-old farmhouse serves as a strong narrative backbone. It is more than a physical project—it mirrors the emotional and personal rebuilding happening throughout the author’s life, creating a parallel between restoring a home and reshaping identity.
A key strength of the memoir is its balance between joy and difficulty. Alongside moments of discovery, friendship, and cultural immersion, the story also acknowledges real challenges, including adaptation to a new culture and the emotional weight of a serious health diagnosis.
The relationships formed within the Italian town add warmth and depth to the narrative, showing how community and connection can emerge in unexpected places when one is willing to embrace change.
Overall, this is an uplifting and atmospheric memoir for readers who enjoy travel writing, food culture, and stories of reinvention, resilience, and building a meaningful life in unfamiliar places.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its setting. The author brings rural Italy’s Piedmont region to life with vivid attention to detail, capturing not just the beauty of the landscape, but also the rhythm of daily life, food culture, and the slow unfolding of belonging in a new community.
The renovation of the 300-year-old farmhouse serves as a strong narrative backbone. It is more than a physical project—it mirrors the emotional and personal rebuilding happening throughout the author’s life, creating a parallel between restoring a home and reshaping identity.
A key strength of the memoir is its balance between joy and difficulty. Alongside moments of discovery, friendship, and cultural immersion, the story also acknowledges real challenges, including adaptation to a new culture and the emotional weight of a serious health diagnosis.
The relationships formed within the Italian town add warmth and depth to the narrative, showing how community and connection can emerge in unexpected places when one is willing to embrace change.
Overall, this is an uplifting and atmospheric memoir for readers who enjoy travel writing, food culture, and stories of reinvention, resilience, and building a meaningful life in unfamiliar places.
August 24, 2026
Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse is a charming and deeply personal memoir about leaving behind the familiar to pursue an unexpected dream in Italy. Barbara Boyle invites readers into the remarkable experience of transforming an ancient stone structure in Piedmont into a home while discovering a completely different way of living.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is the sense of place. The food, landscapes, traditions, friendships, and rhythms of Italian life create an inviting portrait of Piedmont, while Barbara’s experiences adjusting to a new culture give the story an honest and relatable dimension. The restoration of the farmhouse becomes more than a renovation project it becomes a metaphor for creating a new life.
The memoir also acknowledges that pursuing a dream does not mean escaping life’s difficulties. Cultural adjustments, family changes, and an unexpected health crisis introduce moments of vulnerability and uncertainty, making the story feel genuine rather than idealized. Through these challenges, Barbara and her husband continue building their home and forming meaningful connections within their new community.
Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, Italy-centered stories, food writing, lifestyle memoirs, personal reinvention, and narratives about pursuing long-held dreams should find Pinch Me especially appealing. Ultimately, it is a warm celebration of love, friendship, courage, and the joy of seeing life from an entirely new perspective.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is the sense of place. The food, landscapes, traditions, friendships, and rhythms of Italian life create an inviting portrait of Piedmont, while Barbara’s experiences adjusting to a new culture give the story an honest and relatable dimension. The restoration of the farmhouse becomes more than a renovation project it becomes a metaphor for creating a new life.
The memoir also acknowledges that pursuing a dream does not mean escaping life’s difficulties. Cultural adjustments, family changes, and an unexpected health crisis introduce moments of vulnerability and uncertainty, making the story feel genuine rather than idealized. Through these challenges, Barbara and her husband continue building their home and forming meaningful connections within their new community.
Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, Italy-centered stories, food writing, lifestyle memoirs, personal reinvention, and narratives about pursuing long-held dreams should find Pinch Me especially appealing. Ultimately, it is a warm celebration of love, friendship, courage, and the joy of seeing life from an entirely new perspective.
February 13, 2025
At first, this memoir seemed typical of this genre — a couple discovers a crumbling old stone farmhouse and face the challenges of purchasing it and then setting about to rebuild.
But soon, I was transported with the author deeper into the beautiful area, exploring the village, looking over the landscape, sipping coffee in the little cafe, and being introduced to the neighbors in their new community.
Ms. Doyle relates how she and her husband struggled with the language, the endless Italian paper work, wrestling with builders, and their own long hours of hard labor, including hauling heavy stone away from the foundation. She also waxes on the zen-like calm found in doing dishes by hand and the joy of shopping at the village street markets where the produce is so fresh it comes with dirt attached.
As a good cook and self-acknowledge foodie, Ms. Boyle shines with her descriptions of the good food, long meals in Italian restaurants, and even shares her favorite recipes learned from local home cooks.
A short read, Pinch Me is a warm, wonderful escape. Sit back and immerse yourself in a couple’s dream come true, and the home they created. Enjoy the warm evenings, gracious neighbors, and the food (oh the food!) of this beautiful region. Maybe like me, as soon as you close the book, you’ll be researching this area as a possible future destination.
See my full review at www.bookbarmy.com
Many thanks to She Writes Press and Books Forward for an advanced readers copy.
But soon, I was transported with the author deeper into the beautiful area, exploring the village, looking over the landscape, sipping coffee in the little cafe, and being introduced to the neighbors in their new community.
Ms. Doyle relates how she and her husband struggled with the language, the endless Italian paper work, wrestling with builders, and their own long hours of hard labor, including hauling heavy stone away from the foundation. She also waxes on the zen-like calm found in doing dishes by hand and the joy of shopping at the village street markets where the produce is so fresh it comes with dirt attached.
As a good cook and self-acknowledge foodie, Ms. Boyle shines with her descriptions of the good food, long meals in Italian restaurants, and even shares her favorite recipes learned from local home cooks.
A short read, Pinch Me is a warm, wonderful escape. Sit back and immerse yourself in a couple’s dream come true, and the home they created. Enjoy the warm evenings, gracious neighbors, and the food (oh the food!) of this beautiful region. Maybe like me, as soon as you close the book, you’ll be researching this area as a possible future destination.
See my full review at www.bookbarmy.com
Many thanks to She Writes Press and Books Forward for an advanced readers copy.
July 14, 2025
My husband and I stayed for several days in this 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse in Roddino. I was immediately charmed by the location and the couple hosting us, Barbara and Kim.
After only a short conversation with Barbara, I wanted to more about their story and decided to read "Pinch Me". Already the tittle drew my attention. In less than 48 hours I finished this book and I felt I knew Barbara, her family, her dreams and ambitions, and so many aspects of this fabulous spot in Piemonte. Here's my review based on several "C-words" :
C for Candid & Clear
A true candid story, a clear dream that has come true.
C for Caring
Caring for her family, her friends (long-distance or Italian),
Caring for her husband, for herself,
Caring for the local community, authentically promoting all the good place to visit
C for Captivating
Captivating story with ups and downs, based on pursuing a fantastic dream.
C for Courageous
Courageous to take challenging decisions and fight against the C-disease. Another C, yet a less positive one.
My take-aways?
- always be yourself and pursue your dreams. "No guts, no glory".
- Barbara signed my book with "Stay forever young" : yes, stay young, not physically (although :-)?!) but in your thoughts, in your desire to pursue dreams and continously learn.
- keep close connection with your dearest ones.
Barbara, I was very happy to meet you!!
After only a short conversation with Barbara, I wanted to more about their story and decided to read "Pinch Me". Already the tittle drew my attention. In less than 48 hours I finished this book and I felt I knew Barbara, her family, her dreams and ambitions, and so many aspects of this fabulous spot in Piemonte. Here's my review based on several "C-words" :
C for Candid & Clear
A true candid story, a clear dream that has come true.
C for Caring
Caring for her family, her friends (long-distance or Italian),
Caring for her husband, for herself,
Caring for the local community, authentically promoting all the good place to visit
C for Captivating
Captivating story with ups and downs, based on pursuing a fantastic dream.
C for Courageous
Courageous to take challenging decisions and fight against the C-disease. Another C, yet a less positive one.
My take-aways?
- always be yourself and pursue your dreams. "No guts, no glory".
- Barbara signed my book with "Stay forever young" : yes, stay young, not physically (although :-)?!) but in your thoughts, in your desire to pursue dreams and continously learn.
- keep close connection with your dearest ones.
Barbara, I was very happy to meet you!!
June 6, 2026
While parts of the book are interesting, it’s as if I’m reading a wanna be “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Living in Italy myself, I found much of the book to idealize life in Italy. Yes, it’s wonderful living here. I don’t deny that. But the author makes it all out to be so simple. For example, she never really explains how she is able to live in Italy legally. Did she get an Elective Residency Visa? That visa requires no work, yet she mentions her husband still working a bit. She brings a car from the USA — something most people would never do as it is expensive to outfit a foreign car here in Italy to meet EU/IT requirements. If she is truly an Italian resident, after a year of residency it’s required to get an Italian driver’s license — for those holding US licenses that is a process requiring taking a difficult theory test (in Italian) and passing a practical exam and then driving a car with a small engine (I doubt her Lexus would meet the requirements to be driven by a neopatentati/new licensee). The author never speaks of these things, only the beautiful house they have restored and the many friends they’ve made and the wonderful food. While those things are what make Italy so very appealing, the author rather conveniently leaves out all the facts of how she is able to be resident in Italy and all that entails (ability or not to work, taxes, driving license, etc.).
July 8, 2026
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a leap into the unknown. Pinch Me is a beautifully written memoir that blends travel, love, resilience, and self-discovery into a story that feels both intimate and inspiring.
Barbara Boyle paints Italy with such warmth and authenticity that readers can almost taste the regional cuisine, wander the quiet streets of Piedmont, and feel the satisfaction of breathing new life into an old farmhouse. Yet beneath the breathtaking scenery lies an even more compelling story about embracing change, building community, and finding joy even in the face of unexpected hardship. Her honesty about life's challenges adds remarkable emotional depth without ever overshadowing the book's optimism.
Rich with memorable characters, delicious food, heartfelt moments, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty of slowing down, Pinch Me is more than a travel memoir—it's a celebration of courage, reinvention, and choosing a life that reflects the dreams you've been waiting to pursue. A wonderfully uplifting and unforgettable read.
Barbara Boyle paints Italy with such warmth and authenticity that readers can almost taste the regional cuisine, wander the quiet streets of Piedmont, and feel the satisfaction of breathing new life into an old farmhouse. Yet beneath the breathtaking scenery lies an even more compelling story about embracing change, building community, and finding joy even in the face of unexpected hardship. Her honesty about life's challenges adds remarkable emotional depth without ever overshadowing the book's optimism.
Rich with memorable characters, delicious food, heartfelt moments, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty of slowing down, Pinch Me is more than a travel memoir—it's a celebration of courage, reinvention, and choosing a life that reflects the dreams you've been waiting to pursue. A wonderfully uplifting and unforgettable read.
October 19, 2025
In her heartfelt memoir, Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-year-old Farmhouse, Barbara Boyle proves that "living the dream" is possible. This love story chronicles how she and her husband had the audacity to act on a wish after discovering an abandoned 300-year-old barn in rural Italy and deciding to make it their home. Their journey of resurgence and renewal was fraught with profound setbacks, including a breast cancer diagnosis and the betrayal of a trusted contractor. However, the story's heart lies not in the struggle but in the beauty they find. The memoir glows with descriptions of generous neighbors, a slower pace of life, and the region's simple, delectable food—Boyle even provides the recipes as a personal touch. Pinch Me is an inspiring testament to beginning a fresh chapter when many are settling down, making it a captivating read for anyone who has ever dreamed of a second act.
June 12, 2026
Pinch Me is a beautifully written memoir that blends travel, personal growth, and emotional resilience in a very authentic way. Barbara Boyle does an excellent job capturing both the beauty of life in Piedmont, Italy, and the realities of starting over in a completely new environment.
What I appreciated most was the honesty in her storytelling. The book isn’t just about renovating an old farmhouse or living abroad it’s also about navigating unexpected challenges, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy in a different way of life. The descriptions of Italy, food, and community are vivid without feeling overdone.
Thoughtful, inspiring, and easy to connect with, this is a great read for anyone who enjoys memoirs centered on travel, reinvention, and personal courage.
What I appreciated most was the honesty in her storytelling. The book isn’t just about renovating an old farmhouse or living abroad it’s also about navigating unexpected challenges, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy in a different way of life. The descriptions of Italy, food, and community are vivid without feeling overdone.
Thoughtful, inspiring, and easy to connect with, this is a great read for anyone who enjoys memoirs centered on travel, reinvention, and personal courage.
November 3, 2024
Boyle’s book is a feast for the senses as the sights, sounds, and aroma of her adopted home in the Piemonte region of Italy come alive in this captivating tale about village life where she describes how she and her husband Kim, turned an ancient run-down building and barn into their dream home. I was swept along by the vistas of the countryside, the culture, the warmth and generosity of the Italian locals, and the wine and food that Boyle describes with such vivid detail, I swear I could taste each sip and bite. We are invited into Boyle’s world and it is one I didn’t want to leave.
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