Love in a Tuscan Kitchen: Savoring Life through the Romance, Recipes, and Traditions of Italy

by Sheryl Ness

Chocolate cake makes sweet dreams come true.

In a real-life fairy tale, author Sheryl Ness shares how she fell in love with Vincenzo, a chef in a quaint Tuscan kitchen, over his decadent hot chocolate cake.

This enchanting memoir will transport you to the cobblestone streets, lush hillsides dotted with grapevines and olive trees, and unique characters that create the backdrop for Sheryl’s Italian love story.

Love in a Tuscan Kitchen is sprinkled with traditional recipes she collected along the way and flavored with rich accounts of how her dreams were fulfilled many times over while living in a picturesque village in Chianti.

Raise a toast and taste pure joy as Sheryl opens her heart to love, and in turn finds herself on a remarkable journey of discovery through the people, traditions, and customs of Italy as the blond Americana fell in love with the chef with twinkling eyes.

Genres: Italy, Memoir, Nonfiction, Travel, Cookbooks, Family, Cooking

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2018

About the author

Sheryl Ness was inspired to become a nurse by her father’s mother, who was one of the first formally trained nurses of her time. Sheryl has a master’s degree in Transcultural Nursing from Augsburg College in Minneapolis. She works as a clinical editor for Elsevier based in Rochester, Minnesota, and where she worked for thirty years as a nurse at the Mayo Clinic.

Her interest and love for the appreciation of cultures has been a strong influence in her life and inspired her to travel to other areas of the world—always curious for knowledge from cultural traditions of places and how this influence defines a person’s world.

Sheryl and her husband, Vincenzo Giangiordano, now live in Rochester, Minnesota, where he prepares traditional Italian cuisine as a chef for specialty restaurants. Together, they present Italian cooking classes and events as well as host private dinners.

They would love to hear from readers. Share your stories, try the recipes, invite them to come and cook with you, and send a note if you want to be in touch at: loveinatuscankitchen@gmail.com and follow on Facebook @loveinatuscankitchen.

Reviews

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in Tuscany and even though I've never been to Italy, I feel like i know a lot more about it than I did. Descriptives of the scenery, food, the love story ... what a beautiful written story!! Thank you for this complimentary copy from Concierge Marketing Inc through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and tasty read.

This book is a delight to read. Sheryl 's love for Tuscany, the food, the people, and the surrounding areas shine through on every page.
There are several delicious recipes to tempt the taste buds, and lots of photos of her time in this beautiful country.
It is a love story, a travelogue and recipe book all rolled into one.
A magnificent read which I can't recommend highly enough.

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love in a Tuscan Kitchen" is a joyful antidote for these challenging times. The author is inspired to travel to Italy on a hiking holiday with a friend, and falls in love with Tuscany and its people. She returns again and again, determined to spend more time in the little village of San Gusme, located near Siena.
Destined to meet her husband Vincenzo, a talented chef who makes a great chocolate cake, their love faces many challenges, not least the distance from Sheryl's home in Minnesota. However, they eventually marry as per the title.
I really enjoyed the authors descriptions of the countryside and its people, the delicious food and the carefully written recipes that she shares with her readers.
The photographs are an added delight, strengthening the connection with her characters.
I shall be cooking more than a few of her recipes.

[Leith Devine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of Tuscany were beautiful and evocative, and I could tell that the author had deep ties to the area. The recipes sound delicious, although the way they are formatted in the book makes them hard to read.

Thanks to Tuscan Dreams LLC and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author, who is from Minnesota, decided to take a trip to Tuscany with a friend and falls in love with Italy. Later she had the opportunity to work for a friend in the travel business, and moves back to Tuscany to the small town of San Gusme, not too far from Siena. Here Sheryl helps her friend with her travel business and also takes care of her friends daughters when needed. She falls in love with this quaint little town and its people and eventually with a local chef Vincenzo Giangiordano. This book was beautifully written with wonderful description of the local people and the goings on in the town of San Gusme. She is known as the “Americana” but once she has mastered the language a bit more and after she marries her Chef, they call her “The chef's wife.” everyone has a label.
It was a lot of fun to see how she assimilates into the culture of Italy. To see how she makes friends, who along with her, go on hikes, or travel to the near by towns and soak in the beauty of the area.
She has some wonderful adventures and some crazy experiences with Vincenzo's family, Lots of family members, lots of food and good times. At first she had to get used to the family dynamics, which were often different to what she was used to, but she ends up loving the whole crazy atmosphere.
This book is full of mouth watering recipes, if you like to cook. This is a story well worth reading, as she gives us a fun look at what it would be like to live in that area of the world.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Concierge Marketing Inc. for the ARC of this book

[Marian Beaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does a 40-something nurse from Minnesota find love in a Tuscan kitchen? Sheryl Ness tells how as she recounts her romance with chef Vincenzo in her 2018 book, part memoir, part romance novel, part travelogue and recipe book.

Love in a Tuscan Kitchen is tastefully illustrated with recipes from her American home and also from San Guzmo, her adopted charming village in Italy. Believers in finding true love, and gastronomes planning to visit the area will find this book instructive—enchanting even.

However, while the book succeeds as a journal and cookbook, as memoir, it falls short. There is very little character development. One wonders what Vincenzo’s mother was really thinking as she watches her son fall in love with a blond, American woman significantly older than he. Surely, there must have been conflict, but the book does not reveal specific detail.

Love in a Tuscan Kitchen is a real-life fairy-tale, and readers who long for such an escape will find it in Sheryl’s memoir. The icing on the cake? Recipes in abundance sprinkled throughout the text and car trips in the idyllic Tuscan countryside.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in the way the book came across on my ebook. I love Italian food and was hoping for some new dishes to try. The story was very well written and I kept reading to see our main characters married. It is not very easy to move to another country and to learn the language. If you don't mind not being able to read the recipes this is a good book. They were just too small and impossible to read. They also came across much lighter. Some of them make your mouth water as she relates a meal.

[Mary Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a true story about a woman chasing her dreams and falling in love with an Italian chef who makes a mean chocolate cake? A delicious story with the added bonus of a collection of authentic Italian recipes straight from Italy. 10/10 recommend

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I fell in love with Terza Ristorante on a recent trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and our wonderful waitress recommended we read this book, written by the chef's wife containing many of his recipes and stories from their lives in Italy!

A charming little memoir that gives a real taste of what it's like for an American to settle in Tuscany. I definitely plan to try my hand at making the "mother's sauce" and the famous chocolate cake! Yum.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What wonderful memories! From a career in nursing (eventually earning a doctorate) to the beauty of Tuscan Italy, Sheryl has experienced wonderful things and even found the loves of her life. And even married the one who is not a place. Her journey was uplifting and fascinating (even when read via TTS app)! I loved it! Even better than Commissario Montalbano!
I won my free ebook copy in a Goodreads Giveaway, but need to buy a print copy for a friend.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuscany Revisited. 😊

If you are thinking of visiting Tuscany, then this is a good primer. If you are not thinking of visiting, then WHY NOT?!!! I fell in love with Italy on my first trip there in 1986. I’m so envious that Sheryl got to live my “dream”.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great descriptions that make you feel as though you are there. The author can make even mundane, everyday experiences seem magical. There are also a load of good recipes.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love to get immersed in a love story in Italy? The writing is not elegant but the story is charming. The recipes look delicious.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story. Fun recipes!

[Anna Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a tour of Italy for me. I loved all the descriptions of places she visited and the food she enjoyed.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about finding a good life and lifelong love in Italy. I love books with recipes, so this will go on my recipe book shelf and I can't wait to make some Italian fare!

[Alana White · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love in a Tuscan Kitchen: Savoring Life Through the Romance, Recipes, and Traditions of Italy." I loved this book. The author, Sheryl Ness, moved to a small town in Tuscany and fell in love with the chef in the local restaurant over his chocolate "love cake." I fell in love with the book. The lovely descriptions made me feel as though I were sitting on the bench gossiping with the local older women and going on walks in the surrounding countryside. Lots of terrific recipes, too. (Including the cake!)

[Maria Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, another sample of what can happen when people follow there dreams. Wonderful recipes and the Italian life if community sounds delightful.

[Anitajt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title attracted me to this delightful book, next was the mention of romance and then food! A truly lovely story of a woman’s journey to the love of her life. Her writing style was so mesmerising, her descriptions of the places she visited made me feel I was there. It was like reading a private diary sharing her most precious memories.
The recipes sound delicious, I hope to try some soon, especially the hot chocolate ‘love’ cake plus, many others. This is a inspirational story, telling us, you can do whatever you want, you just need to believe in yourself. Wonderful, a must read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful and inspiring story of one woman’s courageous journey to follow her heart and her dreams. The result was love, marriage, lifelong relationships, as well as learning so much about herself. Not to mention the opportunity to enjoy the most incredible Italian food.
We have the privilege of knowing Sheryl and Vincenzo and have had a few opportunities to savor his magic in the kitchen. It is by far, some of the best Italian food we have ever had.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The description of Tuscan were lovely and realistic (I'm Italian) and the recipes yummy.
It's recommended!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Concierge Marketing

[J.M. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]


Wow, Love in a Tuscan Kitchen could very well be made into a movie. Not only is this story true, it's a fairy tale come to life. The book is filled with love, recipes and Italian culture. The fear of taking a chance at a dream keeps many from following their heart, but this author took hold of what she wanted and filled her life with passion. What an inspiring read!

Sheryl Ness pens this story so well, I felt like I walked the cobblestone streets, met the people within the small Italian village of San Gusme, and discovered the glorious food right along with her. But the best part of the book is the love story.

The sweet emotions shared between her and Vincenzo while they fall in love is charming. I will let you delve into that part of the story yourself. I also loved the colorful characters who resided in this village tucked away in the hills of Tuscany. The photographs were a nice surprise too. However, every scene was so well described, I already pictured it.

There are some recipes tucked lovingly within the pages of this book, and I can’t wait to sample them. The lemon cream one will be the first one I attempt to make.

The inspirational story will make anyone want to follow their innermost dream. Not only is this author a brave soul, she is an amazing storyteller.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very torn on the rating to give this book. I did not enjoy the first half, and for the first time I was actually pleasantly surprised when I persisted until the end. I’ll start with the bad and finish with the good since this is what the book does.

The writing is painstakingly elementary, contains typographical errors and is desperately in need of a talented editor. She constantly repeats herself, whether it be two chapters later or two sentences later. Her writing (in the first 75% of the book) lacks spark and intimate detail but includes the most mundane minutiae, like what time a birthday party started.

It hit me like halfway through what was bothering me about this book. There is barely any dialogue. It’s just her recounting everything. The dialogue between her, Lorenzo, Enzo and Beppe is where things finally started picking up. The chapters about the elder men and women of San Gusme were my favorites by far.

I appreciated all the photos and recipes she shared, but be aware that they are not kindle paperwhite friendly. I love all of the tidbits about the local culture, language and people. The content was good, but it was too often repeated and too much fluff. With a great editor, this book would have been 4 stars for me.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously researched travel guide! The authors really did their homework. I don't think I've ever encountered such a comprehensive travel guide in my life! I didn't need to red the whole book, but as I going to visit in the next year or so, I wanted to have a look/see of this book. I certainly hope someone does one on Scotland... What I did was look up all the places I know I will be going to and was amazed at all the info: how to get around, where to stay, where to eat, what to see and do, etc... Then I browsed the book for other places and things I may want to take in on side trips I will include on my travels. I don;t want to miss a thing if I can help it! Anyway, I will be purchasing this book and recommend it to anyone going to visit the fair country. great book!
I received a Kindle Arc in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.

[Corgi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Love in a Tuscan Kitchen: Savoring Life through the Romance, Recipes, and Traditions of Italy by Sheryl Ness. This would make an excellent book club read, as the recipes could be incorporated into the discussion. The title says it all love, eating & living in Italy.

This is also a great beach read, it is not complicated nor does it drag you down - it is a positive book. It's a happy book.

I would highly recommend: Love in a Tuscan Kitchen to readers who like: memoirs, food/recipes included, romance in mid-life, Italy, well-written & developed story and stories that have a happy ending.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.

Author Sherly Ness whisks the reader off to the little Italian town of San Gusme and introduces us to life at its most fundamental. A place where friends and family rein supreme, and where food is made with love. If you listen closely, you can here the children playing, the laundry flapping on the clothes lines, and friends greeting each other as they go about their daily lives

An added bonus is a collection of recipes from Sherly that reflects her mid-western roots as well as traditional meals from her adopted home, Italy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of a woman who reinvents her life at 40, moving to a small village outside Sienna, Italy, and eventually marrying a chef there. I love the setting, and as an expat myself, can relate to someone adapting to a new community. And, she includes a lot of recipes from her husband and his family which look very tempting. I originally read this through Kindle Unlimited, but went ahead and bought it afterward in order to keep the recipes.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book because I love Tuscany and I wasn't disappointed. While not a traditional author, the book was well written. I loved the
descriptions of the people, food, smells, customs, and sights of Italy. Her story was interesting and flowed very well. It has some awesome recipes that I will certainty try! Glad I went on a limb and tried her book!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I am going to try some of the recipes included although I am not a skilled cook 😛 I am fortunate to live in the area where Sheryl's husband is a chef, looking forward to trying out Terza ristorante soon and trying his delicacies. Looking forward to next Johanna party so I can discuss Sheryl's book with her in person.