Dancing with the Moon: A Story of Love at the Villa della Luna

by Jana Fayne Kolpen, Mary Tiegreen

Readers enchanted by The Secrets of Pistoulet will delight in the further adventures of Mademoiselle J. In Dancing with the Moon (originally published in 1997 as The Legend of the Villa della Luna), our heroine embarks on another voyage of self-discovery and finds herself the guest at a magnificent seaside villa in Italy. At the Villa della Luna, Mademoiselle J. meets a grieving man whose heartache has rendered him completely isolated. With the help of her three Italian hostesses, she reaches out to him, and in this act of selflessness, she learns to love again.

As in Pistoulet, Mlle J. encounters magical recipes that contribute wisdom and fortitude to her journey. Readers are invited to partake in the mystery of such delicacies as The Minestrone of Memories and Reflection, for those who need to revisit their past in order to move on to the future, and Pasta Vivante, for those who are afraid of the passion of life.

Dancing with the Moon is a vivid tactile experience filled with interactive elements such as gatefold doors, concealed treasures, tarot cards, and passports. More than a book, it is an open-hearted invitation to learn and to love. AUTHOR BIO: Jana Kolpen's books illustrate her passion for fine food, wine, and travel. Although her adventures take her far and wide, her most treasured moments revolve around her daily walks with her dogs.

Mary Tiegreen, who designed The Secrets of Pistoulet, is a graphic designer, photographer, and writer whose other books for STC include 1,001 Reasons to Love(tm) Golf and 1,001 Reasons to Love(tm) Baseball.

90 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel to "The Secrets of Pistoulet", Mademoiselle J will unlock the door to her heart and find love in the magic of enchanting foods and the wisdom of loving friends. This book also beautifully illustrated with doors and windows that open and close, revealing helpful advice and recipes.

I was gifted this book along with "The Secrets of Pistoulet". It is always a true joy to reread and would make a lovely gift.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful sequel to ..The Secrets Of Pistolet. Exquisitely illustrated and full of enchantment this book is a wonderful story to behold. It is completely engaging and leaning heavily on hope for a broken heart and how to let go and begin the journey back to love. Magical, just magical. Highly recommended.

[Julieann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fun - the special doors, all the tea cups and roses, seascapes & recipes.

even better, the authors let us "follow the light of the moon down a wondrous path" with Mademoiselle and The Kind Man.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable little magical book. Kinda twee, but good twee, and I greatly enjoyed it

[Rachel-Cassia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great gift book! Especially for your Italian girlfriend. It's about love and learning to love again after loss. Hope and devotion.

[Judith Leipold · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty book with healing thoughts and healthy activities and recipes.

[Rsmith1960 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated interactive book. Filled with romantic fold-outs.

[Leslea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a visual and tactile book this is. This is an unusual travel story that I read in an hour. The sheer pleasure of the pictures,photos, sketches, all the little lift-up flaps, letters that you slide out of envelopes, delicious receipes hidden behind curtains made this a beautiful delight.
Along with Mademoiselle J, we too can learn something of ourselves in this book.

[Sharon Younkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Engaging writing, interesting characters, amazing descriptions of food, and outstanding recipes (I've tried them all, and while they may not have magical powers, they are delicious and easy to prepare).

[Allen Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read about a French woman who is searching but doesn't realize she is. Who finds love on the last page with a heartbroken lighthouse keeper. recipes were awesome with words and phrases like "empathetic arborio rice, and 'as she walked the vegetables turned to greet her.' "

[Janis]

Very pretty...very enjoyable

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

YUM! recipes! Again, sweet book, very artily presented. One I read and reread.

[Marianne Mullen]

Fun little grown up pop up book!