AustLit

'In 1999 Vicki Archer, with her husband and three children, made a lifelong dream a reality when she bought a seventeenth-century property in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. She spent three years lovingly restoring the farmhouse, bringing back to life the abandoned apple and pear orchards and planting an olive grove of more than 2000 trees. In My French Life Vicki shares an insider's view of life in France, telling her personal tale of taking risks, facing challenges and falling in love with all things French. Intertwined with Vicki's words are lavish photographs by Carla Coulson, which reveal the essence of instinctive French style.' (Publication summary)

'Carla Coulson had it all, or so everyone told her – a glamorous inner-city apartment, a successful business and a designer wardrobe. One lonely Christmas Eve, however, she realised what was missing: excitement, work she was passionate about and, most of all, love. So, Carla packed up her life and boarded a plane.

'Italy was her first port of call and became her true destination. With a camera and nothing to lose, she found herself immersed in Florence, tasting the food, learning the language, meeting the people, discovering a new career and country – and photographing her new life.

'Carla's evocative text and rich photographs bring alive the laughter, warmth and passion of Italy. We meet the people who have embraced her; we see the streets, bars, churches and markets that have enchanted her; and we feel her gioia (joy).

'Just as Carla's Paris Tango unveiled the hidden delights of the world's most stylish city. Italian Joy is an insider's tribute to a country of grand passion and true beauty.' (Publication summary)