How About a Fixer Upper…In Italy?
Friends! Any Fixer Upper fans out there? John and I used to love to watch Chip and Joanna Gaines’ episodes, always in amazement of the usually simple changes that can transform a home in such a short time.
But, what if you found a home you absolutely adored, and it just so happened to be across the pond in Italy? This unbelievable scenario happened to some friends of ours who hail from Stanford, Kentucky. Not exactly something you’d imagine could happen!
This week, on Tuesday March 5th, a delightful page-turner releases… I’m going to give you a sneak peek… of Angela Correll’s brand new book.
Checkout the lovely cover:
Now I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its’ cover, but….Look at the gorgeous open door—so inviting! And, don’t miss the subtitle which really made me want to read the book: A True Story of Facing Loss, Finding Beauty, and Living Forward in Hope.
We readers are quickly swept up in Angela and her husband, Jess’ discovery of Italy’s Tuscany area. After renting an apartment several times, they both realized they’d like to pursue purchasing property there. Their financial advisor suggests they do so “only if it doesn’t complicate your life.” That’s a tall order!
One of many favorite aspects of Angela’s book is we feel as if we’re right there in Montefollonico, jumping in the Correll’s car to hit the bianca strada (white gravel road) traveling the countryside and nearby towns. We get to discover these lovely towns as if we’re in the back seat.
Angela’s writing style allows us to easily envision, for example, the rolling hills of the vineyards where some of the grapes have fallen off the vine. This leads to the concept of pruning—she poses a killer question: “Are there good and flourishing things in my life that are keeping me from the best?”
Another favorite picturesque quote is: “Beyond the vineyard, we crest a hill and are stopped by a caravan of bobbing white fluffs of sheep-- as they cross from their field to the safety of their barn for the night…Tinkling bells and bleats add music to the air as we turn off the engine and roll down the windows to take in the sights and sounds.” Charming!
Being Italian wannabes, John and I could eat pasta or pizza every day. Seeing Jess and Angela try new restaurants, learning about their meals, the food, olive trees/harvesting, etc. makes your mouth water. (We’re off to an Italian restaurant tonight for that very reason!)
While the Corrells are traversing these white gravel roads, they meet many new acquaintances, including a couple who pastors a church in Perugia. One of their missions, especially if they were to buy property in Montefollonico, was to be part of a church and the local community.
They decide on non-negotiables re: their hopeful new home. You’ll enjoy seeing them arrive at their decision, however the time constraints with contracts, etc. will keep you guessing! You’ll also enjoy beautiful pictures of their home dotted throughout the book. The archways in many rooms are breathtaking.
Jess offers a challenge to themselves in the form of a threefold prayer for their new home:
One funny thing happened to us while I was reading this book. John and I watched a movie filmed in Italy where the couple frequently make coffee with a “moka pot”. This was new to us. Quick to google “moka pot,” John researched this contraption and don’t you know one was on our doorstep the next day?!
Also on the following day, we readers find Angela whipping up coffee via a moka pot! Just one more lovely contribution from the Italians. Try it, you’ll love it!
As we continue on the Correll’s journey, and ultimate purchase of a lovely home complete with a killer view, the ball suddenly drops causing us readers to heave a big sigh: Their newly found handyman proclaims work on the home to have molti problemi (many problems) and that it’s troppo lavoro (too much work!).
I was reminded of Tom Hanks in the movie The Money Pit. However, we get to dive in and jump the hurdles with Angela and Jess, and yes, the move-in ready goal succumbs to a “road to renovation.”
You’ll also learn more than one new cultural tidbit such as most Italians do not own a clothes dryer, they simply hang clothes on a line outside to dry. Dryers use too much electricity. Needless to say, one of the many lessons offered in this book is patience!
Other topics included in the book would make for grand potential discussion should you discuss this book at a book club meeting. They are:
Friendship
Adventure
Food, food, and more food!
Forgiveness
Community
Grief and loss
Pruning
Prayer
Taking a sabbatical
The importance of the table/hospitality
You’ll find discussion questions at the end of the book along with ideas should you decide to host a morning or an evening book club gathering. There’s also a glossary of Italian words and phrases used in the book which are a real treat.
Throughout the book, Angela is very honest and real with us readers, not only opening her new home to us, but opening her heart. Her own “aha” moment comes from her relaying about her first views of the village:
You can tell this book offers a little bit of everything. Angela’s sense of humor makes us laugh while her many losses make us weep. She often refers us to pertinent Scripture for certain circumstances, the very remedies we need…
Watch how Angela and Jess shine the light of Christ on the paths of all the new and old friends and neighbors they meet in Italy. Their extensive hospitality blesses all who have worked on their home and befriended them from their many visits.
Don’t miss the added information on Angela’s website about visiting Italy, books to read, and movies to watch! Extra fun!
Now you know how we like to close: Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore and grab Restored in Tuscany! Who doesn’t need an escape to Italy? You and your friends will be blessed.
‘Til next time!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are “affiliate links.”