"I was not prepared for Italy. Luckily, Italy was waiting for me anyway."

Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center brings fresh perspective to the American abroad story. Michelle Damiani chronicles how her family of five transformed within the medieval walls of Spello, Italy. Part searingly-honest memoir, part celebration of Umbrian life, Il Bel Centro evokes the pleasures of village life, from the scent of almond pastries curling into morning fog, to olive trees tossing glints of silver into an achingly blue sky.

At once hilarious and wise, this spellbinding journey will feed your soul and your wanderlust. Il Bel Centro will sweep you into the heart of Italy, where for bakers, pants are optional, and a good lunch will take you straight through till dinner.

“A magical read.”

“I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.”

“I was instantly transported to Italy.”

“This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read.”

“Could not put it down.”

“I could smell the freshly baked bread, taste the local wine, and if I closed my eyes I could easily see the sloping hills, the pink stones of Spello, the ‘alley ladies’ with their basket of vegetables to sort and their easy chatter.”

“I just want more."

Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center includes recipes for delicious Umbrian dishes as well as professional-quality photographs.

Amazon Bestseller in Italian Travel
“Top 10 Fascinating Books about Living in a Foreign Country” —Huffington Post