Teran acquires a rundown estate in Umbria and sets about the arduous work of restoring it along with her artist husband. What sets this book apart from countless other like books, is Teran's writing ability. Her lucid prose captures the countryside and the eccentric locals who populate it. Her greater family also is entertaining, including two nannies. called the "beauties" and her daughter, almost too preciously called "the child Iseult." Their adventures add spice to the book. Her village was too small to be located by using Google Earth, etc., and some photographs would have been welcome. Her husband is a vague figure who comes across as somewhat of a twit. Not surprisingly she ultimately ends up divorcing him, albeit some years after writing the book. ( )