An enchanting and lyrical look at the life, the traditions, and the cuisine of tuscany, in the spirit of Peter Mayle's a year in provence. Frances Mayes entered a wondrous new world when she began restoring an abandoned ...An enchanting and lyrical look at the life, the traditions, and the cuisine of tuscany, in the spirit of Peter Mayle's a year in provence. Frances Mayes entered a wondrous new world when she began restoring an abandoned villa in the spectacular tuscan countryside.