Through the eyes of a fashionable Italian in America, the reader gets the behind-the-scenes of all that entails to achieve enviable style, the Italian way; that quintessential seal of always looking pulled together with insouciant elegance. The reader is catapulted into a life of rousing style filled with carefully-crafted clothing, summer holidays in the Italian countryside, the aroma of fresh tomato sauce simmering in the kitchen, and fresh lavender escaping from grandma's armoire. Through playful and witted prose, anecdotes, tips and interviews, Francesca transports the reader into a world of desirable glamour, and teaches them how to achieve the same understated chicness Italians are recognized for regardless of nationality, age or budget. You'll learn how not to follow trends, how to borrow from the boys' closet and why lingerie is for you and not him. Get ready to empty out all the meaningless clutter, and curate an inspirational wardrobe while reclaiming yourself.

A man is shot dead as he runs to catch the bus in the piazza of a small Sicilian town. Captain Bellodi, the detective on the case, is new to his job and determined to prove himself. Bellodi suspects the Mafia, and his suspicions grow when he finds himself up against an apparently unbreachable wall of silence. A surprise turn puts him on the track of a series of nasty crimes. But all the while Bellodi's investigation is being carefully monitored by a host of observers, near and far. They share a single concern: to keep the truth from coming out. This short, beautifully paced novel is a mesmerizing description of the Mafia at work.

Take your Italian skills to the next level the fun and easy way with Intermediate Italian For Dummies! This practical, easy-to-follow guide will help you to be more fluent and comfortable in your Italian writing. You’ll learn key concepts, practice what you’ve learned, and check your answers. With the exercises and lessons featured in this book, you will be able master written communication in Italian. You’ll quickly understand the basics of Italian grammar and pick up on the nuances of this romantic language. You’ll learn how to conjugate verbs, navigate tenses, and feel comfortable with gendered words. Say and spell words correctly, and no one will be able to tell that you’re not a native Italian. You’ll discover the basics of ordering words, answering questions, and forming complete sentences. You’ll be able to master parts of speech and apply articles as needed. Find out how to: Navigate grammar, language nuances, and verb tenses Conjugate verbs and understand the basics of gender Say and spell words correctly Order words correctly Answer questions and form complete sentences Use articles where necessary Understand the various parts of speech Write and speak Italian like a native Complete with lists of ten facts to remember about Italian grammar and ten subtle terminology distinctions, Intermediate Italian For Dummies is your one-stop guide to taking your Italian skills to the next level and improving upon what you already know about this widely spoken language.

In this fascinating journey through the magical, folkloric, and healing traditions of Italy the reader learns uniquely Italian methods of magical protection and divination and spells for love, sex, control, and revenge. "Mary-Grace Fahrun's Italian Folk Magic is an intimate journey into the heart of Italian folk magical practices as they are lived every day. Having grown up in an extended Italian family in North America and Italy, the author presents us with the stories, characters, saints, charms, and prayers that form the core of folk religion, setting them in context in an authentic, down-to-earth, and humorous voice. A delight to read!"—Sabina Magliocco, Professor of Anthropology, University of British Columbia Italian Folk Magiccontains: magical and religious rituals prayers divination techniques crafting blessing rituals witchcraft The author also explores the evil eye, known as malocchio in Italian, explaining what it is, where it comes from, and, crucially, how to get rid of it. This book can help Italians regain their magical heritage, but Italian folk magic is a beautiful, powerful, and effective magical tradition that is accessible to anyone who wants to learn it.

A new atmospheric Italian mystery novel set in Lake Como, introducing the clever and captivating Inspector Stefania Valenti During the construction of a new road to the Swiss border in the mountains above Lake Como, the remains of a young man are unearthed on the powerful Cappelletti family’s property. On the case is Stefania Valenti, forty-five, divorced with a young daughter, and a brilliant, determined police inspector. Her investigation takes her back to World War II and deep into the history of the region, a place that during the war attracted smugglers, deserters, secret agents, and fleeing Jews. Steeped in the beautiful atmosphere of Northern Italy, Valenti’s investigation brings to light a family’s secret, a tragic romance, and reveals a fascinating piece of Italian history.

Whether you are planning a romantic Italian getaway, packing a knapsack for your junior year abroad, or just want to engage your Italian business associate in everyday conversation, Italian Made Simple is the perfect book for any self-learner. Void of all the non-essentials and refreshingly easy to understand, Italian Made Simple includes: * basics of grammar * vocabulary building exercises * pronunciation aids * common expressions * word puzzles and language games * contemporary reading selections * Italian culture and history * economic information * Italian-English and English-Italian dictionaries Complete with drills, exercises, and answer keys for ample practice opportunities, Italian Made Simple will soon have you speaking Italian like a native.