Happiness wherever

“A villa in Tuscany.”

For the past two decades, the phrase has been synonymous with the good life — the really good life. Think dappled sunlight, artfully crumbling edifices, the scent of fresh-cut herbs and a stellar bottle of Brunello.

One woman was almost solely responsible for many of our terracotta-hued daydreams. Frances Mayes first hit the collective consciousness with the publication of her now-iconic memoir, “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

The book went on to become a popular (although romanticized) film starring Diane Lane as Mayes, in her quest for simple abundance through the purchase and renovation of a dilapidated Tuscan farmhouse, Bramasole. As we say in the States, it had “good bones.”

Over the past 20 years, Mayes has released a slew of other Tuscan-inspired works, as well as a world travelogue and a novel. A former writing professor at San Francisco State, Mayes will appear in Newport Beach later this month to sign her newest book, “Every Day in Tuscany,” and discuss Italian life and writing.

“This is my third memoir about living in Italy. As the title suggests, it is very much a book about the particulars and pleasures of everyday life,” Mayes blogged earlier this month. “There are no chases, no drug deals, nothing more torrid than the fire in the bread oven. There is one horrid scrape with an ugly threat — but otherwise, what I am in love with is rural Tuscany: the friends, daily passions and celebrations of piazza life.”

In the book, Mayes also discusses Renaissance artist Luca Signorelli, and creates a “trail” for travelers to learn more about his life and work.

As usual, the memoir also includes recipes from Mayes — now an accomplished Italian chef — featuring names like Giusi’s Crespelle ai Porcini e Ricotta (Giusi’s porcini and ricotta crepes) and Torta di Suisine con Mandorle (plum tart).

Gardening, Mayes’ other major passion, also is woven throughout the tome.

“Underlying all the places and events, my question throughout concerns happiness — what is it, how to hold on to it,” Mayes wrote. “In July, we are celebrating 20 years since we bought our house, Bramasole. We are planning a sparkle-plenty party, with music, great wine and food, and a gathering of friends who have been close over these years. I’m so happy that this new book coincides with this anniversary. If you read it, I hope that it’s a reminder of life-in-the-moment, wherever you are. Tuscany is a state of mind; you can have that state of mind anywhere.”

Anywhere — including Newport Beach. Mayes’ March 27 session has sold out, but tickets are still available for a March 26 evening wine reception, lecture and Q-and-A session.

If You Go

Who: Author Frances Mayes

What: Lecture and book signing

When: 6:30 p.m. March 26 (March 27 is sold out)

Where: Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

Cost: $50

Information: (949) 717-3890 or nbplfoundation.org