WINSTON-SALEM— Award-winning and bestselling author Frances Mayes will present her newest book, “See You in the Piazza,” on Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m. at Bookmarks, 634 W. Fourth Street No. 110 in downtown Winston-Salem.

The event, sponsored by Bookmarks and Beyond the Vines Travel, is free and open to the public. In celebration of all things Italian, attendees will receive free gelato from Twin City Gelato.

“See You in the Piazza” is a nonfiction exploration of Italy’s diverse and unique culture, heritage, food and wonder. Mayes invites readers to discover new, hidden places not found in the traditional tourist guide and to experience Italy alongside her and her husband Ed on a vivid journey through 13 regions —from Friuli and Sicily to back streets and markets.

Mayes has written several bestsellers and award-winning books over the past 20 years, including poetry, collections of recipes, and memoirs. Her novel “Under the Tuscan Sun” was a New York Times bestseller for over two and a half years and was adapted to film in 2003, starring Diane Lane.

The two additional novels in Mayes’ Tuscany trilogy, “Bella Tuscany” and “Every Day in Tuscany,” also became international bestsellers. Presently, Mayes continues to pursue her love of traveling, celebrating Italian culture, and writing. She divides her time between her home in North Carolina and Italy.

Beyond the Vines Travel, owned by Barbara Raffaldini, is based in Winston-Salem and plans annual trips to Italy and other destinations. Co-owner of Raffaldini Vineyards, located in Ronda, Raffaldini uses her knowledge and love of wine in planning these travel opportunities.

Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit organization that fosters a love of reading and writing in the community. The programming connects readers with authors and books and is achieved through the largest annual book festival in the Carolinas (the next festival will be Sept. 5-8,); an Authors in Schools program, which reaches 9,000 students annually; and year-round events in their gathering space and nonprofit independent bookstore at 634 W. Fourth Street. Visit bookmarksnc.org for more information.