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Der Alfonso (paperback): Many of you will remember Mary's late father-in-law, Carlo Contini who was the face of the shop in 19 Elm Row for so many years. Following the publication of Mary's previous books, Dear Francesca and Dear Olivia, she started to talk to Carlo about his story growing up in Naples and how he ended up living and working in Edinburgh. The story is based on a handwritten manuscript Carlo wrote for her which, when he became ill, lay forgotten and unread for years. His story unfolds an incredible tale of poverty, adventure and survival, which he had not shared with his family during his life time and in the pages he has left a moving and extraordinary legacy for his family, friends and customers. Heart-warming, moving and filled with laughter and love, Dear Alfonso is a wonderful celebration of food, family and friendship; a testament to Carlo Contini.

Dear Olivia (paperback): Mary's fascinating follow-up to Dear Francesca is now available in paperback. Mary Contini writes to her daughter Olivia to tell the story of her great-grandparents, the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated to Edinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture. Sharing some of the recipes that they brought over, this is a mouth-watering memoir of family and food. Woven together from personal oral histories and extensive research, this is the moving, startling and inspiring story of the founders of Valvona & Crolla. 

“Dear Olivia, we have inherited an ethos of work, a glorious heritage of family and food and most important, a faith in God. This is the final piece of the jigsaw, the untold part of your heritage that illuminates your past.”

Dear Francesca (Paperback): Tells the tale of the Di Ciacca family, tracing their journey from the barren Abruzzi mountains to the chilly streets of post-war Edinburgh. Addressing her daughter Francesca as she embarks on independent life, this is a compelling, often moving, family history in which Contini describes her ancestors' loves and lives in their adopted homeland where traditions were kept alive around the dinner table. With characters as colourful as in any novel, this is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves Italian food and wishes to share in a sense of family. It adds up to one of the most original books for food lovers in recent years, blending great narrative with heartwarming recipes and recollections.