When Your Heart Finds Its Home

by Ilene and Gary Modica

About The Book

When Your Heart Finds Its Home by Ilene and Gary Modica is more than a travel memoir—it’s an invitation to live, breathe, and feel Italy through the eyes of two passionate travelers who found themselves enchanted by its landscapes, people, and culture.

Picking up where Our Italian Journey left off, this book takes you deeper into the heart of Tuscany and beyond. It can also stand on its own, so even if you haven’t read the first book, you’ll still enjoy a complete journey into the beauty, charm, and soul of Italy. Ilene and Gary share their adventures in charming villages, bustling towns, and hidden corners that many travelers miss, all while reflecting on the transformative experience of embracing a new life in a foreign country.

Through vivid descriptions, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of humor, the Modicas capture the warmth of local communities, the richness of Italian traditions, and the simple pleasures of daily life—from sharing meals with friends to wandering through sunlit piazzas. Readers will feel as if they are strolling alongside them, discovering the beauty and soul of Italy one town at a time.

More than just a travelogue, When Your Heart Finds Its Home is a story of self-discovery, connection, and the courage to follow your dreams. It’s a celebration of slowing down, savoring life, and finding a place that feels truly like home. Perfect for lovers of travel, culture, and heartfelt memoirs, this book will transport you straight to the rolling hills, historic streets, and vibrant communities of Italy.

Our Italian Journey

We’re Ilene and Gary, travel writers who fell in love with Italy and share our adventures through guidebooks and our award-winning blog, Our Italian Journey. We love helping travelers discover the food, culture, and hidden corners that make each region shine.

Our bookstore brings together all of our books—two memoirs about selling it all, retiring to Italy on a budget, and searching for the ‘perfect Italian town,’ plus our series of travel guidebooks. Whether you’re planning a trip or enjoy reading about life here, this is where you can take a piece of our journey home. For travel tips, stories, or to connect, visit our blog, Our Italian Journey—you can reach us anytime through the contact form or by email.

More Books by Our Italian Journey

Our Italian Journey

Living Our Dream in Italy For One Year

by Ilene and Gary Modica

Umbria Treasures

A Journey Through 23 Towns

by Ilene and Gary Modica

Tuscany Treasures

A Journey Through 31 Towns

by Ilene and Gary Modica

Tuscany isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Discover hidden towns, local delights, and scenic treasures that make every visit unforgettable.

Let's go to Italy:

Adult & Teen Coloring Book with Mandala Designs

by Ilene Modica