When Your Heart Finds Its Home: The Journey Continues

by Ilene Modica, Gary Modica

The pandemic hindered but didn't deter this couple from fulfilling their dream. This book is the encapsulation of that dream and a guide for those searching for something more. Whatever you may feel is missing in your life, a bit of soul searching-and travel-may help you find it.

This was their experience, and they knew it the moment they left Italy after their first trip to the "Old Country." They made a commitment then to return, not as visitors, but as Italian citizens.

This travel memoir can stand alone, but is the continuation of Our Italian Journey, which concluded with Gary and Ilene's return to Arizona after a year of traveling through Italy searching for their "perfect Italian town." Did they find it?

Home is wherever we feel settled and at peace, and if we're lucky, home can bring forth a new life, full of possibilities. These possibilities came to fruition for Gary and Ilene in their perfect Italian town. A home is a feeling - not a place. They invite you to join them on the final chapter of this quest.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2022

About the author

Author of two memoirs, "Our Italian Journey" and "When Your Heart Finds Its Home."

Join them on this journey to finding and living their dream in Italy. Our first book is now available on Audible - we narrated it!

Both have been awarded Reader Ready Recommended Read Awards.


A new travel guidebook, "Tuscany Treasures- A Journey Through 31 Towns," is a guidebook but not in the traditional sense.

Uncover the hidden gems of Tuscany with this vibrant guidebook. From historic hill towns to coastal villages, discover 31 must-visit destinations with insider tips that include:
• Places to visit/ iconic attractions
• Town highlights
• A sprinkle of history
• Calendar of significant festivals and local traditions
• How to navigate and get there
• Authentic Tuscan cuisine and wine

This guide also includes tips for navigating Tuscany by train, seasonal travel advice, and a separate chapter for food and wine enthusiasts. It is the perfect companion for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure.

Towns come to life through woven personal stories, making this more than just a typical guide. We’ve combined practical knowledge with our love for Tuscany to help you plan a well-informed and deeply memorable trip. This guide is the perfect companion for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure – inviting you to explore Tuscany like a local.

Reviews

[C V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, When Your Heart Finds Its Home because it shows one of the best romances between a husband and wife.
Ilene and Gary Modica are lovely toward each other as they journey throughout Italy, giving beautiful descriptions of faraway places, in finding which town best suits them, to call “Home”.
They share adventures, humorous situations, new and old friendships and unexpected discoveries.
Gary is all about the history and wine selections while Ilene is event seeking, scenery and friendships. Together, their bravery is enticing.
This story has made me feel the need to explore and find MY magic!

[Jeanne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is my third visit to Lucca and I have read very much about this town, this book has brought it all to fruition. As I read it ,I was in the middle of a three month stay in Italy with two months of it spent in Lucca. Ilene and Gary made me laugh, made me cry and made me realize even more why I love the Italian life, and especially Lucca. Yes I’m of Italian descent so this shouldn’t surprise me. But the depth of their research, their story about how this decision influenced their life, so much for the better, has made me even more thankful that I came for my extended stay. Unlike them, due to my family circumstances, I will not be able to obtain Italian citizenship. But as I walk the streets, anywhere in Italy, I see my parents’ faces, the faces of my grandparents and all my extended family. And while I may never be as lucky or brave as Gary and Ilene to permanently move here, I will return many more times, especially to Lucca. I will continue to hold dear the gift of my Italian heritage and the Modicas sharing their journey, their feelings and experiences. Here’s to a an extended connection with Italy and continued friendship with this delightful couple I now count as friends.

[Lou Markey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book even though I have travelled to Italy and Lucca many times.
I just LOVED the book!
I felt like I was on the journey with them as they have a wonderful inclusive way of writing. It's fun, easy and very enjoyable to read. Ilene and Gary's love of Italy and especially Lucca is undeniable and their stories of friendship, food, wine and the beautiful Tuscan countryside, made me want to pack my bags and go again tomorrow.
I loved reading all their travel stories and tips, and I underlined and highlighted many pages in this book for easy access to all the things I STILL have to do in Tuscany.

Thank you Ilene and Gary for capturing in words, the essence and the meaning of La Dolce Vita in Lucca and Tuscany.
I hope to meet you one day, when I am next in Lucca.
I highly recommend this book.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is obvious from the title, there's a great deal of sentimentality in this book! Post Covid, Gary and Ilene settle in Lucca, their perfect Italian town. This second book details the process of settling in to a new place (even one you have previously spent time in), making new friends and missing old ones (and family of course), visiting other places, learning about local customs and traditions and, of course, eating and drinking in the area.
The writing is straight forward and honest, the content quite personal to the writers but nonetheless, for someone like me who loves Italy and the idea of living there, interesting and dream- provoking!
This book will not be for everyone, but as an Italophile, a lover of travel in general, food and wine and new experiences, I enjoyed reading this account of ex pat life in Italy. ****

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Our Italian Journey’ continues in this second book, once Ilene & Gary are able to return to their beloved Italy after Covid. This story is a truly delightful account of a year in Italy through the four seasons, and more. So much more. They continue to explore picturesque and historic towns and villages, mainly by train. Sometimes they travel by car with their good friends who live locally. They buy bicycles, but still walk many miles. Their adventures are colourful & fun filled. They make friends wherever they go, & people who have read their blog & first book flock to them. They go to festivals, the opera, wine tastings & make overnight stays. They enjoy so many excellent restaurants; we can almost taste the food. They find wonderful vistas to photograph. Through it all we are able to soak up the magic of Italy. And wish we were there enjoying it too!

[Valerie Poore · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an enjoyable mix of personal memoir, guide and (I imagine) blog posts, Ilene and Gary Modica share the writing of this book that details their move to the Italian city of Lucca, their travels in and around Tuscany and their observations on local people and customs. I’ve been to Lucca myself and loved it, so I’m not surprised they did too. Luckily for them, they made many friends quite early on, although the number of these made things a little confusing at times. However, the fact that they tell readers about all their encounters is, I think, indicative of their friendliness. I felt drawn into their world. Recommended.

[RON HILL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book

I always enjoy reading about their life experiences in Italy. I love reading about all the different places they went. It inspires me to put our itinerary together.

[Karen Piccolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed their first book, Our Italian Journey, more than this book but this did give you an appreciation of what it takes to move to a different country. As much as I love Italy, I could never leave my family though.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice travel guide to Lucca, Italy, and its surrounding area. I enjoyed finding out about the places Ilene and Gary visited, though I did get bogged down with all the different names of their friends. But an enjoyable sequel, and it seems as though they really have found the place of their dreams.

[W S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry but it’s a bit of a dull Diary

No character development, comedy, drama, conflict or adventure. Just a diary of day to day ordinary life in Lucca, Italy.