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An Italian Love Story: Surprise and Joy on the Amalfi Coast (Italian Journeys)

“Once again. James Ernest Shaw has written an Italian masterpiece!” ~ Barbara Taggert Coleman

“Belissima Love Story! James Ernest Shaw has shined the light on the true treasure of Italy—its people! Bravo!” ~ EGF

“An Italian Love Story” is one of the best reads and true love stories you'll ever read!” ~ Jane Jones

“Steve, this is the book I was telling you about! SO good!” ~ Janet M

“Extremely talented writer!!” ~ Debra Whaley

“A Journey of the Heart. A true and touching story of a man’s love for a woman, a country and a once-in-a-lifetime trip that intertwined the two. James Ernest Shaw sweeps armchair travelers along on the honeymoon he and his wife delayed for decades. In Italy they rediscover the magic of love amid the pleasures and people of a country that has been seducing visitors for centuries. Open your heart and enjoy the ride!” ~ Dianne Hales author of “La Bella Lingua” & “La Passione”

"I am enjoying every page and adventure of "An Italian Love Story." ~ Lillian I

“An Italian Love Story” is an awesome book. I stayed up most of the night...I couldn't put it down!” ~ Marian S

It’s April in Italy and the Journey of a lifetime has just begun.

After two weeks at sea the Oosterdam docked in Civitavecchia, Italy. Among the shipboard romantics was a not-so-young couple on their much-delayed honeymoon. Approaching their forty-sixth wedding anniversary, they had their hearts set on an Italian adventure they would have loved to have taken earlier in their marriage but matters of making a living, making a life, and raising children kept them from getting away together.

The surprises began before they got out of the harbor.Their "Two for the Road" adventure began as inauspiciously as Joanna and Mark’s in that insightful 1967 film about marriage—walking along the side of a highway trailing suitcases wishing that someone would come along and save them from themselves. Mardi and James survived that misadventure thanks to the kindness of an Italian bus driver who went out of his way to deliver them to where they needed to go. It was but the first of many times in their journey that the kindness of strangers and the ever-present Italian penchant for hospitality overwhelmed them.

They called their wanderings "Pinball Traveling"—Letting the beauty and people of Italy guide their journey. They traveled with no firm itinerary. If they saw something they liked, they had the freedom to explore it. If someone extended a hand of friendship, they had the opportunity to accept it. Mysteries abound in this life—and their sojourn in southern Italy and the warm-hearted Italians they met gave them eyes to take a fresh look at their high-spirited marriage.

"An Italian Love Story" will inspire you to take your own journey of a lifetime—which may, as it did for Mardi and James, bring you face-to-face with not only the incredible warmth of the Italian people and the intoxicating beauty of Italy, but also to the perplexing mysteries of your own life.

Buon Viaggio!