My Books

“Letters from Italy is an American story, told in a time of tumult, with love and laughter. Whether you trace your family to Italy, Ireland, or South Africa, this story hits home.” Susan Campbell, The Connecticut Post

"Mario Dell'Olio is a well-connected first generation American, but his Italian roots are evident, they are strong, and they emerge clearly in the story of a difficult yet unshakable love that accompanied the life of his parents." –L'Edicola del Sud

Letters from Italy is a story of true love that spans an ocean. Against all odds, an orphaned girl and a young dreamer find solace in a romance sparked by a single photo and years of transatlantic letters. From a tiny Italian town in pre-WWII to New York City in her golden age, hopeful immigrants take a chance at living the American dream. Set on the Puglian coast, a world comes alive with images of a fishing village, families from different socio-economic classes, and a love born out of chance.

When they finally meet, Nicoletta and Orazio know they are destined to be together. Framed by the letters they wrote to each other, Letters from Italy takes us on a passage back through time with a romantic young couple whose devotion to one another prompted a bold journey in a foreign land.

Feature 1

A chance of a lifetime, a prestigious school, a romantic city! Rome welcomes three young men as they begin their life’s journey. Coming of age in a time of tumult and change, bonds of friendship are forged amidst the ancient ruins. Eyes filled with wonder turn inward to discover what they truly desire. Dreams are dashed while hopes for the future are transformed as they learn to love themselves and honor their chosen paths. In the most unlikely of places they find love without ever looking for it. Against all odds, romance colors their vision of the world. How does one fall in love without losing themselves in the process? Are passion and heartbreak always intertwined? Journey with Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel as they discover the joy in hearts coming together and the fervor of fighting for what they believe in.

Feature 2

Raised in a strict Catholic family, Luca seemed destined for priesthood. His safe spiritual world is shattered after just one kiss with a college roommate. Luca enters a period of self-discovery as his journey of love opens his eyes to joy he never thought possible. Along with his new-found love comes unfathomable pain and self-doubt. Years later, a newly ordained bishop is at the pinnacle of his career when a chance encounter with a lover from his youth threatens to upend his prestigious career and comfortable life. His vow of celibacy and vocation are called into question as he struggles with his faith, loneliness, and need for love. How do these seemingly disparate characters come together to make sense of the unexpected twists and turns in their lives? How do they balance their bodily desires with their soul’s search for meaning?.

Feature 3

A mid-life crisis, a sailing adventure, and a rescue at sea, Coming About tells a story of survival and inner-strength through a foundational loving relationship. Coming About is a memoir of Mario and Jim who, at 40, quit their jobs and sell their home in San Francisco to follow their dream. They buy a 50-foot sailboat and move to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands where they discover many quirky facets of adjusting to life on the island as well as its many cultural idiosyncrasies. During the maiden voyage from the US mainland to St. Thomas, they encounter treacherous weather conditions and a series of life-threatening events that lead to a rescue at sea and the destruction of their dreams of retirement in a Caribbean paradise. Battling relentlessly crushing waves and shark-infested waters, their lives hang in the balance. Their struggles are vividly recounted as they search for meaning in the near loss of their lives and the shattering of their dreams.