Linda ThomasLinda Susan Thomas grew up In Youngstown, Ohio, where the scent of simmering sauce and the sound of laughter around the table left a lasting imprint. Raised by Assunda "Susie" Giancola Thomas, a woman known for her faith, humor and endless generosity Linda learned early that food was more than nourishment- it was love made visible.Though her professional life included leadership roles in state and federal corrections, it was her mother's kitchen that she found her truest sense of home. After caring for her mom in her final years, Linda felt called to preserve the traditions, recipes and sacred moments that defined their Italian-American family.With Italian roots tracing back to Calabria, Abruzzo, and Molise, Linda honors the courage of her immigrant grandparents and the spirit of a community that never let go of its heritage. This cookbook, lovingly assembled after Susie's passing, is more than a collection of recipes- it is a tribute, a healing, and a way to keep her mother's heart at the table. Read More Read Less