"Family is at least as important as food," says Brookfield-based author Terri-Lynne DeFino.

That's just part of the message behind her latest offering, "Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story."

The book was inspired by her own family experience, growing up in an Italian-American household in New Jersey.

"Any get-together we have... everybody is talking over each other, and the hands are going you know," she said.

While the book may be a reflection of her New Jersey heritage, DeFino says the fact remains "Connecticut is home."