Who Would Like This Book:
Love & Gelato is the perfect scoop of sweet romance, travel vibes, and heartfelt family drama! If you love YA coming-of-age stories, charming settings (hello, Italy!), and a splash of mystery, you’ll fall head over heels for Lina’s journey. The book beautifully weaves together family secrets, grief, and new friendships, with plenty of delicious descriptions of gelato and Italian landmarks. Great for teens and adults craving a cozy, summer escape - especially if you’re a fan of books like 'Anna and the French Kiss.'
Who May Not Like This Book:
If tropes like secret diaries, love triangles, and a bit of predictable teen drama make you roll your eyes, this story might not be your flavor. Some found the plot and characters a little too cliched, with occasional slow pacing and moments where Lina could’ve avoided lots of angst with better communication. Hardcore romance lovers may find the drama overdone, and those looking for literary depth or originality might think it’s more gelato than gourmet.
About:
Love & Gelato follows the story of Lina, a young girl who travels to Italy after her mother's death, where she uncovers secrets about her mother's past through a journal and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Italy, the book intertwines themes of love, grief, family, and adventure as Lina navigates through her emotions and relationships while exploring the enchanting country. The writing style is described as whimsical and engaging, transporting readers to Italy alongside the protagonist and immersing them in the story's emotional depth and romantic allure.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The story includes themes of grief due to a parent's death and may evoke strong emotional responses.
Has Romance?
The romance between Lina and Ren is a central aspect of the storyline, making it prominent throughout the book.
From The Publisher:
A summer in Italy turns into a road trip across Tuscany in this sweeping New York Times bestseller filled with romance, mystery, and adventure.
Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn't in the mood for Italy's famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She's only there because it was her mother's dying wish that she get to know her father. But what kind of father isn't around for sixteen years? All Lina wants to do is get back home.
But then Lina is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy. Suddenly Lina's uncovering a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries. A world that inspires Lina, along with the ever-so-charming Ren, to follow in her mother's footsteps and unearth a secret that has been kept for far too long. It's a secret that will change everything Lina knew about her mother, her father-and even herself.
People come to Italy for love and gelato, someone tells her, but sometimes they discover much more.
Kirkus Reviews called Love & Gelato "a sure bet for fans of romance fiction," while VOYA said readers "will find it difficult to put this book down." Readers are about to discover a new place, a new romance, and a new talent.
Ratings (63)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (17) | |
Did Not Like (5) |
Reader Stats (129):
Read It (65) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (42) | |
Not Interested (21) |
3 comment(s)
3.5/5⭐️
Some chapters were honestly boring but the last chapter made up for it
3.5/5⭐️
this was a cute YA get me back into reading and out of my slump book. I loved the relationship Ren and Lina were able to develop, and following them along with Howard and trying to understand her mom was a cool addition and sub plot. I loved how it all came together at the end.
Overall, just what I needed to get me out of my slump!!!
*starts packing for Italy*
Love & Gelato, for me at least, was surprisingly meaningful and well written. This book talks about the loss of a loved one (our main character's mom), the way she learns more about her mom's past and her own beginning.
The wanderlust in me was awakened with its enchanting, colorful descriptions of Italy and the people there. Everyone always says "One day I'll travel the world. One day I'll visit that place I've always wanted to visit." This book made me sad that I'm one of those people saying "one day". I am determined to change that fact.
The characters were interesting, and the ways their relationships played out were attention grabbing and creative. Lina, our main character isn't annoyingly selfish about the situation she finds herself in, which was refreshing.
Without sharing too many spoilers, I can safely say that the romance in this book was satisfying without being incredibly prominent, despite the title. I sincerely enjoyed it.
I will definitely be checking into other books by this author, and I hope to see many more books from her in the future! If you have recommendations similar to this book, please feel free to comment and I'll go check it out ;)!
What can you read after
Love & Gelato?
About the Author:
Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives. When she isn't writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at JennaEvansWelch.com.
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