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Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch is the perfect book to enjoy this summer. Set in Italy, this YA travel book is absolutely breathtaking. The fact that there are old journal entries in the story makes it so much more incredible. Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll be craving some gelato!
Series: Love & Gelato #1
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Also by this author: Love & Luck
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
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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 she 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 she 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.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Book Review: Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Love & Gelato has such an interesting concept! This book tells the story of Lina, a girl who moves to Italy after her mom dies. When she gets there, she is given an old journal of her mom’s and learns many secrets about her. I really enjoyed reading about Lina’s journey across Italy as she tries to solve the mystery of the journal. She gets herself into many sticky situations, but also makes some really amazing friends along the way. This book was the perfect thing to kick back with in the warm weather.
❀ Italian Setting
I absolutely adored the Italian setting in Love & Gelato. The way the shops and the landmarks are described is absolutely romantic and breathtaking, and I wish I could experience it all in real life! The Italian culture in the book really intrigued me, and I actually learned a few phrases while reading. I have wanted to visit Italy my whole life, and reading this book made me want to go even more!
❀ Journaling Aspects
The journaling aspects in Love & Gelato really drew me in. I love the idea of finding an old journal, and discovering that this book incorporated that got me really excited. I enjoyed how the journal entries were added gradually into the book—slowly, then all at once. As Lina warms up to the idea of learning more about her mom, she eventually reads more and more of it. Something about that made me love the story even more.
❀ Perfect for Summer
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch tells the story of a girl who is given her mom’s old journal and is set in Italy. The journal entries that were slowly added into the book were very enjoyable to read! I would definitely recommend this YA BookTok book, as it is perfect for the summer season.
Book Quotes: Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
“I pulled my head back in then took the slip of paper out of my pocket. Time to start plotting my escape.”
About Jenna Evans Welch
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 and the upcoming LOVE & LUCK.
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.
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Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.