Love & Gelato (Book 1)

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch is a coming-of-age story full of love, mystery, and charming characters.
My Overview
Lina’s life was turned upside down when her mom died. At sixteen, Lina’s plans and dreams came to a screeching halt when she found herself without her mom. As if that wasn’t devasting enough, her mom’s dying wish was for Lina to travel to Italy for the summer. Specifically, her mom’s wish is for Lina to go stay with the father she’s never met. Not exactly a dream vacation full of love and gelato.
Reluctantly, Lina travels to Italy. There, she meets and stays with Howard, in the countryside just outside of Florence. Shortly after her arrival, she receives a journal that her mom wrote. Through this journal, Lina learns a lot about her mom, Howard, and herself. She also gets to experience Florence as her mom had, when she studied there years before. As the summer progresses, Lina’s life is transformed into something unexpected.
I really enjoyed this light and sweet story. Besides the setting, the journal entries were my favorite. They added just the right amount of depth and mystery to the storyline. The humor in the story fell flat for me at times, but the vivid descriptions of the food and locations in Florence made up for it. I love when a story can so easily transport me to the setting, especially when it’s a location I’ve visited in the past.
My Recommendation
I enjoyed this story and recommend it. The audiobook was nicely narrated, so I recommend it as well. I’d been wanting to give this book a try for a long time, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to listen to the audiobook. I haven’t watched the movie on Netflix yet, but plan to do so.
This story reminded me of With Love From London. If you enjoy heartwarming stories with a bit of mystery, give this one a try.
Have you enjoyed this book or watched the movie on Netflix?
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
I’ve heard so many people rave about this book and you are adding to that! I really need to try this author. Great review!
Lucy
Thank you 😊. Now I’m looking forward to watching the movie on Netflix. I hope you’ll get a chance to give this author a try too!
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
This one has been on my TBR for a while, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Lucy
Thank you! Glad it’s on your TBR. I hope you’ll enjoy it too 😊.
Sam@WLABB
I enjoyed this whole series. This was a lovely story of healing, and I agree, all the food, sights, and sounds were wonderfully described.
Lucy
Good to know you’ve read and enjoyed the series. I’m off to a good start with this one, so will likely continue 🙂.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
Glad you enjoyed this one! Especially since it’s one you’d been wanting to read for so long. I have several blogger friends that are big fans of Welch. This one sounds perfect for when you want something on the lighter side.
Lucy
Thanks! You’re right, this one makes a perfect light read. Great for summertime 🍨.