Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Simon Pulse (May 3, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Book Description:
A summer in Italy turns into a road trip across Tuscany in this sweeping debut novel 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 from Lina 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.
There is something to say about an
author that can capture of the emotions of loss and love. Of despair,
heartache and of hope and life that just appeals and calls to me.
When I saw Love & Gelato I just
knew that I needed to open it up and see what it had to offer.
With a main character that is almost
quiet in her grief and a supporting parental role that almost stole
the whole show, this was set in a time and place that was every bit
as appealing as the storyline.
With a few slow parts that were at
times drawn out but with a main character that made them all worth it
in the end, this was a great coming of age story about finding your
way after losing someone close to you and discovering new things,
places, and people to love.
This was an endearing read that really
is worth the time and lovers of the genre in general will adore.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I've had my eyes on this one for awhile. I really love the cute cover! Good to hear that you enjoyed it :D
ReplyDeleteIt was a cute but still serious read.
DeleteA touching tale indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt was. ;)
DeleteSo happy to see you enjoyed this!! I have it coming up myself shortly and hadn't seen many reviews yet. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteIt can be slow at times but it was really good. I hope you enjoy it too!
DeleteBeautiful review, Ali! I sounds like you really connected with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tyler!!
DeleteWow great review! I've been eyeing this one on Goodreads, but I haven't been 100% sure if I want to read it. I'll definitely have to pick this one up now sometime. It sounds fabulous! Thanks for the wonderful review Ali! :D
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you end up liking it too Erin!
DeleteThis sounds like a great summer book! YESSS SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER!!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo to that!
DeleteGELATO!!!! Now I'm craving it Ali! This has been on my list for a while, so I'm thrilled to know you enjoyed it:)
ReplyDeleteMe too Jenny, on both counts. ;)
DeleteThis sounds well done. Looks like truffles might be needed. I love when an author allows you to connect and feel.
ReplyDeleteOoo truffles. I think any book with food in it, needs food to go along with it. :)
DeleteOh Ali this one I want what a great premise and I love the title and cover. thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a cute cover and title. ;)
DeleteThat cover makes me want gelato. This sounds like a great contemporary!!
ReplyDeleteTori @InToriLex
I know, I want it now too. ;)
DeleteThat's such a cute cover and the book sounds like such a great read.
ReplyDeleteSimply Angela
It was a good read, deeper than I thought it would be.
DeleteThis sounds lovely. And what an adorable title and cover. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candace!
DeleteYay for a supportive parent. I'd love to visit Italy! This sounds like a really good one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI really would as well Lauren, maybe someday. ;)
DeleteI love books that have good/great parents esp books with this theme where you often find dysfunctional family relationships and the blame is usually laid on the parents
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is a nice change.
DeleteI’ve seen this cover somewhere, but haven’t actually read a blurb. This cover is not appealing to me and gives this silly optimistic vibe, that I dismissed this book on sight. Thanks so much for you helpful review, Ali. This sounds wonderful, I added to my tbr.
ReplyDeleteThe cover really doesn't match the actual content very much because it really is a more serious read instead of cutsey.
DeleteThis sounds like it has all the feels and that I may cry. Still, you make it sound very good. Might have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteThere were some tender moments. ;)
DeleteThis is one of my wish list books! Can't wait to read it myself. I love the setting more than anything. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThe setting is fabulous for sure.
DeleteI hope you do as well Heidi.
ReplyDeleteAww cute, I'm gonna read this one!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it!
DeleteItaly and gelato? SOLD!! This one is coming up on my TBR very soon. I can't wait to read it! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you thought about it!
DeleteI've seen this one around a lot but this is the first review I've read -- I think you really captured the feelings you had while reading this one! Sounds great and thanks for the review!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteReally love this cover! And I'm glad it matches the inside. :)
ReplyDeleteIt does have a cute cover.
DeleteSorry just found this lost in my email. I have to say this does sound good. Is the main character 16 or has her dad just not been around for 16 years? I think I would probably love this so thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteShe has never known him. ;)
Delete