Squeaky Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Jenna Evans Welch’s Love & Gelato is a touching story about love, family, and self-discovery, set in beautiful Italy. It’s a book that makes you smile, feel, and dream of adventure.
The story follows Lina, a teenage girl who has just lost her mother. To fulfill her mother’s last wish, she travels to Tuscany to stay with a father she has never met. At first, she doesn’t want to be there—she feels lost, sad, and out of place. But everything changes when she receives her mother’s old journal. As she reads, she begins to uncover secrets about her mother’s past, leading her on an exciting journey through Florence and the hills of Tuscany.
The descriptions of Italy are magical—the golden sunsets, the smell of fresh pastries, and the charming streets make you feel like you’re there with Lina. The setting plays a big role in her story, helping her heal and grow.
Lina’s emotions feel real, from her sadness to her moments of happiness. Her relationship with her father, Howard, slowly grows, filled with awkward but sweet moments. Then there’s Ren, a funny and kind Italian boy who helps her understand both her mother’s past and her own heart. Their friendship is fun and light, turning into something deeper over time.
More than just a love story, Love & Gelato is about finding family, healing from loss, and learning to love yourself. One of the most memorable lines from the book says it best:
“You can’t make someone choose you. But that doesn’t mean you’re not worth choosing.”
Though some parts of the story are predictable, and a few side characters could be explored more, the book is warm, funny, and emotional. It leaves you wanting adventure, love, and, of course, a big scoop of gelato!
If you enjoy sweet, feel-good stories with travel, romance, and self-discovery, Love & Gelato is a wonderful book to read.
