Literature & Fiction
![Jenna Evans Welch - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B01E66CSEE.jpg)
Love & Gelato
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.
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.
Readers Top Reviews
faye
This story has the perfect backdrop to a perfect story. Italy is my dream home location so no doubt about it thay it’s why I chose to write this story. And I couldn’t have been happier with my read. Her mom died and she got shipped to Italy to meet her father and falls in love. The plot was so fun, eccentric and fluffy read which had me laughing out loud. The characters were all so diverse and unique which I admired. We got to map ourselves around Rome and Tuscany which is great for the readers because we get a true feeling offing that with the characters. And the characters are what I loved most - Ren. Ren is an adorable Italian American boy who lives over the field who becomes Linas first friend in Italy. His exciting and bubbly personality makes the read all the more enjoyable Lina. Lina is a a character who needs the fun and bubbly personality of Ren. And that’s exactly what she gets in this book.
Jeanne
A lovely feel good, happy read. Florentine fantasy fulfilled. Quite genuine romance storyline with more than a few twists along the way, showing human nature in all its immature and also experienced ways. Teenage insecurity juxtaposed with adult wistful recriminations. Jetting around Florence on those beautiful scooters.........bellissimo
Lauras_Book_Addictio
Well a book featuring a summer aboard, a long lost father and a romance with a hot Italian boy pretty much makes Love & Gelato a story I needed to read. It was a quick read that sucked me straight in. I read it in two sittings and I really liked how it was paced. Lina is a well rounded character and I enjoyed her voice,although the only downside was the romance. I never felt it, I wanted butterflies and swooning but I got a mediocre blah. I feel this book could have worked without it. That being said I'm excited to see what Jenna writes next!!
I knew before I read it that it was a book for teens, just because the publisher’s URL referenced on the back cover was simonandschuster.com/teen. Knowing that made a big difference in how I read it. The prologue consisted of the main character’s mother’s diagnosis of a terminal and fast-moving illness, then skipped to the mother’s deathbed wish that said main character, Lina, go to Italy to stay with a man she’s never met but whom her mother trusts because he is apparently Lina’s father, and then dives right in with her arrival in Italy in chapter one. Its pacing, especially at the beginning, is, I think, reflective of Lina’s shock and denial about being in such a difficult, unexpected situation. It isn’t until later in the book that she begins to come to terms with her grief, and that reckoning and increase in maturity is an endearing thing to be a part of. Indeed, if I could sum up the whole book in just one word, it would be “cute.” But then I would have to clarify that by saying that it is so because of its appeal to teenagers (especially girls), its pacing, and its wonderful voice. The dialogue sounded consistently authentic and humorous. There are rejoinders like this on almost every page: “Odette grimaced. ‘I’m spending the summer pretending to be somewhere other than Italy. Ren grinned. “How’s that working out for you? You know, with your Italian husband and children?” I absolutely loved the humor in this book, as expressed in conversations like that and in Lina’s and her friend’s actions. And, of course, the romance was fun. If you’re an adult looking to read about a serious, in-depth, marriage-inducing love, you won’t find it in this book, nor should you expect it, except for a smattering in her mother’s backstory. But it was still a joy to “watch” the blossoming of romantic feelings between Lina and a certain male character. The bumps and detours they experienced as their relationship developed made for a good plot. So, if you have a teenage daughter, get this book for her right now. Keep in mind that there is a little bit of alcohol use, and various references to Lina’s illegitimacy. It does skim over the fact that Lina never knew her father while growing up with her mother, and never really questioned her father’s absence, but that may have been because of her afore-mentioned grief. Even if you’re not a teenager yourself, but are looking for a light summer read, you should read this. Enjoy it in the vein that it was written, with “love” and “gelato” used together in the title, almost as if they’re interchangeable. Because, when you’re young, sometimes they are. (see full review at[...])
SirèneLittéraire
“Love & Gelato”, by Jenna Evans Welch is simply phenomenal! As I finish, I feel exactly as though I have just had the BEST vacation to Italy, explored Florence & even part of Rome, went on some long runs through a scene from an Olive Garden menu & a American Memorial Cemetery, & had some crazy awesome adventures with my new best friends. Uh, WOW. This doesn’t happen. When I’m really busy with life, I read at least half a dozen books a week minimum (when less slammed by my own writing deadlines, sometimes that half dozen is per day; chain-reading is a struggle that I struggle to want to struggle with), & I cannot remember the last time a book took me on such a delightful journey. It was pure magic. Maybe because I’m half-Italian myself & always wish I’d been able to go back when my Grandpa was still alive & my family went all the time—they wouldn’t hear of it, as I was at University, and, at the time, the first in our famiglia to ever graduate, but the family doesn’t go over together anymore now that my Grandpa is gone. End of a magical era I have always wished I hadn’t missed. It was like a taste of that kind of magic. Only not just a tasting spoon lick of magic like My lactose-intolerant self had with the Alfredo I made for dinner tonight. But like a Strega Nonna pot full of magic. Like I’d baked a crusty chewy loaf of Italian bread to go with it & sat down to enjoy the entire pot, but with none of caloric or tragic lactose-derived consequences after. In fact it was exactly like I was surrounded by my big fat Italian family’s love, & swimming in a sea of gelato. Perfetto. “Love & Gelato” indeed. I will be recommending this wonderful adventure to everybody. I don’t think I have EVER felt that way about ANY book before. Certain books to certain genre lovers, certainly. But everyone? My horror writer friends to sci-fi, to suspense thriller authors like myself, EVERYONE will find something to delight in in this novel. It is a masterpiece of writing & a gorgeous quilt of storytelling, & is utterly magnificent. Certamente, Jenna Evans Welch is something special & definitely an author to keep an eye on. I discovered this book because I wanted to read Ms Welch’s 1st novel before reading the advanced reader copy of her 2nd, “Love & Chocolate”, that I won at a local book store’s semi-annual “Ladies’ Night”. I’m getting a crick in my neck from patting myself on the back for that choice, so I’m going to end here & pick up my delicious new ARC of “Love & Chocolate,” and begin reading in 3, 2, 1... Ciao!
Short Excerpt Teaser
Love & Gelato
Chapter 1
THE HOUSE LOOMED BRIGHTLY IN the distance, like a lighthouse in a sea of headstones. But it couldn't be his house, right? We were probably just following some kind of Italian custom. Always drive newcomers through a cemetery. That way they get a feel for the local culture. Yeah, that must be it.
I knit my fingers in my lap, my stomach dropping as the house got closer and closer. It was like watching Jaws emerge from the depths of the ocean. Duuun dun. Only it wasn't a movie. It was real. And there was only one turn left. Don't panic. This can't be it. Mom wouldn't have sent you to live in a cemetery. She would have warned you. She would have-
He flipped on the turn signal, and all the air came rushing out of my lungs. She just didn't tell me.
"Are you okay?"
Howard-my dad, I guess I should call him-was looking at me with a concerned expression. Probably because I'd just made a wheezing noise.
"Is that your . . . ?" Words failed me, so I had to point.
"Well, yes." He hesitated for a moment and then gestured out the window. "Lina, didn't you know? About all this?"
"All this" didn't even come close to describing the massive moonlit cemetery. "My grandma told me I'd be staying on American-owned land. She said you're the caretaker of a World War II memorial. I didn't think . . ." Panic was pouring over me like hot syrup. Also, I couldn't seem to finish a single sentence. Breathe, Lina. You've already survived the worst. You can survive this, too.
He pointed to the far end of the property. "The memorial is that building right up there. But the rest of the grounds are for the graves of American soldiers who were killed in Italy during the war."
"But this isn't your house house, right? It's just where you work?"
He didn't answer. Instead we pulled into the driveway, and I felt the last of my hope fade along with the car's headlights. This wasn't just a house. It was a home. Red geraniums lined the walkway, and there was a porch swing creaking back and forth, like someone had just gotten up. Subtract the crosses lining the surrounding lawns and it was any normal house in any normal neighborhood. But it wasn't a normal neighborhood. And those crosses didn't look like they were going anywhere. Ever.
"They like to have a caretaker on-site at all times, so they built this house back in the sixties." Howard took the keys out of the ignition, then drummed his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. "I'm really sorry, Lina. I thought you knew. I can't imagine what you're thinking right now."
"It's a cemetery." My voice was like weak tea.
He turned and looked at me, not quite making eye contact. "I know. And the last thing you need is a reminder of everything you've been through this year. But I think you'll find that this place grows on you. It's really peaceful and it has a lot of interesting history. Your mother loved it. And after being here almost seventeen years, I can't imagine living anywhere else."
His voice was hopeful, but I slumped back in my seat, a swarm of questions taking flight in my mind. If she loved it so much, then why didn't she ever tell me about it? Why didn't she ever talk about you until she got sick? And for the love of all that's holy, what made her leave out the teeny-tiny detail that you're my father?
Howard absorbed my silence for a moment, then opened his car door. "Let's head inside. I'll get your suitcase."
All six foot five of him walked around to the back of the car, and I leaned over to watch him in the side mirror. My grandma had been the one to fill in the blanks. He's your father; that's why she wanted you to live with him. I probably should have seen it coming. It's just that good old buddy Howard's true identity seemed like the sort of thing my mother would have at least mentioned.
Howard closed the trunk, and I straightened up and started rifling through my backpack, buying myself another few seconds. Lina, think. You're alone in a foreign country, a certifiable giant has just stepped forward as your father, and your new home could be the setting for a zombie apocalypse movie. Do something.
But what? Short of wrestling the car keys from Howard, I couldn't think of a single way to get out of going into that house. Finally I unbuckled my seat belt and followed him to the front door.
Inside, the house was aggressively normal-like maybe it thought it could make up for its location if it just tried hard...
Chapter 1
THE HOUSE LOOMED BRIGHTLY IN the distance, like a lighthouse in a sea of headstones. But it couldn't be his house, right? We were probably just following some kind of Italian custom. Always drive newcomers through a cemetery. That way they get a feel for the local culture. Yeah, that must be it.
I knit my fingers in my lap, my stomach dropping as the house got closer and closer. It was like watching Jaws emerge from the depths of the ocean. Duuun dun. Only it wasn't a movie. It was real. And there was only one turn left. Don't panic. This can't be it. Mom wouldn't have sent you to live in a cemetery. She would have warned you. She would have-
He flipped on the turn signal, and all the air came rushing out of my lungs. She just didn't tell me.
"Are you okay?"
Howard-my dad, I guess I should call him-was looking at me with a concerned expression. Probably because I'd just made a wheezing noise.
"Is that your . . . ?" Words failed me, so I had to point.
"Well, yes." He hesitated for a moment and then gestured out the window. "Lina, didn't you know? About all this?"
"All this" didn't even come close to describing the massive moonlit cemetery. "My grandma told me I'd be staying on American-owned land. She said you're the caretaker of a World War II memorial. I didn't think . . ." Panic was pouring over me like hot syrup. Also, I couldn't seem to finish a single sentence. Breathe, Lina. You've already survived the worst. You can survive this, too.
He pointed to the far end of the property. "The memorial is that building right up there. But the rest of the grounds are for the graves of American soldiers who were killed in Italy during the war."
"But this isn't your house house, right? It's just where you work?"
He didn't answer. Instead we pulled into the driveway, and I felt the last of my hope fade along with the car's headlights. This wasn't just a house. It was a home. Red geraniums lined the walkway, and there was a porch swing creaking back and forth, like someone had just gotten up. Subtract the crosses lining the surrounding lawns and it was any normal house in any normal neighborhood. But it wasn't a normal neighborhood. And those crosses didn't look like they were going anywhere. Ever.
"They like to have a caretaker on-site at all times, so they built this house back in the sixties." Howard took the keys out of the ignition, then drummed his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. "I'm really sorry, Lina. I thought you knew. I can't imagine what you're thinking right now."
"It's a cemetery." My voice was like weak tea.
He turned and looked at me, not quite making eye contact. "I know. And the last thing you need is a reminder of everything you've been through this year. But I think you'll find that this place grows on you. It's really peaceful and it has a lot of interesting history. Your mother loved it. And after being here almost seventeen years, I can't imagine living anywhere else."
His voice was hopeful, but I slumped back in my seat, a swarm of questions taking flight in my mind. If she loved it so much, then why didn't she ever tell me about it? Why didn't she ever talk about you until she got sick? And for the love of all that's holy, what made her leave out the teeny-tiny detail that you're my father?
Howard absorbed my silence for a moment, then opened his car door. "Let's head inside. I'll get your suitcase."
All six foot five of him walked around to the back of the car, and I leaned over to watch him in the side mirror. My grandma had been the one to fill in the blanks. He's your father; that's why she wanted you to live with him. I probably should have seen it coming. It's just that good old buddy Howard's true identity seemed like the sort of thing my mother would have at least mentioned.
Howard closed the trunk, and I straightened up and started rifling through my backpack, buying myself another few seconds. Lina, think. You're alone in a foreign country, a certifiable giant has just stepped forward as your father, and your new home could be the setting for a zombie apocalypse movie. Do something.
But what? Short of wrestling the car keys from Howard, I couldn't think of a single way to get out of going into that house. Finally I unbuckled my seat belt and followed him to the front door.
Inside, the house was aggressively normal-like maybe it thought it could make up for its location if it just tried hard...
