Love & Gelato

Jenna Evans Welch

Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.5(6,863 Ratings)
Left wheat earsGoodreads Choice AwardsRight wheat ears
Left wheat earsBarnes & Noble BestsellersRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock75 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundLove & Gelato

About this book

Sixteen-year-old Lina is dreading her summer in Tuscany. It was her mother's dying wish that she connect with a father she's never known, but how can she embrace a place filled with sunshine and romance when her heart is broken? Then she discovers her mother's journal, filled with secrets of a life Lina never imagined. Inspired by the hidden world within its pages and the charming Ren, Lina embarks on a journey to uncover a truth that will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, her father, and herself. Sometimes, all you need is love and gelato...and a little bit of mystery.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Finding Solace After Loss

    Grief and Healing: Following her mother's death, Lina grapples with profound grief. Her journey to Italy becomes a path toward healing as she confronts her loss and learns to navigate life without her mother. The novel sensitively portrays the different stages of grief and highlights the importance of allowing oneself time to mourn and find solace in new experiences and relationships.

  • The Transformative Power of Italy

    Self-Discovery in a New Land: When Lina arrives in Italy, she feels lost and unsure of her future. Immersing herself in a new culture, art, and the secrets of her mother's past allows her to redefine herself. Italy acts as a catalyst, encouraging Lina to step outside her comfort zone, confront her fears, and discover hidden strengths and passions. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of travel and new experiences in shaping one's identity.

  • Secrets of the Past

    Unraveling Family Secrets: A significant part of Lina's journey involves piecing together the story of her mother's life in Italy. Through a journal, Lina uncovers a hidden past filled with romance, art, and complicated relationships. This exploration of family secrets reveals hidden connections and provides Lina with a deeper understanding of her mother and herself. It highlights the importance of knowing one's history and how it shapes who we are.

  • Embracing First Love

    The Sweetness of First Love: Amidst the backdrop of Italy, Lina experiences the thrills and complexities of first love. Her relationships, particularly with Ren, introduce her to the excitement, vulnerability, and challenges of romantic connection. These experiences contribute to her growth and self-discovery, teaching her about trust, communication, and the courage to open her heart.

  • Defining True Love

    The Contrast Between Love and Passion: The novel explores the nuanced difference between fleeting passion and lasting love through Lina’s discoveries about her mother’s past relationships. Lina learns that true love involves deeper connections, commitment, and understanding. This theme adds depth to the romantic elements of the story, encouraging readers to consider what they truly value in relationships.

  • Finding Strength in Friendship

    The Importance of Friendship and Connection: Throughout her summer, Lina forms meaningful friendships that provide support, laughter, and guidance. These connections help her navigate her grief, explore her identity, and embrace new experiences. The novel underscores the importance of having a strong support system and the value of human connection in overcoming challenges and finding joy.

  • Art as a Window to the Soul

    Art and Culture as a Means of Expression: Art, particularly the art of Florence, is woven throughout the story as a means of understanding emotions and history. Lina immerses herself in the art and culture surrounding her, and this allows her to process her grief and connect with her mother’s past. This theme suggests that art can offer comfort, insight, and a deeper appreciation for life.

Chapter Recap

Chapter 1The house looms like a beacon in a sea of headstones, yet Lina resists the idea that this could be home. Howard, her father, confirms her fears, revealing they live on the grounds of a massive cemetery, the final resting place for American soldiers. Lina's panic escalates as she realizes her mother
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

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.

Main Quotes

"You know, people come to Italy for all sorts of reasons, but when they stay, it's for the same two things."

"Love and gelato."

"Sometimes fate throws us curveballs, but it's up to us to take a swing."

"I grab a spoonful of gelato and close my eyes, letting the taste explode in my mouth. It's pure joy."

"Love is like gelato, it comes in many flavors but is always sweet."

"Hey, do you want to get a gelato?"

"The year I spent in Italy meant so much to me, and I want you to have that same experience."

"How was it possible that someone who hadn't even met me had such a profound impact on my life?"

"Gelato. Italian ice cream. The greatest thing that will ever happen to you. What have you been doing since you arrived?"

"I'd rather be miserable with you than without you."

Who Should Read This Book

Young adults (ages 13+)

Teenagers interested in romance novels

Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories

Individuals interested in Italy and travel

Readers of light and fun contemporary fiction

Fans of YA novels set in Europe

Book Summaries Like

Love & Gelato
cover backgroundKeeping 13

Keeping 13

Chloe Walsh

The unforgettable love story that began in Binding 13 continues...

For Johnny Kavanagh, life has irrevocably changed. Stripped of his identity after a devastating injury, he's adrift without his beloved number 13 jersey. But amidst the uncertainty, a mysterious girl with midnight-blue eyes consumes his thoughts, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

Shannon Lynch knows the world isn't a fairytale. Haunted by a traumatizing past, she fights to protect her younger brothers from the real-life monsters lurking in the shadows. As she retreats into herself, desperate to salvage what's left of her future, only one person can break through her walls: the boy who holds her heart.

But their love faces the ultimate test. Secrets are about to surface, threatening to shatter everything they hold dear. Can Johnny and Shannon's bond withstand the explosive truths that could change their lives forever?

Dive into Keeping 13, the highly anticipated continuation of the Boys of Tommen series, where friendship, first love, and devastating secrets collide in an unforgettable Irish romance.

cover backgroundMy Return to the Walter Boys

My Return to the Walter Boys

Ali Novak

New York Times Bestseller! USA Today Bestseller! The highly anticipated sequel to My Life with the Walter Boys , the internationally bestselling novel that inspired the Netflix series! Jackie Howard returns to the Walter ranch after a summer in New York. She needed space―and got it. But she doesn't know where things stand with her and Cole Walter after that goodbye kiss. Over the summer, she stopped texting him. She never stopped thinking about him. Still, with Cole living off in town to work at Tony's garage before he heads off to college, Jackie thinks it'll be easy to avoid him―only to find that when she sees him face to face at last, it's, well... impossible to resist him. Things are getting complicated: he's the boy she can't get off her mind, and the Walters have become the family she loves and needs. How can Jackie move forward when she's afraid of taking the next step?

cover backgroundThe Girl in the Garden

The Girl in the Garden

Kestra Pingree

Ri is a self-proclaimed delinquent, exiled to her grandparents' rose garden for the summer in a desperate attempt to reform her "bad" attitude. Surrounded by endless pines and fragrant blooms, she feels anything but reformed. Just when she's about to give up hope, she meets Avery, a peculiar boy who seems to understand the secrets the garden holds.

As Ri and Avery tend to the roses, a tentative connection blossoms between them. But Ri is determined to escape, and Avery is hiding secrets of his own. In this young adult coming-of-age story, Ri must decide if she can trust Avery and confront her past, or if she'll leave the girl in the garden behind forever. Awash with summer roses and a touch of magic, this heartfelt tale explores themes of truth, redemption, and the unexpected beauty that can be found in the most unlikely places.

FAQ