In Jenna Evans Welch's enchanting novel "Love & Gelato," readers are whisked away to the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy, where sixteen-year-old Lina is spending her summer at her late mother's insistence. As she navigates cultural wonders and uncovers hidden family secrets, Lina's adventures are both a physical journey and a touching exploration of identity and belonging. At the heart of the narrative is a romantic and emotional voyage of discovery, driven by the rich backdrop of Italian art and history. With a perfect blend of warmth, humor, and romance, this novel captures the bittersweet realities of love and loss, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of embracing a new beginning. Engaging and heartwarming, "Love & Gelato" enchants readers with its vivid settings and relatable characters, reminding us that sometimes the best journeys lead us to unexpected places within ourselves.
The Love & Gelato series by Jenna Evans Welch is a young adult trilogy that blends romance, travel, and self-discovery against picturesque European backdrops. Each book follows a different teen protagonist navigating personal challenges and uncovering family secrets while exploring new cultures. In Love & Gelato, Lina travels to Florence, Italy, to fulfill her late mother's wish, discovering love and her mother's past through a journal. Love & Luck centers on Addie, who embarks on a road trip across Ireland, mending her relationship with her brother and healing from heartbreak. Love & Olives follows Liv to Santorini, Greece, where she reconnects with her estranged father and delves into the mystery of Atlantis. The series captures the essence of youthful exploration, emotional growth, and the transformative power of travel.
Jenna Evans Welch is a contemporary American author known for her engaging young adult novels that exquisitely blend romance, travel, and self-discovery. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Welch was surrounded by stories from an early age, encouraged by her father, New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. Her writing journey catapulted with the success of her debut novel, 'Love & Gelato', which captured the hearts of readers with its picturesque setting in Italy and heartfelt narrative. The book prompted two sequels, 'Love & Luck' and 'Love & Olives', each transporting readers to captivating locales while exploring themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Welch's work has significantly impacted the young adult literary scene, celebrated for its vibrant characters and emotional depth that resonates with readers worldwide. Her storytelling not only entices a love of travel in her audience but also encourages introspection and the value of following one's heart.
Series: The Love & Gelato (#2)
In 'Love & Luck,' Jenna Evans Welch takes readers on a heartfelt and whimsical journey across the rolling hills of Ireland. The story follows Addie, who finds herself on a family trip with her brother Ian, nursing a bruised heart and carrying a secret that she feels is too heavy to share. As the siblings set off on a road trip guided by an unconventional travel guide called 'Ireland for the Heartbroken,' they embark on an adventure filled with unexpected friendships, self-discovery, and healing. The book gracefully explores themes of forgiveness, sibling bonds, and the courage it takes to confront one's fears, all wrapped in a charming narrative that captures the magic of travel and the power of letting go. Welch's vivid descriptions of the emerald landscape and quirky characters make this novel not just a story of love and luck, but a touching voyage into the depths of emotional resilience and personal growth.
Series: The Love & Gelato (#3)
In Jenna Evans Welch's 'Love & Olives,' readers are swept away to the sun-drenched shores of Greece in this enchanting tale of self-discovery, love, and the bonds of family. Olive, or Liv, finds herself reluctantly spending the summer in Santorini with her estranged father, who is obsessed with a lost Atlantean treasure. As Liv navigates the rocky terrain of her own emotions, she encounters Theo, a charming boy who helps her uncover the mysteries of her past while searching for long-lost truths. Through Liv's journey, Welch beautifully weaves themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the courage to embrace uncertainties, crafting a poignant narrative that resonates with the heart. This novel explores the complexities of familial relationships and youthful romance against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, captivating readers with its warmth and depth.
In 'The Unexpected Everything' by Morgan Matson, readers are drawn into the life of Andie Walker, a meticulous planner whose summer is thrown into chaos when her father's political scandal sidelines her plans. Opting for spontaneity, Andie takes a dog-walking job, leading to unexpected friendships, self-discovery, and a charming romance with the enigmatic Clark. The novel thoroughly explores themes of family dynamics, the unpredictability of life, and the beauty of embracing change. Matson's engaging storytelling and layered characters make the narrative both relatable and captivating. Her exploration of personal growth and relationships amidst upheaval resonates well with young adult readers, offering both entertainment and introspection.
Morgan Matson's 'Since You've Been Gone' is a heartfelt and captivating young adult novel that explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth. The story centers around Emily, a reserved and introverted teenager who is abruptly faced with the disappearance of her best friend, Sloane. In Sloane's absence, Emily discovers a mysterious list of daring tasks to complete. As she embarks on this unexpected journey, Emily pushes the boundaries of her comfort zone, meets new friends, and uncovers hidden facets of her personality. Matson crafts a compelling narrative filled with relatable emotions and genuine character development. This coming-of-age tale resonates with readers through its authentic portrayal of the transformative power of stepping out of one's shadow to forge one's own path.
Rainbow Rowell's 'Fangirl' is a delightful coming-of-age novel that follows introverted college freshman Cath as she navigates the challenges of independence, friendship, and romance. The book delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through Cath's journey as an avid fanfiction writer who must confront her fears and embrace change, readers are treated to a heartwarming and relatable exploration of self-discovery and acceptance. Rowell's witty writing style and authentic characters make 'Fangirl' a captivating read that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider trying to find their place in the world.
Series: Falling Kingdoms (#3)
In 'Gathering Darkness,' the third installment of Morgan Rhodes' gripping 'Falling Kingdoms' series, the stakes are higher than ever as power struggles intensify across the kingdoms of Mytica. This fantasy epic weaves elements of magic, betrayal, and shifting allegiances, as new alliances form and old rivalries reignite. The story follows multiple protagonists, including Cleo, Jonas, and Magnus, as they navigate a perilous journey where friends can become foes in an instant. The narrative is rich with intrigue and action, capturing the reader with its well-developed characters and unpredictable twists. Rhodes skillfully blends these themes to craft a captivating tale of ambition and survival that hooks readers from beginning to end.