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.
About The Love & Gelato Series
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.
About Jenna Evans Welch
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.
Other Books by Jenna Evans Welch
Love & Gelato
Series: The Love & Gelato (#1)
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.
Love & Luck
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.
Similar Books
Always and Forever, Lara Jean
by Jenny Han
Series: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (#3)
In 'Always and Forever, Lara Jean,' the final installment of Jenny Han's beloved series, readers follow the titular character, Lara Jean Covey, as she navigates the challenges and thrills of her senior year of high school. As graduation approaches, Lara Jean is faced with significant life changes, from choosing the right college to making decisions about her romance with Peter Kavinsky. Rich with themes of love, family, and personal growth, the novel explores the poignant transition from adolescence to adulthood. Han's endearing prose captures the bittersweet experience of letting go and embracing new opportunities. Fans of the series will delight in Lara Jean's journey towards independence while cherishing her familial and romantic relationships.
Jenny Han's Shug
by Jenny Han
Jenny Han's "Shug" is a poignant coming-of-age novel that captures the bittersweet transition from childhood to adolescence. Centered on twelve-year-old Annemarie 'Shug' Wilcox, the story explores her struggles with first love, friendship dilemmas, and self-discovery in a small Southern town. Shug is at an age where everything seems to be changing too fast – her feelings, her friendships, especially with her childhood friend Mark, and her understanding of herself. Han beautifully portrays the nuances and complexities of young love and the pains of growing up. The novel is filled with warmth, sincerity, and humor, resonating with anyone who has navigated the tumultuous path of early teenage years. With its relatable characters and relatable twists and turns, "Shug" offers a heartfelt exploration of finding one's place in the world, making it an impactful read for both younger audiences and adults reflecting on their own pasts.
Autoboyography
In 'Autoboyography' by Christina Lauren, readers are introduced to Tanner Scott, a bisexual teenager who navigates the complexities of identity, love, and self-acceptance. Set in a conservative Mormon community in Utah, the novel explores Tanner's clandestine romance with Sebastian Brother, a Mormon prodigy who skyrockets to author fame. As Tanner dives into a prestigious seminar requiring him to write a book in four months, his story spirals into a realistic portrayal of heartache, societal pressure, and the courage to embrace one's truths. Skillfully written, the book entwines the tenderness of first love with the challenge of reconciling personal beliefs, making it an impactful narrative about love's transformative power and the universal search for belonging.
P.S. I Still Love You
by Jenny Han
Series: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (#2)
In 'P.S. I Still Love You,' the sequel to 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han, protagonist Lara Jean navigates the complexities of young love, friendship, and personal growth. The novel unfolds as Lara Jean's relationship with Peter Kavinsky faces challenges from past loves and new rivalries. Throughout the story, Han explores themes of trust, honesty, and the nuances of first love, all set against the backdrop of a charming, relatable high school experience. Lara Jean's journey remains endearing and heartfelt, capturing the uncertainties of adolescence with warmth and humor, making this a compelling read for fans of contemporary young adult romance.