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"I couldn't imagine it yet exactly, but maybe a day would come when the hole inside me wouldn't ache quite so badly and I could think about her, and remember, and it would be all right. That day felt light-years away, but right at this moment I was standing on a tower in the middle of Tuscany and the sunrise was so beautiful that it hurt. And that was something.”
I love young adult books. And I love THIS one especially because it does what every coming-of-age story should do-- it steps into the harsh, sometimes messy realities of life without losing sight of all the endearing, hopeful moments that make life worthwhile. It's a coming-of-age story dealing with loss, young love, and hope, and Jenna Evans Welch treats each moment with a humor and light-heartedness that will leave your heart feeling full :')
After her mother dies, Lina moves to Italy to spend the summer with her father. Despite the breathtaking scenery and unrivaled gelato, Lina is reluctant to leave her familiar life back at home--that is, until she receives her mother's journal. With the help of Ren, the cute boy next door, Lina begins to unravel the secrets of her mother's diary and discovers the charms of Italy--love & gelato.
I've been on a sci-fi/dystopian kick, so reading a contemporary, down-to-earth novel was super refreshing. It has a little bit of everything-- humor, romance, food (most importantly, food), and just enough mystery to keep you turning each page. The way the author describes the Italian sunrises, history, lively streets, and gelato, makes you feel like she's taking you on a personal tour of Tuscany. For real, I'm ready to go on vacation in Tuscany now and to eat gelato to my heart's content.
I loved reading the book from Lina's POV. She's a quirky, funny, down-to-earth girl who is just trying to find her place in Italy. I think her reactions to events throughout the story are very human; therefore, it's very easy to relate to her. I loved seeing how her thoughts and character changed as the story progressed.
Last reason to read this book--REN. Ren is a real boy (idk, some books I've been reading recently have the most ridiculous conception of boys).
Anyway, Ren is an adorable, funny, half-Italian boy-next-door who befriends Lina and accompanies her on her crazy ride through Italy. His moments with Lina were entertaining and whimsical and yeah, *swoonworthy*. I also loved his scenes with Howard, Lina's father, which were just as amusing.
Overall, this is one of my favorite YA books and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted, humorous, coming-of-age story. If you don't read it for the feels, read it for the Love & Gelato. 💙💛
