thornbkg11's review against another edition
3.0
Super easy read, cute story and I am excited to see the movie on Netflix
themaxdog's review against another edition
4.0
Full review now available on the blog: http://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/2018/02/book-review-love-gelato-jenna-evans-welch.html
Sweet and romantic, Love & Gelato is an outstanding example of Young Adult writing at its best. The author has managed to completely capture the essence and spirit of her young protagonists, making it all too easy for the reader to see the world through their eyes. Even if you have never travelled to Italy, the sights, sounds and visions painted of Florence are clear to see, made all the more special by the fact that they are seen through a multitude of different perspectives.
The description in this book is stunning. It's not too out-there or ostentatious; instead, it is subtly done, weaving a picture of the scene in your mind's eye - it seems almost as real as though you are there yourself!
However, it's not just the impressive descriptions and beautiful setting that make this book a hit. The characters themselves are a real mishmash of conflicting emotions and hidden feelings, ensuring each individual is as three-dimensional and realistic as possible. From shy Howard to charming Ren and the infectious confidence of Elena, each character has their own set of unique traits to bring to the table. And, of course, we can't forget about our main character. Lina is a girl facing an impossibly difficult situation yet somehow, she still manages to make the best of everything that life throws at her. She takes everything in her stride and does her best to improvise and accommodate, something which I admire greatly.
Of course, despite all this, the real crux of the story focuses on one young girl's journey to discover her late mother's past. Alternating between achingly bittersweet and gorgeously romantic, Love & Gelato is a perfect summer (or winter!) read.
Sweet and romantic, Love & Gelato is an outstanding example of Young Adult writing at its best. The author has managed to completely capture the essence and spirit of her young protagonists, making it all too easy for the reader to see the world through their eyes. Even if you have never travelled to Italy, the sights, sounds and visions painted of Florence are clear to see, made all the more special by the fact that they are seen through a multitude of different perspectives.
The description in this book is stunning. It's not too out-there or ostentatious; instead, it is subtly done, weaving a picture of the scene in your mind's eye - it seems almost as real as though you are there yourself!
However, it's not just the impressive descriptions and beautiful setting that make this book a hit. The characters themselves are a real mishmash of conflicting emotions and hidden feelings, ensuring each individual is as three-dimensional and realistic as possible. From shy Howard to charming Ren and the infectious confidence of Elena, each character has their own set of unique traits to bring to the table. And, of course, we can't forget about our main character. Lina is a girl facing an impossibly difficult situation yet somehow, she still manages to make the best of everything that life throws at her. She takes everything in her stride and does her best to improvise and accommodate, something which I admire greatly.
Of course, despite all this, the real crux of the story focuses on one young girl's journey to discover her late mother's past. Alternating between achingly bittersweet and gorgeously romantic, Love & Gelato is a perfect summer (or winter!) read.
annagibs's review against another edition
4.0
Okay this book was the absolutely sweetest. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love. This being set in Italy gave me all the joy of my own Italian memories. A fun moment for me: I feel like my own Italian studies are getting better as I understood most of the Italian in this book. Also, I kept getting distracted thinking of gelato and buccatini pasta dishes.
All jokes aside- I loved discovering this story along with Lina. This book was so much deeper and complex than I thought it would be when I first picked it up. I feel so connected to Lina and I’m going to miss her. I grew so attached to her, Ren, and Howard in the few hours it took me to devour this book. This will definitely be a reread knowing all I know at the end of this book and so I can come back into this world. LOVED IT!
All jokes aside- I loved discovering this story along with Lina. This book was so much deeper and complex than I thought it would be when I first picked it up. I feel so connected to Lina and I’m going to miss her. I grew so attached to her, Ren, and Howard in the few hours it took me to devour this book. This will definitely be a reread knowing all I know at the end of this book and so I can come back into this world. LOVED IT!
jenstradling's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book was such a beautiful light hearted read, would recommend for YA as it is more for the younger audience but I did love it so much brilliant and I would definitely read it again and recommend to friends I don’t want to give any info about the story away it’s best to go in blind like I did
khorrocks's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It was a bit predictable, but the combination of a love story (stories!) in Italy (my true home) could compensate for any lacking plot line. The description of the Tuscan setting was magical - I was quickly transported to my favorite summer, living in Rome. And as this is the author's first book, I look forward to her future works...
booksbywhit's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! Literally the cutest and most adorable book you’ll ever read.
sixofphoenix's review against another edition
2.0
quero meu reembolso e um pedido de desculpas de todo mundo que recomendou esse livro