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Love & Gelato #1-2
Love & Other Detours: Love & Gelato / Love & Luck
Set in the far-off and beautiful countrysides of Italy and Ireland, Jenna Evans Welch’s New York Times bestselling romances about life, love, and the true meaning behind the word family are now together in one charming package.
From Italy to Ireland, love can be found anywhere....
Travel to beautiful Tuscany with Lina who, still grieving her mother’s death, is forced to spend time with a father she never knew. But Lina isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine or fairy-tale landscape. All Lina wants to do is go back home...until she’s given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy.
Suddenly, Lina is uncovering a world of magic and romance. It’s a world that inspires her, along with the ever so charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and uncover a secret that has been kept for far too long—a secret that will change everything Lina thought to be true.
In the green hills of Ireland, Lina’s best friend Addie is just trying to make it through her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, hoping that she can stop thinking about the one thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget.
But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, their travel plans change. Soon, Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle with Ian and his Irish-accented friend, Rowan. And as the trio journeys through magical forests and past countless castles, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.
No matter where Lina and Addie’s travels take them, one thing is true: romance and adventure are on the horizon.
From Italy to Ireland, love can be found anywhere....
Travel to beautiful Tuscany with Lina who, still grieving her mother’s death, is forced to spend time with a father she never knew. But Lina isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine or fairy-tale landscape. All Lina wants to do is go back home...until she’s given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy.
Suddenly, Lina is uncovering a world of magic and romance. It’s a world that inspires her, along with the ever so charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and uncover a secret that has been kept for far too long—a secret that will change everything Lina thought to be true.
In the green hills of Ireland, Lina’s best friend Addie is just trying to make it through her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, hoping that she can stop thinking about the one thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget.
But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, their travel plans change. Soon, Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle with Ian and his Irish-accented friend, Rowan. And as the trio journeys through magical forests and past countless castles, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.
No matter where Lina and Addie’s travels take them, one thing is true: romance and adventure are on the horizon.
704 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
77 people are currently reading
7169 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Evans Welch
7 books6,175 followersJenna 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 23, 2020
4.5 stars for this double shot of teen travelling. Lina (short for Carolina) spends a summer in Italy after her mother's death. Her best friend Addie goes on a frantic road trip in Ireland. Jenna Evans Welch (daughter of Richard Paul Evans) has a storytelling gift. Each of the books has a different flavor to fit both the setting and the personality of the main character. I enjoyed them both, especially learning about the many great places to visit in those countries. Now I seriously want to go out for gelato and maybe eat a Reuben first? Looking forward to reading the third book, "Love & Olives," set to be released in November of this year.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edeweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edeweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2020
4.5. i’ve read Love & Gelato before but never the sequel, so it was nice to have them both together. both stories are super cute but Love & Gelato will always be my favorite.
October 15, 2021
The first book I shed like one year the second I ALMOST BROKE DOWN BUT ITS FINE the romance in the first remains superior to the second but the family vibes in the second have my heart like it was a healing book ya know the first was like a after healing which was cool and a good change of pace
August 28, 2020
A book of two halves, almost literally; Gelato is just a little bit longer than Luck. I'll review them separately.
Gelato is a sweet, frothy book. The prologue is a little confusing, though; I didn't realise exactly what was happening until a bit later, but maybe it's designed that way. I liked Ren, and Thomas (or omas as my book insisted on calling him) was perfectly nice.
I was reading a proof book and I'm sure this won't be an issue in the finished book, but every time a word started with Th those letters were missing. Which meant my book was littered with is, ese, ose, omas - you get the idea. It kept me from getting fully absorbed in the story because I kept having to figure out what I was reading. It's a shame, because I think I would have been absorbed in it otherwise. The descriptions are amazing - the author clearly knows and loves the areas she's writing about.
That leads us on to Luck. As above, the descriptions are great. After really enjoying Gelato I thought this one would be great as well. But sadly, it just didn't hold up. My main problem is Rowan. He does not talk like an Irish person. He talks like an American. We don't have freeways. We don't say Mom. There's dozens of other examples. (You also can't get Sugar Puffs anymore...)
As a romance, it was sort of ok. Otherwise, no.
It's definitely worth reading Gelato. Luck is...eeeeh. Maybe if you're not Irish the discrepancies won't be as obvious to you.
Gelato is a sweet, frothy book. The prologue is a little confusing, though; I didn't realise exactly what was happening until a bit later, but maybe it's designed that way. I liked Ren, and Thomas (or omas as my book insisted on calling him) was perfectly nice.
I was reading a proof book and I'm sure this won't be an issue in the finished book, but every time a word started with Th those letters were missing. Which meant my book was littered with is, ese, ose, omas - you get the idea. It kept me from getting fully absorbed in the story because I kept having to figure out what I was reading. It's a shame, because I think I would have been absorbed in it otherwise. The descriptions are amazing - the author clearly knows and loves the areas she's writing about.
That leads us on to Luck. As above, the descriptions are great. After really enjoying Gelato I thought this one would be great as well. But sadly, it just didn't hold up. My main problem is Rowan. He does not talk like an Irish person. He talks like an American. We don't have freeways. We don't say Mom. There's dozens of other examples. (You also can't get Sugar Puffs anymore...)
As a romance, it was sort of ok. Otherwise, no.
It's definitely worth reading Gelato. Luck is...eeeeh. Maybe if you're not Irish the discrepancies won't be as obvious to you.
June 2, 2021
Love and Gelato: I liked this even though some of the Italian cultural stuff was not accurate lol (coming from an Italian)
Love and Luck: I loved the voice of the narrarator of the guide to Ireland for the heartbroken
that to say, it wasn't bad and was def a nice light, cute read!
more of a review to come
Love and Luck: I loved the voice of the narrarator of the guide to Ireland for the heartbroken
that to say, it wasn't bad and was def a nice light, cute read!
more of a review to come
August 4, 2022
These two books where SO heartwarming 🥲 love&gelato was just a really great coming of age love story
Love&luck was more a learning to love yourself story, which i hadn't expected when i started reading but i still enjoyed a lot
Love&luck was more a learning to love yourself story, which i hadn't expected when i started reading but i still enjoyed a lot
October 13, 2023
I liked love and gelato more than love and luck.
November 22, 2020
Both books were good, easy reads! I think I ended up loving the second one even more than the first! It had a much deeper message and was so so good.
June 23, 2022
this is one of those books that you read in grade 6 that really got you into reading. i am obsessed with ren in this book. i loved this book. it’s one of my comfort books that i’ll read over again because i loved it so much.
January 21, 2024
A good friend gave me this book for my 16th birthday, and I am so, SO glad she did! Love and Other Detours has become my #1 book recommendation! Honestly this book made me so happy! Something really satisfying about this edition is that is combines books 1 and 2, so I didn’t have to agonize over buying the next one right away.
The main character in the first novel, Lina, is so charming. Her character arc is just so satisfying. The book tells the story of Lina and Lina’s mother side by side (this is by far one of my favorite tropes). You get to see Lena know a side of her late mother that she’d never met. The love interest is so charming; I won’t lie, I fell in love with him a bit! The writing is just so exquisite! I bring this book with me any time I have to travel, and always leave my trip feeling satisfied. Two years later, Love and Gelato is still one of my favorite books of all time.
Love and Luck, the second book, was good. I fell utterly in love with Love and Gelato, so when the main character of Love and Luck was Addie, Lina’s best friend, I was hopelessly interested. Something I really appreciate about Jenna Evans Welsh is her masterful execution of writing relatable, complete, and wonderful characters. I loved Lina, and I loved Addie too! Addie’s arc is much different than Lina’s. You see Addie fighting with her brother, with whom she used to be so close with. The reader knows that there is something that tore these two apart and that it was Addie’s fault, but aren’t told for a while into the book. Addie’s romantic arc isn’t as defined because the journey is more about her relationship with her brother, and really her journey in forgiving herself.
Overall, this is such an amazing novel!!!! 10 stars if I could! Please read this book; I promise it won’t disappoint!!🫶🏼
The main character in the first novel, Lina, is so charming. Her character arc is just so satisfying. The book tells the story of Lina and Lina’s mother side by side (this is by far one of my favorite tropes). You get to see Lena know a side of her late mother that she’d never met. The love interest is so charming; I won’t lie, I fell in love with him a bit! The writing is just so exquisite! I bring this book with me any time I have to travel, and always leave my trip feeling satisfied. Two years later, Love and Gelato is still one of my favorite books of all time.
Love and Luck, the second book, was good. I fell utterly in love with Love and Gelato, so when the main character of Love and Luck was Addie, Lina’s best friend, I was hopelessly interested. Something I really appreciate about Jenna Evans Welsh is her masterful execution of writing relatable, complete, and wonderful characters. I loved Lina, and I loved Addie too! Addie’s arc is much different than Lina’s. You see Addie fighting with her brother, with whom she used to be so close with. The reader knows that there is something that tore these two apart and that it was Addie’s fault, but aren’t told for a while into the book. Addie’s romantic arc isn’t as defined because the journey is more about her relationship with her brother, and really her journey in forgiving herself.
Overall, this is such an amazing novel!!!! 10 stars if I could! Please read this book; I promise it won’t disappoint!!🫶🏼
November 25, 2023
These two stories are about coming of age, love and family. This was emotional and amazing how people learn from difficult lessons in life.
The first story about Lina and Ren was amazing. Lina mother passed away and she was flew to the other side of the world in Italy to meet her father who she never knew about. While on her adventure to fine her real father and knowing her mother who truly feels in love with, she meets Ren. Ren was her life line in a way finding her way. They commented each other. The friendship she has with the other people in Italy was just amazing. However her best friend Addie was the cherry in her life. Their friendship is over the world the best.
The second story was about Addie founding her way around Ireland with her brother and finding a new love. Addie and Ian relationship was the biggest point in this one. They are siblings who thought they knew how each other felt but was surprised to find more. Ian in a big brother who anyone was lucky to have while Addie is a sister who anyone would be luck to have. During the time that they were fixing their relationship Rowan was there. Rowan has a choice to make in life but when Addie showed up he knew that no matter what happens life goes on.
I did cry and I laughed with these two stories and I can't wait to read the third book.
The first story about Lina and Ren was amazing. Lina mother passed away and she was flew to the other side of the world in Italy to meet her father who she never knew about. While on her adventure to fine her real father and knowing her mother who truly feels in love with, she meets Ren. Ren was her life line in a way finding her way. They commented each other. The friendship she has with the other people in Italy was just amazing. However her best friend Addie was the cherry in her life. Their friendship is over the world the best.
The second story was about Addie founding her way around Ireland with her brother and finding a new love. Addie and Ian relationship was the biggest point in this one. They are siblings who thought they knew how each other felt but was surprised to find more. Ian in a big brother who anyone was lucky to have while Addie is a sister who anyone would be luck to have. During the time that they were fixing their relationship Rowan was there. Rowan has a choice to make in life but when Addie showed up he knew that no matter what happens life goes on.
I did cry and I laughed with these two stories and I can't wait to read the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2020
This book is a two in one. Welch's first novel Love & Gelato focuses on Lina, whose mother just died from cancer, traveling to Italy to spend the summer or longer with her dad, who she never even knew existed. Lina is not thrilled to go to Italy, but she promised her mother she would. She is leaving her best friend, Addie, and all their summer plans. As she arrives in Italy, she discovers she will be living in a cemetery that is a memorial for WWII American soldiers killed there. Ugh. She also discovers one of her mother's journals and with the help of a neighbor, Ren, starts to research into how her mother lived in Italy and met her father and why she left.
The second book Love & Luck features Addie and her travels to Ireland to celebrate her Aunt's wedding. While there she is supposed to visit Lina in Italy for a few days, but her brother, Ian, makes a change in plans when he and Addie get into a fight at their aunt's wedding and their mother puts strict restrictions on them. Addie has a secret that Ian knows and thinks she should tell their mother about, but Addie just can't!! She hasn't even told Lina! As Addie misses her flight to Italy because of Ian and his friend, Rowan, Lina makes a plan to come to Ireland with Ren to see Addie. As Addie, Ian, and Rowan travel across Ireland together, she ends up learning about herself and that she is more than she thought she was.
The first book is fine for middle school. I would say the second is as well, but I would feel more comfortable with 7th or 8th and up because of the nature of sending some photos to boys.
The second book Love & Luck features Addie and her travels to Ireland to celebrate her Aunt's wedding. While there she is supposed to visit Lina in Italy for a few days, but her brother, Ian, makes a change in plans when he and Addie get into a fight at their aunt's wedding and their mother puts strict restrictions on them. Addie has a secret that Ian knows and thinks she should tell their mother about, but Addie just can't!! She hasn't even told Lina! As Addie misses her flight to Italy because of Ian and his friend, Rowan, Lina makes a plan to come to Ireland with Ren to see Addie. As Addie, Ian, and Rowan travel across Ireland together, she ends up learning about herself and that she is more than she thought she was.
The first book is fine for middle school. I would say the second is as well, but I would feel more comfortable with 7th or 8th and up because of the nature of sending some photos to boys.
February 17, 2021
4/5 stars. Overall, both stories had great messages and the imagery for both countries was astounding. Out of the two I enjoyed Lina’s story more. I felt more of a connection with the story and going on the journey with Lina to find out about her mother’s past. Addie’s story is one that is relevant for teens nowadays because these types of situations happen in real life (Non-spoilery). I loved that Addie was able to overcome it and work towards becoming better. She did not let the situation make her self destruct like it does to some.
I enjoyed Welch’s writing. I am big into imagery and descriptions of scenery and the atmosphere of the world/world building. Especially if it takes place in a real world setting. In Italy’s setting I felt like I was there basking in the sun. Smelling all the fragrances from the shops and my craving for tasting authentic gelato has grown immensely. With Ireland, the greenery is beyond anything I’ve seen in real life. So to image something so vibrant and refreshing makes me want to visit the Irish coast. I can’t wait to pick up the sequel LOVE & OLIVES, which is set in Greece! I love Greek mythology, so I’m extremely looking forward to reading about the architecture.
I enjoyed Welch’s writing. I am big into imagery and descriptions of scenery and the atmosphere of the world/world building. Especially if it takes place in a real world setting. In Italy’s setting I felt like I was there basking in the sun. Smelling all the fragrances from the shops and my craving for tasting authentic gelato has grown immensely. With Ireland, the greenery is beyond anything I’ve seen in real life. So to image something so vibrant and refreshing makes me want to visit the Irish coast. I can’t wait to pick up the sequel LOVE & OLIVES, which is set in Greece! I love Greek mythology, so I’m extremely looking forward to reading about the architecture.
June 9, 2021
This is a collection of heart-felt, charming and emotional YA stories. The first story follows Lina, who travels to Tuscany while still grieving her mother's death, to meet her father that she never knew. She inherits her mother's journal and suddenly, Lina is uncovering a world of magic and romance. It’s a world that inspires her, along with the charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and uncover a secret that has been kept for far too long—a secret that changes everything Lina thought to be true. And the second part continues with a story about Lina's best friend Addie who finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle with Ian and his Irish-accented friend, Rowan. And as the trio journeys through magical forests and past countless castles, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her broken relationship with her brother. Both are sweet, easy reads full of romance, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
June 25, 2022
OKAY WAIT- did they actually get together?? Rowan and Addie, did they end up together?? Because I’m pretty sure they do, but at the same time I’m a little bit hesitant….only because she didn’t actually say that they ended up together. AND THEY DIDNT KISS. I also know that romance in this one was kind of a side plot, but this lady is known for writing hallmark books. I’m pretty sure in love and gelato Lina and Ren got together ON THE LAST FREAKING PAGE. So idk maybe I thought the same for this one. Overall it was a really cute book, I really enjoyed it and it definitely gave me the summer vibes. I do enjoy books about siblings and whatnot, but IK that the whole point was for them to have some sort of development- and I mean yeah that did happen but also at the same time it didn’t feel like it happened? IDK MAN I JUST HAVE OPINIONS. I do like the book a lot, otherwise why would I have rated it a 4 star, but I think it also could be a lot better??? It’s already really good and engaging, but there is also room for improvement….*cough* romance with Rowan *cough* if there isn’t romance in Love and Olives I’m gonna cry. 😀👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
Love & Gelato. 4 stars!
I laughed, smiled, and even rolled my eyes some. I loved Howard, Sonia, Lina, and Ren. I figured out everything early on, but it didn't stop me from enjoying Lina's adventure. This was a sweet story that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
Love & Luck. 3 Stars!
I liked this book good enough. The characters were okay, and likeable to a point. It was sweet, and had a nice message mixed into it. Love & Luck had its comedy moments. But over all it doesn't hold a candle to Love & Gelato.
I laughed, smiled, and even rolled my eyes some. I loved Howard, Sonia, Lina, and Ren. I figured out everything early on, but it didn't stop me from enjoying Lina's adventure. This was a sweet story that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
Love & Luck. 3 Stars!
I liked this book good enough. The characters were okay, and likeable to a point. It was sweet, and had a nice message mixed into it. Love & Luck had its comedy moments. But over all it doesn't hold a candle to Love & Gelato.
January 29, 2022
I like that her books aren’t just focused on the romance as the main plot. That it could be sprinkled in or suggested or maybe even actually happen— but it’s not the main focus. Like for this one, a romantic story was basically nonexistent—unless you count her flirting with Rowan. But instead it focused on a bigger issue of what happened with Addie and Cubby. But with this one, it wasn’t like the other two where we got hints to the big reveal— it kinda just got exposed all at once. I will say, it seemed like a quicker read than the other two. I felt like it was somewhat easier to read this one, because of it holding out on the “big thing” rather than slowly feeding it to us. But that being said, this one is my least favorite—despite being easy to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
This book was great!! I highly recommend Love and Luck (the second book in Love and Other Detours) if you enjoyed Love and Gelato. Jenna Evans Welch is a truly talented author; she makes the books intriguing and really enjoyable to read. I loved the storyline of the book; it was written from Addie's perspective (Lina's friend from Love and Gelato). It was interesting getting to see Addie's point of view; also she was a soccer girl like me so it made the book relatable.
October 1, 2020
These two stories go hand in hand. I was really happy to be able to read them both back to back. I loved Love & Gelato, which took place in Italy and I loved reading about the adventures of Lina in a new place. Love & Luck takes place in Ireland and it's Lina's best friend Addie's adventure and a coming into her own story. Great stories for young adult's or teen girls.
September 8, 2021
Cute books for an easy teen read. Predictable plots for the most part, very heterosexual, fun ways to “travel” different countries. Overall I’m giving it four stars because the second half of detours deals with a very serious subject and I like the way they handle it! Would probably rate it higher if I was a teen still myself! Definitely appropriate for the teen in your life.
December 27, 2021
This is a book that I always go back to when I hit a slump. I love that the stories went together without taking away from either of the relationships. It was such an easy read but also compelling in the way that made you want to keep reading. I finished each of these books the day that I bought them and they will always have a spot in my library.
November 30, 2022
Characters in the first book felt kind of two-dimensional but it was a real cute story. I liked the love story and the journey through her mother's journal and how it related to her own life. I liked the second book more, the characters felt more realistic and I liked that it wasn't so centered on her love life but more so her personal growth. Great character development for both stories.
January 5, 2023
-Love and Gelato: 4.5/5⭐️ What a great book! The found family and friends to lovers tropes really made this a fun read. The Italy setting is so cool and you even learn some history! I thought this was wonderfully paced! The author also had some great lines in the book, specifically about love. They mystery, romance, friendship, and family make this book heartfelt. 💌
-Love and Luck: tba
-Love and Luck: tba
October 2, 2020
this combined book is basically both books in one but you really connect more with this book rather than having the two separate books. while Addie is in Ireland, you think about what Lina is doing. and vice versa with Lina. It's an amazing book that I recommend to everyone
January 8, 2021
Okay so it was a roller coaster, the first part is good, but going into the second part was really not my fav but it had gotten good at the end.😉so no matter how terrible just keep reading it and it will get better I promise!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 20, 2021
I enjoyed both of these stories. Jenna is going to be just as good a writer as her well known father. Each one dealt with a difficult situation for a teenager. Death in one and using a cell phone improperly in the other.
August 15, 2022
i liked the first part of the book (love and gelato) and i could never put it down, but when i got to the second part of the book (love and luck) i would read for like 5 minutes and get bored, and put the book down, so ultimately i didn’t finish love and luck, but i loved love and gelato!
December 24, 2022
Just finished love and luck, i enjoyed the wholesome relationship between brother and sister, it wasn’t my favorite but i enjoyed non the less however there were some parts where i was like “what’s the point” but other than that i liked it.
June 21, 2025
Me gustó para entretenerme un rato, además de que si tiene algunos buenos mensajes, es muy juvenil, con muchas aventuras y te mantiene picada de alguna manera porque también tiene su parte de misterio.
July 7, 2025
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
this review is about Love & Luck only, as I’ve already read Love & Gelato years ago.
As someone who’s obsessed with traveling and music, I really enjoyed this. Such a fast read, kept me interested 95% of the time :)
this review is about Love & Luck only, as I’ve already read Love & Gelato years ago.
As someone who’s obsessed with traveling and music, I really enjoyed this. Such a fast read, kept me interested 95% of the time :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews