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Love & Gelato #2
Love & Luck
"I wanted this to be real life, not a detour...."
Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once-inseparable siblings.
But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s finally able to escape her anxious mind—and Ian’s criticism.
And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.
That is, if they don’t get completely lost along the way.
Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once-inseparable siblings.
But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s finally able to escape her anxious mind—and Ian’s criticism.
And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.
That is, if they don’t get completely lost along the way.
303 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2018
About the author
Jenna Evans Welch
7 books5,599 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 5,507 reviews
June 25, 2018
after reading ‘love and gelato’ last year, jenna evans welch became an auto-buy author for me. pretty brave to do only after her debut, but i am so happy this didnt disappoint. true to her previous work, ‘love and luck’ was the perfect mix of summer, adventure, growing up, and love. all of the makings for a wonderful contemporary.
what i really enjoyed most was how the story explored sibling relationships. i loved reading about how close addie and ian were and how there were able to repair their friendship after a fall-out. of course, the amazing atmosphere of ireland was a wonderful environment for the two to learn and grow.
but i do wish ireland had been more prevelant. to me, the setting was what made ‘love and gelato’ such a good summer read. and although the emerald isle was explored decently, i felt like there could have been so much more incorporated into the story.
regardless, this was just what i needed - sweet contemporary goodness. books like this are exactly what summer is for.
4 stars
what i really enjoyed most was how the story explored sibling relationships. i loved reading about how close addie and ian were and how there were able to repair their friendship after a fall-out. of course, the amazing atmosphere of ireland was a wonderful environment for the two to learn and grow.
but i do wish ireland had been more prevelant. to me, the setting was what made ‘love and gelato’ such a good summer read. and although the emerald isle was explored decently, i felt like there could have been so much more incorporated into the story.
regardless, this was just what i needed - sweet contemporary goodness. books like this are exactly what summer is for.
4 stars
October 7, 2023
When Addie embarks on a family trip to Ireland for her Aunt's destination wedding, she couldn't be happier about escaping her hometown for a while.
It has been the worst summer of her life for dramatic reasons unknown to the Reader for almost the entirety of the book.
The plan is that after the wedding, Addie and her brother, Ian, will travel to Italy to visit Addie's best friend, Lena.
That's right, the very same Lena from Love & Gelato; a book that completely stole my heart.
However, that plan doesn't quite come together.
On the morning of their expected departure from Ireland, Addie catches Ian running away from their hotel room. He has other plans and they don't include Lena, or Italy.
What happens next is a wildly impromptu road trip with their new friend, Rowan, in one of the biggest POS-cars on the Emerald Isle.
While this book did have cute and quirky moments, it also had moments that were highly annoying and bland.
Ian and Addie are in a petty sibling battle fairly constantly and frankly, they were wearing on my last nerve. We're talking, don't make me pull this car over territory.
I get it, siblings fight sometimes, but good grief, give it a rest. I also wasn't crazy about the format. Particularly, not knowing what Addie's hometown drama was until the very end.
I would have rather known up front, so that I could have at least drummed up some sympathy for the girl. Instead I felt like...
It had a lovely ending which bumped it up a half a star, but otherwise, I was underwhelmed. I didn't feel as connected to Addie as I did with Lena. Overall, I would just say this installment wasn't a great fit for my tastes.
With this being said, it is a good book and I am glad that I read it. The setting was fantastic. I will definitely read more books by this author.
It has been the worst summer of her life for dramatic reasons unknown to the Reader for almost the entirety of the book.
The plan is that after the wedding, Addie and her brother, Ian, will travel to Italy to visit Addie's best friend, Lena.
That's right, the very same Lena from Love & Gelato; a book that completely stole my heart.
However, that plan doesn't quite come together.
On the morning of their expected departure from Ireland, Addie catches Ian running away from their hotel room. He has other plans and they don't include Lena, or Italy.
What happens next is a wildly impromptu road trip with their new friend, Rowan, in one of the biggest POS-cars on the Emerald Isle.
While this book did have cute and quirky moments, it also had moments that were highly annoying and bland.
Ian and Addie are in a petty sibling battle fairly constantly and frankly, they were wearing on my last nerve. We're talking, don't make me pull this car over territory.
I get it, siblings fight sometimes, but good grief, give it a rest. I also wasn't crazy about the format. Particularly, not knowing what Addie's hometown drama was until the very end.
I would have rather known up front, so that I could have at least drummed up some sympathy for the girl. Instead I felt like...
It had a lovely ending which bumped it up a half a star, but otherwise, I was underwhelmed. I didn't feel as connected to Addie as I did with Lena. Overall, I would just say this installment wasn't a great fit for my tastes.
With this being said, it is a good book and I am glad that I read it. The setting was fantastic. I will definitely read more books by this author.
October 10, 2018
I. LOVE. BOOKS ABOUT SIBLINGS.
Books about romance? Meh. Who cares. Every YA book and its mother (not sure how the genealogy of YA literature works but still) has a romance. Most of them are bad. A couple of them are good. But it doesn't even matter because there are more romance plotlines in this world than you know what to do with.
Siblings, on the other hand...Not every book has a well-done portrayal of what sibling relationships are like. Which is honestly probably a good thing because it is extremely hard to do. It's complex af and since truthfully most books don't even have good romantic relationships (which are extraordinarily easy - just have characters make eye contact with each other a bunch and you're halfway there) they probably couldn't handle portraying siblings.
So my favorite thing - my favorite favorite favorite - is the contemporary that focuses on the relationship(s) between siblings and/or family in general, and leaves the romance by the wayside.
It happened, joy of joys, with Save the Date, and I am pleased as punch to be able to inform you that it happened with this book too.
Also: IRELAND!!!!
This book was not perfect. It was sometimes boring. Sometimes it was repetitive and even annoying (the latter being okay because that's just realistic sibling interaction my dear boy). The romance was so meh and whatever and please actually just be a friendship and not a romance that I am pretending that the ending () didn't even happen.
But all of that matters way way less than the good stuff.
Bottom line: SIBLINGS!!! IRELAND!!!
suddenly in a diehard contemporary mood...this book better come through for me
Books about romance? Meh. Who cares. Every YA book and its mother (not sure how the genealogy of YA literature works but still) has a romance. Most of them are bad. A couple of them are good. But it doesn't even matter because there are more romance plotlines in this world than you know what to do with.
Siblings, on the other hand...Not every book has a well-done portrayal of what sibling relationships are like. Which is honestly probably a good thing because it is extremely hard to do. It's complex af and since truthfully most books don't even have good romantic relationships (which are extraordinarily easy - just have characters make eye contact with each other a bunch and you're halfway there) they probably couldn't handle portraying siblings.
So my favorite thing - my favorite favorite favorite - is the contemporary that focuses on the relationship(s) between siblings and/or family in general, and leaves the romance by the wayside.
It happened, joy of joys, with Save the Date, and I am pleased as punch to be able to inform you that it happened with this book too.
Also: IRELAND!!!!
This book was not perfect. It was sometimes boring. Sometimes it was repetitive and even annoying (the latter being okay because that's just realistic sibling interaction my dear boy). The romance was so meh and whatever and please actually just be a friendship and not a romance that I am pretending that the ending () didn't even happen.
But all of that matters way way less than the good stuff.
Bottom line: SIBLINGS!!! IRELAND!!!
suddenly in a diehard contemporary mood...this book better come through for me
May 7, 2021
5 Freaking Stars ⭐️ I needed this book right now! I’m not doing good mentally or physically right now and this was just perfect, even though I cried ....
I read this from the library but I am buying the hardback, I will read this again! I loved the characters, the story, the funny times, the sad times. I just wish... it doesn’t really matter. Happy Reading
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
I read this from the library but I am buying the hardback, I will read this again! I loved the characters, the story, the funny times, the sad times. I just wish... it doesn’t really matter. Happy Reading
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Want to read
July 5, 2017So I am kind of sad that Welch didn't keep with the food theme... like how about Love & Soda bread 😂
September 28, 2018
THIS WAS SUCH A HEARTWARMING BOOK IM MELTING FROM CUTENESS AND SWEETNESS
- v v wholesome book
- if this book was given an emoji equivalent it would be 👌 bc its superb
- so number one, I REALLY love how jenna welch writes the most cute, adorable summer vacation stories
- like love and gelato was just ??adorable??
- and this one is wholesome and sweet and heartwarming and also ??adorable??
- its quirky and funny (i love guidebook lady sm i would die for her)
- GUYS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADDIE AND HER BROTHERS
- 😩👏😩👏👌👌💯👌💯👏😩💯
- like theyre so overbearingly protective but they fight and bicker and laugh and bond together and having inside jokes jfkldjafla #meeee IT WAS SO REALISTIC
- its so rare to see this kind of dynamics and I JUST LOVE IT WITH ALL MY HEART
- but also the romance
- top notch
- IS SO SUBTLE and written so well, that slow SLOW SLOW burn, epic my friends
- strangers to friends to lovers is my new favourite trope i didnt even know this you learn something new about yourself everyday
- BIG CAMEO TO LINA AND REN AND I SCREAMED
- also deals with some pretty awful stuff that happened to addie AND I LOVED THE WAY THEY CONCLUDED IT, i was tearing up (yes im soft okay)
- also the sightseeing descriptions makes me wanna visit ireland asap
so, just pick it up
4.5 stars!
- v v wholesome book
- if this book was given an emoji equivalent it would be 👌 bc its superb
- so number one, I REALLY love how jenna welch writes the most cute, adorable summer vacation stories
- like love and gelato was just ??adorable??
- and this one is wholesome and sweet and heartwarming and also ??adorable??
- its quirky and funny (i love guidebook lady sm i would die for her)
- GUYS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADDIE AND HER BROTHERS
- 😩👏😩👏👌👌💯👌💯👏😩💯
- like theyre so overbearingly protective but they fight and bicker and laugh and bond together and having inside jokes jfkldjafla #meeee IT WAS SO REALISTIC
- its so rare to see this kind of dynamics and I JUST LOVE IT WITH ALL MY HEART
- but also the romance
- top notch
- IS SO SUBTLE and written so well, that slow SLOW SLOW burn, epic my friends
- strangers to friends to lovers is my new favourite trope i didnt even know this you learn something new about yourself everyday
- BIG CAMEO TO LINA AND REN AND I SCREAMED
- also deals with some pretty awful stuff that happened to addie AND I LOVED THE WAY THEY CONCLUDED IT, i was tearing up (yes im soft okay)
- also the sightseeing descriptions makes me wanna visit ireland asap
so, just pick it up
4.5 stars!
June 7, 2018
This book serves as a reminder that not all characters from a previous novel require a story of their own (the other being Leah on the Offbeat).
Pros :
1. I enjoyed the guidebook bits in-between chapters. Witty. Short. Fast-paced.
Cons :
1. Constant Sibling Bickering . This plot point went on much too long.
2. Boring Characters . I found them unbelievably tedious, which made my first con even more annoying. I would have been more lenient if they were teens deserving of a following.
3. Forced Attempt at Coupling .
4. Miniscule, If Any, Plot . "Let's go to points A, B, C, while promising drama and romance." But, then again, no.
5. Drama Reveal . Seriously? Her brother's anger seems more important than Addie's reaction. What? Uncool.
Overall, Welch's succeeded with Love & Gelato but this one lacks its previous sister's charm. It's simply boring.
1.5/5
Pros :
1. I enjoyed the guidebook bits in-between chapters. Witty. Short. Fast-paced.
Cons :
1. Constant Sibling Bickering . This plot point went on much too long.
2. Boring Characters . I found them unbelievably tedious, which made my first con even more annoying. I would have been more lenient if they were teens deserving of a following.
3. Forced Attempt at Coupling .
4. Miniscule, If Any, Plot . "Let's go to points A, B, C, while promising drama and romance." But, then again, no.
5. Drama Reveal . Seriously? Her brother's anger seems more important than Addie's reaction. What? Uncool.
Overall, Welch's succeeded with Love & Gelato but this one lacks its previous sister's charm. It's simply boring.
1.5/5
February 22, 2021
UGH. I was so ready to love this but what a disappointment. Addie is no Lina, I loved Lina and her story in Italy. Her best friend Addie was alright but I didn’t connect with her. She was a little too mopey and even when she had the right to be, the book kind of shy’s away from telling us what was going on. It waited too long to tell us what happened with Cubby (and what kind of name/nickname is that??). Also, Addie and her brother Ian just fought the entire time but would say how much they care about each other and then go back to arguing again. I get that siblings fight but ugh this was not endearing and I found it so tedious. I thought Ian was too pushy to force Addie to do something she was not ready to do. He also ditches her for his own selfish reasons and causes Addie to miss her flight to Italy to see Lina. On top of that, the book was a little repetitive and the romance was so forced. They were more of platonic friends the whole time and then suddenly they're interested in each other at the end. The only thing I really liked was reading about Ireland and the fact that they road tripped across the country to go to a music festival. I would love to do something like that, I miss those days when traveling and concerts were a thing.. I do appreciate the message too with how Addie comes to terms that she's enough for herself and there was so much potential with that.
In conclusions Love & Gelato was amazing but Love & Luck was not so I’m quite disappointed. Hope the next book is better.
In conclusions Love & Gelato was amazing but Love & Luck was not so I’m quite disappointed. Hope the next book is better.
April 13, 2021
"This time I really let loose. “I AM THE HERO OF MY OWN STORY.”
I loved:
-the sweet, honest family dynamics. Addie's relationship with her brothers was relatable and true.
-the road trip and how it came kinda unplanned.
-how this didn't really focus on the romance and it highlighted the sibling's relationship instead.
-Addie and Lina's strong and unbreakable friendship.
-and that heartwarming ending!
“I know you've got this, but if there's ever a moment when you don't, you've got me.”
grateful to Ms. Jenna Evans Welch for bringing me to Ireland! 🇮🇪
_
Love and Gelato
Love and Olives
I loved:
-the sweet, honest family dynamics. Addie's relationship with her brothers was relatable and true.
-the road trip and how it came kinda unplanned.
-how this didn't really focus on the romance and it highlighted the sibling's relationship instead.
-Addie and Lina's strong and unbreakable friendship.
-and that heartwarming ending!
“I know you've got this, but if there's ever a moment when you don't, you've got me.”
grateful to Ms. Jenna Evans Welch for bringing me to Ireland! 🇮🇪
_
Love and Gelato
Love and Olives
July 31, 2017
I WILL READ ANYTHING THIS WOMAN WRITES. MY EXCITEMENT FOR THIS BOOK IS AT UNHEALTHY LEVELS.
December 27, 2018
OH MY GOSH!
Has anybody known there will be a spin-off for "Love and gelato" about Addie?
So excited to read it!
Has anybody known there will be a spin-off for "Love and gelato" about Addie?
So excited to read it!
July 26, 2019
See full review and many more at: Ashes Books & Bobs.
Many thanks to Simon Pulse / Simon and Schuster for the chance to read and review this novel early.
I'm all for poor man's traveling, also known as reading about teenagers traipsing around the Irish countryside. When I read Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch last year, I was already excited about this book, knowing it wouldn't be released for close to a year. I loved Lina's adventures around Italy and essentially being able to tag along for the ride through Welch's vivid descriptions of the locations.
As luck would have it, Love & Luck offered the same experience I came to enjoy in the last book. This time, readers are transported to Ireland with Lina's best friend, Addie, and her family. After mysterious horrific events at the end of the school year, Addie is eager to put an ocean between her problems and herself. Though, she can't seem to escape the drama of high school with her brother, Ian, reminding Addie of her problems every step of the way, including at their aunt's wedding at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Even the windswept landscape can't seem to sweep Addie's thoughts of home away. However, Addie hopes her trip to Italy with Ian to visit Lina will give her the peace she needs, until Addie finds herself trapped in a minuscule car with Ian and his cute Irish friend, Rowan. Instead of heading toward Italy, she ends up on an unexpected Irish adventure.
My favorite part of this story was the pieces of advice included in the pages from the "Ireland for the Heartbroken", the fitting travel guide Addie happened upon at her hotel's library. This unconventional guide gives Addie locations to visit in an attempt to cure her heartbreak, along with homework to complete, allowing her... and Rowan, to face their issues head-on.
There was never a dull moment in this cute story for ages 12 and up. As readers might imagine, driving around Ireland in the likes of a clown-car with a bumper sticker reading "This car is powered by pure Irish luck" comes with its share of mishaps and hilarity. From Lina's texts to Addie to the moments of fighting between the siblings, I couldn't help but chuckle from time to time as I was swept away by the descriptions of the green landscapes and barren scenes in Burren.
By the end of the story, I was still craving more and wishing the book could go on a bit longer. I hoped for a little more explanation regarding the aftermath of Addie and Ian's decisions upon returning home, but the implication served its purpose. A good writer leaves readers craving more and I was by no means unsatisfied with this story. I hope Jenna Evans Welch will continue the with this series in some form because I can't get enough of the adventurous stories she crafts. She sparks my wanderlust while simultaneously quenching my desire for an exciting trip. I'm also impressed with her ability to please all ages with her writing. Though this is geared for a younger audience, I can't help but love the simplicity of the stories while the author maintains my interest and enjoyment of the characters throughout. This would be a book for both mothers and daughters to enjoy together. I almost can't imagine anything more fun than a mother-daughter buddy-read, except for maybe going to Ireland myself!
Though this is a continuation of Love & Gelato, it reads perfectly as a standalone. If you're looking for a light and fun read, be sure to pick up Love & Luck on May 8th!
Many thanks to Simon Pulse / Simon and Schuster for the chance to read and review this novel early.
I'm all for poor man's traveling, also known as reading about teenagers traipsing around the Irish countryside. When I read Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch last year, I was already excited about this book, knowing it wouldn't be released for close to a year. I loved Lina's adventures around Italy and essentially being able to tag along for the ride through Welch's vivid descriptions of the locations.
As luck would have it, Love & Luck offered the same experience I came to enjoy in the last book. This time, readers are transported to Ireland with Lina's best friend, Addie, and her family. After mysterious horrific events at the end of the school year, Addie is eager to put an ocean between her problems and herself. Though, she can't seem to escape the drama of high school with her brother, Ian, reminding Addie of her problems every step of the way, including at their aunt's wedding at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Even the windswept landscape can't seem to sweep Addie's thoughts of home away. However, Addie hopes her trip to Italy with Ian to visit Lina will give her the peace she needs, until Addie finds herself trapped in a minuscule car with Ian and his cute Irish friend, Rowan. Instead of heading toward Italy, she ends up on an unexpected Irish adventure.
My favorite part of this story was the pieces of advice included in the pages from the "Ireland for the Heartbroken", the fitting travel guide Addie happened upon at her hotel's library. This unconventional guide gives Addie locations to visit in an attempt to cure her heartbreak, along with homework to complete, allowing her... and Rowan, to face their issues head-on.
There was never a dull moment in this cute story for ages 12 and up. As readers might imagine, driving around Ireland in the likes of a clown-car with a bumper sticker reading "This car is powered by pure Irish luck" comes with its share of mishaps and hilarity. From Lina's texts to Addie to the moments of fighting between the siblings, I couldn't help but chuckle from time to time as I was swept away by the descriptions of the green landscapes and barren scenes in Burren.
By the end of the story, I was still craving more and wishing the book could go on a bit longer. I hoped for a little more explanation regarding the aftermath of Addie and Ian's decisions upon returning home, but the implication served its purpose. A good writer leaves readers craving more and I was by no means unsatisfied with this story. I hope Jenna Evans Welch will continue the with this series in some form because I can't get enough of the adventurous stories she crafts. She sparks my wanderlust while simultaneously quenching my desire for an exciting trip. I'm also impressed with her ability to please all ages with her writing. Though this is geared for a younger audience, I can't help but love the simplicity of the stories while the author maintains my interest and enjoyment of the characters throughout. This would be a book for both mothers and daughters to enjoy together. I almost can't imagine anything more fun than a mother-daughter buddy-read, except for maybe going to Ireland myself!
Though this is a continuation of Love & Gelato, it reads perfectly as a standalone. If you're looking for a light and fun read, be sure to pick up Love & Luck on May 8th!
April 25, 2021
Buddy read with the awesome Naomi
5⭐
“Labels aren't big enough for people. And once you try to categorize someone, you stop looking for who they actually are.”
I literally have no words to describe how beautiful this book was. I actually didnt expect to like it this much! It was soo good!
Love nad Gelato was good. I enjoyed it. But this book touched my heart and I love it!
Here, we see Addie (Lina's best friend) in Ireland. She's with her brother with whom she has been fighting for a long time. Wee see Addie and Ian resolve their problems while exploring the beauty of Ireland.
This book focuses mainly on the sibling relationship between Addie and Ian, which I was initially skeptical about, but it was soo beautiful!
There is no insta-love, no love triangle just pure family love (is tht a thing lol)
Rowan is Ian's friend. He appears throughout the book. But I like how there was no insta love between him and Addie. He's there for Addie nd Ian throughout the book and helps them solve thier problems.
“This was the thing I'd lost track of this summer. That being chosen--or not chosen--was not the thing that made me valuable. I was valuable regardless. I was enough, all on my own.”
I loved Jenna's writing in this book. It was beautiful and gave me feels throughout the book.
All my friends who loved Letters to the Lost, go read this!!
I read it in one sitting. Now go read this if u havent already!!!!!!!!!!!!
I PROMISE ITS WORTH IT💖💖
Other books on this series
Love & Gelato :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love & Luck :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love & Olives :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5⭐
“Labels aren't big enough for people. And once you try to categorize someone, you stop looking for who they actually are.”
I literally have no words to describe how beautiful this book was. I actually didnt expect to like it this much! It was soo good!
Love nad Gelato was good. I enjoyed it. But this book touched my heart and I love it!
Here, we see Addie (Lina's best friend) in Ireland. She's with her brother with whom she has been fighting for a long time. Wee see Addie and Ian resolve their problems while exploring the beauty of Ireland.
This book focuses mainly on the sibling relationship between Addie and Ian, which I was initially skeptical about, but it was soo beautiful!
There is no insta-love, no love triangle just pure family love (is tht a thing lol)
Rowan is Ian's friend. He appears throughout the book. But I like how there was no insta love between him and Addie. He's there for Addie nd Ian throughout the book and helps them solve thier problems.
“This was the thing I'd lost track of this summer. That being chosen--or not chosen--was not the thing that made me valuable. I was valuable regardless. I was enough, all on my own.”
I loved Jenna's writing in this book. It was beautiful and gave me feels throughout the book.
All my friends who loved Letters to the Lost, go read this!!
I read it in one sitting. Now go read this if u havent already!!!!!!!!!!!!
I PROMISE ITS WORTH IT💖💖
Other books on this series
Love & Gelato :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love & Luck :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love & Olives :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 5, 2018
Love & Luck: oh boy, this was disappointing.
The first 100 pages or so were excrutiating (and that's like a solid third of the book). The characters were beyond annoying (particularly Ian). As someone who also has three siblings, the sibling interactions seemed ridiculous. Even when Ian and Addie's 'secrets' are revealed, none of it seems justified. He still seemed just as awful. (And on the topic of those secrets, they were so predictable, and I just didn't give a shit).
Also, I don't know if this bothers anyone else in books, but you know those stories where characters are so hyper-aware of their loved ones? Like their tics, their reactions, and it nearly always starts with 'that's the thing you need to know about x character' followed by some ridiculously obscure thing that shows how much the narrator knows x character. And it's all just so utterly ridiculous and unrealistic. Love & Luck did that over and over and over again.
Sure, it had a nice message in the end. But it was boring. It was predictable. All I was holding out for in the end was a fluffy romantic moment and I didn't even get that. I did find myself enjoying the excerpts from the travel guide (despite their utter ostentatiousness), but in the end, not worth it, not enjoyable.
The first 100 pages or so were excrutiating (and that's like a solid third of the book). The characters were beyond annoying (particularly Ian). As someone who also has three siblings, the sibling interactions seemed ridiculous. Even when Ian and Addie's 'secrets' are revealed, none of it seems justified. He still seemed just as awful. (And on the topic of those secrets, they were so predictable, and I just didn't give a shit).
Also, I don't know if this bothers anyone else in books, but you know those stories where characters are so hyper-aware of their loved ones? Like their tics, their reactions, and it nearly always starts with 'that's the thing you need to know about x character' followed by some ridiculously obscure thing that shows how much the narrator knows x character. And it's all just so utterly ridiculous and unrealistic. Love & Luck did that over and over and over again.
Sure, it had a nice message in the end. But it was boring. It was predictable. All I was holding out for in the end was a fluffy romantic moment and I didn't even get that. I did find myself enjoying the excerpts from the travel guide (despite their utter ostentatiousness), but in the end, not worth it, not enjoyable.
June 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Love & Luck is supposedly about Addie visiting her best friend Lina in Italy but it basically turned into a road trip around Ireland for the brokenhearted. The first half is a constant altercation (both physical and verbal) between siblings, Addie and Ian. The reason for said altercation though is kept a mystery so even though I was starting to get annoyed, I was also curious about what exactly transpired between Cubby (also Ian’s football teammate) and Addie rendering the latter heartbroken. Thankfully, Rowan, Ian’s cute and Irish friend who also happens to be nursing a broken heart is along the trip to act as referee between the two.
What I really appreciate were the excerpts from “Ireland for the Heartbroken:An Unconventional Guide to the Emerald Isle, third edition.” It’s this book Addie found in the first hotel her family checked in tutoring her on how to go about trying to get over a broken heart while in Ireland. I think this is where Ms. Welch’s talent definitely shines brightest. Here’s an excerpt.
I didnt’ easily warm up to the characters. It actually took me almost the entire book to really appreciate them but what matters is that at the end of the story, I understood their motivations and eventually the story’s purpose. I like that they came to finally revealing their innermost desires and discovering who they really are in the process. I love the bond between the siblings and how they recognize the impossibility of living without each other. I’m definitely still looking forward to reading Love and Gelato. I hear only good things about it.
Love & Luck is supposedly about Addie visiting her best friend Lina in Italy but it basically turned into a road trip around Ireland for the brokenhearted. The first half is a constant altercation (both physical and verbal) between siblings, Addie and Ian. The reason for said altercation though is kept a mystery so even though I was starting to get annoyed, I was also curious about what exactly transpired between Cubby (also Ian’s football teammate) and Addie rendering the latter heartbroken. Thankfully, Rowan, Ian’s cute and Irish friend who also happens to be nursing a broken heart is along the trip to act as referee between the two.
What I really appreciate were the excerpts from “Ireland for the Heartbroken:An Unconventional Guide to the Emerald Isle, third edition.” It’s this book Addie found in the first hotel her family checked in tutoring her on how to go about trying to get over a broken heart while in Ireland. I think this is where Ms. Welch’s talent definitely shines brightest. Here’s an excerpt.
I didnt’ easily warm up to the characters. It actually took me almost the entire book to really appreciate them but what matters is that at the end of the story, I understood their motivations and eventually the story’s purpose. I like that they came to finally revealing their innermost desires and discovering who they really are in the process. I love the bond between the siblings and how they recognize the impossibility of living without each other. I’m definitely still looking forward to reading Love and Gelato. I hear only good things about it.
July 15, 2018
Oooooookay. I have some thoughts. I haven't written an in-depth review in a while. So please, bear with me, people. Stay tuned for special highlighted quotes at the end (because this book is full of 'em).
I liked this. Mainly because it gave me warm and fuzzies, without being overloaded with love. This book focused more on the love that accompanies family and friendship, and that's sorely lacking in YA these days. (Not every story needs a bad boy who become the obvious love interest, okay people?)
I really liked Addie as our main character. Without giving too many spoilers, I appreciated how human she was. She made a mistake, a really common mistake. She trusted the wrong guy with the wrong type of text, and she almost let it ruin her life. Not only that, she was heartbroken that the whole situation broke her relationship with her brother, as well. Throughout the story, she finds new and unique ways to grow and learn from the past. And if THAT isn't a damn unique coming of age tale, and a lesson in how to deal with peer pressure from asshat boys, I don't know what is. (Seriously, YA authors, not every damn "coming of age" story has to be about finding love, sometimes it can be more about independence and friendship, but WHATEVER.)
So bottom line: I'm a huge fan of Addie overcoming bullying and growing from it.
Second, I'd just like to give a round of applause for Rowan.
Because, AGAIN, heartbreak comes in a NUMBER of forms. Authors seems to frequently forget this. Rowan is heartbroken over his family splitting up and feeling like he is the middle-man. That is so relatable. He's traveling Ireland with his best friend to find peace and happiness, while simultaneously trying to distract himself, because he's heartbroken about his home life.
WHAT AN EFFING BREATH OF FRESH AIR, AM I RIGHT?"
That being said, I had a few minor problems that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. Love and Gelato was so much better. Honestly, the characters fit together better in that story. The love interest and estranged family kept me interested. There was also an air of mystery. I felt like Welch tried to re-create those themes in this book, albeit in different ways, but they just didn't add up.
2. This book felt 100% like it was written after googling "Popular tourist stops in Ireland." I don't really have a huge problem with that, because at least the author did her homework. But come on. I just didn't feel like I was in Ireland. The imagery just wasn't there. Some of the places were described, but the only really description was "green" or "shades of green." And like..... I get it. Ireland is green. But........... Eh.
3. The side characters were so uninspired, it hurt. Like, the mom? Nothing special about her. (Except of course the extra special tidbit at the end where we found out she once did roller derby and was named "Medusa Damage." You better believe I laughed my ass off at that 5-star quality pun.) The other brothers? Annoying, carbon copies of each other with no defining characteristics. They were only there to move the plot at certain points. Lina and Ren? Not enough of them, honestly. I loved them so much in Love and Gelato, I would've like to hear more from them. I was getting some SERIOUS Anna and the French Kiss companion series vibes, here.
So those were the few complaints that brought the star rating down....
But I'd also like to have a moment of appreciation for the guidebook chapters, because that life advice was actually 100% on point.
"Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return."
"When it comes to love, we never learn. Ever. Even when we know the risks. Even when it makes much more sense to relocate to individualized climate-controlled caves where our hearts have at least a fighting chance at remaining intact. We know the risks of opening our hearts up, and yet we keep doing it anyway."
"I also know it's tempting to believe that you're the only person who's been left hanging. But you're not. Oh, you're not.... And yet when it happens to you, it feels like something brand-new. Like the world has cooked up the worst thing it could think of and then called you in for dinner. That's love for you."
I mean, SERIOUSLY. I'm here for this life advice. In fact, where was this advice when I was in college and high school and I felt like my world was ending?
So at the end of the day, I liked this book. I didn't love it, it wasn't earth-shattering, but it was unique in that it explored different types of heartbreak, rather than just a scorned lover, or a special snowflake of a girl who swears she isn't pretty, only to find insta-love on her doorstep. I'm a big fan of the unique take on heartbreak and how to cope with it, as well. Again, this is one of those books I feel like I picked up at the right time. I only gave this 3-stars because I enjoyed Love and Gelato a bit more, and it feels to cheap to bestow the same rating on the two... Regardless, I'm pretty sure Jenna Evans Welch is now just an auto-buy author for me. Cute, fun, enjoyable, comedic, and like eating cotton candy on the beach (because it's so sweet).
Also, HUGE side shoutout to the theme of independence and friends/family being more important than asshat significant others who manipulate you. And bonus points for the author always referencing pink Starbursts in her books. I see you, girl. We all know pink Starbursts are the best Starbursts. Here for it.
I liked this. Mainly because it gave me warm and fuzzies, without being overloaded with love. This book focused more on the love that accompanies family and friendship, and that's sorely lacking in YA these days. (Not every story needs a bad boy who become the obvious love interest, okay people?)
I really liked Addie as our main character. Without giving too many spoilers, I appreciated how human she was. She made a mistake, a really common mistake. She trusted the wrong guy with the wrong type of text, and she almost let it ruin her life. Not only that, she was heartbroken that the whole situation broke her relationship with her brother, as well. Throughout the story, she finds new and unique ways to grow and learn from the past. And if THAT isn't a damn unique coming of age tale, and a lesson in how to deal with peer pressure from asshat boys, I don't know what is. (Seriously, YA authors, not every damn "coming of age" story has to be about finding love, sometimes it can be more about independence and friendship, but WHATEVER.)
So bottom line: I'm a huge fan of Addie overcoming bullying and growing from it.
Second, I'd just like to give a round of applause for Rowan.
Because, AGAIN, heartbreak comes in a NUMBER of forms. Authors seems to frequently forget this. Rowan is heartbroken over his family splitting up and feeling like he is the middle-man. That is so relatable. He's traveling Ireland with his best friend to find peace and happiness, while simultaneously trying to distract himself, because he's heartbroken about his home life.
WHAT AN EFFING BREATH OF FRESH AIR, AM I RIGHT?"
That being said, I had a few minor problems that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. Love and Gelato was so much better. Honestly, the characters fit together better in that story. The love interest and estranged family kept me interested. There was also an air of mystery. I felt like Welch tried to re-create those themes in this book, albeit in different ways, but they just didn't add up.
2. This book felt 100% like it was written after googling "Popular tourist stops in Ireland." I don't really have a huge problem with that, because at least the author did her homework. But come on. I just didn't feel like I was in Ireland. The imagery just wasn't there. Some of the places were described, but the only really description was "green" or "shades of green." And like..... I get it. Ireland is green. But........... Eh.
3. The side characters were so uninspired, it hurt. Like, the mom? Nothing special about her. (Except of course the extra special tidbit at the end where we found out she once did roller derby and was named "Medusa Damage." You better believe I laughed my ass off at that 5-star quality pun.) The other brothers? Annoying, carbon copies of each other with no defining characteristics. They were only there to move the plot at certain points. Lina and Ren? Not enough of them, honestly. I loved them so much in Love and Gelato, I would've like to hear more from them. I was getting some SERIOUS Anna and the French Kiss companion series vibes, here.
So those were the few complaints that brought the star rating down....
But I'd also like to have a moment of appreciation for the guidebook chapters, because that life advice was actually 100% on point.
"Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return."
"When it comes to love, we never learn. Ever. Even when we know the risks. Even when it makes much more sense to relocate to individualized climate-controlled caves where our hearts have at least a fighting chance at remaining intact. We know the risks of opening our hearts up, and yet we keep doing it anyway."
"I also know it's tempting to believe that you're the only person who's been left hanging. But you're not. Oh, you're not.... And yet when it happens to you, it feels like something brand-new. Like the world has cooked up the worst thing it could think of and then called you in for dinner. That's love for you."
I mean, SERIOUSLY. I'm here for this life advice. In fact, where was this advice when I was in college and high school and I felt like my world was ending?
So at the end of the day, I liked this book. I didn't love it, it wasn't earth-shattering, but it was unique in that it explored different types of heartbreak, rather than just a scorned lover, or a special snowflake of a girl who swears she isn't pretty, only to find insta-love on her doorstep. I'm a big fan of the unique take on heartbreak and how to cope with it, as well. Again, this is one of those books I feel like I picked up at the right time. I only gave this 3-stars because I enjoyed Love and Gelato a bit more, and it feels to cheap to bestow the same rating on the two... Regardless, I'm pretty sure Jenna Evans Welch is now just an auto-buy author for me. Cute, fun, enjoyable, comedic, and like eating cotton candy on the beach (because it's so sweet).
Also, HUGE side shoutout to the theme of independence and friends/family being more important than asshat significant others who manipulate you. And bonus points for the author always referencing pink Starbursts in her books. I see you, girl. We all know pink Starbursts are the best Starbursts. Here for it.
November 1, 2018
Anyone who hasn’t gotten hurt is either a liar or a robot...
This was not the cute-sy book I was expecting. This was a book about overcoming heartbreak. And it was exactly what I needed after having my soul crushed by King's Cage.
...you can’t outsmart heartache. It has nowhere to be, nothing to do. It will just stand there, buffing its nails, waiting until you’re ready.
I don't know why but I'm not usually a fan of books featuring road trips. But I really loved this one.
And although I definitely loved Love & Gelato more, I suddenly really want to visit Ireland.
_____
My review for: Love & Gelato
This was not the cute-sy book I was expecting. This was a book about overcoming heartbreak. And it was exactly what I needed after having my soul crushed by King's Cage.
...you can’t outsmart heartache. It has nowhere to be, nothing to do. It will just stand there, buffing its nails, waiting until you’re ready.
I don't know why but I'm not usually a fan of books featuring road trips. But I really loved this one.
And although I definitely loved Love & Gelato more, I suddenly really want to visit Ireland.
_____
My review for: Love & Gelato
April 10, 2024
a romance book that didnt have any romance until the epilogue…
November 18, 2018
”Siblings can be a special kind of cruel.”
Plot ~ Concept: ★★★★★
~ Execution: ★★★★☆½
Pacing: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
World:
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Cover: ★★★★☆
It had its deep moments, family, and lovable main characters. It had no drama for the sake of angst, no pettiness, and no justifying horrible actions.
Do you know how difficult it’s been for me to find contemporaries like these? Needle-in-a-haystack difficult.
Pros:
🍀 Addie and her brother were borderline ridiculous, but still managed to be very relatable siblings, just in a comedically exaggerated way. And I was living for it.
🍀 The setting was so vivid that it made me want to stop being a hermit, leave my room and travel through Ireland. That’s saying something.
🍀 The writing style is top notch.
🍀 Ireland for the Heartbroken. It’s a guidebook. It was humorous and profound, and if it were a real book, you bet I’d buy it.
🍀 The romance took a backseat. The seat at the very very back. But it doesn’t take away from the story at all. If anything, it adds to it.
🍀 Addie and Ian’s love WARMED MY HEART. The emotional journey these kids take is so sweet.
🍀 Lina’s cat texts. And Lina and Addie’s friendship in general felt so much more authentic.
Cons:
🍀 Like Love & Gelato, this book had an element of mystery. But I actually enjoyed this one’s less, because the main characters know what the secret is while you as the reader have to find out. Whereas in Love & Gelato, you and the main character are uncovering the mystery together. However, it’s not poorly done and keeps you turning the pages.
🍀 Remember the guidebook I mentioned earlier? I may or may not have accidentally read it in the Gossip Girl voice even though I didn’t used to watch Gossip Girl. That’s not any fault of the book. I’m just sharing my questionable sanity with the Internet even though I know I’ll regret it in the future.
Quotes that I liked:
🍀 “...they’re beautiful because they contradict themselves. Soft, mossy hills turn to petrifying cliffs. A roiling sea rages against a serene sky.”
🍀 “I wanted this to be real life, not a detour.”
🍀 “I can usually count on sleep to polish out the hard edges of whatever I’m worrying about—like a broken bottle tumbling through waves to become sea glass. But I spent the night as jagged as they come.”
🍀“...didn’t matter, because that came with being family. Whether you wanted them to or not, your actions always affected the entire unit.”
🍀“...you can’t outsmart heartache. It has nowhere to be, nothing to do. It will just stand there, buffing its nails, waiting until you’re ready.”
🍀“If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Overall rating: ★★★★☆½
————————————
I just watched Logan, and oh my heck I’ve lost the will to do anything more than just exist on by bed like a potato. A teary potato. Sooo this book will maybe possibly hopefully be a pick-me-up.
Plot ~ Concept: ★★★★★
~ Execution: ★★★★☆½
Pacing: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Cover: ★★★★☆
It had its deep moments, family, and lovable main characters. It had no drama for the sake of angst, no pettiness, and no justifying horrible actions.
Do you know how difficult it’s been for me to find contemporaries like these? Needle-in-a-haystack difficult.
Pros:
🍀 Addie and her brother were borderline ridiculous, but still managed to be very relatable siblings, just in a comedically exaggerated way. And I was living for it.
🍀 The setting was so vivid that it made me want to stop being a hermit, leave my room and travel through Ireland. That’s saying something.
🍀 The writing style is top notch.
🍀 Ireland for the Heartbroken. It’s a guidebook. It was humorous and profound, and if it were a real book, you bet I’d buy it.
🍀 The romance took a backseat. The seat at the very very back. But it doesn’t take away from the story at all. If anything, it adds to it.
🍀 Addie and Ian’s love WARMED MY HEART. The emotional journey these kids take is so sweet.
🍀 Lina’s cat texts. And Lina and Addie’s friendship in general felt so much more authentic.
Cons:
🍀 Like Love & Gelato, this book had an element of mystery. But I actually enjoyed this one’s less, because the main characters know what the secret is while you as the reader have to find out. Whereas in Love & Gelato, you and the main character are uncovering the mystery together. However, it’s not poorly done and keeps you turning the pages.
🍀 Remember the guidebook I mentioned earlier? I may or may not have accidentally read it in the Gossip Girl voice even though I didn’t used to watch Gossip Girl. That’s not any fault of the book. I’m just sharing my questionable sanity with the Internet even though I know I’ll regret it in the future.
Quotes that I liked:
🍀 “...they’re beautiful because they contradict themselves. Soft, mossy hills turn to petrifying cliffs. A roiling sea rages against a serene sky.”
🍀 “I wanted this to be real life, not a detour.”
🍀 “I can usually count on sleep to polish out the hard edges of whatever I’m worrying about—like a broken bottle tumbling through waves to become sea glass. But I spent the night as jagged as they come.”
🍀“...didn’t matter, because that came with being family. Whether you wanted them to or not, your actions always affected the entire unit.”
🍀“...you can’t outsmart heartache. It has nowhere to be, nothing to do. It will just stand there, buffing its nails, waiting until you’re ready.”
🍀“If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Overall rating: ★★★★☆½
————————————
I just watched Logan, and oh my heck I’ve lost the will to do anything more than just exist on by bed like a potato. A teary potato. Sooo this book will maybe possibly hopefully be a pick-me-up.
June 6, 2018
4.5*
I loved this just as much as I loved Love & Gelato. This is an adorable story about love, friendship, and siblings. I found it carried a great message for people regarding texting stuff to others. Really drives home a good lesson to people about that. I actually would recommend for teens to read this just for that very awful life lesson. The story is wonderful and to put it short, I am ready to go visit Ireland! Who’s in??!!
My quick and simple overall: short, lovely story about young love and the power of the relationship between siblings and best friends regardless of their location.
I loved this just as much as I loved Love & Gelato. This is an adorable story about love, friendship, and siblings. I found it carried a great message for people regarding texting stuff to others. Really drives home a good lesson to people about that. I actually would recommend for teens to read this just for that very awful life lesson. The story is wonderful and to put it short, I am ready to go visit Ireland! Who’s in??!!
My quick and simple overall: short, lovely story about young love and the power of the relationship between siblings and best friends regardless of their location.
June 3, 2018
I’m so disappointed!
I absolutely loved Love and Gelato, it’s one of my favorites.
But I absolutely hated this one. I didn’t find anything that I liked about it and believe me I TRIED.
I hated the main character! Like omg. She was just arguing and awful the entire book! Her brother was a jerk. And Rowan had almost no point. I didn’t even feel like I was in Ireland like I felt like I was in Italy.
It’s honestly really hard for me to give books one star... I’m not too harsh of a critic, really. I never give books one star but this!
I’m so mad.
I absolutely loved Love and Gelato, it’s one of my favorites.
But I absolutely hated this one. I didn’t find anything that I liked about it and believe me I TRIED.
I hated the main character! Like omg. She was just arguing and awful the entire book! Her brother was a jerk. And Rowan had almost no point. I didn’t even feel like I was in Ireland like I felt like I was in Italy.
It’s honestly really hard for me to give books one star... I’m not too harsh of a critic, really. I never give books one star but this!
I’m so mad.
September 19, 2022
These type of books make me feel broke, lonely and so happy about characters that the paradox is unnerving .
July 23, 2020
2nd read of the Reading Rush!
This book was so much fun! I went into it expecting a love story (like in the first book) and found so much more than that. While there is a love story on the side, this book dives more into the relationship the main character has with herself and her family, especially with her brother, which is not quite common in YA contemporaries. I like how this genre is changing for better, with diversity not only in characters and authors, but also in the topics they tackle.
This book was so much fun! I went into it expecting a love story (like in the first book) and found so much more than that. While there is a love story on the side, this book dives more into the relationship the main character has with herself and her family, especially with her brother, which is not quite common in YA contemporaries. I like how this genre is changing for better, with diversity not only in characters and authors, but also in the topics they tackle.
August 7, 2019
Translation widget on the blog!!!
O poveste frumoasă, plină de învățături. Despre prietenie și familie. Despre cunoastere, dezamăgire, curajul de a înfrunta piedicile pe care viața ți le scoate în cale!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
O poveste frumoasă, plină de învățături. Despre prietenie și familie. Despre cunoastere, dezamăgire, curajul de a înfrunta piedicile pe care viața ți le scoate în cale!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
November 22, 2023
3.75⭐️
This was really sweet and cute. Not anywhere close to as good as Love & Gelato, but a nice break from crazy fantasy books😜
This was really sweet and cute. Not anywhere close to as good as Love & Gelato, but a nice break from crazy fantasy books😜
January 1, 2020
3.5 stars.
There’s nothing like the beauty of Ireland and some chaotic travel to help ease the pain of a heartbreak!
In Love & Luck , Addie has just suffered a major heartbreak and betrayal for the first time, and what’s worse is, her older brother Ian knows about it, and it’s not long before others do, too. But she and her family are in Ireland for her aunt’s destination wedding so Addie just wants to pretend it never happened—for now.
Ian keeps urging, even threatening, Addie to tell their mother what happened before it’s too late. His nagging reminders push Addie to her breaking point, a fistfight during their aunt’s wedding. Their mother is mortified and angry, and gives the siblings an ultimatum: they can still take their planned trip to Italy to see Addie’s best friend, but if she hears anything about their fighting or arguing, they’ll have to quit their sport teams when they return home.
So with that plan in mind, how is it that instead of Italy Addie is driving around Ireland in a dilapidated car with Ian and Rowan, Ian’s (handsome) Irish friend? Will the copy of Ireland for the Heartbroken that she took from the hotel library and Rowan’s presence help her recover?
"You opened this book because your heart was broken and you wanted it fixed. But that was never the cosmic plan. Hell, it was never my plan. Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return."
This was a sweet and charming book, and it definitely entertained me. The whole plot line with Addie’s secret was dragged out a little too long for me, but I really enjoy the way Jenna Evans Welch writes and the characters she creates. Her first book in this series, Love & Gelato , really was terrific, and I'm eagerly awaiting the third book, Love & Olives .
Side effect of reading this book: I want to go to Ireland now!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
There’s nothing like the beauty of Ireland and some chaotic travel to help ease the pain of a heartbreak!
In Love & Luck , Addie has just suffered a major heartbreak and betrayal for the first time, and what’s worse is, her older brother Ian knows about it, and it’s not long before others do, too. But she and her family are in Ireland for her aunt’s destination wedding so Addie just wants to pretend it never happened—for now.
Ian keeps urging, even threatening, Addie to tell their mother what happened before it’s too late. His nagging reminders push Addie to her breaking point, a fistfight during their aunt’s wedding. Their mother is mortified and angry, and gives the siblings an ultimatum: they can still take their planned trip to Italy to see Addie’s best friend, but if she hears anything about their fighting or arguing, they’ll have to quit their sport teams when they return home.
So with that plan in mind, how is it that instead of Italy Addie is driving around Ireland in a dilapidated car with Ian and Rowan, Ian’s (handsome) Irish friend? Will the copy of Ireland for the Heartbroken that she took from the hotel library and Rowan’s presence help her recover?
"You opened this book because your heart was broken and you wanted it fixed. But that was never the cosmic plan. Hell, it was never my plan. Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return."
This was a sweet and charming book, and it definitely entertained me. The whole plot line with Addie’s secret was dragged out a little too long for me, but I really enjoy the way Jenna Evans Welch writes and the characters she creates. Her first book in this series, Love & Gelato , really was terrific, and I'm eagerly awaiting the third book, Love & Olives .
Side effect of reading this book: I want to go to Ireland now!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 25, 2018
💗 &🍀
I'm going to put this out there. Jenna Evans Welch you have now become a must read author for me girl. Meaning if you write your version of the phone book...it's a must read for me 😂.
Last November I read Love & Gelato (read it if you have not already 😃)and I fell in love. I was a little concerned going in to Love & Luck simply because....y'all know where I'm coming from...it might not be as good as the first 😮.
•
Dare I say it? It might be better. I loved it. Welch has an incredible style to her writing. It is so clean, full of heart, and just carries you into these incredible characters stories.
For this one she takes the reader to Ireland for a study of heartache and healing. Pack your bags kids...I need to head to the Emerald Coast to follow Ireland for the Heartbroken's guidebook.
•
I've had some stuff going on personally that has broken my heart. It happens to us all. Broken hearts. In many different ways.
•
•
•
"Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return. "
💗💗💗💗💗J.E.W. (ARC copy Love & Luck)
•
•
•
I'm sharing that with you guys because I'm a middle aged mom and this is a YA "designed" novel for ages 12 and up. This book spoke to me. It touched my heart deeply. I adored it. Yes, I have not even talked directly about this book. That should be a trademark for #thesoutherngirlreads 😂. Sigh...I'll put the synopsis in the comments.
If you enjoy smart Young Adult with all the feelings pick this one up May 8th 💗🍀.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy.
I'm going to put this out there. Jenna Evans Welch you have now become a must read author for me girl. Meaning if you write your version of the phone book...it's a must read for me 😂.
Last November I read Love & Gelato (read it if you have not already 😃)and I fell in love. I was a little concerned going in to Love & Luck simply because....y'all know where I'm coming from...it might not be as good as the first 😮.
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Dare I say it? It might be better. I loved it. Welch has an incredible style to her writing. It is so clean, full of heart, and just carries you into these incredible characters stories.
For this one she takes the reader to Ireland for a study of heartache and healing. Pack your bags kids...I need to head to the Emerald Coast to follow Ireland for the Heartbroken's guidebook.
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I've had some stuff going on personally that has broken my heart. It happens to us all. Broken hearts. In many different ways.
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"Hearts break open until they stay open. It's what they were made to do. The pain? It's part of the deal. A small exchange for the wild, joyful mess you'll be handed in return. "
💗💗💗💗💗J.E.W. (ARC copy Love & Luck)
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I'm sharing that with you guys because I'm a middle aged mom and this is a YA "designed" novel for ages 12 and up. This book spoke to me. It touched my heart deeply. I adored it. Yes, I have not even talked directly about this book. That should be a trademark for #thesoutherngirlreads 😂. Sigh...I'll put the synopsis in the comments.
If you enjoy smart Young Adult with all the feelings pick this one up May 8th 💗🍀.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy.
August 27, 2020
Even though this book didn't have a central romance (at least one that was very obvious and central to the plot) like the previous one, it was still really good because:
- Honest and funny sibling relationship
- ROAD TRIP!!!
I enjoyed it. It was pleasant and fun.
- Honest and funny sibling relationship
- ROAD TRIP!!!
I enjoyed it. It was pleasant and fun.
June 3, 2021
Love and Gelato was a story that made me feel like I was back in Italy. With quarantine making us exclusively explore our home, I needed another one of those books so I can project myself to another country. I have never been to Ireland but it's on my bucket list. Sequels aren't usually better than the first book and this one isn't an exception. The characters are likable and I did enjoy seeing the brother-sister dynamic. But, the plot was lacking. It takes at least a third of the book to get to the actual road trip and the love relationship isn't well detailed at all. The plot is also extremely fast-paced. This makes me think that the writer undeniably wrote this quickly. I also thought that the travel book segments were extremely cringy. I would have preferred reading the brother's music blog instead. Since the plot is fast-paced, the description of Ireland isn't as detailed as Love and Gelato. Overall this book has likable characters but the plot that feels rushed influences your capacity to fall in love with Ireland.
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