Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch – Young Adult Romance Paperback | Coming-of-Age Italy Adventure

Heartwarming Young Adult Romance Novel Set in Florence, Italy – Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

About the Book

Love & Gelato is a tender and captivating young adult novel that sweeps you into the sun-drenched beauty of Florence, Italy. After losing her mother to cancer, sixteen-year-old Lina is sent to live with a father she’s never met—a guardian her mom chose to help her heal. Armed with her mother’s journal filled with secrets from her own Italian adventure, Lina embarks on an emotional journey through cobblestone streets, Renaissance art, and the bittersweet taste of first love. This isn’t just a story about loss—it’s about discovering who you are when life doesn’t go as planned.

From the Back Cover

“Some loves are meant to be tasted slowly, like the perfect scoop of gelato on a summer evening in Florence. But what if the sweetest discovery isn’t love—it’s yourself?”

About the Author

Jenna Evans Welch is a bestselling author known for her warm, immersive young adult novels that transport readers to stunning locations around the world. With a background in creative writing and a passion for travel, Welch crafts stories that blend romance, self-discovery, and emotional depth. Her debut novel, Love & Gelato, became an instant favorite among YA readers and has been praised for its authentic portrayal of grief, healing, and the joy of new beginnings.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for young adults and teen readers who love emotional, character-driven stories with a romantic twist. If you enjoy contemporary YA fiction that explores themes of identity, family secrets, and healing through travel, Love & Gelato will capture your heart. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a feel-good summer read, fans of books like Anna and the French Kiss, or readers who want to escape into a beautifully written story that celebrates resilience, adventure, and the courage to embrace life after loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Love & Gelato appropriate for younger teens?
Yes, Love & Gelato is suitable for readers aged 13 and up. It deals with mature themes like grief and loss in a sensitive, age-appropriate way, making it a great choice for young adult and teen readers.

Q: Do I need to read the books in Jenna Evans Welch’s series in order?
No, each book in Jenna Evans Welch’s collection can be read as a standalone. While they share similar themes of travel and romance, Love & Gelato tells a complete story on its own.

Q: What makes Love & Gelato different from other YA romance books?
Love & Gelato combines romance with deeper themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery. The Italian setting adds unique cultural richness, and the mother-daughter connection through the journal creates an emotional depth that sets it apart from typical teen romance novels.

Q: Is this book part of a series or a standalone novel?
Love & Gelato is the first book in a companion series, but it works perfectly as a standalone read. You can enjoy Lina’s complete story without needing to read the other books, though fans often continue with Love & Luck and Love & Olives.

Q: How long does it take to read Love & Gelato?
Most readers finish Love & Gelato in 4–6 hours of reading time. It’s approximately 400 pages and written in an engaging, fast-paced style that’s hard to put down—perfect for a weekend read or summer vacation escape.

Ready to fall in love with Florence? Add Love & Gelato to your cart today and let Lina’s journey inspire your own adventure.