Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
One summer in Italy could change everything you thought you knew about love and family. In Love & Gelato, the captivating first book in Jenna Evans Welch's heartfelt series, we journey to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany. Sixteen-year-old Lina is sent to Italy after her mother's untimely death to live with Howard, a man she's told is her father but whom she's never met. Reluctant and grieving, Lina just wants to return home. But when she's handed her mother's old journal, her world begins to shift.
The diary unveils her mother's own adventures in Italy, filled with romance, art, and secrets that pull Lina deeper into the magic of Florence. With the help of Ren, a charming and spirited neighbor, Lina retraces her mother's steps through cobblestone streets and breathtaking landscapes. As they explore together, Lina discovers not just the wonders of Italy, but also the complexities of love and the true meaning of family.
Love & Gelato is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and self-discovery that will whisk you away to the enchanting world of Italian sunsets and, of course, delicious gelato.
Date Published: May 3, 2016
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Fiction
Bestseller
Young Adult
Romance
Coming-of-Age
Contemporary Fiction
Family Drama
Lina Emerson: A sixteen-year-old girl grappling with her mother’s death, she values honesty and connection. Determined to uncover her mother’s past, she immerses herself in Italy’s beauty and culture, showing resilience as she navigates unfamiliar terrain.
Howard Mercer: A warm-hearted caretaker of a World War II cemetery in Florence, he values loyalty and kindness. Despite not being her biological father, he becomes a steadfast figure in Lina’s life, offering her unwavering support.
Ren (Lorenzo Ferrara): A vivacious and charming neighbor, he values friendship and adventure. He helps Lina explore Italy and her mother’s history, bringing joy and excitement to her journey.
Hadley Emerson: Lina’s late mother, whose vibrant journal entries guide Lina through Italy. She valued love and self-discovery, leaving behind a legacy that leads her daughter to profound personal insights.
Matteo Rossi: A renowned photographer and Lina’s biological father, he values his career over personal relationships. His rejection of Lina highlights his inability to embrace familial responsibilities.
Family and Identity: The story explores the true meaning of family beyond biological ties. Lina learns that genuine connections are built through love and support, as seen in her growing bond with Howard.
Love and Romance: The novel delves into first love and the complexities of relationships. Lina’s blossoming romance with Ren adds depth to her Italian adventure.
Grief and Healing: Lina’s journey through Italy becomes a path to healing after her mother’s death. Immersing herself in her mother’s experiences allows her to process her grief.
Self-Discovery: Lina’s quest to understand her mother’s past leads to personal growth. She discovers her own strengths and desires while unraveling family secrets.
Cultural Immersion: The rich Italian setting enhances the narrative, illustrating how new environments can inspire change and self-reflection.
Following her mother Hadley's passing from cancer, Lina Emerson honors her mother's last wish by traveling to Florence, Italy. She's to live with Howard Mercer, a man she has never met but whom her mother mentioned in her final days. Upon arrival, Lina is apprehensive about staying with a stranger in a foreign country, especially one who lives in a World War II American cemetery.
Lina is soon given her mother's journal, a detailed account of Hadley's own youth spent in Italy. As Lina delves into the journal, she retraces her mother's footsteps through the enchanting streets of Florence. The journal reveals Hadley's passionate romance with a charismatic photographer named Matteo Rossi. Through vivid entries, Hadley expresses both the exhilaration of new love and the pain of betrayal.
As Lina pieces together her mother's past, she discovers that Matteo Rossi is actually her biological father, not Howard as she was led to believe. Determined to confront Matteo, Lina seeks him out. When they meet, Matteo coldly denies paternity and shows no interest in forming a relationship. This harsh rejection leaves Lina reeling but also brings a painful clarity.
Throughout her journey, Lina grows closer to Howard. She learns that he had loved her mother deeply and was willing to step into a paternal role out of that love. Howard's consistent kindness and support help Lina realize that family is defined by more than just blood relations.
Meanwhile, Lina's friendship with Ren, her neighbor, flourishes. Ren becomes her confidant and partner in adventure as they explore Florence's hidden gems mentioned in the journal. Their shared experiences deepen their connection, and a sweet romance blossoms between them.
Lina grapples with complex emotions—grief for her mother, anger towards Matteo, and confusion about her place in this new world. The turning point comes when she acknowledges that holding onto resentment will only hinder her growth. Embracing the love and support around her, Lina decides to stay in Italy.
By the end of the summer, Lina has found a sense of belonging she didn't anticipate. She accepts Howard as the father figure she needs and allows herself to fully embrace her new life in Italy. Her relationship with Ren offers a hopeful glimpse into the future, one where love and friendship are central. Lina's journey concludes with her standing on the cusp of a new beginning, enriched by the past but no longer confined by it.
To capture the heart of Love & Gelato, we focused on the themes of family, love, and self-discovery that resonate deeply throughout Lina’s journey. Leveraging our extensive literary expertise, we delved into Lina’s transformative experiences and her meaningful relationships. By distilling these key elements and pivotal moments, our summary presents an accurate and engaging portrayal of her summer in Italy, ensuring you connect with the story’s emotional and cultural richness.
