What was the last book that exceeded your expectations? Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch has been a favorite of mine since the moment I read it…and now I think I may love LOVE & OLIVES even more!!!
Here’s a quick blurb about it: “From the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato comes a Mamma Mia–inspired tale about a teen girl finding romance while trying to connect with her absent father in beautiful Santorini, Greece.” Click here to learn more.
The magical undertone of hunting for Atlantis immediately pulled me in. I couldn’t wait to see if they actually found proof of its existence! I smiled so many times as the main character’s friendship with the new guy she met in Greece blossomed, and I loved watching her form relationships with everyone there. The complicated father/daughter relationship was written so well, it was nuanced and rich and I truly felt for both of them. I rarely actually cry during books, but there was a moment in this one where real tears were rolling down my cheeks as I read.
Still, overall it was incredibly heartwarming, and I also LOVED the important mental health topic that was covered in a sensitive, genuine way.
This is also the first book that has filled me with wanderlust for a place that I never even considered wanting to travel to before, but the descriptions of the island of Santorini, Greece were so incredible I found myself longing to go see it in person (and to eat all the delicious food, too). I couldn’t put it down, and I know this is one that will stick with me for a long time.
Thanks NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the free eARC to review.
