Love & Gelato

Jenna Evans Welch’s debut novel follows sixteen-year-old Lina as she journeys from Chicago to Rome following the sudden death of her mother. Armed only with a cryptic journal and a list of Italian phrases, Lina searches for the father she never knew while navigating unfamiliar streets, local customs, and unexpected friendships. The narrative weaves together themes of grief, identity, and the quiet process of healing as Lina learns to balance mourning with the possibility of new beginnings. Set against the backdrop of historic piazzas, bustling markets, and family-run gelaterias, the story functions as both a coming-of-age portrait and a gentle travelogue. Welch draws on her own experiences living abroad to craft an atmosphere that emphasizes cultural immersion and personal growth. The novel explores how family legacies are often revealed through the people we meet along the way, and how love—whether romantic, platonic, or filial—can emerge in the most unanticipated places. Written with a reflective tone and accessible prose, the book invites readers to consider how distance and discovery can reshape our understanding of home.