The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did 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. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother — and her problems— behind.
So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally 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.
Love and Luck Review
When I read Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch, I immediately loved the writing style and the book itself. Needless to say, as soon as I heard she was releasing another book, it quickly became an anticipated read for me.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really love this book as much as the first one.
Love and Luck follows Lina’s best friend Addie, as she travels to Ireland with her family. After their plans change, Addie travels around the Emerald Isle with her brother and his Irish friend Rowan.
Addie is first introduced in Love and Gelato. I really wish that I loved Addie in this novel as much as I loved Lina. I just wanted more from her character, and didn’t feel very connected to her overall.
Addie’s brother and their friend Rowan are just okay characters. While they are enjoyable at times, I wasn’t invested in their storyline or their interactions with each other.
One thing I really enjoy about the books Jenna Evans Welch writes is the setting. Love and Luck takes place in Ireland (obviously) and I really loved it. Her books give you total wanderlust and you’ll definitely want to visit Ireland after reading this book.
Another thing I enjoyed in this book is the guidebook. It helps to highlight a lot of interesting destinations in Ireland which is a fun aspect of the book. The narrator of the guidebooks is so sassy and I loved it. But, I sometimes was more interested in what the guidebook was saying than the actual plot of the novel.
The romance in this book is okay, but isn’t at the forefront. I think this is another reason as to why I preferred Love and Gelato. It had more of a romatic element to it and I was a total sucker for it!
While I didn’t love this book as much as I hoped, I’m still a fan of Jenna Evans Welch. She has a really enjoyable writing style and I love the destinations in her books.
Overall, I recommend checking out this book, especially if you like contemporary novels with travel. But, I highly recommend checking out Love and Gelato first.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
When it comes to love we never learn. Ever. Even when we know the risk.
About the Author
Jenna 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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Buy Love and Luck
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Jen Dollente says
I’m about to post my review about this book and I agree with you! I liked Love & Gelato more but it was great to see Addie’s story in this book too. Jenna Evans Welch is such an awesome writer!! 🙂
Victoria @ The Contented Reader says
Ah, I’m so glad you agree! I still love her as a writer and enjoyed the book, but my heart still lies with Love and Gelato haha! 💖