Travel Muse Magazine

Creamy gelato, decadent pasta, and magical artistry and monuments. These three things come together to create the most beautiful place that I called home for 4 months last year. The novel Love & Gelato (2017) by Jenna Evans Welch captures some of those remarkable memories.

I was recommended this book this year based on my love for romance books and my time in Florence. Not only did the book make me extremely nostalgic of my Italian lifestyle and my Florence favorites, but I related to main character Lina on many levels. Just like Lina, I will forever think about the stracciatella gelato and the lessons I learned about myself in terms of cities, friendship, and the type of life I want to create for myself. Lina’s explorations around the charming city also helped me reminisce on the many wonderful spots I frequented, which I have included here for all of you to now enjoy! (Check out the map below to get a sense of the area.)

The Duomo

The Duomo is one of the main centrepieces of all of Florence with views of the iconic cathedral from many points throughout the city. On one of Lina’s first nights in Florence, she heads to dinner with her new caretaker, Howard, right near the Duomo. Seeing and climbing the Duomo is a right of passage for any visitor, but be prepared for your legs to be sore the next day! If you are up early or late enough, you can see the magic without the crowds! 

Piazza della Signoria 

One of Lina’s stops on her journey to learn about her mother is the iconic Piazza della Signoria, where she goes to find the “Rape of the Sabine Woman,” a famous statue her mother writes about. This piazza, the Italian word for an open public square, has been the political heart of Florence for centuries and is also adorned by famous art pieces like “Bartolomeo Ammannati’s immense Fountain of Neptune, the city’s first public fountain.” Within the Piazza Della Signoria sits the iconic Palazzo Vecchio, which was originally built as a new government building and then transformed by the Medici family into a residence.  

Uffizi Gallery

After you visit the Piazza della Signoria, walk on over to the Uffizi Gallery. Lina’s mother was fascinated by the art of Florence, so it would be a shame not to include this spot on your list. You could spend all day at the Uffizi Gallery admiring the iconic collections like Michelangelo’s  “The Holy Family!” The Uffizi Gallery was initially built as the headquarters of the Medici administrative offices but today contains many famous Florentine masterpieces that are absolute must-sees on your trip. 

Ponte Vecchio

Like Ren, Lina’s new friend, says, all visitors must see the Ponte Vecchio within the first day of them visiting Florence. There are a few bridges that cross the Arno, but the Ponte Vecchio is an absolute must see and walk across. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge that survived WW2 and has contained shops since the 13th century. Today, visit the Ponte Vecchio for a great view, especially at sunset, and opportunities to buy a few fancy souvenirs, as they are known for their gold. 

Piazzale Michelangelo

As Ren explains to Lina, Piazzale Michelangelo is the “best view in the city” (pg. 240). The Piazzale is a famous terrace with panoramic views of the major monuments in the city, especially popular during sunset! While the walk up to the top may cause you to break out in a sweat, the chance at seeing a proposal or a live band make it all that worth it. Pro tip: stop at a local grocery store and grab some charcuterie for the most perfect sunset picnic spot! 

Boboli Gardens  

La Strega Nocciola

Lina immediately becomes obsessed with gelato (I mean who is to blame her) during her first few days in Florence. She even jokes she will name her first daughter after stracciatella (pg. 173). Throughout my time in Florence, La Strega Nocciola was one of my favorite spots for gelato. With 5 shops throughout the city, La Strega Nocciola has built their brand on high quality, seasonal ingredients and carefully created gelato.

Gustapizza 

When you try your first piece of Italian pizza, you will have the same exact reaction as Lina and may never be able to go back to any form of fast food pizza again. One of my favorite spots in Florence is Gustapizza. Located right across the Arno in Santo Spirito, Gustapizza has built up a cult-like following offering unique pies like pesto and burrata and they can even turn your pizza into a heart! You may have to wait in a bit of a line, but it moves quickly, and is always worth the wait! 

I Dolci Di Patrizio Cosi 

Lina begins the search for “hidden bakeries” around the city that her mother writes in her journal about. While this spot isn’t hidden, I believe I Dolci Di Patrizio Cosi has the best pastries in all of Florence. For over 20 years, a husband and wife duo have been producing traditional, artisanal Italian pastries and coffee and unique cocktails during Italian Aperitivo time. Every morning when I drink my coffee, I wish it was from here instead.

Florence American Cemetery

Just about 7.5 miles outside of Florence is the Florence American Cemetery, which honors the lives of 4,392 Americans who died in WW2. The cemetery is free and open to the public and accessible both by car and public transportation! Lina lives in the caretakers house here during the book, so it is a must to include on the list. Think of it as a memorial to those who’ve served.

So should you read this book?

While I was originally nervous that this “YA” book would be too “young” and/or cheesy for me, I absolutely loved it and recommend it for everyone. I read 300 pages in one sitting! Just like Voice of Youth Advocate’s (VOYA) said, “the reader will find it difficult to put this book down.” 

In the book, what brought the main character to Italy was her mother’s dying wish. Lina ends up exploring a bit into the life of her mother before she was born, uncovering untold familial secrets that shake up everything she knows about her mom. Throughout the book, you learn both about Lina’s time in Florence and also her mother’s, which makes the story even more engaging as a reader, as the pieces begin to come together. 

The interconnection between Lina’s discovery of her family history, her dealing with her own trauma, and even her own love story, I was captivated, wanting to see she’d get her happy, rom-com style ending. If you are longing for a great self-discovery, love story like The Summer I turned Pretty, you must pick up this book! I do have to add, while I truly did enjoy uncovering each piece of Lina’s story, when reading a YA book as a college student, there will always be moments of “cringe” that make you think back on traumatic moments as a teenager. 

However, the cherry on top was the accurate descriptions of all of my favorite classic Florence spots, where I could see myself in Lina’s exact shoes. This book could not have taken place without the backdrop of Florence! From the views to the cuisine, each spot was incredibly thought out without feeling like it was just a Florence checklist that the author looked up online. 

Now that you are dreaming of your next Italian trip, watch (or rewatch) my favorite season (2) of The White Lotus and imagine yourself on the sandy beach of Sicily while you wait for Love & Gelato to arrive at your doorstep. The magic of Florence and the careful storytelling from Jenna Evans Welch will grab you right into Lina’s coming of age story. No matter your age, this YA book will teach you a lesson about family and love, gaining a four-star review in my ratings. 

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