The cute cover of Gelato at the Vila gave me the impression the book was lighthearted summer read or perhaps a rom-com. There were some lighthearted and even comedic parts, but hidden underneath were deeper messages about life and faith.
Friends Grace and Claire decide to visit Italy together after Claire watched an inspiring travel documentary, so plan a week in northern Italy visiting Venice, Florence, and Bellagio. Yes, it sounds fabulous.
The story progresses in a fast-paced touristy kind of way that often reads more like a travelogue than a novel. I got the impression these moments were based on the author’s real-life experiences, and they gave the novel a real sense of authenticity. They make the locations and events come to life.
Grace and Claire crammed a lot of experiences into a short space of time.
They seem to spend a long time (well, a lot of pages) in each of their three locations, yet they are only away a week–a week that seems to last a lifetime. This is exactly like being on a good holiday (although Italy deserves a lot longer than a week as a holiday destination).
There was a soft faith element in the second half of the story as both Grace and Claire learn some lessons about God and love from the people they meet on their journey. It’s great to see American characters travelling outside their comfort zones and learning from Christians in other countries.
The story is written in first person from Grace’s point of view. I found her a little annoying at times, and would have liked to have had Claire’s point of view as well. The other thing that annoyed me was that while I could see the sights of Italy through Grace’s eyes, I couldn’t taste the food.
Yes, now I want to travel to Italy again.
Gelato at the Villa is an easy read, recommended for women’s fiction readers and armchair travellers.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Robin Jones Gunn
ROBIN JONES GUNN is the best-selling author of over 100 books, including the timeless Christy Miller series for teens. The characters continue in Christy & Todd: The College Years, The Married Years, The Baby Years and Haven Maker series.
Her multi-award-winning Christian fiction includes the Glenbrooke, Sisterchicks and Suitcase Sisters series. Four of her novels have been made into Hallmark Christmas movies. The Father Christmas movies broke records for the network by becoming the most watched and highest rated movies in 2016 and 2017.
Robin’s popular non-fiction includes, “Victim of Grace” along with “Before You Meet Your Future Husband” and “Praying for Your Future Husband” both co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her acclaimed gift book, “By the Sea” is a fan favorite.
Robin speaks at international and local events. She and her husband have two grown children and live in California where she co-hosts the “Women Worth Knowing” podcast with Cheryl Brodersen.
Find Robin Jones Gunn online:
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About Gelato at the Villa
Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.
“Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure.” Italian saying
Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.
Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.
A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God’s nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.
Home means everything to Sienna Rossi.