Books Like Love & Gelato

Stephanie Perkins

Like Love & Gelato, it follows a teenager sent abroad to a foreign city, where a new friendship and romance reshape how she sees herself. Its European setting and witty, warm voice will feel familiar.

Gayle Forman

A young American woman's impulsive trip through Europe leads to unexpected connections and personal change, much as Lina's journey does. Its travel detail and bittersweet romance echo the source book's mood.

Sarah Dessen

A summer that turns into a season of healing after a loss, with a quiet romance and a protagonist learning to open up. It shares Love & Gelato's focus on grief and finding your footing again.

Ali Benjamin

A girl searches for answers after a loss that others seem to accept too easily, a quest for truth that mirrors Lina's search. Its thoughtful handling of grief will appeal to readers of Love & Gelato.

Nicola Yoon

A teenager's carefully ordered life opens up as she discovers what lies beyond her home, with an emotional story and a heartfelt romance. Readers drawn to Lina's discoveries will appreciate its sense of wonder.

Patrick Ness, Siobhan Dowd

A boy coping with his mother's illness turns to a mysterious visitor for help, in a story about grief and the courage to face hard truths. Its emotional honesty suits fans of Love & Gelato's bittersweet heart.

E. Lockhart

A family summer hides a painful secret that the narrator must piece together, with a mystery structure that rewards close reading. Readers who enjoyed Lina's unravelling of her mother's past will find similar intrigue here.

Karen M. McManus

Five students share secrets that begin to unravel, with a clue-driven plot that keeps you guessing. Its steady reveals will suit readers who liked the mystery threads in Love & Gelato.

Blue Balliett

Two curious kids investigate a puzzling theft and follow a trail of clues through a city, a middle-grade mystery with the same sense of discovery. It suits readers who enjoyed the journal-led search of Love & Gelato.

Rainbow Rowell

A slow-building first romance between two outsiders, told with tenderness and humour. Like Love & Gelato, it captures the awkward, hopeful feeling of falling for someone while figuring out who you are.

Jenny Han

A teenage girl's secret letters lead to a tangle of crushes and a charming romance. Its warm, funny voice and gentle tension will appeal to readers who loved the romance in Love & Gelato.

Becky Albertalli

A witty, heartfelt story about a teenager navigating a secret, a crush, and friendships, with an upbeat tone. Readers who enjoyed the lighter, hopeful side of Love & Gelato will feel at home.