Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

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.

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First of all, I love this cover.  So simple, so cute.

I was pretty excited to read this book because I read Love & Gelato and fell in love with it.  This one wasn't as good as Love & Gelato for me but I really did enjoy a lot of it.  This is a contemporary YA book, no romance really, just some family and friends working things out.  

Road trip anyone?  Through Ireland?  Yes, please.  But maybe with a touch less drama than Addie and Ian's.  Real life issues face both Addie and Ian who are the best of friends and the closest of siblings until secrets come out and feelings are hurt.  Then they are at war with each other.  Just like with any real relationships, there are bumps in the road and sometimes you have to work through the hard stuff to find the beauty on the other side.  

I loved the real and messy feel to Addie, Ian and Rowan's feelings.  They are young, trying to find their way and becoming stronger.  It was a satisfying journey.

I didn't love the travel book excerpts so much.  I liked the idea behind it- especially how it ended, but the "voice" was a touch over the top and had me rolling my eyes a bit.  Maybe this would appeal more to the younger crowd?  I just might be too old for it.  Ha.

Content:  mild swearing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.