Jenna Evans Welch’s debut young adult novel Love & Gelato, originally published in 2016 by Simon & Schuster, has officially made its way to the screen. The film adaptation premieres June 22 on Netflix, bringing Welch’s beloved story of love, loss, and self-discovery to a global audience.
Love & Gelato tells the story of 17-year-old Lina Emerson, portrayed by Susanna Skaggs, who travels to Italy to honor her dying mother’s final wish: to spend a summer in Rome with the father she’s never known. While there, Lina uncovers a diary her mother kept during her own time in Italy, sparking a personal journey filled with romance, adventure, and revelations. Along the way, she forms connections with two charming locals, played by Tobia De Angelis and Saul Nanni.
Directed and written by Brandon Camp (Beni), and produced by Camp along with Viola Prestieri, with Gennaro Formisano serving as executive producer, the film translates the book’s dreamy Italian backdrop and heartfelt themes to the screen.
Welch was inspired to write the book based on her own experiences as a teen in Tuscany. She attended an international high school in Florence, and a friend of hers actually lived in an American cemetery—an unusual detail that sparked the initial idea for Love & Gelato. Welch began writing the book at 22 and spent seven years revising it before its release. The novel, which blends travel, romance, and coming-of-age themes, went on to become a bestseller and the first installment in her Love & series.
Following Love & Gelato, Welch released two more books: Love & Luck (set in Ireland) and Love & Olives (set in Greece). Her novels quickly developed a reputation for offering readers a “mental vacation” filled with heartfelt stories in picturesque locations—something especially appreciated during the pandemic.
Welch explained that although she was approached by multiple filmmakers about adapting Love & Gelato, it was director Brandon Camp’s persistence that won her over. She eventually sold the rights to Netflix, calling it her “dream” studio partner. While Welch chose not to be hands-on during production due to her commitments as both a mother and a writer, she trusted the team to remain true to her story. Covid-related delays made filming in Italy challenging, but the final result was, in Welch’s words, “a beautiful experience.”
The movie diverges slightly from the book, including a surprise appearance by Addie, a character from Love & Luck, played by Anjelika Washington. Welch fully supports the creative changes and praised the performances—particularly Susanna Skaggs as Lina and Tobia De Angelis as Ren—for capturing the emotional essence of the story.
Looking ahead, Welch is releasing a new YA romance titled Spells for Lost Things, set in the U.S. and featuring a mysterious family legacy in Salem. Still, the theme of personal growth through travel remains central.Ultimately, Welch hopes that viewers take away the same emotional resonance from the film as from the book: a story about grief, love, found family, and discovering one’s identity. And while there are no confirmed plans yet, she hinted that more film adaptations from the Love & series could be on the horizon—“Speriamo,” she says. Let’s hope so.
