Book Review: A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst

A Wedding in Lake Como Book Review:

Oh, Italy–everyone’s dream destination for food, wine, scenery, and exploration. Author Jennifer Probst knows that (and she’s a big fan of all things Italian) so she wrote the Meet Me in Italy trilogy. And, while it is called a trilogy, the books do not need to be read in any certain order.

A Wedding in Lake Como is actually the third installment and (so far) the only one I’ve read. It’s the story of three best friends who forged a deep and meaningful friendship in school–they saw each other through some hard times, some fun times, and shaped who each other is. But, then life got in the way and choices were made that broke that friendship apart and Ava, Chelsea, and Madison have all gone their own way…

Five years later, Ava is planning her wedding and thinks it’s time to confront the past, so she reminds her friends of the promise they made many years ago to be at each other’s wedding and the three (somewhat reluctantly and awkwardly) come back together.

It’s a story of friendship, forgiveness, family, growth, and change.

The title is a little misleading: yes, there is a wedding, but this book is much more than romance (in fact, I’d say romance is very minor). And, yes, there are parts of the book that take place in Lake Como, much of the book takes place in New York and Los Angeles.

But, Lake Como does come to life with Probst’s descriptions of the scenery, the food, and the people. As you read, you’ll be transported to a villa overlooking the bright blue lake with a plate of garlicky fresh pasta and a glass of deep red wine on the table while the starts twinkle above you in the night sky. (And, if you really are on your way to Lake Como, I *highly* recommend this wine tasting experience…it so fun!)

It was an absorbing read–I read it in one weekend–with good writing and character development although it was a bit a predictable. It will make an enticing beach read for the summer.

*I was given a version of this book for free in exchange for an honest book review. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing.