Wanderlost- Jen Malone
What could be wrong with a spontaneous trip through Europe, a caravan of the elderly, and a young hot cutie? Aubree acts as a stand-in tour guide for a small group of old people on their 22 day journey through Europe, although she does manage to lose her notes, phone and sanity on the first day.
Places visited: Amsterdam, Prague, Austria, Italy( Venice and Rome).
With Malice- Eileen Cook
Jill wakes up in a hospital bed with a splitting migraine and no recollection of the last six weeks. That lost time includes the trip to Italy she took with her best friend, Simone, and the car accident that killed her. Simone’s accidental death is tragic, but no one seems to believe it was an accident. Memories of Italy (and the hot Italian college guy) and an imminent arrest hover over Jill in recovery, but will she ever remember what really happened?
The Loose Ends List- Carrie Firestone
Maddie’s final high school summer is swept out from under her when her eccentric Gram takes the family on an 8-week cruise around the world, only Gram is not returning at the end. The death-with-dignity cruise is designed to allow the terminally ill to go on their terms, and to tie up loose ends on the way. Maddie finds a tall, dark, handsome mystery guy to take her mind off the death surrounding the ship. This is the book that I’ve cried the most at in my entire life, and man is it worth it.
Places visited: Bermuda, Jamaica, Brazil, Iceland, Venice, Rome, Slovenia, Thailand
Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins
Anna’s life is uprooted from her beloved Atlanta when her father forces her to attend the School of America in Paris. She struggles to fit in and find her place among classmates that have known each other for years. As it is the most romantic city in the world Anna falls for the Parisenne/American with a British accent Etienne St. Clair (isn’t that the sexiest name). Navigating the waters of her new city and new relationships, Anna discovers the real meaning of home.
The Red Notebook- Antoine Laurain
The Parisian bookseller Laurent feels the need to find the women connected to the handbag he finds in the street. There is no wallet or identification, just a few seemingly random items to lead him to her, one of which is a red notebook filled with the woman’s innermost thoughts. It’s a quick read with a very French feel.
The Heir and the Spare- Emily Albright
Following a trail of letters from her mother, Evie jets off to finish her degree at Oxford. The letters outline a series of “quests”for Evie to complete, unearthing family secrets her mother never had the chance to tell her. There’s also stunningly attractive boy, who turns out to be the Prince: every girl’s dream. It’s a fabulously British, swoon worthy romance.
All the Light We Cannot See-Anthony Doerr
Intertwining stories of a Parisian blind girl and a orphan German boy with a fondness for radios set during WWII. It shows how the war affected innocents on both sides with a dash of magical realism. If you’re into historical fiction it’s a must read.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue- Mackenzi Lee
Monty, an debaucherous earl’s son, sets out on a grand tour of Europe with his best friend, Percy and sister Felicity. But all does not go as planned: highwaymen, pirates, a little bit of magic, and some treasure hunting. Also, a slow burning unrequited romance between Monty and Percy that is just so good.
I See London, I See France- Sarah Mlynowski
Sydney, 19, sets out on a European journey after her first year of college with her best friend from High School, Leela. But Leela’s ex boyfriend shows up with his cute friend. Sydney’s plan fall to the whims of their tumultuous relationship allowing her and the cute friend to get to know each other a little better.