A rollercoaster of big emotions, centered around that one big friendship for life.

This book is not as much a romance as it focuses on female friendship and the coming of age, the maturity that comes with losing it and accepting the new cards that life handles you.

To be honest, this was more like 4.5 stars, even 4, to me because the subject was triggering before, but the level of situations and emotions this book shines a light one is even of a bigger magnitude. There is LIFE here, life matters, big life feelings, challenges and transformations.

But my 5 stars go to the incredible skills this authors has to not only be able to address this matters, but write them in such a beautiful, heartfelt, compassionate, endearing way. Some of us aren't even able to handle and feel their way to a life story like this, but to build it and write it so harmoniously and full of love, that is an extraordinary talent.

Do I recommend this book? Definitely, yes! While it may be too much for some, there is humanity here and this is truly the reason we have art, to speak to us about our own beautiful, complicated humanness.

I received a copy of this in order to share my view on it.

A Wedding in Lake Como revolves around three best friends but focuses mostly on the toxic relationship of two of the three friends, Ava and Maddie. Their friendship faces a major betrayal, and for five years, the relationship is beyond repair. Due to a pact they made at the beginning of their friendship, they are brought back together but only time will tell if trust can be restored. I enjoyed the growth of Ava and Maddie’s characters from the “before” to the “after” scenes. A Wedding in Lake Como tells such a strong story of platonic female love and sisterhood, and how it to may be just as toxic as other forms of love. I have mixed feeling about the ending of the book - I prefer clear cut answers and don’t like lingering questions but that didn’t overshadow my enjoyment of the book. I must give a warning if you read this book - you will want to visit Italy, and you will want to drink a glass (or two) of wine while reading.

"Since the moment we met, I'd sensed we were completing each other, but it was too scary to hope for; other than Ava and Chelsea, no one had ever cared about me."

Three best friends who met in college make a pact in their 20's that no matter where their love lives or careers take them, they would reunite for each of their weddings and remain friends forever.
Maddie is making a name for herself as a fashion influencer.
Chelsea has a husband and children, but feeling as her professional dreams have taken a back seat and wants to find her dreams again.
Ava is getting married, but the past has been haunting her. She made a choice 5 years back that destroyed the friendship of these three women.
Can having all three friends in the same place for Ava's wedding bring them back together or tear them further apart?
Love, friendship, second chances, growth, finding one's dreams, forgiveness. The absolute beautiful setting of Lake Como has me wanting to go see it with my own eyes.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted (free) ARC

This book could be about two hundred pages shorter, and you’d still get the whole story. It would be helpful if the past and present chapters were clearly defined with a label at the beginning of each, the vibes weren’t different enough for me to immediately know which time frame I was in.

A story of friendship, lost and attempting to be found again. We see the characters in various stages of their lives at different points. I didn’t find them particularly lovable, so I didn’t find myself ever becoming fully invested in the story. The thing about contemporary novels is you NEED to make me love the character(s) to commit to a typically less exciting read. Unfortunately this one was just not for me.

Like all Jennifer Probst's books, this one is a winner -- heartwarming, romantic, and filled with characters who have relatable struggles. Three college friends always pledged they'd reunite someday in Italy's Lake Como, and when one of the friends invites the other two to her Lake Como wedding, it seems meant to be -- but nothing is as simple as it seems, and there is a lot going on underneath the surface -- enough to keep readers guessing and turning the pages. I look forward to recommending this title.

Jennifer Probst always delivers. Her writing is always perfectly consistent and so are her storylines. A Wedding In Lake Como pulled me in with the first chapter. Great characters and a satisfying ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

There is nothing like a strong female friendship but when things go astray, it can feel like losing a piece of yourself. Maddie, Ava, and Chelsea made a pact to attend their weddings in college. After an estrangement, Maddie makes the decision to escape to Lake Como for Ava’s wedding, and revisit the past in hopes of finding healing in the future. A Wedding in Lake Como is a captivating read, told over the span of years that allows us to dig deep in the complex relationships between these three women. Sometimes a change of scenery can change our perspective and if anyone would like to send me to Lake Como for the opportunity, I am totally up for it! Such a beautiful and heartwarming read.

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on Instagram in April.

Three best friends make a pact to reunite for each other’s weddings after their careers sent them in different directions. But when a bad decision is made, it rips the group apart until an opportunity presents itself. An upcoming wedding might just be the opportunity to heal old wounds.

Told in past and present tense, you not only get a good picture of the friendship between Ava, Madison, and Chelsea, but you also get to see where things went terribly wrong. These characters are in different places in their lives and only time will tell if old wounds can be healed.

A Wedding in Lake Como is so much more than a love story or romance. It's a story about friendship and loss. A story about growth and forgiveness. And well, you can't go wrong with Lake Como as your setting. All in all, a quick, yet enjoyable read.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was expecting a fluffy romance, which has its place, but this book was so much more than that. I connected with Maddie on such a deep level. Her childhood struggles, her ambition to live the life of her dreams, and her ultimate need to dig deep to find her most authentic self. The backdrop of Italy made me want to book a flight immediately. This book is like a cup of coffee on a cold Sunday morning… comforting and delicious.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel via Netgalley.
A destination wedding in Italy’s Lake Como brings three college friends back together to face the secrets of their past. More than half of this book is spent in the past recapping their college years of a toxic codependent friendship and Madison's romantic relationship with Riggs. It then skips forward six years to their eventual reunion in Italy. Large chunks of the book are also spent giving details description of clothing and scenery. This primarily a contemporary drama about friendship, though it also prominently features a romantic relationship.

Sometimes I enjoy reading books about the power of the bestie and the girl group. But sometimes it makes me a little jealous because I’ve never had that.

This new book tells a story of a journey through time as college women and growing up finding our way amid all of the struggles to find their path.

There are so many awesome pieces in here that it’s hard to pick out a favorite, but I absolutely fell in love with Riggs and Maddie. The perfect couple that grew so much through the book. And the author depicted the intricacy of their relationship beautifully.

But you could see the cracks and you knew where the cracks were coming from. The three female characters are an extremely supportive tight-knit group, but yet one has these threads of control, manipulation, and almost a menace-like attitude that she quickly hides.

This book is told in two different alternate times by Maddie. We get the highs and the lows and an ultimate betrayal that broke my heart. Honestly. But it’s cushioned with her healing and growing with an ending that also killed me. I feel gypped because I wanted so much more for that ending.

A Wedding in Lake Como is a trip in so many ways. It’s a trip through college; through finding yourself; through supporting friends; and through finding yourself and healing.

It’s also a trip through beautiful destinations that we get to experience from the writer’s artistic pen. It’s a story to remember but I really wish she would rewrite the ending! Or maybe give us an epilogue as another short story! There’s an idea!

This is an awesome story of finding your true self, finding your path, and true love. I love it!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.

"An adventurous palate is the key to a deeper understanding of people.”

In the romantic backdrop of Italy's Lake Como, a destination wedding becomes the stage for the reunion of three best friends—Ava, Madison, and Chelsea. United by a pact to gather for each other's weddings despite life's divergent paths, the trio faces the shadows of a past marked by secrets and choices that tore them apart.

Ava, on the brink of marrying her beloved amidst the splendor of Lake Como, grapples with haunting mistakes that linger in the recesses of her mind. Madison, a successful influencer in the fashion world, finds herself threatened by a scandal that jeopardizes all she holds dear. Chelsea, possessing the perfect family she's always desired, realizes that her professional aspirations have slipped away.

Returning to the stunning shores of Lake Como, the women retrace the steps of their life-altering college trip to Italy. As Madison confronts a former college sweetheart, a pivotal figure from her past, the trio navigates the challenges of healing old wounds and forging a new path forward. In this novel by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst, the scenic beauty of Lake Como becomes the canvas for a tale of love, friendship, and the redemption of bonds once thought broken.

Venturing into the realm of contemporary drama, a genre not typically gracing my reading repertoire, I took a leap of faith with this book, drawn by the allure of Italy and the charm of Lake Como. Having visited the picturesque destination myself, the prospect of revisiting it through the lens of this story was irresistible. As I delved into the narrative, I appreciated the departure from my usual thriller obsession. The book successfully blended drama with an engaging storyline, offering a refreshing break from my literary routine.

Among the trio of friends, Chelsea emerged as my favorite character. Despite being the least spotlighted among the three, her grounded and mediating nature resonated with me. I envisioned her as someone I'd genuinely want as a friend, bringing reason and balance to the group dynamic.

Madison, however, proved to be a more perplexing character. The initial portrayal of a shy, quirky girl undergoing a seemingly drastic transformation into a media sensation left me somewhat puzzled. The shift in personality didn't feel entirely organic, even with the encouragement of her friends to embrace confidence.

On the flip side, Ava, unfortunately, became my least favorite character. Her traits and actions left me questioning who could genuinely like someone with her disposition. The nuances of her character failed to resonate with me, and her choices left me perplexed.

In the end, the book achieved its purpose—the story was a fast read that kept me interested for what it was.

I love a Jennifer Probst books. I love a good wedding story and thus didn’t not disappoint. It was set in beautiful Lake Como. I love the three women’s stories and how they come together after distance over the years. I was also so invested to see how Madison’s love story played out. it was a beautiful book celebrating love and remake friendships and would be perfect for a book club or made for tv movie.

A Wedding In Lake Como
Tonight, I finished reading the second book of 2024 A Wedding In Lake Como by Jennifer Probst. Three best friends Maddison who everyone calls Maddie, Ava & Chelsea make a pact that no matter where their careers & love lives take them that they’d remain friends forever and attend each of their weddings. The three friends make this vow on their first trip to Italy. Ava is marrying the man of her dreams but is haunted by a choice she made that tore the friends up five years ago. Maddie is making a name for herself as a fashion influencer, but a scandal costs her & Chelsea has a great family and a wonderful husband but feels her professional dreams have taken a back seat. This novel has the themes of friendship, love, forgiveness and growing as people & finding your dreams not to mention the beautiful setting of Lake Como Italy.

Writing & Setting
The writing was excellent, and I liked that the story was from Maddie’s point of view. I could see the descriptions of Lake Como in my head as though I were there. I also liked the scenery of New York & Los Angeles too. I like how the novel ended it’s a more realistic ending.

Characters & Themes
Out of all the characters, my favorite one who did the most growth was Maddie. Maddie learns a lot about herself through the novel and I like how she and Ava had to realize that their friendship had become too codependent. Chelsea, I like her, but I felt her character was just there and if we didn’t have her in the story, you wouldn’t miss anything. The themes throughout the novel are forgiveness, friendship, going after your dreams & about social media not determining your worth.

Overall
Overall if you enjoy stories about important themes & the beautiful setting of Italy, I would recommend this book! A Wedding In Lake Como will be released on May 14th 2024! If you don’t have a physical copy or a Netgalley copy, I suggest preordering it now! Thank you, Jennifer, for writing a beautiful story! I look forward to our Behind The Book on this one and everything you write afterword!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

When I think of Jennifer Probst, I think of contemporary romance with some sizzling scenes. This didn't follow that typical pattern but I enjoyed it for what it was. It was a story of friendship, lost love, bad decisions, forgiveness and second chances.

The friendship between three young friends reuniting in Lake Como was the basis of the story and I love to read anything that is set in places where I'd like to travel, so this was pretty much an automatic Yes for me to grab when I saw it on the list. The friends come together to celebrate a wedding and potentially heal their broken relationship.

It's hard to go much further into the synopsis without adding any spoilers. It looks like this might be part of a series based on how the title is showing. I think I would be interested in reading another in this series.

In A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst, the enchanting shores of Italy's Lake Como provide the backdrop for a captivating tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Ava, Madison, and Chelsea, bound by a pact to reunite for each other's weddings, navigate a tumultuous journey filled with haunting mistakes, career threats, and abandoned dreams. Probst's vivid descriptions transport readers to the picturesque setting, where the characters confront past wounds and forge new paths. While the novel skillfully explores the complexities of friendship and redemption, it introduces moments of disjointedness in the characters' dynamics. Despite this, Probst's storytelling prowess shines through, offering a delightful escape that combines emotional depth with lighthearted moments. The enduring bonds, unexpected twists, and second chances make A Wedding in Lake Como a heartwarming narrative that celebrates forgiveness and the beauty of new beginnings.

Jennifer Probst is such a fantastic writer. Her prose is lovely and the characters in here started at rock bottom and grew amazingly. I love the touches of romance and humor. A great stand alone!

"A Wedding in Lake Como" by Jennifer Probst is a delightful romantic escape that transports readers to the enchanting backdrop of Italy's Lake Como. Probst weaves a charming tale of love and self-discovery as two souls, scarred by past heartaches, find solace and passion in each other. Against the picturesque setting, the author crafts a narrative rich in emotional depth and lighthearted moments. The characters are relatable and endearing, their personal growth adding layers to the story. Probst's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make "A Wedding in Lake Como" a heartwarming journey of romance, second chances, and the beauty of new beginnings.

A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst is about three young women who meet in college literature class. Ava, Chelsea, and Madison become fast friends, relying on each other for things they couldn't get from their families.

"Since the moment we met, I'd sensed we were completing each other, but it was too scary to hope for; other than Ava and Chelsea, no one had ever cared about me." The girls make a pack while in Italy for Thanksgiving one year, and they will always show up for each other on their wedding day.

Madison, Maddie's parents, didn't want children and never showed her they loved or cared for her.
Ava's mom died when she was ten years old, and she grew up with only her father's love and his money. Chelsea was lucky to have loving parents and a firm ground to build.

This story is about friendship, growth, love, and forgiveness, told from one person's point of view.
Jennifer Probst has a way of telling a story that rips your heart out and tears you up in pieces, but usually, she puts it back together again. But don't expect the usual; she was a way to surprise you when you least expect it!

I confused “Our Italian Summer” with “One Italian Summer.” I have not read any of this author’s prior works.

I’m a plot-driven and action-driven reader, and we spent all chapter 1 in the narrator’s head, thinking about Ava and reminiscing. Oops. Just not for me, Stopping after chapter 1 (4%).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.