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.

I really enjoyed this book, Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed she forgave Ava so easily. I feel like Ava betrayed her multiple times. I think in real life those betrayals would be too much to overcome. I loved all the changes of scenery and the fashion descriptions. Great book!

A quick read that stands as a good reminder of the power of lifelong friendship, an apology, forgiveness, and second chances. 3.5 stars.

Synopsis: BFFs Ava, Madison, and Chelsea made a pact in Lake Como in their young 20s that, no matter where their careers and life took them, they'd reunite for each other's weddings. The three met at university and became inseparable, but a choice by Ava tore the group apart. Now, Ava is getting married in Lake Como, and she invites her two estranged friends, Madison and Chelsea - an invite they decide to accept because of the pact many years ago. The women meet up again in completely different places in life - Ava, marrying the man of her dreams yet haunted by her past; Madison, who "made it" as a fashion influencer yet is struggling through a public scandal; and Chelsa, who has the perfect family she always wanted yet struggles to accept that she never reached her professional dreams. Can this wedding heal old wounds and bring the women back together?

Here's what I found a bit disjointed about this book - yes, Ava made a HUGE mistake that ruined the friendship, so of course, that's why Madison needed space and an explanation at Ava's wedding later in life. But there was SO much more that she did that would require an explainer, too - she was a manipulative, jealous friend who wanted ultimate control over the behaviors of her friends. So, by the end of the book, I'm thinking, "Run, Madison...run!" It was hard to get behind THESE friendships specifically because I didn't get that warm and fuzzy lifelong friend feeling. Ultimately, I felt like I didn't want to be a part of this group of friends.

The other thing is that I didn't feel Chelsea needed to be a part of this novel, and I kept thinking that Chelsea must feel like the odd man out all of the time because it was clear that the real friendship was between Ava and Madison.

The positives - the New York City and Lake Como settings were well written, and I felt immersed in their lives based on the descriptions of those places. I really liked the story about Madison and Riggs - the second chance at love storyline was more potent than the second chance at friendship plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story was totally engaging and I loved how the backdrop was portrayed so well that I loved vicariously through it. It is full of angst, laughs, swoons and hotness. It totally consummated me. Also, I have always loved this author’s voice! So, it’s a full 5 stars read for me!