Oh how it was good for my souls to get back to the teachings of Guncle Patrick. For a sequel, I thought it was a satisfying reintroduction and wrap-up. My heart warmed when Patrick took Maisie and Grant under his wing yet again to teach them about tough things in life, all the while not being entirely happy in his own. I really enjoyed the last quarter of this book, where a happily ever after is truly just that.

cute, it was fun to return to the world of the uncle, but not sure it was truly a sequel we needed. the cover is also great!

Steven Rowley has brought it back with another emotionally hard hitting Guncle installment. As if the first one didn't wreck me enough with the growth and love that absolutely flooded the pages, here comes a bit of a jump in time forward and even more humorous adventures (and sometimes misadventures) of Patrick and the gang.

The delicacy of being able to handle tough hitting topics such as grief, aging, feeling forgotten or lonely- Steven handles it with such grace that it's a warm embrace going through it. This is a character that I can laugh with, cry with, and hurt with. While I was perfectly satisfied with the ending in the first book, this second one was almost a nod to readers to let us know that the world just keeps going and navigating some of these hurdles will never go away despite getting older.

I enjoyed THE GUNCLE ABROAD, picking back up where we left Uncle GUP in book 1! I will say, I thought the first installment was PERFECT, so we didn't need a second installment necessarily, but it was nice to be back in the world.

The middle of this one lost me a bit -- the adventures were fun and fanciful and took me out of my everyday life, but it sort of dragged on for me.

The end did salvage and made me teary - which is what all Steven Rowley books are known to do. I will definitely (and have already) recommend to my friends to read. The Guncle was one of my top books of 2020 (or 2021 I forget!) and now that these two are a pair, I think folks will really enjoy.

This book is everything you want if you were a fan of the first one. I think reading the first one would be pretty important prior to reading this one. The main cast you expect is there and a bunch of new faces. These books are the kind you read over and over. If you aren’t a Guncle fan yet, you should be.

Thank you to @Putnambooks and @PRHAudio for the copies to review.

I love Steven Rowley and I loved this sequel to The Guncle. I was happy to be back with this family, and this time the family is expanding as Patrick’s brother Greg is getting married in Lake Como, Italy. Patrick is needed again as Grant and Maisie are not thrilled about seeing their dad marry someone else, and they want Patrick to help call the whole thing off. This goes over about how you think it will, and Patrick still has his own issues to work through.

I shed some tears with this one, loved it just as much as the first book, and am really hoping there is another one coming as I am not ready to let this family go. I love Rowley’s writing, he brings you in with these characters and you feel everything they are feeling. The Europe / Italy setting was perfect for this one, and if you have not read this or the first book, please fix that now.

I really enjoyed The Guncle when I read it a few years ago. (Reviewed here.) I am pleased to share that The Guncle Abroad is even better than its predecessor! I laughed out loud so many times and even got misty-eyed.
It felt like being on a virtual vacation. (Perfectly paired with watching the latest season of Emily in Paris.) And it reminded me of a trip I took to Europe, so I was extra glad that they made a stop in Venice because I love it so much there. (I wish the whole story could have been set in Venice, but it was still great no matter what.)

The story is so much fun, but also has a lot of heart. If you haven't read the first book yet, you should, but this also gives a lot of background if read as a standalone. It does contain some spoilers for the first book but it's not a high stakes issue. (You should still read the first book regardless of the order.)

I loved the pop culture references, especially the Pretty Woman one, which I always use. (So much that when I was watching Romy and Michele with my daughter, she was saying the iconic line as soon as she saw them watching Pretty Woman.) I found it funny how similar my pop culture background is to Patrick's, minus a love for The Sound of Music on my end, even though it was used in a cute way in this novel. I could also relate about facing down fifty, as I'm getting closer to that point in my life. And now that Maisie is a teenager, I could definitely relate about trying to connect with a girl around that age.

My only very minor concern is that the story probably could have ended before it actually did. It had a few good stopping points. However, it was still enjoyable and I was surprised by some of what happened.

If you need a lighthearted story, a good laugh, and an armchair adventure, look no further! I hope there will be a third Guncle book. Having one set during the winter holidays would be fun!

Movie casting suggestions (most are from the first book):
Patrick: Sean Maher
Greg: Reid Scott
Clara: Maggie Siff
Maisie: Sophia Reid-Gantzert
Grant: Ryder Allen
Emory: Sean Paul Lockhart
Cassie: Emily Osment
Livia: Simona Tabasco
Palmina: Julia Fox

Steven Rowley really understands his characters, what drives them, what gives them flaws but also gives them humanity. This was such a heartfelt but whimsical read. I love Rowley's books so much, and know that Patrick lives in these pages and also on my heart.

I loved the overall story and the connection between the Guncle and his adopted littles, but I almost DNF'd it. I just can't seem to connect with Guncle unfortunately. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity.

The gangs back together and we're headed to Europe! Patrick (affectionately known as GUP), his niece Maisie, and his nephew Grant, embark on a European adventure on their way to their father’s wedding in Italy. As in the first book, GUP helps guide Maisie and Grant through big feelings and challenging familial situations. While I didn't love this book as much as the first, it again brings witty dialogue and heartfelt exploration of grief. Plus the European setting adds a fun, adventurous flair!

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, the author, and NetGalley for the free gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this cast of characters and it was so fun to pick up where we left off in the first book. This book is character development heavy and has no crazy plot points but these characters still make it fun.

I do feel like the book went through lulls at some points just because there was not too much going on with the plot and that did kind of lose my interest. But I love how you can truly feel the love and emotion of the characters while reading, and it makes you feel like you are a part of the family.

How can you not love Patrick? He is probably one of my favorite literary characters in recent history. I love his humor and warm heart that's also a teensy bit stuck up with disdain. His love for his now older niece and nephew is clearer now than ever, even if he doesn't always say or do the right thing. There also may be a Gaunt entering the family, but it's just another layer of sass I am here for. Written with the warm wit and charm Rowley gives us, The Guncle Abroad is another brilliant read. Side note- the musical number in the book is probably my favorite part. If you read it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't, what are you waiting for?

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

ps I cannot be the only one who sees Dan Levy in this role. His personality is spot on for Patrick.

I LOVED The Guncle so when I saw The Guncle Abroad, I was so excited to read it — and it didn't disappoint! Getting to see Patrick's evolving relationship with his nephew Grant and niece Maisie was like catching up with an old friend, hearing how the kids are as they navigate adolescent, and it's all set in lux European settings. What I love most about this book (and this series so far) is that they are an easy read like a beach read, but with all of the heart of something more moving and important. Highly recommend!

What a delight. I love sequels where you didn't realize you needed a sequel until you read it, and The Guncle Abroad gave me just that. We catch up with GUP 5 years later as his brother is on the cusp of remarrying. The kids have big feelings about this, so Patrick takes them on a trip to learn about love and process their thoughts. Turns out, Patrick has a lot to process too and the two do it together. I enjoyed this! You get a wedding, you get the family, and best of all you get a nice surprise at the end. Thanks Mr. Rowley for these characters!

This book was amazing! I sat down and read this in one sitting.

Patrick's character has grown and changed since the last book in a way that is so satisfying. This book felt like coming home again. The family dynamics and the children struggling with adding a stepmother into the mix kept me reading and totally emotional. 5 out of 5 stars! No notes.

I enjoyed returning to these lovely characters! I loved The Guncle and was thrilled to receive a chance to read this sequel. The story is entertaining, if lacking some of the depth of the first one, and I enjoyed the setting and the dry humor. Recommended!

I loved The Guncle and I loved The Guncle Abroad. These characters are endearing, and hilarious, and such a joy to read. I wasn’t sure the change in location would work for this family, but this book did not disappoint.

The banter, the sarcasm, the teenage looks that are so expertly described were really delightful. The phrase I plan to take with me from this book is “decline in personal presentation” and I will forever be laughing at the exchange in Heathrow airport.

Thank you for brining us back to this world and I hope it is not our last visit.

So dang funny!!!! Thabk you netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me tonread this!! I really enjoyed it. 5 funny stars from me!

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it compared to The Guncle. Felt a little forced, very slow burn building up to the wedding. The ending was overall pretty satisfying, but it just didn’t hit like The Guncle.

ABSOLUTELY loved this book. Steven Rowley can do no wrong. He is FATHER. This book is beautiful, funny, witty and moving. Highly recommend to anyone needing a quick read and are searching for those feel good vibes.