this is a follow up to THE GUNCLE so i recommend that you listen/read that first or there will be spoilers. it had been 3 years since i read that and was hazy on the details, but the author did a great job reminding you of the details and getting you up to speed. a re-read isn’t necessary :)

my fave parts—the setting, the comedy and the vibes. travelling Europe in the summer? a beautiful Italian resort on Lake Como? YUP.

the author did such a great job and i was truly laughing every 5 minutes. it was SO fun. the content is light but touches on good life lessons and still deals with grief and moving on from events in Book 1.

Definitely a great read, just not quite as charming and funny as the first. Reading The Guncle made me want to be a better parent, and this installment, focused on different "love languages" didn't have that same level of reflection. Still funny and charming, I felt like I was being dragged through Europe with the kids as Patrick avoided dealing with his own unresolved issues around love.

That being said, love Rowley's writing and will happily read whatever comes next from him.

4.5 rounded to 5
oh how I loved this book. I fell in love with The Guncle when I first read it, and I loved Steven Rowley’s narration. This book was the perfect follow up to show how Patrick is still teaching the kids life lessons. I laughed and cried (but that always happens with Steven’s books) Love love love !!

It was so great to “Travel” through this book! I absolutely lived The Guncle and couldn’t wait to read this sequel. I love the way Steven Rowley writes about and handles grief in his books.

I absolutely adored The Guncle and I was so happy to see a second book (even though I don’t feel Ike it really needed a sequel, I was still excited for). This time we got to go with Patrick as he traveled with Maisie, and Grant to Italy as they continued to work through grief, but also try to come to terms with their dad getting married.

I love how Steven Rowell approaches grief and love - he does it so carefully and methodically. He really brings you into the story and gives the characters so much life.

While I had the e-ARC, I ended up listening to the audiobook because I LOVE the fact that Steven Rowley narrates his own books. He brings his characters to life on both the page & through audio.

Huge Thank you to GP Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Steven Rowley does such a good job of writing about heavy topics (love, loss, grief, aging) but still infusing them with humor and grace. The Guncle Abroad continues the story of Patrick O'Hara ("GUP") as he tries to help his niece and nephew navigate their father's remarriage five years after their mother passed away. In the process, GUP learns some life and love lessons of his own.

I made a rookie mistake and missed that this was Rowley's second "Guncle" book; therefore, I immediately read The Guncle before reading The Guncle Abroad because my brain could not accept any other option.

Never fear, if you so choose to read The Guncle Abroad first, you will experience a full and complete story; however, it is definitely enriched (and everything makes more sense) if you read The Guncle first, like I did.

Rowley's whit and humor is unmatched.

In TGA, Patrick adventures abroad as his brother prepares to get married. Patrick is tasked with caring for his niece and nephew again but, though they are older, they may not be wiser - at least not wiser than their GUP.

In spite of GUP's genuine/satirical anti-rowling rhetoric and attempts to squash the magic of Hogwarts, I enjoyed traveling with everyone and experiencing the lavish events that preceded the wedding day. Absolutely grateful for the opportunity to read and review The Guncle Abroad.

I read the first book of this series and didn't love it like I thought I would. However, I was happy to be able to read an ARC of this book. The main character, Patrick seemed more developed and less annoying than in the first book. I love the stories about a guncle as I grew up with a guncle. Thanks #NetGalley

“The Guncle Abroad” by Steven Rowley is a delightful sequel that captures the heart and humor of its predecessor. Rowley continues the story of Patrick, affectionately known as “Guncle,” as he embarks on an international adventure filled with unexpected twists and poignant moments. The narrative beautifully blends laugh-out-loud humor with touching insights into love, family, and self-discovery. Rowley’s sharp wit and tender storytelling make this book a joyous read, perfect for fans of the first novel and new readers alike. “The Guncle Abroad” is a heartwarming journey that reminds us of the importance of embracing life’s challenges with grace and humor.

I give it 5 stars for its engaging plot, memorable characters, and the perfect balance of humor and heart. Steven Rowley’s ability to create a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant makes this a must-read.”

I had higher hopes for this. I still enjoyed it. It wasn’t as good as The Guncle. It held my attention for the most part. I felt it had some unnecessary detail and character building. The plot felt a little weak. Overall I did enjoy it.

I read a different book by this writer that I didn't like as much but I really think these stories about the guncle are utterly brilliant. Witty banter, real feelings, and honest dealings with grief. The family dynamics are beautiful, and my heart broke a little several times throughout the story, before my heart was finally full at the end.
I have traveled to other places because of scenes from books, and I want to try to visit the places they visited here, especially the Sound of Music scenes. The most beautiful parts were when Patrick realized he could create some of these memories for his niece and nephew in honor of the friend he lost. The characters in this story felt so real, and I'm going to miss them, but hopefully we'll get more adventures (less sad next time). Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

One of the better sequels I’ve read! Adorable feel good summer read! Love all the guncle lessons and the heartwarming wholesomeness. Also loved the European summer setting and of course all the happy endings for everyone :)

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC. I listened to The Guncle on audio a couple of years ago and loved it, so I decided to listen to this one via audiobook as well. The author, Steven Rowley, does a great job narrating. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. The story itself was funny and light-hearted while also tackling deeper topics such as grief, adolescent struggles, aging, and more. I enjoyed venturing around Europe with Patrick, Maisie, and Grant (and had been to a few of the places featured, which made it even more enjoyable). This is a great summer read and I recommend it, especially in audiobook format!

I adored The Guncle and was glad to see it receive a sequel. The premise had me hooked from the get-go! Patrick is back giving Masie and Grant life lessons with fun and heart. Hilarity ensues as Patrick's rivalry with Palmina grows. Witty banter and catchy dialogue along with Guncle shenanigans and unique brand of comedy. These are loveable characters I have enjoyed getting to check back in on. The way book 2 ends, could we be in for a book 3?? If so, I am here for it!

First off, if you have not read The Guncle, do that first and get back to me. I have been WAITING for this seuqel and it did NOT disappoint! Might I suggest listening to the author read both of these books - his voice and inflections just bring this story to life. I just love love love these characters and their relationships with each other. This story is well written with beautiful descriptions and you will just fall head over heels for everyone. Seeing Maisie and Grant growing up was touching. Such a warm and fuzzy feeling after reading this.

The Guncle is back! The kids have grown, Patrick is back in show business, there is a new step mother in Grant and Maisie's near future, a wedding WILL be happening abroad, and Patrick is single and freaking out about aging. Sounds like everything is on track. The kids are traveling with Guncle Patrick through Europe, with the hope of getting them on board with their father's upcoming nuptials. Of course, in classic Guncle fashion, nothing goes to plan and Patrick is left trying to get everyone where they need to be in time for the wedding. It is a great time, and I loved getting to revisit these characters and see Patrick help the kids through love and grief.

If you liked the first book, you’ll definitely like this one. It was a super quick, easy read. Patrick is still his normal hilarious self. The author does a good job at reminding you what happened in the previous book which was really nice. Overall, a cute book! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Everyone should have a Guncle Patrick in their life. He is amazing. I loved getting to catch up with everyone five years later. So much has happened for everyone. Some good, some difficult and a whole lot of change. Patrick is mourning the end of his long term relationship, his TV show has ended so if feeling like he could use some love and support from his family.
Not so fast as Greg is getting married, is having a bit of an internal emotional crisis, the kids need him more than ever with all of the changes they’re going through and well, he finds himself lured back to being the one who keeps everyone steady. It’s a fabulous, fun, really enjoyable, at times laugh out loud, others emotional, but wonderful from start to finish read. Patrick is unquestionably the center and best part of this crazy loving family.

I'm so sad to say, but I really disliked this. I didn't enjoy THE GUNCLE as much as other people did, so I probably should've just skipped this, but since I love traveling and have previously lived abroad I thought this might be up my alley. I think Rowley tries WAY too hard to make Patrick some sort of quirky, relatable character when really he's just super annoying and negative. He was just, honestly, a pain in the ass throughout this book, criticizing everything, offering absolutely no guidance or wisdom to Greg's kids, was misogynistic, and just plain rude at times. His feud with the lesbian aunt was absolutely ridiculous as well and I just overall kept getting a worse and worse taste in my mouth as I kept reading. The marriage at the end was super random and weird and just the whole book in general felt way off. I regret not DNFing this and will not be recommending it to anyone. Thanks for the ARC nonetheless.

I loved going back into the guncle world. I loved how they traveled abroad. But I just wanted more from this story. I absolutely loved the guncle so I had high expectations for this. I did love it but I'm only going to give it 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher, the author and netgalley for allowing me to read this early.