“Come quickly, I am drinking the stars.”

“You will never know what it is you want until you are certain of who you are.”

“Americans try to fix everything. Maybe it fixes itself. Or maybe it doesn’t. And we make peace with some things that are broken.”

“Because if I could have one wish, I would live this life over, just so I could love them all again.”

Everyone should be so lucky to have a guncle in their lives! In Guncle Abroad, we are once again treated to fun quippy dialogue, quick wit and guncle rules as we travel across Europe and settle into Lake Como on the eve of a wedding. Patrick’s insights and ponderings touch the reader in a heartfelt way, covering topics from love to grief and everything in between. He just keeps me smiling (sometimes through tears) as I read along. He has a special connection with his niece and nephew that’s pure joy to observe. We are reunited with friends and family from the first book (although I really do miss the throuple) and also introduced to some new memorable characters like the Launt (and her Robert Palmer girls), and Groot/Gustavo. This sequel doesn’t quite have the sparkle of the original, but it was fun to reunite with some of these endearing literary characters and see how their lives have moved forward since 2021. I look forward to the Guncle movie and hope to see a book 3 in the future!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

I fell in love with The Guncle when I read it a couple of years ago. I thought the relationship Patrick forges with his young niece and nephew af their mother dies was just so special and heartwarming.

Well, The Guncle Abroad is just as magical as the original book. I loved being back in this world with Maisie, Grant, and Uncle Patrick (or GUP, short for Gay Uncle Patrick as they refer to him). Maisie and Grant are a few years older now and haven’t seen GUP much since he decided to revive his acting career and has been busy filming. When their dad announces he is getting married again, Maisie and Grant are upset about it, and Patrick is tasked with bringing the kids to Italy where the wedding will take place and to try to convince them along the way that the marriage is a good thing.

Patrick makes it his mission to teach the kids about love in its different forms and does so as he travels with them throughout Europe before finally arriving in Italy for the wedding. What I loved about this journey of discovery is that I think Patrick gets just as much, if not more, from it than the kids do.

Just as with the first book, The Guncle Abroad is full of heart and humor. It left me with a smile on my face and crying happy tears. If you’re looking for a truly special read, be sure to pick up both The Guncle and The Guncle Abroad.

This was beyond magical. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love with the O’Hara family all over again. All books should be this good.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I could not stop laughing out loud. When a book brings so many emotions to life, from crying to heartfelt to working through grief- it is definitely one to remember.

I am a huge fan of Steven Rowley's writing -- and once again he is able to make me laugh and sob. It started with Lily and the Octopus, his first book I think, which I recommend to everyone I know. I also read the first Guncle book and really loved it as well. The characters are well-written and I end up caring about them. I don't think you necessarily have to read the first Guncle book to enjoy and understand this one because he includes background on the characters. But I did enjoy seeing Patrick (the Guncle) taking care of his nephew and niece as they grow older. A great read and I look forward to more adventures with the Guncle. The premise of this one is the kids father (Patrick's brother) is about to get remarried to a wealthy Italian woman and the kids are against it (their mom died who was also Patrick's best friend). This book covers joy and loss in a very compelling way.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

I was bummed I didn't like it as much as book 1! I had a hard time with Maisie's teenage angst and Grant was missing his small-child-like charm.

Ahhh I loved The Guncle and was super stoked to receive this ARC! This book did not disappoint. I loved reading about Uncle Patrick’s shenanigans, all the characters had me cracking up at some point!

Thanks to putnambooks and NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

GUP is back! I love Gay Uncle Patrick aka The Guncle and was so excited there was going to be a sequel! Steven Rowley really does no wrong, and I loved that this book took us on a journey through different countries with Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. The bond between these characters is amazing, and I really enjoyed all of Patrick’s love lessons.

Rowley narrates the audiobook, and it is so worth it to listen to it. He brings these characters to life and you can feel all the feels while listening. The witty writing that Rowley is known for comes to life plus he handles all of the emotions the children go through while dealing with their father remarrying so well. I was transported to Europe and really wanted to go to Lake Como while listening. If you can, I highly recommend listening to this one.

I loved everything about this story, and I really hope we get more Guncle books in the future. Rowley has become an auto buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and PRH Audio for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

Five years have passed since we met Patrick and his family in The Guncle and they’re back (with a few additions). I loved the caftan wearing Patrick of the first book and the Patrick we see for most of The Guncle Abroad is not the same person. He’s gone back to acting and made other major changes in his life. Once again, he ends up spending time with Maisie and Grant, his niece and nephew, but they’re now at more challenging ages and facing a different kind of family challenge.
The Guncle Abroad is another wonderful book by the talented Steven Rowley. He is the king of witty banter and you want to read his books slowly to make sure you savor every clever remark. I loved all the travel details and would eagerly volunteer to travel with him in the future!
Now, the big question: is there a book #3 about the Guncle and his family?
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read The Guncle Abroad in exchange for an honest review.

LOVE the audiobook versions of this series, so I did do that version- thank you for the early listening copy, PRH! While The Guncle was a five star favorite (best audiobook I have ever listened to), this one didn't quiteeeee live up to it. It was still a solid 4-star, but I just didn't enjoy the premise as much. I loved the age of the children in The Guncle and think that played a huge part in me thinking it was so comical and cute. I also loved the family focus and evolution of The Guncle. The Guncle Abroad focused a bit more on Patrick's love life and revolved a lot around Greg's new fiancé, Livia, and her sister, Palmina. I was a bit annoyed with the Palmina stuff and was not interested in that storyline. Overall, it was good, but I didn't adore it as much as the first. I was, however, so glad to be back with these characters and hearing GUP's voice, again!

I loved The Guncle, but I think I loved this sequel even more! So well done, Steven Rowley! This story had me cracking up, tearing up, and just having a GREAT time! It was absolutely delightful! Uncle Patrick is at it again, getting into all sorts of shenanigans, all while being the absolute best uncle and brother. I cannot recommend this series of books enough!

✨ Review ✨ The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley; Narrated by Steven Rowley

Thanks to PRHAudio, G.P. Putnam's Sons and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

GUP is back! Five years have passed and Maisie's about to go into high school, Grant into middle school, and Greg (their dad)'s about to get married to a rich Italian marquess. Patrick takes the kids on an adventure through Europe stopping in places like Salzburg, Austria (to take a Sound of Music tour, his and their mom Sara's favorite) and Venice, as they reflect on love and life and whether they want to sabotage their dad's upcoming wedding.

This book is full of laughs as you can expect from Patrick and the kids, but also a lot of really sweet, thoughtful moments as the characters reflect on love, grief, life, and growing up. It did the impossible and even made me shed a tear! 😂

I also loved the travel destinations in the book - having gone on a Sound of Music tour, I love that it nailed the vibe - and loved that Patrick helped them grow into citizens of the world. Watching kids experience these places was fun!

As always, the characters are all a joy but I loved the addition of Livia, Palmina, Groot (lololol), and more. This is definitely a solid follow up to the first Guncle book! Prepare to LAUGH a lot.

🎧 I only listened to a bit of this, but I love that Rowley narrates his own books. I love that we can see/hear it from his voice and perspective in a special sort of way. This is definitely a great way to experience this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: contemporary fiction
Setting: London, Paris, Salzburg, Venice, Lake Como, Milan
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
Reminds me of: The Guncle Meets Sound of Music
Pub Date: May 21, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ books that pair thoughtful reflection with laughs
⭕️ coming-of-age realizations for kids and adults
⭕️ so many delicious foods and drinks
⭕️ musicals!
⭕️ European travel

I devoured this book! It's the perfect summer book to add to your TBR. The setting is fantastic, and you'll laugh every five minutes!

This is a follow-up to "The Guncle," so I recommend reading that first to avoid spoilers. It had been three years since I read it and I was a bit hazy on the details, but the author did a great job refreshing my memory and getting me up to speed. A re-read isn’t necessary :)

My favorite parts—the setting, the comedy, and the vibes. Traveling Europe in the summer? A beautiful Italian resort on Lake Como? Yes, please.

I also listened to the audiobook. The author did a fantastic job narrating, and I was genuinely laughing every five minutes. It was so much fun. The content is light but still touches on important life lessons and addresses grief and moving on from the events of Book 1.

The ending was adorable and sets up nicely for a third book.

This is the second book in the Guncle series. I recommend that you read The Guncle first because it’s so wonderful. It’s told in third person and picks up five years later with Patrick in London, now single and wrapping up filming on a movie when he receives an invitation to his brother’s wedding in Italy scheduled in four weeks.

Maisie and Grant are not handling the pending nuptials well and attempt to persuade Patrick to intervene. Patrick likens their future stepmother to the Baroness and decides they need to learn a few things about love. Off on a European adventure they go, from reenacting scenes from the Sound of Music in Saltzburg to hot chocolate in Paris and pizza in Venice. Throw in the campy Grease references and I’m in my element. Patrick learns a few things about love along the way too.

I love a traveling excursion and it was fun living it through the eyes of Patrick and the kids. I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this one as much as the first since it’s been built up so much in my mind and there were instances where I felt a little off while reading about Patrick’s jealousies especially with a new “rival” aunt in the picture, but most of the read was highly entertaining and when the emotions descended, they were big. Just what I’ve come to expect from this author, a funny, emotional and heartwarming story that just makes me want to give it all the hugs by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for a copy provided for an honest review.

The Guncle is back! After their summer in Palm Springs, where Patrick (the Gay Uncle, Gunc for short) and his niece Maisie and nephew Grant formed a special bond after the death of Sarah, Patrick’s best friend and mother to the kids. Now, their father Greg is getting remarried at a Lake Como villa to a wealthy Italian woman named Livia.
Patrick agrees to take the kids from London to Lake Como after his movie shoot is over. Maisie and Grant make it clear that they don’t want their dad to remarry, and they’re depending on their Gunc to help them out. He decides to show them what love is via their trip through Europe, even though he might not be the best guide now that he’s broken up with the love of his life, Emory.
This book is sweet and funny, with the Guncle’s Rules for Living sprinkled throughout. The descriptions of the different places they travel are excellent and brought out the urge to break out my passport!This book is deeper than it might appear and I loved it. 5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Life lessons, wit, and sass are delivered on a silver platter in this triumphant return of Gay Uncle Patrick. Enjoy.

✈️ Book Review: THE GUNCLE ABROAD by Steven Rowley ✈️

Oh my goodness, I missed Guncle Patrick! If you have not read THE GUNCLE, you must. Right now. I will recommend and gush about that book, just as I will champion this one. From the very first chapter, there is so much laugh-out-loud wit and depth in THE GUNCLE ABROAD that I was utterly captivated and again in Patrick’s orbit as an adoring fan. He would accept nothing less.

In this trip abroad Patrick aims to teach Maisie and Grant, now 14 and 11, about various kinds of love. Guncle Love Languages, such as enjoying the finer things in life and sharing experiences together, are explained and demonstrated in advance of the kids’ dad’s wedding in Italy, also showing that grief for their mom continues. There are layers and depth to this story that, just like in THE GUNCLE, demonstrate so much human emotion, love, and growth. Plus, the ending is so sweet and perfect. Definitely recommend.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)

😘 Thanks to @putnambooks and @NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

GUP is BACK!
I was such a fan of The Guncle. It’s one of the books that I recommend to people over and over and over again. It’s like a warm hug, I tell them, and it’s true. I was so excited to learn of the sequel.

The Guncle Abroad brings back all the key players. Gay Uncle Patrick, Maisie & Grant, and Patrick’s brother Greg. GUP is once again called upon to help with his niblings when Greg decides to remarry, and the kids are struggling with the impending nuptials. He takes them on a tour of Europe and a tour of the various love languages, culminating in Lake Como, where GUP comes face to face with his new nemesis, the kids’ new Launt (lesbian aunt). With his signature humor, heart, and snark, GUP teaches the kids about love and acceptance and learns a little something in the process.

This was a super fun book and I adored the Lake Como setting. For me it fell short of the original, but in fairness, those were pretty big shoes to fill. This book is an absolute must-read this summer.

Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for the advanced reader copy.

Such a great sequel to The Guncle. The European setting is perfect for summer. This book was both equally heartfelt and humorous. Maisie and Grant continued to be my favorite book kids!! Most of all, the way this book continues to celebrate LGBTQ+ families was beautiful!

Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for the E-ARC. I slowly read The Guncle (it was a printed version) so I could read this one as I didnt want to miss anything. Even though life got in the way I finished this as soon as I could I devoured it and read as much as possible. I loooveee Patrick I love his sense of humor I can feel his loneliness his love that he doesnt know how to quiet express at times. I lost my mom as well and while we I was very much a adult already I know exactly what Grant and Maisie feel. This book made me laugh but also it made me cry because it brought so many feelings that had long been forgotten. In true Steven Rowley format you cry and then you laugh and then you cry again and Im here for it all

A fantastic sequel to The Guncle! Join back up with now pre-teen and early teen Grant and Maisie as their dad Greg is about to remarry in an Italian wedding. The kids join their uncle Patrick starting in London for a tour through a few European countries in route to Italy. Along the way Patrick tries to teach the kids about love and all the ways you can give and receive love. This story captured the same charm as the first novel, which definitely needs to be read before starting this one. This captured the 'vibe' I love in a summer read as it was heartwarming with depth but never too heavy.