Love and Olives – A Journey to Atlantis and Back to the Heart

: Summary of the Book

Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch is a tender and atmospheric young adult novel that blends family drama, self-discovery, and the allure of the Greek islands. Liv Varanakis has avoided thinking about her father for years—ever since he left for Greece when she was eight, chasing his obsession with the lost city of Atlantis. But when she unexpectedly receives a postcard from him, inviting her to Santorini to help with a National Geographic documentary on his theories, Liv reluctantly agrees. Upon arrival, she’s met with awkward silences, unresolved emotions, and Theo—her father’s confident and charming protégé.

While the breathtaking beauty of Santorini slowly works its magic on her, Liv realizes there’s more to her father’s invitation than ancient legends. Hidden beneath the stunning sunsets and turquoise waters lies a more personal truth—one that could mend or further fracture their long-broken bond.

? What You Will Discover in the Book

In this story, you’ll explore the complexity of family relationships, especially between a parent and child separated by years of distance and unspoken pain. You’ll uncover how the myths of Atlantis mirror the secrets we keep and the emotional treasures we hope to find. Alongside Liv, you’ll experience the magic of Santorini’s cliffside villages, the warmth of Greek culture, and the bittersweet journey of reconciling with the past. Expect heartfelt moments, cultural richness, and vivid sensory details that make the island feel alive.

? Why Should You Read This Book

You should read Love & Olives if you enjoy emotionally rich stories set in unforgettable locations, where romance is only part of a bigger journey of healing and self-realization. Jenna Evans Welch masterfully captures the tension of unresolved family issues while immersing readers in the sun-soaked charm of Greece. Perfect for fans of heartfelt contemporary YA, travel escapism, and slow-burn emotional transformations, this book is both a love letter to the Greek islands and an exploration of the bonds that define us.

: About the Author

Jenna Evans Welch is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives. Known for her romantic, travel-inspired young adult novels, she writes stories that whisk readers away to stunning destinations while exploring themes of love, identity, and belonging. A passionate reader since childhood, Jenna now crafts novels that combine emotional depth with a sense of adventure. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children, and when she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.