2.5 Stars

Well sadly this was a weak makeover of one of my favourite classics, [b:A Room with a View|3087|A Room with a View|E.M. Forster|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388781285l/3087._SY75_.jpg|4574872].

Our modern Lucy is a bit annoying at times so I found it hard to get behind her. It's a shame because the reimagining itself was pretty good. Unfortunately the powerful metamorphosis of Lucy in the classic felt a little diluted in the modern version. Maybe because the original was set in a time where women had very little right to make decisions about their lives and the fact that she took control of her future was cause for a big fanfare in my heart. A good addition to the library nonetheless. ( )

1 Devil’s Bargain Backpacker’s Tour of Europe
1 Responsible (but Cranky) Chaperone/Travel Companion
1 Know-It-All Travel Guide Blogger/Writer Obsessed with “Authenticity”

Florence!
A Room Without a View
1 Devil-May-Care Musician Drifter Love Interest
Kissing in Romantical Fiesole
Rome!
Many 'Roman Holiday' references

COLLEGE!
1 Guilt-Induced Business Major
1 Renounced Love of the Stage (Temporary)
1 Overly Involved Father
1 Major Role in Rent
Drama Kid Friends
1 Perfect on Paper But All Wrong Boyfriend ( )

Recommend to fans of Stephanie Perkins and Sarah Dessen. A modern retelling of A Room with a View. ( )

A very sweet novel, with wonderful descriptions of all things Italian. I though Lucy to be a bit naïve for the responsibility of international travel with the daughter of her mom's co-worker, but I guess that goes with the Room with a View like theme. ( )

April Lindner’s Love, Lucy is a sweet — if predictable — young adult novel perfect for armchair travelers. With its warm Italian breezes, vivid scenery and romantic settings, Lucy’s time exploring Europe before her freshman year of college reads like something out of a dream . . . especially when a guitar-playing free spirit enters the scene.

Though I’ll admit to liking the first half of the book — set abroad — more than the second, Lucy is a likeable heroine struggling to appease her difficult father while still being true to herself. In love with theatre, she feels alive on stage . . . but her dad, who happens to be footing the bill for her college education, has little interest in the arts.

After their chance meeting and mutual attraction, it’s Jesse that gets Lucy thinking about how life could be should she leave the safe path her parents have laid for her to chase her dreams. I found the conflict realistic and, for many, familiar: choose the comfortable route, or dare to be bold?

Though Lucy and Jesse never felt totally formed as characters, I didn’t mind the lightness with which I read Love, Lucy. It was sweet, uncomplicated and relatable, especially as Lucy struggles to choose between a new love interest and the wild Jesse. Intimacy definitely plays a role in the storyline, so bear that in mind for younger readers.

If you’d like to take a walk through Italy without leaving the comfort of your porch, Lindner’s fun story may be your ticket. The scenes in Florence and Rome took me back to my own trip there in 2007, and I loved reliving that experience through Lucy’s eyes. ( )