I don’t want to feel this way. I imagined being delighted and laughing out loud and so happy after reading this sequel. But even though I liked the story to a certain extent, it was not the fantastic blast I was expecting.  
 
The Guncle was one of my favorite 2021 reads. I loved Patrick, Maisie, and especially ‘being mythelf’ Grant, who helped each other deal with their grief. I loved what a lighthearted read it was despite all the sadness. But while reading The Guncle abroad, I missed Patrick’s caftans, his skin-rejuvenating masks, his Mimosa’s, the trouple living next to him, and Grant’s lisp (I know I shouldn’t miss it, but I really did …).  
 
I also didn’t care much about the traveling part. It might be because I’m European and have seen all the places Patrick visited with Maisie and Grant. Those places felt too one dimensional, even cartoonish sometimes: The Sacre Coeur in Paris, Family von Trap in Salzburg, the gondolas in Venice, George Clooney living at Lake Como. 
 
This doesn’t mean I didn’t like the story at all. I loved the first chapter, I adored the ending, and Emory is, this time, my favorite. I treasured the way Patrick taught the kids about love and how Maisie and Grant stood up for Emory. And there’s a Launt!!!!  

The last third of the book was actually really good and I felt like I was reading The Guncle again. But that’s not enough to gush about a book, right?
 
Maybe I was just in the wrong headspace to read this one. I don’t know. What I do know is that I long for a third book with Emory in the lead. Not just a few pages but a full story. I imagine Maisie being a twenty-one-year-old college student who just beats her uncle in their conversations because she actually always knows better and Grant being a moody sixteen-year-old because of the hormones running through his body. So, Steven, could you please give me that book? One that I could rate five stars again?

Thank you so much, Penguin Group, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for one of my most anticipated 2024 ARCs!

I loved The Guncle so I was super excited when I saw there was a sequel. This novel takes place five years later and across the pond. I love the bond that Patrick has with the kids and how they rely and trust him. This book had me laughing out loud and was just overall a good feel good book. I highly recommend it

I loved this book as much as I loved the first book. Patrick is still the funny yet soulful person. Still trying to guide Grant and Maisie thru their new lives after loosing their mom. And now their dad is throwing another wrench in their lives - he’s getting married. There is so much to this story. Patrick is quirky and funny, but yet there are definitely some serious tones as well. There were several parts that had my heart aching. I love these characters and their stories, and would love to see The Guncle continue.

Another incredible job by the author Steven Rowley in the novel The Guncle Abroad. He can write about grief, growth, families and love like nobody else. I loved being back with Patrick, Maisie and Grant along with the other family: members and possible new family additions
The descriptions of the European sights were so well researched you feel like you are there with them.
I did not see the ending coming and of course cried happy tears for all.
Thanks to NetGalley, my favorite author Steven Rowley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel.
See you on tour in May 2024!

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Steven Rowley's "The Guncle Abroad" is a delightful and heartwarming sequel to his much-loved novel "The Guncle." Rowley brings back the charming and witty Patrick O'Hara, whose character shines even brighter in this new adventure. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy, this novel explores themes of love, family dynamics, and self-discovery with a perfect blend of humor and emotional depth.

The story picks up five years after Patrick’s stint as a caretaker for his niece Maisie and nephew Grant. Now, as they all converge in Italy for a family wedding, Patrick finds himself grappling with the complexities of love and relationships, not just in his own life but also in guiding Maisie and Grant through their evolving understanding of these concepts. Rowley’s portrayal of Patrick's journey is both humorous and touching, demonstrating his knack for creating characters that are deeply relatable and endearing.

Rowley's skill in crafting a narrative that balances light-hearted comedy with poignant moments is exceptional. The novel's exploration of family relationships, particularly the dynamic between Patrick and his relatives, adds layers of complexity and realism to the story. The introduction of new characters, like the "launt" (lesbian aunt), enriches the narrative, providing new perspectives and conflicts that keep the plot engaging and fresh.

The setting of Italy is a character in itself, with Rowley’s vivid descriptions painting a lush and inviting picture of the country. The cultural backdrop adds an extra layer of charm and escapism to the story, making it a perfect summer read. The mishaps and adventures that Patrick and his family encounter are not only entertaining but also serve to highlight the novel's deeper messages about love, acceptance, and the importance of family.

"The Guncle Abroad" is a testament to Rowley's ability to write stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. It's a book that will resonate with a wide range of readers, especially those who appreciate a good blend of comedy, heartfelt moments, and a touch of travel escapism. Fans of the first book will be delighted to return to the world of Patrick O'Hara, and new readers will find themselves charmed by the unique and captivating voice that Rowley brings to the page. This novel is a wonderful addition to any summer reading list, promising laughs, tears, and a heartwarming reminder of the power of family and self-discovery.

This is the much anticipated sequel to the Guncle a book that I loved. You must read first in order to appreciate this one. Now the GUP is approaching 50 and re-evaluating his life. Greg is getting remarried and calls Patrick as Maisie and Grant are not handling it well. He swoops in by bringing them to Europe. He is hoping that he can show them about love and change their minds about Livia.

As they traipse around Europe he shares his GUP rules of love and wisdom. The children are older and their relationship has changed and Maisie is trying to convince him to talk to their dad about calling off the wedding.

The wedding is to take place in beautiful Lake Como in Italy. Patrick feels insecure when he meets Palmina the launt as the kids seem to like her more and he feels threatened.

This book was good at bringing about found family, relationships, love, loss and moving forward. This one was more emotional but so good. Hoping there will be another in the series.

The Guncle is one of my favorite books, so I literally squealed with delight when I was approved to read this ARC. With The Guncle Abroad, Steven Rowley had the near impossible task of writing a sequel worthy of its predecessor and he pulled it off beautifully.

Five years have passed since Patrick helped his niece and nephew deal with the grief of losing their mother to cancer. With their dad about to get remarried, Maisie and Grant turn to Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) to try to stop the wedding. What follows as they travel across Europe is a journey of love and self-acceptance. Patrick is as witty and snarky as ever, and his once precocious charges are now angst filled pre-teens.

Rowley does what he does best mixing hilarity with heartfelt emotion. The Guncle Abroad incites laughter and generates plenty of the best kind of tears. Rowley has delivered another 5 ⭐️ read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Guncle was one of my favorite books of the year so I was thrilled to find out we’d be getting more GUP. Now, I’ll be honest - I don’t think every single thing needs a sequel and Rowley can clearly, and successfully, write anything he wants. I’m so glad we got more of these characters, but it was definitely not a total necessity.

The Guncle was so witty and charming and fun and thankfully, The Guncle Abroad was all of those things, too. It didn’t have as much magic as the original (does anything?) but it was snarky and entertaining and made me feel like I was hopping around Europe with Patrick, Grant, and Maisie. The descriptions of some of their travels hand me itching to book a flight and Patrick’s quips had me literally laughing out loud.

I think I preferred the kids when they were younger in book one but Grant still has some hilarious one liners and Maisie’s snarky Wednesday Addams behavior reminded me very much of my own niece.

Overall, I’m glad Rowley treated his readers to more time with his beloved characters. I predict this will be such a fun read to pop in your beach tote and enjoy while on holiday next summer!

The Guncle rides again, and I couldn't be happier! In The Guncle Abroad, it's been five years since Gay Uncle Patrick ("GUP") took care of his niece and nephew (he calls them his "niblings") for a summer in Palm Springs when his brother Greg's wife died. Now Grant, age 11, and especially Maisie, age 14, are having a difficult time coming to terms with the impending wedding of their father to a titled Italian woman. Livia can never take the place of their mother, of course, but does the marriage mean they are being disloyal to her memory, and to the family life that meant so much to them?

Patrick is back working as an actor again, after a decade mourning his first love, Joe, and not long after breaking up with his latest (much younger) boyfriend, Emory. Soon he will be making his Broadway debut in a revival of Grease. But first he volunteers to take the niblings with him on a 3-week tour of Europe as Livia and Greg finalize their luxury-wedding plans. Patrick regales the children with his self-imposed rules and his love languages, hoping that Maisie will agree to give Livia, and her marriage to Greg, a chance, but she stands firm.

I loved this book even more than the first. Patrick's clever--often side-splitting--banter with almost everyone he encounters is one of the highlights of the book. But his character is genuine and his emotions run deep. He's not as self-confident as his career would indicate, but he has an unmatched rapport with his niblings and an honest understanding of their feelings. Besides Patrick and the children, my favorite characters are Patrick's divorced, ready-for fun, sister and his intimidating potential sister-in-law Palmina. both of whom are hilariously drawn and developed. This is a fast read--a charming, entertaining, life-affirming story about the power of love. If you enjoyed The Guncle, put it on your TBR list now! And if you haven't, start with The Guncle and then savor The Guncle Abroad.

My thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley is a delightful and heartfelt sequel that reunites readers with Patrick O'Hara, the lovable Guncle. Returning to his guncle duties, Patrick navigates the challenges of a family wedding in Italy. This story is full of chaos, humor and warmth, exploring the complexities of family bonds, love, and self discovery. With his signature blend of wit and emotion, the author crafts a narrative that resonates, making this a must read for those who appreciate stories about life's messy, beautiful journey.

This book was PERFECT, It is the rare sequel that is just as good as the original. I read it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down. Here’s hoping this isn’t the end of GUP’s story.

THE GUNCLE ABROAD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. What a phenomenal sequel, perhaps even better than The Guncle! 5 years after a summer of Guncle lessons in Palm Springs, Maisie, Grant and Patrick take on Europe! As the kids father is set to wed, Patrick takes his niece and nephew on a European vacation with a final destination of their dad’s wedding in Lake Como. Already knowing the beloved characters charm/quirks, I was able to feel the nostalgia & appreciation of The Guncle immediately within the first few pages. Classic pop culture references, hilarity of jokes, emotions that creep up on you….this book has it all. Per usual with Steven Rowley novels, prepare to laugh/cry/feel. Thank you Net Galley and Putnam Books for this ARC that I cannot wait for people to enjoy!

When I tell you that The Guncle is one of my favorite books of all time… I jumped for joy when I was approved for The Guncle Abroad on NetGalley - thank you to NetGalley and @putnambooks for the ARC!

We are back with Patrick, our favorite Guncle, and five years have passed. Greg is about to get married, and Patrick is thrown off. He offers to take the kids for a couple weeks so Greg can finish up wedding prep. Maisie and Grant are little firecrackers - especially about Livia, Greg’s fiancé. They try to rope GUP into talking to their dad out of marrying Livia. Patrick reluctantly agrees but also tries to get them to learn about love…even though he and Emory have broken up.

This book was SO freaking good. I laughed. My goodness the kids were cracking me up. They and Patrick were so great. Gosh, Patrick’s little nuggets of wisdom were both cheesy and fun(in the very best ways). His irritation with the “flaunt” had me in stitches. I love when people put Patrick in his place. Emory 🥰🥹

I cried (yes for about the last 20% of the book and I included photo proof). Truly, @mrstevenrowley never misses. Every single book packs an emotional punch that I feel to the depths of my soul. The ending of this book was absolutely perfect. The fact that Steven Rowley could follow up The Guncle with this sequel that is as good as (if not better) is amazing. Definitely read it!

Patrick O’Hara might be my favorite literary character of all time. The Guncle was one of my favorite reads of 2021 and i had high expectations for The Guncle Abroad. Those expectations were exceeded! The established characters continue to be complex, relatable, and highly likable. We’re introduced to new characters that are just as wonderful, even Palmina who skirts the role of antagonist (but wins us over!). If the plot wasn’t perfect enough, we also get a setting that can’t be beat: Europe! Please read The Guncle and then read The Guncle Abroad.

The Guncle Abroad follows Patrick who helped take care of his brother Greg's kids Maisie and Grant after their mother passed away. Greg tells the kids that he is getting remarried and they do not take it well. So Patrick brings Maisie and Grant to Europe to help them cope. Patrick wants to help the kids get used to the idea of their father getting remarried and help them adjust to the new normal. Patrick shows that even though things may be hard the kids will always have their GUP!

I loved the Guncle and when I got this book I dropped everything to read it. This was such a good follow-up to that book. You do need to read the Guncle before reading this one ( plus that book is just so dang good). I loved everything about this book. The relationship that Patrick has with Maisie and Grant is just so dang cute. Also, Patrick in Europe is just such a vibe. I just love how much Patrick loves Maisie and Grant and will do anything for them. This book had the perfect amount of drama, love, and romance. And the end was perfect.I highly suggest this book.

Thank you so much, Steven Rowley, Putman Books, and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this.