I would like to thank Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for providing me with an egalley of this title to read and give my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
If you have not read the first book in this series, I highly recommend you do before jumping into this one. You truly need the background of the characters and their connections to understand this book.
I fully enjoyed the first book from Rowley so was super excited to see a continuation of this world. The Guncle Abroad picks up a few years after the ending of the first book. Rowley entertains us once again with the amazing antics of his character Patrick O'Hara. This time while he drags his niece and nephew through Europe on a quest to show them what love truly is.
Rowley does a great job of extending his world with these characters. The premise of Patrick traveling with Grant and Maisie through Europe on their way to Greg's wedding was so great. I love Patrick's connection with his niece and nephew. Their relationship is sweet. Their connection from Sara is undeniable. I think, had Sara married anyone else, Patrick still would have been her kids' uncle. Having his brother as their father just makes it that much more special.
Patrick's way of giving the kids, and everyone else, advice, is unsurpassed. He makes me laugh, and cry, and feel so many emotions. I'm totally in love with his character. He really makes you feel and that's such a great part of these books. And Patrick himself had growth in this book which I loved watching. The realization that he may have left a good thing with Emory behind. That it's ok to love another after the love of your life is gone. That family, and found family, are there for you and will support you for who you are.
We're also introduced to a few new characters in this book: Livia, Palmina, and a few others. I liked what they all brought to the table. Especially Palmina, who becomes a bit a rival for Patrick in regards to sharing the attention from his niece and nephew.
I loved how this book moved through Europe as part of the plot. I enjoyed the journey the kids and Patrick took, the attractions they saw, and how Patrick took each moment and made it into something special.
And the banter in this book rivals that of the first book. So many funny moments that often turned endearing or a little hear breaking. Rowley was able to roll in some humor to balance it all out.
I'd love to see more in this world from Rowley. Though, given the happily ever after we got from this one, I'm not sure where he would take it. But I would read it!
Rowley may be one of my new favorite authors!