The Guncle Abroad

The Guncle or as his niece and nephew like to call him, GUP (aka Gay Uncle Patrick) is back! This new book picks up five years later after the first book and Patrick has had some professional success on a popular sitcom. But as he approaches his 50th birthday, he is less sure of what he wants out of life.

When Patrick's brother Greg announces he's getting remarried - in Italy no less! - Patrick decides to spend time with his 14-year-old niece Maisie and 11-year-old nephew Grant and take them on a tour of Europe before the wedding. The kids are still struggling with the death of their mother (who was Patrick's best friend) and little does Patrick know but the two have plans for GUP, specifically, putting a halt to their father's wedding.

This was a fun, easy-going story. I enjoyed the addition of new secondary characters (although I was hoping for more humorous animosity between Patrick and the kids' new aunt). There were delightful contemporary references (which was one of my 'Favourite Things'), snarky wit and even the 'tied up with a bow' predictable ending was still satisfying.

Filled with humour, endearing characters and charm, this heartwarming story has the beautiful backdrop of Lake Como, Italy and explores love and loss as it recognizes the on-going journey of those who live with grief.

Note: I'd strongly recommend reading The Guncle before you jump into this book.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Steven Rowley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQIA2S+

Series: 2nd in The Guncle series

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons

First Published: May 21, 2024

Book Description from GoodReads: From the nationally bestselling author of The Guncle comes the much-anticipated sequel, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties…at a big, family wedding in Lake Como, Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is finally in a league of his own…professionally. Inspired by his stint as Grant and Maisie’s caretaker after their mother’s passing, Patrick has "un-stalled" his acting career with sit-com, Guncle Knows Best. Still, some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single and lonely after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has family, right?

When his brother Greg announces his big, second wedding in Lake Como, Italy, Patrick feels pulled toward Grant and Maisie and flies to Europe to attend the lavish event, only to butt heads with a newfound Launt (Lesbian Aunt), curb his sister Clara from flirting with guests, and desperately restore himself to the favored relative status in the eyes of the kids, as they struggle to adjust to a new normal. But is it Patrick’s job to save the day? Or is simply celebrating love enough to quell the family chaos?

Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley delivers the long-awaited sequel to a beloved story, all about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.