I actually picked this book up because I thought the cover I was beautiful and I normally love a book about finding yourself and starting over.

Tempeste has never felt like she fit into her business minded family. Her mom died when she was young. She never really connected with her dad. He was more focused on running the family business than connecting emotionally. When her dad unexpectedly died her affluent family handed everything down to her brother and she got a small inheritance from her mom. With the money she decides to make some big changes. She wants to leave New York and discover more about her family and mother’s roots in a small village in France.

I enjoyed this book. The house and town were really charming. I could imagine living in this rural community. I loved that Tempeste found her roots through cooking and gardening. The story was sweet and good for anyone that likes a good “finding yourself” book.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this advanced readers copy.

A beautiful story of a young women, who has never really recovered from the death of her Mother, at age 13. When her father dies, she takes the money she has been given by both parents and goes to her Mother's town in France. I loved the descriptions of the French countryside and the descriptions of the food from the region. Through hard work, determination, and friendship, she finds her place in the community.

This book is a warm hug and a bowl of hearty pasta with the lovely summer breeze blowing through the open windows.

The beginning of The Memory of Lavender and Sage shows Tempèsta coming to terms with just how unmoored she feels in her childhood home while learning that she will receive a modest trust from her mother after her father passes. Tempèsta uses this money to reconnect to her mother's past in the Provençal village of Sainte-Colombe. The unlikable characters and Tempèsta's feelings of not quite belonging in NYC at the beginning of the book act as juxtaposition to the welcoming villagers and deep roots she develops quickly in Sainte-Colombe as the book continues.

The pacing of the book is slower, just like Provençal life, but enough happened with the village and the characters that I stayed hooked. I didn't feel the need to devour this book as I usually do my reads, but rather I wanted to savor it. Sainte-Colombe is so atmospheric that I could imagine the beautiful home Tempèsta is remodeling, the delicious food and drink everyone enjoys, and all the beautiful herbs and rolling hills. I constantly found myself wanting to love on my houseplants, start an herb garden, and cook rich meals to be eaten al fresco. This book made me want to learn French, cook more often, and travel. I loved watching the characters grow and connect with each other.

The romance in this book felt ancillary and I found the chemistry between characters to be a little lacking. The rest of the platonic relationships made up for this lack, however.

I really loved this book and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy read featuring found-family, magical realism, delicious food, and beautiful scenery.

A very enjoyable, magical enchanted story!

After the passing of her father, Tempesta leaves her NYC job and family and heads to the land of her mother's family. She's felt alienated from her family since her mother's passing when she was a teenager. In Sainte-Colombe, the small village in Provence where her mother was from, she finds her place. With the help from the townsfolk, a slightly magical greenhouse and memories of her mother, she feels contentment and love. It's a beautiful story!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I’m an outlier on this one. But this book was a bore, I should have DNFed. I appreciate the opportunity to read ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author Aimie K. Runyon for the opportunity to read, "The Memory of Lavender and Sage." It was a lovely story filled with family, friendship, and love. I was also thoroughly enchanted by the little French village in the book.

The story took place in both New York and a small village in France. The main character, Tempèsta, left New York after her dad died to live in a small French village where her already deceased mother had grown up. She needed to flee New York to get away from her brother and grandmother who had never treated her very kindly.

Once she was in France, Tempèsta started renovations on the house she bought with the money her mother and father had left her. She also realized she was an excellent gardener and she had a special gift of encouraging her herb plants to grow quickly. She used her herbs to create unique oils, rubs, and food she then gifted to her new friends. Later, she was able to sell her homemade herb specialties to help raise money for the small town that was fading fast.

Tempèsta also found love and friendship in her new home. These new found friends helped her to unravel important secrets about her mother and family that would change her life forever. This was such a wonderful story told with so much kindness and love. As an added bonus, there were several mouth watering recipes that were included throughout the story. A few of them were even included at the end of the book, which was such a pleasant surprise! #NetGalley #TheMemoryofLavenderandSage

I have read and loved Aimie K. Runyan’s previous historical novels and had high hopes for her first foray into contemporary fiction. Happily, I can say THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE did not disappoint. Tempèsta’s mother gave her a childhood full of happiness, beautiful memories, and stories of her home in the South of France. When Tempèsta lost her at thirteen, she was left with a hole in her life and feeling that she didn’t fit with her family, ultimately making her own way. When her father dies, also unexpectedly, she isn’t surprised to find she was not a part of his will. He did, however, leave her money from her mother. This gave her the chance to explore her heritage and return to her mother’s village. After impulsively buying the only home in the area in her price range, she heads to France.
Tempèsta finds her new home in less than stellar shape and her welcome to the village a mixed bag (see also: mayor who calls her a witch and throws her out of his shop). Slowly she finds her place, uncovers secrets, and discovers that sometimes life brings you back to where you need to be.
Runyan has woven a novel that will draw you into its beauty and magic and immerse you in its world while you wish you were there to enjoy it yourself in person. I am ready to book my ticket to the village of Saint-Colombe and meet everyone I read about!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Actual rating 4.25.

I've been a fan of Runyan's writing for many years now, and was very intrigued to hear that she was branching out from her usual historical fiction books to write a contemporary fiction story. The small village in France she created was like a lovely dream, definitely a place I'd like to visit, and the people seemed real. I had some issues with some of the interactions that didn't seem to be realistic, or in some instances weren't fully expressed, such as the resentfulness/anger of Tiberi towards Tempesta. That just never came through and was confusing when it was referred to later on. The magical realism was a fun touch, but I would've liked to see it delved into a bit deeper. The main issue for me was that this story stayed closer to the surface than I'd've liked, and I didn't get a great connection with the characters. I loved that Runyan included recipes for several of the items mentioned during the story, that's always a nice touch. Overall, it was a fun read and enjoyable to spend time in the village.

My thanks to Harper Muse, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5⭐️s rounded up. Beautiful descriptions of the food and herbs, and lots of fun in the recipes.

I liked Tempesta as a character and the difficulty she worked thru in belonging somewhere but having to fight to be accepted. I thought it was a relatable and well thought out plot line to invest in a city, but fight for your friends and decide whether to do the same for those who continually discount or reject you, or to let them go.

I do wish there was more description in the emotions of the characters. There were times in the dialogue, there would all the sudden be a basic descriptor on what the character felt and it sort of took me by surprise, as there was nothing else leading up to that emotion. Or it was just a quick mention and not deep where it would have given much more life. The descriptiveness in the recipes, smells, and plants were so well thought out and painted, it just seemed an odd contrast not to do the same for the people.

Also the magic part of this was a little odd. I didn’t hate it but it didn’t feel necessary to the story and made it a little fairy tale-ish.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

I've read a few of this author's books and enjoyed them so much. This one was excellent. A page turner for sure. It kept me turning the pages while also listening to the audio from my public library.

This is a stunning book. A story about family and how people in families sometimes treat each other. Or make a difference in children/grandchildren. This one starts out with Tempesta in her father's bedroom after his death. Her brother Wal is also there. They are the only children and stand to inherit the wealth their father left. Their Grandmother Luddington is also there. She's a real piece of work. I didn't like her at all....

When Wal basically inherits everything he and Tempesta are somewhat shocked. But Tempesta was left her mother's money. It was nothing in comparison but it was quite a bit and both Temp and Wal were happy about that. Grandmother Luddington was her usual selfish person and said some very mean things to Temp. Not to anyone's surprise either.

Tempesta took the money and went to France. She wanted to see where their mother was from and maybe get to know more about her. She had died when Temp was only thirteen and Temp had vivid memories of her and the stories she always told her about her home in France. Temp buys a place without seeing it and is sorely surprised at what she finds. She thinks it's never going to be fixable. But she learns better. She meets Tiberi and he fixes her house and greenhouse and her. Temp learns so much about herbs and plants and becomes a big hit in the town. after which she is finally accepted as one of them.

There is a lot going on in this book and it's all tied up so neatly and perfectly. From being a New York journalist who writes about restaurant, restaurant critic, to a village called Sainte-Colombe in France. Tempesta finds the belonging she longed for since the loss of her mother. She and her brother become close and her life is full.

I can picture the house in the country with the meadow surrounding it. The greenhouse. The main house. The roof even. The town with it's not at all modern shops. The people. Hills of lush greenery. It all looks so beautiful in my mind. That is how well this book is written.

Do not miss the author's notes at the end. And there are delicious sounding recipes after that. I may have to give at least one a try.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AimieKRunyan, #HarperMuse, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars...

Wow Loved it What a way to debut in a new genre of writing. Being one of my favourite historical authors, I thought I would try Aimie’s new book The Memories of Lavender and Sage. It was unputdownable, beautifully written, and a great story. I fell in love with the characters of this small French town, it left me wanting to be part of this small town. The description of oils, rubs etc was enough to get your taste buds and nose humming with excitement. Love, loss, heritage, tradition, family, finding confidence and growth all played a huge part in this highly recommended read. I look forward to reading more of not just Aimie’s historical fiction but also the contemporary novels in the future. 5 stars

I would like to thank Harper Muse, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheMemoryofLavenderandSage #NetGalley

Tempe has never lived up to her family expectations. Her mother died when she was young and the family has never been the same. When her dad dies and leaves her out of the will, she knows it is time to move on and get away. She takes what her French mother left her and buys a house in France. She is going to learn about her heritage and hopefully find peace.

There are so many things I love about this novel. It is very close to a 5 star read for me. I love Tempe. I love how she comes into her own and discovers who she wants to be and not what her family wants her to be. I love the old house she bought and the village in France. AND OH! The family secrets…one my favorite things in a novel! This story slows down a bit in the middle and is a bit repetitive in places. However, I fell for Tempe at the very first and she did not let me go!

I have read quite a few books by this author. And all have been wonderful. But, I do have a favorite. It is The School for German Brides. You cannot go wrong with a single one of her books.

I loved the narrator, Caroline Hewitt. She is perfect for Tempe. I truly listened to this in one day!

Need a story which will take you away…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

"In the space of a gap of a hummingbirds wing"...

If an author can transport me straight to the French Provençal Countryside, complete with all the sights, sounds, scents, and yes, savory tastes, without ever having to leave my couch or favorite reading nook... especially when it is narrated so beautifully, it is worthy of 5 stars for me. Aimie Runyan created such well-developed characters and immersed them in a most-vivid, atmospheric setting, I felt like I was touching the herbs with Tempesta. And Caroline Hewitt brough Tempesta and the rest of the characters to life, enriching the dialogue, and seamlessly navigating between dialect and languages,

The reason for the quote? It is one of many beautiful quotes that resonated with me as I listened to this wonderful contemporary fictional novel of a woman searching her roots in Provençal France. Now that I have my hands on a physical copy, I will be making those lemon verbena cookies and mint margaritas this weekend!! Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers for granting me the audiobook opportunity in exchange for my review.

The Memory of Lavender and Sage will draw you in and make you want to go the the French countryside! The story of a young woman finding where she fits in the world is heartwarming and rich with descriptive atmosphere. The characters are realistic, illustrating the lifstyle of the era and the place.
This is a novel to lift your spirit!

Pack your backs, because you will feel like you are in France! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this is to die for!!“The Memory of Lavender and Sage” tells the story of Tempesta, who is trying to reconnect with her mother’s past. Her mom died when she was thirteen so she decided to move to her mother’s hometown in France. The author did an amazing job of making me feel as if I were there. I appreciate all of the cooking tips. This was a new author to me, but I will definitely be checking out her other books. Many thanks to the author, Harper amuse and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Memory of Lavender and Sage is a story of self-discovery and found family with a side of baking and magical realism.

Tempèsta has lost both her parents and she uses a small inheritance from her mother to buy a run-down manor house in a small village where her mother had grown up. She is surprised by the cold welcome she receives from some villagers, but she is stubborn and resolves to stick with her plan and learn more about her mother in the process. Tempèsta discovers a great deal her own unique gifts and learns about her mother.

I always appreciate a theme of self-discovery and finding your true self. Tempèsta learns that she is more like her mother than she could have imagined.

One setting I especially enjoy is a small, rural village with quirky, colorful characters who provide opportunities for friendship and community. I love the sense of belonging and found family.

I impulsively seized the opportunity to read another book by Runyan after having loved A Bakery in Paris. I accepted the arc based on the author and didn’t look too closely at the synopsis. I was a little surprised that The Memory of Lavender and Sage is contemporary fiction with a generous side of magical realism. If you enjoy magical realism, you will find a lot to love here. Realism is my preference.

I recommend The Memory of Lavender and Sage for fans who appreciate a strong sense of place, a quaint village setting, themes of self-discovery and family themes, and magical realism. Recipes included!

Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheMemoryOfLavenderAndSage upon my request. All opinions are my own.

An absolutely stunning book. I loved Tempy and her search for a life to call her own. So many wonderful elements. Vivid descriptions that carry you to Provence with characters fully developed and touching scenes. It will stay in my mind and heart and instantly became a favorite. A vacation in a book with a touch of magic!

I really enjoyed the beautiful writing and storyline of The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie K. Runyan. Tempèsta was such a compelling, strong character! She cared so much about life and her own happiness, about connecting with her mother’s heritage, and resting. It was so easy to love her and cheer for her, especially as she rooted herself in her mother’s village, the lovely Sainte-Colombe. The descriptions of France, of food, and scenery were just amazing. I really enjoyed this book, though I was taken aback by the inclusion of magical realism/fantasy. Despite that, I was glad I stuck with the book and got to know Tempèsta as she got to know the wonderful people and France itself. I was especially glad to see that Tempèsta didn’t swoop in to change things in the village but rather worked with what was already going well to make it even better. A lovely book!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I have been a fan of Runyan’s for a while. Not only for her books but her baking tips. Her books are always so delicious, and will awaken your senses.

Tempesta Luddngton is a food critic whose mother died when she was a teen. When her father passes away her brother gets the majority of the money, while she gets her mothers belongings and a small sum.

She is happy to reconnect with her mother and her past. Tempesta uses what money she receives to buy a home in Saint-Colombe, where her mother grew up. She finds the home is disrepair and second guesses her choice, but will find out the value of community and hopefully find out more about her mother.

A beautiful story, where all your senses will be filled to the brim. I am not a green thumb, but Runyan’s novel makes me want to be have one.

Thank you Suzy Approved book Tours and Aimie K. Runyan for this novel which is out March 5.

Provence on a plate! Aimie Runyan delivers a delectable novel filled with flavorful characters searching for family and identity. Readers travel to Sainte-Colombe in the rolling hills of Provence to villages lined with terra-cotta tiled roofs and brightly painted shutters; housing families that have lived here for generations. The villagers have locked away grief, rejected family expectations, and the need for change.
Main character, Tempesta’s only connection to her late mother is a quilt and the memory of her scent, lavender and sage. Runyan’s descriptions of the landscapes are filled with the same vibrant colors that make up the quilt. Sainte-Colombe, declining in population, is a village with a café, a kitchen shop, and an outdoor market on Fridays. The history of the old language, Occitan, the suspicions and beliefs of villagers, and the challenges of accepting the past are revealed through colorful, endearing villagers who are helping Tempesta adjust from the hurried life of a NYC restaurant critic to a life where the “soil vibrates with potential.” Readers will relax as seeds of hope are sown in the characters. Tempy’s greenhouse filled with herbs is the perfect place for reflection as Runyan uses analogies of growing and plants to enrich the story.
The Memory of Lavender and Sage is a novel of contemporary fiction filled with optimism and finding joy in making things new again. Experience village life in Provence and the sheer beauty in rolling hills of lavender. But best of all become aware of the delicious aroma of herbs mingled with revelations that come from discovering one’s true gift.