DNF’d TEMPORARILY. I plan to come back eventually, but life’s too short to not read exactly what you’re in the mood for. I found myself skimming and not getting into or caring about the story as much as I wanted. The writing was good, so no fault to the author (which is why I’m giving it 4 stars until I can finish), just my own personal reading mood right now. However, so far it’s been both funny and emotional, which is the perfect recipe for a contemporary romance!

Such a good book! Sweet and funny, but also with a little spice. I loved Sage and Fisher, as well as Indy and all the other secondary characters. Small town feel with a cute hobby farm thrown in.

Hoping for this to be a series… Wren’s book next?!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Savor It to come out May 21, 2024.

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this via NetGalley & am SO glad I did. This was a book I was torn over reading as fast as I could & wanting to slow down and savor every word/scene. Sage & Fisher are 2 of the best characters I've read in a while and the cast of animal characters stole the show, in my opinion. If you love stories with characters who have issues they need to work through but embrace what's available regardless of time limits this book is for you. Be warned, there are some sex scenes so if that is not for you, you've been warned. Overall a solid 4.25 star read & I look forward to reading more of Tarah's books.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's for this ARC in exchange for a review and my honest opinion!

Light and funny and full of heart, DeWitt’s Savor It, is exactly what you’d want from a romcom, and then some. A story of finding yourself — intertwining your old self with the new, reinventing yourself, watering yourself, and planting yourself in soil anew. Savour It encourages us to taste and bask in the flavour of all the small joys in life, just because! But also because EVERY version of yourself deserves it. Not only did DeWitt’s book contain meaningful life lessons that had me continuously pausing to reflect with tear-filled eyes, but her characters were a complete delight to read about. They elicited genuine joy. Witty, unique, and full of life — I found laughter, bright and true, bubbling out of me at those precious moments of comedic relief that DeWitt so lovingly placed throughout her story. This was provided to us by her wonderful characters, characters who were quite literally human, but also included furry, four-legged ones too. Each and every one of them had a distinct personality and added a special something to the story. They ALL were incredibly likable. Sorry, I meant LOVEABLE. They all were incredibly loveable. So down to earth and so very relatable, I found pieces of myself in each one. There is no doubt that DeWitt put her whole heart into this. Her words were strung together so beautifully, dialogue flowed so naturally — I could’ve sworn that I was hearing these people outside my open window! But then, I remembered that this is the sort of magic you can only find in the pages of a beautiful book. And when I picked up this one, I only hoped for an enjoyable and quick read, but I was left appreciating the small wonders of life and had a heart that was a bit more full than before, actually not wanting the book to end too soon and wanting to savour it, as this story suggests.

This was the first book of DeWitt’s that I read (if you have a bewildered expression on your face, I know! I can now hardly believe it myself) and I was blown away. I will absolutely be picking up more by her, as I’d love to experience these feelings all over again.

My rating? 4.5 stars? 4.75 stars?? Possibly 5 stars??? I promised myself that I’d rate books a little after I sat with them, so I don’t just rate them off the initial high I experience once I finish them. But I’ll have you know, this book captured my heart from start to finish. I was full of emotion from beginning to end. So, even without taking my official rating into consideration, please read this book if you want to be momentarily brought back to life.

*more detailed, possibly more coherent, review to come: this story releases May 21st, 2024!*

I've never read anything from Tarah DeWitt before, and now Im off on a search to see what else she's written so I can dive in!

This is a beautiful small town rom-com, but I absolutely love the dynamics of newly raising a teenager being such an integral part of the story. I was rooting for Indy as a whole, just as much, if not more than I was for Sage and Fisher. The book has romance, farm animals, scenes that will crush you, and scenes that will have you laughing out loud.

A very good, quick read.

This book will be on my mind daily for the next year. It is such a beautiful and raw story, touching on difficult topics of grief and mental health, learning how to fit in, not letting others take advantage of you, experiencing with change and overcoming difficulties.

This book did what few can do: make me cry and laugh, sometimes in the same chapter. I think I highlighted close to 300 different lines/passages and I can’t wait for May to share my favorites!

There is nothing I love more than a book written by Tarah Dewitt. I don’t even know how to begin to talk about how much I loved this book??? I knew right away I was going to love it. And this is Tarah’s best writing. And that’s saying a lot?? Because all of her books are PERFECT. But this new town, all new the characters, it’s a new era and I cannot wait to see where she takes us.

full rtc when I can properly sort my thoughts.

But read this book. Preorder this book. Love this book. It’s perfection.

Thanks to Netgalley & SMP for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Savor It for an honest review. Thank you to Net Galley, St Martin's Press, and Tarah Dewitt! This was recommended to me by an instagram friend, and I read this one the same afternoon that I got it and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

Savor It was a lovely, small town summer romance set in Spunes, Oregon. Sage has been floating adrift since her break up with her long time boyfriend and could really use a win. Fisher, a fancy New York chef is being sent on a summer sabbatical with his niece, Indy, who he has recently become the guardian of. When Fisher and Indy move into the house opposite Sage's farm, they find the perfect way to solve both of their problems - pretending to date!

I loved Sage's little family of weird and wonderful animals, and the way that the relationships developed between Sage and Fisher but also Indy with them both as well. Seeing them all grow and realise what they want was so lovely to read. This was my first Tarah Dewitt book but it certainly will not be my last. This one doesn't come out until 21st May 2024 but I can't recommend this one enough.

how am i suppose to move on from sage and fisher?! loved this one so incredibly much. if tarah writes it, i’m reading…simple as that.

loved the character growth. loved the small coastal town. and the chemistry between sage and fisher was just absolute perfection and so well written. i love them! dare i say, tarahs best one yet! cannot WAIT to buy my copy in may!

so grateful to NetGalley for the ARC!

“It’s misery. It’s agony. It’s bliss. Why is it that someone hugging you and holding you together can make you feel like you’re about to shatter?”

I have one word for you: Geese. 🪿🪿

It will make sense once you pick up this beautiful book. It’s achingly tender and wildly sexy, and somehow intensely funny at times, something I’m quickly learning that Dewitt is a master at.

Sage, the female lead, is sweet and quirky, and she keeps her dreams just the right size. Fisher, the male lead, is passionate and quiet around most people, and he is considering what it looks like when his dreams, now fulfilled, aren’t quite as satisfying as he thought they would be. It’s special to watch them figure out how to navigate new dreams and realities together.

Perfect for fans of:
✨small town romances
✨grumpy-sunshine love stories
✨Stars Hollow vibes
✨The Bear
✨rescue animals
✨complicated families

Tara never misses in her ability to write uniquely realistic love stories. Her exploration of characters who are witty and quirky provides a levity that pulls on your heartstrings.

Sage is at a bit of a crossroads after coming out of a long-term relationship. She knows her worth, and just wants to be valued and wanted. She’s fun, charming, and witty. Then she gets a new summer neighbor who’s the exact opposite. A grumpy, disheveled, lost chef named Fisher who’s recently taken guardianship of his niece and here to make a menu for the new restaurant opening in town.

When they can’t help but spend time together, they figure out new joys in life. And that maybe an opposite is what they need to feel complete.

I love Sage and Fisher both individually, but love them more together. It’s almost like they’re timid but really they’re just guarded. All the crazy antics help them build a foundation that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I adore them.

The most unique part of this book was Sage’s animals serving almost as side characters. They brought so much lightness and hilarity.

I’m hoping this becomes a series and Sage’s brothers get stories because the family dynamic was amazing, and I want more.

Gahhh I fell in love with Sage and Fisher so hard! Do yourselves a favor and just read Savor It.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: 5.21.24

This is Tarah Dewitt’s best work yet. For those who loved Funny Feelings, this book had the same beautiful sentimentality and tenderness.
Both Sage and Ford are loveable and well-rounded characters. Sage is sunshine, without being cloying. She is struggling with prioritizing herself as she gives so much to others. Ford is unpacking a lot of baggage, and handling changes in his career. His love for her and his niece was beautiful. I love reading two characters who love each other so freely while dealing with their struggles. I think Tarah has this inane ability to write characters dealing with journeys of self-love and improvement, and characters who help each other grow.
For those who love small-town romances, what sets this one apart is how developed the secondary characters and scenery felt. Even those who made brief cameos just felt so real. It was giving Stars Hollow in Oregon in the BEST way. I am desperately hoping she continues building stories in this town, especially Wren and Ellis!
A deserved shoutout to all the cute animals in this book. Gary the goose is an absolute icon, and I will be thinking about him forever.
--
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tarah infused this book with love. I loved the romance between Fisher and Sage, but I was also captivated by all the other types of love showcased in this book: love between siblings, love between friends, love between the town of Spunes and how they helped Sage and her brothers after their parents death. I also loved the development of Indy's character throughout this book.

I think one of the poignant things that Tarah captures with this book is how she shows the difference Sage makes in Fisher's life by being completely open with him. The difference they make in each others lives by loving each other is beautiful.

Now I would just like a second chance romance for Wren and Ellis!

Savor It was by far THE BEST book I have read in 2023 and may have made its way into my top 5 books EVER. Five stars is simply not enough. I will never be able to properly explain the number of feelings this has elicited from me- from one end of the spectrum with pain and sadness to the other with joy and contentedness, I felt them all and everything in between. I loved Fisher and Sage (and Indy!) with all my heart. It goes without saying this is Tarah's best writing yet.

I have often found myself wishing I could go back and experience the feeling of reading my favorite book for the first time because when you are in the moment and don't realize what the book will end up meaning to you, you don't appreciate the experience as much. Lucky for me, I had a very strong inkling this book would be a great one just from the PLAYLIST. So many of the songs are personal favorites (Love You For A Long Time is my favorite song ever)- so that gave me a hint that this book would be right up my alley. That allowed me to- apologies for being corny- savor it. I paused many times in the midst of reading to really acknowledge not only what the story was making me feel, but also what the experience of reading a favorite book for the first time feels like. I am so grateful I was able knowingly experience that this time around.

I am so hopeful this book will spur into a series following Sage's brothers (and hopefully Indy one day too!). I will never get over the world of Spunes and know I will returning to this book over and over again.

Thank you Tarah & St. Martin's for allowing me to read this early!

3 stars
"Savor It" is a delightful romantic comedy that effortlessly combines humor, heart, and a dash of whimsy. Written by Tarah DeWitt, this book takes readers on a charming journey through the ups and downs of modern romance.

The story follows the endearing protagonist, Sage Byrd, a quirky and relatable individual who finds themselves entangled in a series of comical misadventures on the quest for love. The author skillfully weaves together witty dialogue, humorous situations, and genuine emotions, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The romantic elements are beautifully balanced with laugh-out-loud moments, making it a perfect feel-good read. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their banter adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The supporting cast of friends and family members adds depth and warmth, creating a well-rounded and engaging ensemble.

"Savor It" not only delivers on the promise of a heartwarming love story but also explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The author's writing style is both light-hearted and engaging, making it a quick and enjoyable read for anyone in need of a romantic escape.

In conclusion, "Savor It" is a delightful rom-com that successfully combines humor, romance, and relatable characters. It's a charming escape that leaves readers with a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts—a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Tarah DeWitt, for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

live, laugh, love Tarah Dewitt.

Absolutely adored this new novel by Tarah Dewitt! As soon as Tarah announced Savor It was available for download for 48 hours, I IMMEDIATELY hopped on NetGalley to download and start reading. Tarah has a way of writing such deep and flawed characters that you just want to root for. I flew through this book and enjoyed every second of it. Sage and Fisher may just be my new favorite Dewitt couple!

It doesn't seem to normally be Tarah's style to write more than one book with the same characters/areas, but I NEED to know what happens with Ellis and Wren! Fingers crossed we eventually get their story??

Thank you Tarah Dewitt, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for making this title available!

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review 💘 I'll post my full review once the book gets officially published, but here's the non-spoilery version:

I want to have words with Tarah DeWitt because I don't understand how she managed to put my feelings and thoughts into these pages. I found pieces of myself in both Sage and Fisher, they were constantly trying but always felt like things weren't enough, how Sage was always there for everyone without getting much in return and how she didn't felt extraordinary and reading Fisher's words to her felt like a hug, definitely needed that.

I'm writing this seconds after finishing and everything is blurry because of all the tears that escaped while reading that last bit of the book. Those last pages were done BEAUTIFULLY, the overall message is incredible and I loved how everything fit into place. (Can't wait to talk about this with specific scenes and quotes)

Love a good small town romance that takes me back to some semblance of Stars Hollow (the fights with Martha and the town meetings? LOVE THAT). I can totally see this as a series, would definitely love to read more about the Byrd siblings and go back to Spunes.

This is my first time reading the author's work and I can't believe that it took my being invited to read this new title to even hear about Ms DeWitt.

At any rate, the synopsis appealed, I grabbed it, and immediately started reading (despite having sooner publishing books to read. And as to my TBR list? Well, this novel pulled me right in and I read it over two days.

Sage and Fisher are both great main characters, the secondary characters are more fleshed out, and the storyline moves realistically. I laughed at parts and teared up at others.

There are some triggers here (off page deaths and on page grieving), but I still found this story easy to read and enjoy.

I will definitely read more by Ms. Dewitt.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the DRC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tarah Dewitt has become a must read author for me, so Savor It was one of the books I was most looking forward to in 2024. So when she announced that it would be available for 48 hours on NetGalley I set an alarm on my phone so I wouldn't miss it.

I love Farley & Meyer from Funny Feelings and Tati & Henry from Rootbound, but I think I love Sage & Fisher the most. Sage is my absolute favorite Tarah Dewitt FMC. She is hilarious and kind and, as Fisher says, "vast". She is an exceptionally complex character. Fisher is a fantastic MMC. He is observant and introspective. He goes to therapy! He had me repeatedly squealing and kicking my feet and thinking "yes chef". 😂

This is a romance novel so I don't think it's a spoiler to say that the MCs end up together lol. But what surprised me, was that around 90% I had the thought that if these characters didn't end up together I would be really sad, but I would also understand it. The reasons that could pull them apart were so believable and it was heartbreaking. Once again, Tarah made me cry in the last 10%.

This book is Dual POV (which we know I love) but it was done slightly differently and I really enjoyed it. Multiple times, during scenes I was wishing I could have both POVs, she would go to the next chapter and then back up and tell the same scene from the other perspective. It was very cool and I liked it very much. I don't think I've read a Dual POV done like this before.

I love the side characters in this book. Indy is great and I want a YA novel just about her. The town of Spunes, OR (not to be confused with Forks, WA) is a side character all on its own, and I want to go back to time and time again, so the fact that Tarah teased a Spunes No. 2 a few weeks ago is very exciting. Now I just need to figure out time travel so I can read Wren & Ellis' second chance story immediately.

I can't wait for this book to be published (May is so far away!) so that everyone can read it.

Read November 15-17, 2024