Get ready to say "Yes, chef"

Fisher heads to a small town in Oregon to help start a restaurant, build some kind of relationship with his niece as her new guardian, and rehab his image. Sage is a collector of lost things, including animals. Forced to be neighbors, Fisher and Sage find more than each other.

Wow! This was such a good book! Here's what I loved.

Sage. She was such a great character. I loved her menagerie of animals and how she approaches her life in the small town. She is one of my top small town FMCs.

Fisher. Yes, I am now officially a chef fan.

The side characters. This town has all of the amazing quirky small town characters. You get to see them in their element, town meetings and all. This is a town I could get lost in.

The pace. I thought things moved really smoothly in this one. I was engaged the entire time!

All in all, an amazing spicy romcom!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

This was a wonderful love story. Sage and Fisher both need each other to get their lives back on track. Sage needs a partner for a cooking competition to show her recent, newly engaged ex that she has moved on and is living her best life. Fisher a hotshot NYC chef is recovering from the sudden death of his sister and custody of his teenage niece. They partner up for the cooking show and sparks begin to fly. This book will make you laugh, cry and cheer for Sage and Fishers HEA. Thank you #NetGalley for my ARC.

Very cute wholesome romance! I loved the small town vibes!! I enjoyed the story line of Sage and Fisher! Definitely recommend !

i really enjoyed this one! it's full of summer vibes and lots of emotional impact with a great cast of characters. the story is well-balanced with romance, personal growth and secondary characters, which i think the dual POV helped with. definitely a good book to take with you this summer :)

˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙ 3 / 5 ★ ˙⋆ ༶ .⁺ ˖

This was a very cute and enjoyable read 🌷

➴ Small town 🍃

➴ Summer vibes 🏝

➴ Summer love☀️

➴ Farm setting 🐶🐱🐴

➴ Slow burn 💗

➴ Friends with benefits 🙈

➴ Healthy relationship 🥰

➴ Good communication 😌

➴ Family/ Friendships Bonds 💕

➴ A stunning cover 💖💜

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.


❥ Main Characters 🌻 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹

𝓢𝓪𝓰𝓮 💐
She was a bomb of sunshine and flowers☀️ I completely adored her personality and all the beautiful values she had. She was a true believer in the importance of enjoying every single moment of life no matter what others could think, and I couldn’t agree more✨ she had a ton of animals, and I loved every single one of them. It made me want to have my own haha.

𝓕𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓻 🫐
A chef struggling with burnout, grief, and adaptation to new responsibilities. I liked his character who portrayed a very realistic one where he was struggling with his dream job but realizing that he wasn’t enjoying it anymore, nor did it make him happy. It was a complex process for him to find new things that made him happy, deal with his grief, try to improve his relationship with his niece, and be open to receiving love.

❥ My thoughts 💭 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹

➳ it took me a few chapters to “connect” at least a little bit with this book and to be able to continue with my reading. Maybe is a me-thing, idk. I tend to struggle with the first chapters and there are very few books that captivate me from the beginning. So... yeah

➳ this book tells us a story about grief, healing, self-discovery, burnout, family/friendship relationships, and love. I did enjoy my time reading this book after the first chapters and all the aspects mentioned, but I couldn’t truly connect with any of it, not even with the characters. I think the book lacked good dialogue and depth of the characters/plot. Like, it was all mentioned, but it was just… there. Nothing wow happened. Just the same things over and over about a festival, competition, some slow connection between them that I couldn’t feel, etc. But the aspects that really matter weren’t deepened, and I really wanted to be able to connect with this book and see the personal growth and development of characters. I wanted to feel that romance more. There were so many tropes that I love that had so much potential to be delivered in a better way. Also, I felt that the ending was a little bit rushed😭

➳ the communication in this book? *chef kiss* 🛐 we finally have a couple who can communicate all their feelings, emotions, and thoughts to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts✨

➳ this book leaves us with a very beautiful lesson: Savor it, savor everything. Enjoy the little things and joy of life. Enjoy all the details about everything, no matter how minimal they may seem. Enjoy the present and appreciate the moment and everyone around you. Enjoy your time alone- it’s not a bad thing. Learn to let go of wanting to control everything and savor that freedom. Try to accept that it is okay to change your mind about the things you like and want to do with your life and just enjoy the new opportunities. We don’t know what the future holds or what could happen tomorrow. So, let’s try to enjoy and appreciate a little bit more the present moments and just savor all of it💗😌

Anyways, despite the critics I just mentioned, I must accept that I did have a nice time reading this book🌷 I didn’t like some things, but it didn’t bother me to the point where it was unbearable. Nothing like that. Actually, it had some cute scenes, and I loved the lessons this book taught us. So, allow yourself to read it because we may have different perspectives about it, and just savor the moment💫

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˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷 ·˚ pre-read ˚ · ˖ I'm back in my romance era🥰💗 I just got approved for this arc, so I’m really excited about it💜💜 andd have you seen this cover? it's gorgeous 🛐✨

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and thank you NetGalley, for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review! <3

This book was cute, cute, cute. The book had a very Gilmore Girls feel to it because of all the characters and just everything about the town of Spunes itself. Sage and Fischer are swoony, heartwarming and overall sweet. You are rooting for them throughout the story and their communication is always on point which was super refreshing. Sage's house sounds like the best place in the world because she has a myriad of adorable animals. I want a book for all of Sage's siblings all so I can go back to this town and read more!

Sage Byrd loves her “little” life. She lives in a home she loves, has a loveable misfit crew of animals to care for, and is surrounded by her close friends and family. However, her 5-year relationship with the town-golden-boy ended, and now finds herself constantly pitied by the entire town, much to her dismay. Fisher Lange, a chef adrift, arrives in town for the summer to consult on a restaurant opening. He brings with him his niece, Indy, with whom he’s just taken guardianship of due to the unexpected passing of his sister.

Not too long after meeting, Sage and Fisher discover they can help each other out. Fisher can parade around as Sage’s new arm candy in order to get the town off her back, and Sage can give Fisher insider tips to smooth over the new restaurant’s intrusion on the small town. It’s an easy enough ruse that quickly develops into a deeper emotional and physical relationship, faster than either Sage or Fisher ever expected…

The tagline of “small-town charm, Big Feelings” is no joke! The emotional maturity both Sage and Fisher had was so refreshing! There are no miscommunication tropes here (pretty much), they are both having all the healthy convos and BIG TALKS. I was so proud of both of them for being so brave to speak out about their feelings. It’s hard to be honest and raw with a person, to discuss past trauma and open wounds with someone new. I felt that Fisher and Sage’s chemistry and story was much more believable considering the foundation that they laid.
Fisher was so perfectly imperfect, I loved him so much! Also, how was I crying over a goose?? (No geese were harmed in this book) The third act made perfect sense, managing to avoid the typical pitfalls. This story had everything I wanted in a book! I’ll be sure to check out Tarah DeWitt’s other books, she’ll be a must read for me!

Savor It is out May 21, 2024.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, Netgalley.

General Thoughts: Isn’t this cover gorgeous? This book was set in a fun small town and had gripping and intriguing characters. It had a surprising depth to it, and was a book reminiscent of Gilmore Girls in many ways. I went in with very high expectations, which the book ultimately didn’t meet, but I can’t say why. I think that was a me problem. Sage was such a fun an interesting FMC, though, with how much care and love she showed everybody. Intriguing book that wasn’t quite for me, but a well done one all the same.

The first half of the book was a bit slow for me, but the second half was great. I think the pacing may have been the problem for me. However, I think most will really enjoy this book, and I'll definitely read more by the author.

Spice Meter: ❤️‍🔥.5 Fairly tame and not graphic.

Romantic Tropes
-small town
-Gilmore Girl vibes
-Sunshine FMC
-just one summer
-opposites attract
-neighbors
-slow slow burn

You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.

I hate to say this, but I really struggled with this book. The characters were likeable, especially Sage, the female main character, and Indy, the male main character's niece that he is raising. I just wish they could have added more of a relationship between these two, even with more "funny" elements with Indy.

I just did not feel the chemistry between Sage and Fischer. The pacing really felt off, as it took way too long to really get anywhere, especially with characters that I liked but didn't really develop like they should.

Some people may really love this, and I hope they do. The premise of a small town and love always warms my heart. It was just a bit too disjointed for me.

Oh I loved this so much! Fisher and Sage are so good together and I felt like I was rooting for them the whole time! Just such a sweet story and I really didn't want it to end. I absolutely adore Tarah Dewitt's writing and I can't wait to see what she does next!!

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for my digital ARC!!

⭐️: 4/5

Sage has lived in Spunes, Oregon her whole life, but when her ex, the town’s golden boy, gets engaged, she finds that she really needs a win in her life. Fisher was a hotshot NYC chef, but when he gains custody of his teenage niece and loses a Michelin star, his boss sends him to Spunes to open a new project of hers. When he arrives, he finds the townspeople hesitant to accept him, so he forms a mutually beneficial alliance with Sage. Amid their growing attraction to each other, the summer begins to slip away too fast, as they try to savor every moment together.

This was my first book by Tarah DeWitt, although I’ve heard good things about her previous books too, and this one also didn’t disappoint. The writing style was easy to read in a pretty typical romcom way, and the banter between the two main characters was of a high quality. I loved the small town vibes, and it delivered on everything you’d want out of a small town romance. I’m such a sucker for a book with descriptions of food in it too, so this one was perfect for that. As the weather starts to get warmer, these are exactly the type of books I crave, since they’re feel-good, spicy, and make you believe in good things happening to good people. I will definitely be checking out some of DeWitt’s other books now!!

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this free eARC for my review!!

I loved this! Seeing Fisher take a step back and get his chef magic back and Sage start to go after her dreams was so fun! This small town has so much heart and tradition it’s easy to fall in love with!

I FINALLY FINISHED SAVOR IT! It took me a long time because idk why but once I got into it, I could not put it down! This was my first book by Tara DeWitt and I will definitely read more!

Sage and Fisher are such likable characters and together they're even more loveable.

Some of my favorite quotes by them:
"I want you to know that to me, you're everything. I love that you're full of terrible puns that you're not afraid to follow with profound wisdom." "You're all the shapes made perfectly to hold me, and you're all my favorite colors."
"He didn't fix me, and I didn't heal him, but we loved each other wholly."
“It’s been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage"

Read Savor It if you like the following:
-small-town romance
-opposites attract
-friends with benefits
-summer romance
-dual POV

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

Savor It was ridiculously adorable - from the small town charm and sometimes crazy antics of its residents, to the amazing collection of animals Sage has collected through the years, and finally to the pun-filled banter and heart-wrenching chemistry between Sage and Fisher - this book was excellent! You will likely laugh and cry - probably in the same chapter. I really hope she turns this into a series - I need more books with Sage's brothers! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this novel.

This is my first Tarah Dewitt book and it will not be my last! Sage and Fisher deserve the whole entire world and I loved their story so so much. The deep emotions that this book brought out of me will stick with me for awhile. I could not get enough of this story!

A sweet, punny, and heartfelt small town romance. I often feel that romance authors put too much emphasis on jamming all the popular tropes into their stories, but this one felt natural (albeit sometimes sappy and over-the-top) in a refreshing way. A great feel-good summer read!

Tarah DeWitt is a new-to-me author, but I can tell you I'll be seeking out her other books pronto. This book made me smile, made me sigh, tore my heart out and stomped on it, then put me back together again with a smile. I can't ask for anything more than that. Truly a luscious and lovely romance filled with imperfect but wonderful characters, strong relationships and adorable rescue animals to boot.

Sage is the sunshiniest of sunshiny FMCs. She teaches eighth grade, is a favorite of her students, and can't seem to stop herself from rescuing unwanted animals and bringing them home. Life has handed her lemons in many ways, from losing her parents very young, being raised by her older brothers, and recently being dumped by her long-time BF in favor of a former friend who moved back to town. Still she chooses to see the good in people, and the magic in small, ordinary moments and events. She's enthusiastic, slightly quirky, lives for a good pun, and is someone I'd love to be friends with.

Fisher is a former hotshot NYC chef who achieved the pinnacle of his profession, then lost a Michelin star, unloaded on a critic, and lost his job. On top of that, he lost his older sister in an accident and is now the guardian to his 15 resentful 15 YO niece. He's trying hard to reach her and be there for her, but she can't forgive him for initially leaving her in the care of her grandparents when her mom first died and doesn't trust him. To top it off, he drags her to Oregon for the summer for a temporary consulting gig for a new restaurant opening. Fisher isn't initially grumpy per se, just very guarded. Watching him open up, loosen up, and blossom in Sage's gentle presence is just lovely.

Initially, Sage and Fisher strike a strategic alliance, but it quickly turns into more as these two wounded souls find solace and healing in each other's presence, not to mention so much sexual tension that they are both going a little batty from all the hormones. Sage helps Fisher and his niece start buiding bridges toward each other, and inspires him start rediscovering his love of cooking, while he doesn't hesitate to show her how wonderful he thinks she is and rebuilds her somewhat shattered self-confidence.

I loved that Sage and Fisher actually acted their ages. They talked things out and didn't let misunderstandings fester. They were both caring and supportive of each other and they clicked together so well. There's not conflict between them but they do face a challenge in that Sage would never leave Spunes, whereas Fisher is committed to going back to NYC and regaining his career. The supporting characters were all great, and Sage's menagerie (the huge wolfhound, rescue Clydesdale, 3 legged cat, and Gary the goose, who imprints on Fisher's unsuspecting niece) were wonderful. I'm so happy that I chose to request this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Sage Advice: “Whenever you think too little of the world, try to remember that’s somewhere, something, or someone is always waiting to be known.”

Tarah Dewitt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I was hooked after reading Funny Feelings and didn’t think she could get any better. I was wrong! I started this book and finished it in the same day. I just couldn’t put it down. 1) Her call backs to previous books make me so happy and 2) As an original Twihard, the little references to Twilight make me SO happy!

“It’s exactly midnight when the headlights shine on the town’s welcome sign, which states: Spunes, Oregon (Not to be confused with Forks, Washington)…”

A down and disgraced chef, Fisher Lange, is making his way across the country from New York to spent the summer under the radar. His plan, spend the time planning Starhopper’s menu and kitchen set up for Spunes brand new high end restaurant. Fisher lost one of the three Michelin stars at his previous restaurant. He’s burned out, unemployed and is trying to navigate a relationship as new guardian over his niece, Indy, after the death of sister and her mom. His first night in Spunes he wildly experiences an “intruder”, nosey small town police and his neighbor/property manager, Sage, in a cow print robe.

Fisher quickly realizes he’s the outsider in the small town, he’s not prepared to be a parent to Indy and he’s hit rock bottom. But…his new neighbor, farmer and animal rescuer, Sage, the woman who carries her heart in her fist, shows up in their lives like a gentle hug just when they need it. And, she just may have a way to help him get an in with the townspeople.

”…every time we meet, I find myself stirred by a strange mix of familiarity and mystery in him, like he’s a puzzle I’d love to solve.”

Sage has her own story of loss that has changed her in big ways. She still grieves, but has found a way through. She may just have some “Sage” advice she can offer them. She definitely gets more than she’s planned for when she starts to fall for Fisher. They’ve got major chemistry and their flirtation is so hot! Now, they have to figure out how to navigate the temporary. “Summer won’t last forever,” and they are so lost for each other.

”I’ve seen bashful Fisher, self-deprecating Fisher… and now I’m getting glimpses of confident, flirtatious Fisher. It seems entirely genuine, not a mask he’s slipping on, maybe more like a hat he was meant to wear. And lord help me, I like this version of him, too, even if it makes me feel like I’m trying to balance on the tips of my toes.”

The depth and honesty of each of the main characters, the small town feel, comedy, romance and the emotion that I felt throughout are what made this the perfect mix for me. I don’t offer a lot of 5 stars, but this one is a 5 star read for me. I’ll definitely be revisiting Spunes, Oregon again!

Trigger warnings from Tarah herself: grief, death of a loved one (occurs off-page), career burnout, bodily injury (occurs off-page).

All handled with such gentleness and care.

A special thank you to NetGalley, Tarah Dewitt and St. Martin’s press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for a review.

This was an adorable small town romance. City boy meets small town girl. Sage is such a sweetheart and is just trying to fit in a town that already adores her, she just doesn’t know it. Fisher is dealing with some demons of his own including becoming the guardian to his niece after the death of her mom. This was a beautiful story of fate bringing two people together who needed each other and thriving once they got there. I’m also obsessed with the farm setting, all of the animals including one love struck goose, and the fact that Sage and Fisher are neighbors for the summer is just the perfect romcom setting. The only thing that kind of bothered me was how many times “savor it” was used throughout. I know it’s the title but for some reason it stood out more than usual and honestly didn’t effect my rating 🤣

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt is one of my new favorite books. The small-town vibe this book delivered was immaculate. I also loved both of our characters. Watching them grow together was so special. This was my first book by Tarah, I think it's safe to say I will be picking up more!!