miss tarah knows how to right a romcom that is part emotional and part funny. this book tugged on my heart strings so hard I wasn’t expecting it. I spent such a lovely time in the company of sage and fisher! I AM SOOOO EXCITED TO READ LEFT OF FOREVER I KNOW THIS BOOK IS GONNA BE INCREDIBLE

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt is a super sweet, feel-good romance that’ll make you smile and swoon. The story follows Ethan and Grace, two people who are thrown together because of a food festival, and sparks fly right away. Ethan’s a chef, Grace is a food critic, and there’s a lot of delicious (pun intended) tension between them. They’re both dealing with their own personal stuff, but their connection is undeniable.

What I loved about this book is how much it focuses on food as a way to bring people together. But it’s not just about the food, it’s also about the emotional connection between Ethan and Grace. They’re both flawed, but they’re also really relatable and easy to root for. The romance is sweet but doesn’t feel rushed, and I loved watching them grow together.

The pacing is great, and there’s a good mix of humor, heart, and a little bit of drama. It’s the kind of book that’s perfect for when you need a light, comforting read with just the right amount of romance.

This was such a fun Summer Romance! I absolutely fell in love with Fisher and Sage. Fisher is in town only for the summer, burned out from his life a professional chef but determined to get his spark back by helping open a new restaurant in the small town of Spunes, Oregon. And not only is he burned out but he is also now responsible for his teenage niece, none to happy to be living the small town life. But an unexpected neighbor, Sage, the hometown sweetheart, is just what both of them needed to get their lives back on track.

And summer fling along the way between Fisher and Sage definitely sweetened the deal of having to deal with small town life. I loved that Sage’s hobby farm added such a fun element that had me laughing at all the mishaps and animal shenanigans. And the town “race” gave the best forever proximity of having to work together and I loved it all their shared puns! This romance was just what I needed to brighten my day.

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt was such a cute, wholesome read.
The chemistry between Sage and Fisher felt slightly superficial and the tension was a little surface level at times but overall I enjoyed the relationship!
Some parts were pretty slow, but if you continue on it picks up.

This was a pretty standard rom-com, but it definitely delivered on being light and fluffy. There were some moments in here that were deep, but overall, this was such a good read.

4.5 Stars

I enjoyed Sage and Fischers relationship, but there were just a few nitpicky things that kept this from being a 5 star for me, but I am super excited for Wren and Ellis's second chance story!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Savor It by Tarah DeWitt!

SAVOR IT has two of my favorite tropes -- small town romance and fake dating! I adore Tarah DeWitt's writing style and the swoony love stories she creates. Sage and Fisher were an unlikely pair that I couldn't get enough of. I adored Fisher's relationship with his niece and the relationship Sage created with her as well :)

This book had me daydreaming about the fictional town of Spunes, Oregon!! SAVOR IT has perfectly set up for the sequel with the characters that were introduced, and I can't wait to return to Spunes!

This book has officially put me back in my small town romance era! If sweet and spicy summer romances are your thing, you need to add this to your TBR.

This book was sweet and more complex than I’d initially anticipated. I loved the setting, with folks trying to find their places in a small town. There was a bit of drama, but not too much and I really appreciated that.

Ugh, Tarah DeWitt does it again. Sage and Fisher were one of may favorite couples by her, only topped by Farley and Meyer.

Sage Byrd has been loving her simple life in her small town -- she loves her hobby farm and her animals, and she thought she loved her long term boyfriend, until he unexpectedly broke up with her. Now she just wants the town to stop pitying her, and she thinks the best way to do that is to enter the town's annual summer competition with her new neighbor... who is a very talented chef that isn't winning over the townspeople like he needs to be.
After the death of his sister and the loss of his Michelin star, Fisher Lange's boss sends him and Indy (his teenage niece that he is now the guardian of) to the small town of Spunes, Washington to consult on a restaurant opening and get his creative spark back. Instead, he arrives in a town that is insistent on making the restaurant opening not happen, and a neighbor with a bunch of crazy animals.
What started out as Sage boosting Fisher's town image and Fisher being Sage's competition partner quickly turns into stolen kisses and the healing of emotional wounds. They said that they only had the summer together, and they would try to Savor every moment, but both of them feel like the summer is rushing by too quickly and they need more time together.

Another fun and spicy dual POV romance book that also just hits me right in the feels and made me cry. The relationship between Sage and Fisher that matured from friends to more, all while having a mature approach to life, but they were also able to banter >>> I also loved Indy in this book, and how much she loved Sage's animals (even if it was in secret some times). Savor It was full of small town vibes, fun puns, great character building, essential side characters, and well written spicy scenes. I would definitely read this/listen to the audiobook again!

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Savor It, is the first book I’ve read by Tarah DeWitt. I’m not going to lie, it started off a little rocky for me.

The beginning of the story seemed to be in need of some serious editing as there was way too much showing and not enough telling in giant long info dumps. There wasn’t a lot of dialogue and I understand the characters backstory was being built, but it just dragged at times.

But I’m glad I stuck with it, as somewhere around the half way mark, the story tightened up and I got sucked into the love story of Sage and Fisher.

A small town romance set in Spunes, Oregon (yes, I know), with quirky characters, nosy neighbors, and honest to good people, even though the town name made me cringe, I got sucked into the world building.

Sage loved hers small town, her huge garden and collection of rescued animals. When Fisher, a chef looking to redeem himself, and his niece Indy, move to Spunes for the summer, sparks fly.

I ended up loving Savor It and am looking forward to reading more by Tarah DeWitt.

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt is a sweet, light-hearted romance with plenty of charm. The story follows two characters who find love in unexpected places, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. While the writing is engaging and the premise is enjoyable, the plot can feel a bit predictable at times, and some of the character development is lacking. Overall, it’s a fun read

This was a cute fun romance. Very enjoyable. I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.

Honestly, I applied for this book, went through a whole international move from South Korea back to the United State and completely forgot I applied to get this ARC, bought the book and only found out recently that I received it....
Looking back I remember it being a great read, that I gave five stars on Goodreads. Tarah never fails me and I am forever a sucker for chef romances. This book also set up one of my most anticipated stories of 2025 and I can't wait to let Tarah get me with all of the second chance romance feelings that made me fall in love with her writing in the first place (Looking at you, The Co-Op!)

Sage Byrd has lived in small town Spunes all of her life. She owns a farm where she keeps rescued animals, is a teacher, enjoys gardening, and is dealing with the after effects of dating someone for 5 years who is already engaged to her former friend.

Fisher Lange rents the farmhouse next to Sage to get a fresh perspective after getting custody of his niece, Indy when his sister passed away. As they mourn the loss, he is overseeing construction and creating a new menu for his boss's restaurant in Spunes.

This was a sweet summer rom-com. The small town of Spunes has a host of interesting secondary character and I loved the chemistry between Sage and Fisher. I loved how enamored he was with Sage and showed how much better he was for her than Ian, Sage's aggravating, goldenboy, ex-boyfriend. The family dynamics between Fisher and Indy and Sage and her family were just as important and lovable.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC. Savor It is out now. If you love small town romance, this one is for you.

Tarah DeWitt has such a unique and original way of writing romance to me. I have loved every book I've read of hers. Savor It may be my new favorite. I loved the characters and the whole storyline. I didn't want this one to end! Sage and Fisher were so lovable as well as all the side characters. I would absolutely love to just continue reading a series about all the residents of Spoons, Oregon. This is such a great small town romance I could easily go back and re-read this over and over again. For anyone looking for a refreshing romance read, this should be a top priority.

Tarah writes incredible characters, settings, and stories. Savor It is a fun and meaningful romance with excellent humor, thoughtful themes, and delicious relationships.

Tarah DeWitt's Savor It is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that combines love, self-discovery, and the magic of good food. With lush descriptions, charming characters, and a poignant message about savoring life's moments, this book is perfect for fans of cozy romances with depth. Here's why it deserves a spot on your shelf!

Top 5 Reasons to Read Savor It:

1. A Unique Culinary Twist That Will Leave You Craving More: The setting and focus on food bring a sensory richness to the story. DeWitt's description of the art of cooking and its connection to emotions will have you craving delicious meals and heartfelt moments. The culinary elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the reading experience.

2. Lovable, Relatable Characters You'll Want to Befriend: Sage, the protagonist, is wonderfully complex—a mix of vulnerability, strength, and wit. Fisher, the love interest, is equally layered, bringing depth to their dynamic and making their romance feel authentic. Their personal growth and the challenges they face make them relatable and endearing.

3. A Beautiful Slow-Burn Romance: DeWitt takes time to develop Sage and Fisher's relationship, allowing readers to feel their chemistry grow. The payoff is sweet, emotional, and worth every page of buildup. The slow-burn nature of their romance adds to the anticipation and makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

4. Themes of Healing and Self-Love: This isn't just a romance—it's also a story about finding yourself after loss and learning to embrace joy again. The emotional journey is as rewarding as the romantic one. DeWitt handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, making the characters' growth feel genuine and impactful.

5. Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere That Will Make You Feel Right at Home: From the charming small-town setting to the warmth of shared meals, Savor It creates a comfortable world that's easy to lose yourself in. It's a perfect escape read that still feels grounded in reality. The detailed descriptions of the town and its inhabitants add to the book's charm and make it a delightful read.

Why Not 5 Stars?

As much as Savor It excels, a few minor flaws prevented it from being a perfect 5-star read. While the slow-burn romance is a highlight, the book's middle section feels stretched, with scenes that could have been condensed to maintain momentum. While Sage and Fisher shine, some side characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. They need more depth and complexity to make them more engaging and integral to the story. Furthermore, the story follows some familiar romance beats, sometimes making it predictable. For instance, the resolution of specific conflicts or the direction of the romance may be anticipated by experienced romance readers. A few more surprises or subversions of the genre would have added an extra spark.

Final Thoughts:

Savor It is a cozy, heartfelt romance that encourages readers to slow down, savor life, and open themselves to love. With its emotional depth and charming atmosphere, Tarah DeWitt's novel is a delightful addition to contemporary romance. Despite its minor flaws, such as the slightly stretched middle section and the underdeveloped supporting characters, it's a satisfying and beautifully written story that will leave you warm and fuzzy.

I recommend it to Tessa Bailey and Abby Jimenez fans and anyone who loves food-themed romances with an emotional core.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This one just wasn't it for me. I have read one other of Dewitt's book and enjoyed it but I just couldn't get into the characters & the setting. I am bummed but can understand why a ton of people love it.

This is the first book I've read from Tarah and I absolutely loved it. A bit moodier of a contemporary while still managing to feel lighthearted and not too heavy. The romance was very sweet, a slow burn from strangers to friends to lovers which I thought was paced perfectly. The small town and adorable farm animals played into the story perfectly. Also the somewhat forced proximity with Sage and Fisher's houses being quite close together which tied into the story and romance quite nicely. I also thought Tarah handled the grief the characters had extremely well, it was prominent in the way it deserved to be but didn't overpower the rest of the story. Along with the communication the characters had which I loved to see and thought was written quite well. Overall just really wonderful story that I thought was written extremely well. Also who doesn't love a grumpy x sunshine trop to top everything off!