* Small Town Romance , Single Dad (guardian), Grumpy/Sunshine, Fake Dating, Grief/Healing
If you like these troupes you should read the following book. It is a cute small town romance with interesting main characters. I am really hoping there is more about side characters.

This was quite possibly my favourite romance that I read in 2023. It is definitely my favourite Tarah DeWitt book which is saying a lot because I loved all the other ones as well. The characters were so real and loveable despite their flaws. Highly recommend!!!

Tarah you have done it again, this book solidified that I will read anything Tarah publishes. Savor it had me savoring every single page. This book was written so different than other Tarah books in the best way possible. The writing felt so raw and relatable but also has so many swoon worthy scenes + the spice was hot!

This book gives a coming to age book, but not in a teenage way (I know that doesn’t make sense to you but it makes sense to me) the characters are finding themselves and learning to flourish again. Sage & Fisher’s love story wasn’t just about them but it was also about - fisher’s niece, sages crazy farm animals, fisher rediscovering his passion, and so much more then a regular romance story. This book had Tarahs usual witty book humor but this story took me by surprise with how it tugged on my heart strings. Savor it will be sticking with me because It reminded me to fall in love with the little things again like Sage does, but also *find a very hot pirate looking chef*

I will always savor Tarah’s books but I found myself truly sad when I looked at my kindle and I was 95% finished, I wanted so much more (I wish this book was 1,000 pages) I became obsessed with Spune Oregon, all of the characters especially Sage’s brothers, and the slow burn - toe curling love story that I found myself missing once I finished the epilogue.

Thank you so much Netgalley for this arc!

I am in literal book hangover right now after crying tears.... gobs of them! I stretched out the last few chapters of this book over the course of a day knowing that when I got to the end of it, I would miss these characters so much!
I'm such a huge huge HUGE! fan of Tarah DeWitt's previous books; Funny Feelings and Rootbound. Two books that I still think about to this day even though I've read them months and months ago.

I'm trying to find the right words to accurately review this novel. What I'm trying to say is that my emotions are all stuck in my throat and it may take me hours and days to fully process the depth of what I felt. These two characters meet when there is so much doubt and insecurities happening in their life.

We meet Sage as she is processing her life now that her ex (the town golden boy) and her have broken up and he has gotten engaged. She knows that relationship wasn't the right one for her but now she's left feeling lost.

Fisher is also in a very lonely lost place after getting fired from being CDC (Chef de Cuisine) of a Michelin starred restaurant. His old boss sends him to the other side of the country to help get his head on straight. He's also been given the task of raising his teenage niece after his sister dies.

Their story is so beautiful and the author writes falling in love in a way that makes me wish that I could go back in time and relive those early days with my husband of 30 years. To sit in that new love and feel the sensation of knowing you've met your soulmate. She writes it so beautifully that I want to wish this kind of love for everyone.

This is my favorite of all her books so far and I love the little nod to some of her previous characters as well in this one! I hope we get to visit Spuunes again because I have a feeling we need to see Wren and Ellis's story!

4.5/5
 
I really enjoyed this one! This is such a great summer-y romcom. It’s a small-town romance based out of a place called Spunes, Oregon. The FMC, Sage, is a beloved local to the town and is kind and quirky while the MMC, Fisher, is a single Dad (just became the primary guardian of his niece) who’s down on his luck in his career as a chef and ends up renting the house next door to the FMC for the summer.
 
I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, the way they helped each other work through things, as well as their humor. I found myself highlighting a number of quotes from this book. I also have to say, I really liked the setting in this one. The small town in the Pacific Northwest and all the townspeople side characters in Savor It reminded me of Virgin River. I feel like one side character in particular—Wren, the best friend of the FMC—could totally have her own book.
 
Overall, I really enjoyed and it’s a great summer romance. The cover is also gorgeous. I did pre-order this one so I can have a physical copy on my shelves. Savor It will be out 5/21/24.
 
TW: Working through grief
 
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have never been tempted to own a piece of cow-print clothing… until Sage Byrd walks into Fisher Lange’s life wearing an iconic cow-printed robe.

Fisher, a chef, who has lost one of his Michelin stars and is caring for his niece, relocates to Spunes in order to assist with the opening of a new restaurant. Fisher and his niece stay in a house next to Sage. Fisher cannot catch a break as he moves into town which causes barriers for Fisher. Fisher and Sage agree to a mutually beneficial agreement through which they grow close. It eventually leads to them striking up a summer romance.

Tarah DeWitt delivers so much comedy in Savor It. While Fisher struggles to gain the town’s trust, some of the exchanges Fisher runs into are so comical.

Side characters: Indy is a great addition to any scene, her and Fisher play off of each other so well. I also loved Wren, who has some meaningful moments with Sage that also stuck out to me within the story.

Definitely recommend any fans of small town romance, fake dating, friends with benefits, summer fling/romance, check this one out!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced reader copy of Savor It in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet romance book. I really love the characters, the romance, the animals, and the small town vibes! Tarah DeWitt has a way of creating stories with so much heart, you can’t help but fall in love with the world.characters she has created.
THIS HAD ME SWOONING! SWEATING! SCREAMING!
I also really enjoyed the side characters, everything just felt complete if that makes sense. I always say Tarah comes in swinging sometimes but you'll feel like you're getting the best hug after. Always an emotional journey!

Sage has forever lived in her small Oregon town, an orphan who wants the town to see her as more. Fisher is a chef with a past wanting to prove himself. Their paths cross and the chemistry works. Their friendship and bonding is believable and I'm rooting for them. However the story is clunky, it doesn't flow well, the pacing doesn't work and made this sweet story feel like work to finish. I did love the character's growth, but- I wanted more food, more fun, more Indy! Despise my issues, I think this could have worked better on audio. I do hope for a spin off in this world. I hope for Ellis and Wren's story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advanced copy for my honest feedback.

Book Review: Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

Savor It, set in the quaint coastal town of Spunes, Oregon, is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, healing, and love. The protagonist, Sage Byrd, is a lifelong resident of Spunes, cherishing her life among the town’s unique characters and her hobby farm animals. Her tranquil life takes a turn when her long-term relationship ends. Her ex, Ian, quickly becomes engaged, leaving Sage seeking a triumph to regain her pride and silence the town's pity.

Enter Fisher Lange, a former acclaimed New York City chef, grappling with grief and the sudden responsibility of caring for his niece, Indy. After losing his passion for cooking and his prestigious Michelin star, Fisher, along with Indy, heads to Spunes for a summer sabbatical to aid in a restaurant opening. However, Fisher's clash with the townspeople and a spontaneous kiss with Sage lead to unexpected complications.

Sage and Fisher, both needing a win, strike a deal: Sage will help Fisher improve his reputation and resolve his professional obstacles, while Fisher agrees to be her partner in the town’s annual summer competition, the Festival of Spunes. What starts as a strategic alliance evolves into a series of romantic encounters, healing emotional scars and teaching them to cherish every moment. As their relationship deepens, they realize that the summer – and their time together – is fleeting.

Savor It is a delightful journey through the ups and downs of finding love in unexpected places. DeWitt masterfully blends humor with poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The characters are well-crafted, with Sage and Fisher’s development being particularly compelling. Their individual struggles and growth lend a depth to the story that extends beyond the typical romcom fare.

The small-town setting of Spunes, with its quirky inhabitants and scenic charm, adds a layer of coziness to the narrative. The dynamic between Sage and Fisher is engaging, filled with witty banter and a palpable chemistry that makes their romance feel genuine and heartwarming.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a blend of humor, emotional depth, and a picturesque small-town setting. Fans of romcoms looking for characters with realistic struggles and growth will find Savor It particularly satisfying. It's also a great pick for those who appreciate stories about starting over, healing, and the unexpected paths to finding love.

One of the most striking aspects of Savor It that resonated with me personally was the relatability and charm of Sage’s character. Not only did her struggles and insecurities mirror many of my own experiences, particularly in her reflections on her past relationship with Ian, but her wit and thoughtfulness towards those around her added layers of depth to her character. This combination of qualities made her incredibly endearing. Learning about Sage’s history, I found myself deeply empathizing with her, intensifying my connection to her character and having me root for her happiness from the beginning. I also found myself laughing out loud with the humorous banter shared between Sage and Fisher.

In contrast, Fisher’s character brought a different yet equally compelling dynamic to the story. I appreciated how DeWitt portrayed a male character who was emotionally aware and proactive in addressing his mistakes and working towards personal growth. Fisher’s journey of self-improvement and emotional openness was both refreshing and inspiring.

Another element of the book that I adored was the mutual growth and the beauty that emerged from Sage and Fisher’s interactions. Their evolving relationship highlighted the best aspects of each character, showcasing how they complemented and supported each other’s growth. This interplay of personalities and the growth they inspired in each other added a rich layer to the story, making their journey together not just romantic, but also a journey of mutual self-discovery and improvement.

Overall, Savor It by Tarah DeWitt stands out not just for its charming storyline and picturesque setting, but also for its deep, relatable characters who reflect real human emotions and growth. My personal connection with the characters, especially Sage with her wit and thoughtfulness, and the unique qualities they brought out in each other, made this book a truly engaging and heartwarming read. It’s a testament to DeWitt’s ability to create characters that readers cannot only fall in love with but also see a part of themselves in. A story that balances humor and depth, Savor It is a standout in the contemporary romance genre and a testament to DeWitt’s storytelling prowess.

It was an absolute pleasure to read.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘺?” 𝘈 𝘴𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘺’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨, “𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘦.” 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴𝘦.

witty, sexy, and so charming, 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵 was the perfect read to start my year off with (and my first tarah dewitt novel to boot)

sage and fisher are honest, open, and such a breath of fresh air — like whatever the opposite of the miscommunication trope is? that’s sage and fish

I found such peace in the physical setting of this book: the fictional (but very much real in my heart) town of spunes, oregon. the perfect mix of coastal pnw
and small-town farm, spunes proved the perfect backdrop for these two sometimes messy, but beautifully vulnerable characters trying to find their way back to themselves (and ultimately towards each other)

there are a few forms of grief explored here (romantic, familial, self) and I found tarah’s interpretation very well done — different for each character, hard to explain, even harder to understand, but so real

tarah dewitt is easily an addition to my running auto-buy author list

thank you netgalley and gryffin for this advanced copy of savor it

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
This book is so sweet and cozy like a warm blanket you never want to get out of! I loved both of the main characters so much. It was refreshing to read a MMC who had real problems he had to work through and overcome. Very highly recommend!!

I loved this book! It was so beautifully written! It was amazing to feel like you were a part of Sage and Fisher’s love story. They were open to learn and grow and fall in love even though they knew there was an end date. They learned how to savor life. Great read!

This book, how do I even begin to describe it. This book is going to be one of my best reads for the year I already know it. The connection between fisher and sage is something people dream about, I loved them so much. This small town romance made me laugh, made me cry and made me want to get an assortment of random animals to love forever. I loved all of Tarah Dewitt’s books but this is the best yet.

4.5 stars, maybe a little slow at first for me but I fully enjoyed it, really loved the character growth.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC!

This was my first read by Tarah Dewitt and I just fall in love with how human both Sage and Fisher are. How smitten the two are with each other and how they communicate and are there for each other. Fisher is a michelin star chef who is trying to find his way back and Sage is a sweet quirky small town girl who is full of love and sage advice just waiting on the right person to share he life with. Savor It is a sweet and heartfelt story of two people facing their grief in different ways and finding each other.

Savor It was an enjoyable and heartwarming read. I would recommend this as a light summer book- you will enjoy the characters (and pets!) and have a HEA as well. I read this in two days- so it definitely kept my attention!

It was missing a little something for me- the ending a little too fuzzy and passive for my liking, so it gets 4/5 stars.

Unfortunately I did not this book. It wasn't particularly bad, but I really could not connect to the fmc, Sage or the mmc, Fisher or any other side character if I am being honest The only characters I felt myself rooting for was Indy, she was so sweet and I really felt for her and Ellis and Wren's unsuccessful marriage!! their tension was great.

The book lacked good dialogue and depth of the characters. I can see attempts that have been made with Sage being this independent happy go lucky girl and Fisher the man who hit his peak to young, unhappy with life and his career. But both of them lacked personality and while I did find their banter fun at time, I needed more of it. There was so much inner dialogue and description that had me bored and skim most of it.

The story also did not capture my attention. I really did not care for that festival or even the people of the small town and the small town trope is one of my favourites! The friends with benefits trope is one I also usually enjoy and the spice was definitely hot at times but I think my lacking of caring for these characters made me even skim the smut which is so sad!!

I felt the author tried too hard and unfortunately did not succeed. Sage's migraine came out of nowhere, jsut thrown into he story and what was the point of Ian? He didnt do anything for the story.

I don't think it was badly written or anything was bad, the characters just were boring. I am looking forward to be reading more of this author though!!

Thank you Netgalley for this arc!

Hello Book friends!

Today I’m reviewing Savor It by Tarah DeWitt. In this summer romance we follow high school English teacher Sage Byrd and Michelin star chef Fisher Lange, who, after losing his sister and his career, is in need of a fresh start. Moving across the country to Oregon to help coordinate the opening of a new restaurant, Fisher finds himself in uncharted territory when his new next door neighbor barges (ever so sweetly) into his life.

And romance readers, you NEED (yes all caps) this book in your life. (I know, this is repeat from my last post, but it’s relevant to this one too).

Slow and savory, Savor It (which is the perfect title btw) has all the enticing flavors for this immensely satisfying story of two people falling in love. Think of how a piano draws out those soft tones of a love song. Playing a melody similar to the rhythm of our own heartbeat. Adding an incandescent cadence of pure joy that stretches out a lifetime. Collecting the sounds that sooth and ache in equal measures. Creating a symphony of the human experience. Including those moments when you break and shatter into millions of tiny shards, but quietly be put back together with the help of tender hands and a beautifully knowing soul.

I’ve found a new favorite author.

DeWitt took me on a belly laughing, heart breaking, swoony journey that made me feel all the feels.

Go add this one to your cart book friends. You’ll be glad you did.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

Tarah can do no wrong when it comes to creating masterfully developed characters, epic lines, and heart wrenching scenes. I loved this book from start to finish. She never fails to make me fall in love with the FMC by page 2 and to root for her through out. This was such a sweet and lovely read.

This was a cute read with playful banter and enjoyable character building. One of my favorite parts of the book was all of the nuances of each of the characters brought out by the details included.
I went through wide range of emotions during this read - I laughed, smiled, groaned, and was close to tears.

Tropes:
*Small town romance
*Playful banter
*Close proximity
*Fake dating
*Slow burn

Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice level: 2/5
(There is a small amount of spice, but no descriptive language included)