I found this book to be emotionally sweet. You get all the small town vibes in Spoons. I really liked getting to know about some of the realties that go on in small towns like ostracizing, everyone knows everyone, etc.

I absolutely adored Sage. She's authentically herself but after a rough break up you can see she has some self doubt. Through out though you really find her embrace herself and isn't apologetic about it. The fact that she saves animals 😍 I was obsessed with the three legged cat Legoless.

Fisher at first I was iffy on but he grew on me the longer I listened/read. He's recovering from the loss of his job, passion of cooking, and losing his sister. Then he has to move to a small town during the summer while stepping into being a guardian for his niece. Which their relationship growth had me tearing up. Indy had my heart in this book and I couldn't help but root for her!

The dual narration was great. I felt the personalities of the characters shown through. You could tell they tried to make distinctions for other characters as well.

The only thing stopping this from a full 5 stars is I was hoping we'd have more of the festival and competition. I felt they were briefly mentioned but I needed more. Also, some parts felt kind of slow. Otherwise an incredibly emotional read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener’s copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

“What if I don’t want it quick, Sage? What if I prefer to savor things? Want it good and slow and drawn out?”

This story is so beautifully and masterfully written to make you laugh, blush, weep, and jump for joy as you go along the journey with Sage and Fisher.

Sage is such a relatable character, as many of Dewitt’s characters are, it what I love most about her is that she chooses joy. She chooses to enjoy the little fleeting bright spots because they make her happy. Her collection of animals on her farm are *hilariously* named, including:
- Bud the Clydesdale
- Sable the wolfhound
- Leg-o-less (Legs) the tripod grey cat
- Gronk and Greg the geese

And the DEMON GOPHERS had me rolling around cackling with laughter.

Her firefighter brothers stuck with me and she NAILED what my siblings and I like to call the firefighter archetype. Firefighters, and the children of firefighters, have a particular brand of straight shooting dark comedy that was spot on and make me feel right at home.

Fisher, Fisher, Fisher. Where do I even start? He’s perfectly imperfect, particular about his kitchen setup, and is so beautifully and heartbreakingly tender with both Sage and his niece, Indy.The growth of Fisher and Indy on their own and through their fraught relationship made their stories beautiful and joyful to read.

And props to the little Funny Feelings Easter egg with Farley Jones’s book in the library in Spunes, OR. 😂🤗

“It’s been a privilege to fall in love with you, Sage.” 💚

Savor It is a small town, opposites attract (city boy, small town girl), forced proximity (neighbors), slow burn, friends with benefits romance!

Sage has lived in a coastal, small town in Oregon her entire life. She’s always loved her life, her misfit animals on her hobby farm, her friendships. But when her 5-year relationship ends and her ex gets quickly engaged, she needs a win of her own and has her sights set on winning the town’s annual summer competition. Fisher was a hotshot chef in NYC but he lost his life for cooking and his Michelin star. He recently lost his sister and is now responsible for his teenage niece, Indy too. With everything going on, his boss sends him on a summer vacation of sorts and he ends up in Sage’s small town.

This was low angst and cute. It kinda played out like a charming, small town tv show or movie in my head with all the small town shenanigans and characters. We see Fisher learning the ropes of becoming guardian over his teenage niece, Sage telling him about side characters in town and the town’s traditions, and some locals coming after Fisher’s possible new job. While this was entertaining, I honestly didn’t see much of the romance between Fisher and Sage. It doesn’t really kick in until over halfway into the story and I just didn’t see their chemistry or believe in it personally. But the rest of the book was entertaining on its own if that makes sense! I’ve read a couple other books from this author and always leave wanting a bit more of something, the humor doesn’t really work for me, but the low angst vibes are nice when I’m in the mood for that.

I had an audio ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: death of a loved one (in the past, off page), career burnout, grief, bodily injury (off page)

Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan audio and Tarah DeWitt for the ALC for my honest review.

"Savor It" by Tarah DeWitt
Narrated by Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber

This was delightful blend of beauty, humor, and quirkiness. The audiobook put me through a range of emotions, from the slightly spicy to deeply moving moments, all while maintaining a perfect balance. It's a story that delves into love, loss, burnouts, and the profound journey toward self-discovery and recovery.

The narrators made this listen so enjoyable. DeWitt story was captivating, making me laugh one moment and then feeling deeply touched the next. The book is sprinkled with clever puns, both silly and witty, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

One of the strengths of this audiobook lies in its ability to evoke vivid imagery that is not only a feast for the ears but also nourishment for the soul.

In conclusion, "Savor It" is a literary gem that I will be savoring for a long time to come. It's a must-listen for anyone who appreciates a good mix of humor, emotion, and thought-provoking storytelling.

Wow this was great. The narrator was enjoyable to listen to. I liked reading it physically over listening though. I felt more connected with the characters. It was a calming listen though. There was a good balance of hard stuff and joy I felt myself relating to the characters. Such a beautiful story.

I think this will be one of the romances of the summer! It was sweet and I savored every bit of it. I loved the small town setting and the summer vibes. The romance was spicy and it would be a great beach read. I loved both of our main characters and their dynamic, plus the dynamic of the found family along with all the cute animals! I will say that the beginning was a bit slow, but once you get past that part, it's smooth sailing! Another great romance from DeWitt!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tarah Dewitt for the complementary advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Let me begin by saying that Tarah is the queen of slow burn, small town romances. In this book, she yet again presents us with a small town romance, where a well known ex-chef and a local teacher find that a summer love could be on the menu for the both of them. Although there's nothing exceptionally new in DeWitt's formula, it's a tried and true method that works for this book.

We are introduced to Sage and Fisher, as well as Fisher's niece, Indy. What I appreciated about Sage and Fisher are that they are a bit opposite at the beginning. They are both at different stages in their careers. Fisher is trying to rebound, while Sage is solid in her role as a teacher and a small town caretaker. They also have different personalities. Sage is quirky and she is kind, which makes you fall in love with her character. Fisher, like a phoenix, begins to emerge from ashes thanks to Sage's help. We get to clearly see his character development and see him blossom. We even see Indy starting to find herself, though she is probably the character that has the least development. This is something I enjoy a lot about DeWitt's writing. She takes the time to let her characters emerge and grow, especially in a slow burn romance.

I enjoyed the comedic moments in the book, including the way Sage's brothers are introduced. Also, the way in which Fisher and Sage strike a deal - one to gain small town approval and the other to finally win a competition. Sage's animals also provide some comedic relief throughout the book in the sweetest ways.

Overall, I found the book to be enjoyable. It's a sweet slow burn and we get to see the role love plays in healing grief and old wounds...and for once the woman doesn't have to give up her dreams to find love.

I am going to have to restrain myself. This was the proverbial hamster on a wheel....
There was so much going on...yet went no where. So many plot points just popped up out of nowhere and proceeded to fizzle out (the accident, the migrains....and then the Canoe race...did that even happen?)
I was incredibly bored throughout the whole book despite all the distracting side characters and events. The author even incorporated ANIMALS as characters I had to try to keep up with. She would randomly insert "Puns" to divert attention in another direction. I kept waiting for my interest to kick in, but I felt I was pulled in so many directions by so many things (plot points, characters, animals, jokes...and sex scenes) I couldn't dig in.
The thing that irked me most was the "adult content" in this book, I do not enjoy reading it and it was relentless. Pages and pages, and it did not add to the plot in any way. DeWitt ultimately could have written this book:
Chef shows up in a small town.
Adult activities
Girl next door is quirky and owns a bunch of animals.
Adult activities
She makes some pun jokes and he makes fun of the hallmarky town.
Adult activities
Small town people are weird and meddling.
Adult activities Adult activities Adult activities Adult activities
List some good food.
Adult activities Adult activities Adult activities Adult activities
Insert annoying dramatic teen.
Adult activities

The End.

I probably will skip future books by this author. I did not like anything about this book.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy read of Savor It. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book - it's a lovely small-town romance with really excellent character development. The audio was very well done - with the dual narration lending voices to the characters that helped to bring them to life.

Read this book if you enjoy:
> Small town romance
> Teacher FMC/Chef MMC
> Single Parent MMC (guardian of niece)
> Animals! (goats, geese, dogs, and more!)

This is, at its core, a feel-good romance that left me with the warm and fuzzy feelings that it was intended to. I found it interesting, that while there are a good number of supporting characters on the periphery, there wasn't much focus on those characters that would have distracted from the main characters and their story arc. This led to more mature and developed main characters - with their conversations, interactions and communication styles.

I loved the collection of pets that Sage had - she was such a free spirit in the ways that counted and having her menagerie of animals along with her flower garden really set the stage for a great character. I also really enjoyed the two MCs together - I thought they were very mature with each other and the relationship growth felt at pace with how the storyline developed. I will say that the third-act breakup was very obvious in it's execution and the resolution was exactly what I expected it to be - but it did provide the HEA that I was looking for, so it all worked out in the end. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC and Macmillan audio for the ALC of this book!

Savor It, narrated by Karissa Vacker and Zachary Webber, held the promise of a slow-burn tale of grief, healing, and self-discovery. As a devoted fan of Webber's narration, I eagerly embarked on this journey crafted by Tarah Dewitt, with Vacker's voice adding a new and intriguing dimension to the experience. While the story unfolded with themes of family, friendship, and love, I found myself yearning for a deeper immersion into its depths.

At first, I found it challenging to connect with the characters and their journey, despite the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences laid out before me. While the themes were present, they lacked the necessary depth to truly resonate. The dialogue felt lackluster, and the character development left much to be desired. However, the potential for growth and connection was palpable, promising a more fulfilling experience just beyond my grasp.

Throughout the narrative, the plot revolves around familiar tropes of festivals, competitions, and budding romances. While these elements can often be captivating, in this instance, they felt repetitive, lacking the spark needed to ignite genuine excitement. The slow connection between the characters failed to evoke the intended emotions, leaving me yearning for a more profound exploration of their journey.

Despite its shortcomings, one aspect of the book is the communication between characters. Dewitt's portrayal of a couple who openly share their thoughts and feelings is executed flawlessly, adding authenticity to the relationships. While "Savor It" offers moments of warmth and sincerity, it ultimately falls short of its potential. Though themes are present, they need more depth to engage readers fully. Fans of slow-burn romances may enjoy the refreshing approach to communication, but those seeking a deeper exploration of love and loss may be left wanting.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an alc copy of this audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC.

I adore Karissa Vacker and I LOVE Zachary Webber. Together, wowza. All the freaking headphone stars for these two!

I wanted to savor this story. I flew through it instead. It was spectacular and I am so happy I pre-ordered a physical copy!!!
Also, Gary the Goose and Indy are my favorite characters and I may or may not have cried over a damn goose.

clearly I did not *savor it* as I devoured this romance in less than 24 hours! this was my first tarah dewitt novel & it didn’t disappoint!

now if I’m being honest here, I wasn’t entirely sold on this book in the first half. I was expecting more depth with our mmc & some more scenes to simply connect with. this is a calm romance, there’s not too much going on andI think you should know that before picking it up. savor it is the perfect book to mindlessly read this summer.

what to expect:
•small town romance
•the girl next door
•friends with benefits
•dual pov, looove
•opposites attract
•summer festival events
•silly goose antics- literally!

but this ending, omg. as I wasn’t as heavily invested in the romance, I just thought the ending would be mid. when I tell you I WAS SOBBING my way through the last few chapters before the epilogue… I was. idk what came over me but it was so heartfelt that I couldn’t help myself.

two takeaways: my love for geese has grown three sizes & why is the name fisher kinda hot? asking for a friend. 4 stars! 🧸

I started reading this book thinking it would be a light hearted "classic Rom-Com". The first half definitely is...small town girl meets city boy etc. About halfway through are some excellent spicy scenes (insert eye brow raise!) I know the descriptions says "spicy summer fun", but I had it set in my mind it would be more PG rated. I enjoyed this book and want to thank #netgalley for allowing me to listen to this book as an ARC.

Savor It

"I can hear giddiness buzzing in my veins, even in the silence."

Oh what a DELIGHTFUL story! I can HEAR the giddiness buzzing in my veins after enjoying it! I absolutely adored Sage & Fischer's story. I did not savor it like I should have, instead I just flew through it in less than 24 hours because I could not put it down.

Set in small town Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington), Fischer and his niece Indy move into the rental next door to Sage's farm for the summer. Fischer is help set up a restaurant and, tasked with winning over the town, fake dating Sage goes a long way to earning their hearts. Nothing is ever fake, but the two agree to savor their time together before Fischer and Indy have to move back in the fall for her school year. Sage is the most precious ball of sunshine and I absolutely loved her energy. Fischer did too and I don't bame him!

An absolutely beautiful story of finding your people and purpose, and enjoying life along the way.

I highly recommend this one! Especially if you're looking for:
Fake Dating
Neighbors to lovers
Single Uncle
Small town
Meddling brothers
Dual POV narration
A menagerie of unique pets on a farm.

I mean - a mischievous, three-legged cat named Legoless? SAY LESS.

I tandem read and listened to this one. The audio was absolutely amazing. Especially the male narrator was a perfect fit for Fischer. The female narrator brough Sage's sunshine energy to life so well and I loved it.

Thank you to Macmillian Audio and St Martins Press for this ARC/ALC. Savor It is on shelves May 21, 2024. My opinions are my own.

I had read this book and really enjoyed it. When the audio version came out I knew that I wanted to hear the story this time. The narrators did an amazing job. A fun story of a former New Yorker getting to spend the summer adjusting to small town life. With a bad boy chef , surly orphaned teenager , a sassy neighbor and all of her quirky pets how could a story not be entertaining! Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy of this audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving this review

The Bear x Gilmore Girls, complete with quirky small town festivals!

Fisher Lang is a Michelin Star chef who recently lost a star and got let go from his job. He also has taken on the responsibility of caring for his niece. An opportunity arises for him to consult for a new build in Spunes, Oregon and he takes it.

There he meets Sage Bird, a local woman and his new neighbor. She is fun, eccentric, and has a rehab farm with tons of animals. They meet on his first day in town and hit it off.

This book was so cute and fun. I loved Sage as a character especially all her wild robes and graphic tees. It did remind me a lot of The Bear (Hulu tv series) and one scene was even nearly word for word with the show.

Spunes is an eclectic town with Gilmore Girls energy and all the characters to boot.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it satisfied my love for cartoon character covers and contemporary romance.

My only issue was with the audio. I’m not sure if parts of the book didn’t get uploaded or if it was a NetGalley glitch, but a couple chapters ended abruptly in the middle of sentences and I felt like I missed half a chapter at least.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC!

Wow
Savor it
This audio book is to die for! The banter and wit!
The fake dating trope with the clear angst and longing for each other, as soon as I began to read I knew this would be one of my favorites of the year! I love so much how he couldn’t stop thinking about her and how she was so nervous because she had never allowed herself to feel and be frisky before! She never longed for anyone as she had him!
I love the beginning with the scene being set with her living such a comfortable and happy life in a small town as a teacher and growing her small farm and gardens ! I so connected to wanting o live like this ! Even though it’s hard to ! I love his niece and how she’s struggling but how she understands more than we all give her credit for, this is a must read this year no joke ! The narrators were so lovely and made me truly love this book more !

This book was so much better than I expected it to be, I was pleasantly surprised! Sage and Fisher's journey was really sweet and with both main characters being so likable, I couldn't help but cheer them on towards their HEA. If you like your romcoms on the cuter side, this one should be on your list. I also highly recommend the audio version - it was amazingly narrated!

This was such a sweet, small town romance! I loved the humor mixed in and all the quirky animals. This story didn't get too deep, but still had some emotional elements. Tarah DeWitt really knows how to write engaging and likable characters and I really enjoyed this book!

Extremely enjoyable. Amazing narration. Loved the spicy library scenes. Perfect for fans of small town romance with realistic adult problems and healthy communication. Some grumpy sunshine, some fake dating, lots of lovable characters. The conflict was moderate surface level - predictable - so it's like a comfort read. You know what's going to happen so just enjoy the ride. There were some scenes I audibly cackled. Mostly involving the farm animals.

Did I mention the library? 🥵

This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more.

Do the audio. It's great. I listened at 1.75x for most of it. It's super bingeable.

Thank you to NetGalley SMP and Macmillan for the advanced copy. #MacAudio2024