The Wandering Season is the story of a woman who sets up to travel the world in search of herself. Veronica Stratton suspects she is adopted, and it’s proven that she’s correct when her family is given the gift of ancestry testing and hers shows she is not related to the family who raised her.
I liked that the book shows a good relationship with Veronica and her parents that she doesn’t want to change even after finding out about the adoption. A friend challenges her to visit the countries of her ancestry to learn more about herself. As she does so, she is visited by visions of relatives who have long been deceased as she learns more about herself.
I liked the world travels in this book but feel like I would have enjoyed the book more without realism. I also enjoyed the light romance storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to HarperMuse and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

This story is told in first person and follows Veronica who has a business that I found fascinating as a specialty food broker, though her family often pushes her to go to culinary school and run her own kitchen. She’s recently broken up with her boyfriend and visiting her family in Estes Park for the holidays when her beloved sister gives the entire family DNA kits for Christmas. Awkward pause when it turns out that she’s adopted.

After receiving her results, Veronica ends up traveling to Europe to spend one week in each of the four places on her ancestry report from Irish castles to France and the Italian countryside. When Veronica travels to her first destination, a castle in Ireland, she experiences echoes of the past within her room and other places that she visits on the estate. The story of a young woman struggling with the marriage of her father to a woman that would rather see her gone even if it means marrying her off to a brute.

I loved the stories told through echoes in this book. It gave me the feel of a historical fiction novel within a contemporary one even if I did roll my eyes at the coincidence of Veronica visiting the exact places that she needed to see what was necessary to move the story towards its connections. It came together beautifully. I enjoyed watching her grow as a character over the course of the book and admit to her avoidance of pursuing her dreams. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, especially the romantic interest, though keep in mind the romance is just a part of the whole and not the focus.

Recommended to lovers of travel, family history and magical realism. I also think it would make for a great book club discussion. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Caroline Hewitt. I found her voice for the characters to be so cozy and comforting, I was surprised that this was my first audiobook narrated by her. Definitely recommend this format if you’re an audiobook listener.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for a copy provided for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!
As someone who loves to travel, it transported me away on an incredible adventure. The story is all about finding meaning and love in the most unexpected ways. It had me laughing, crying, and completely captivated from start to finish.
If you’re into tales that are both heartwarming and thought-provoking, this one’s a must-read.

Veronica is a character that has lived a good life. She has parents she loves, a sister who she is close with, a best friend that she can share all her secrets with. She finds out she is adopted and a trip abroad is taken to find her roots.

I enjoyed watching her travel to the places that her DNA led her to. The places she visits and the people she meets make her feel more comfortable with herself and more aware of who she is. Niall becomes a part of her life, a part that she did not even know she wanted. She accepted what he could offer but stayed true to what her journey was to be. I like that she did not change her travels for him, but she kept him in her mind as she looked at her future.

Aimie K. Runyan wrote a book that came to life for me. I could picture the places traveled, the food eaten, and the people met. I looked forward to curling up and picking up the book every chance I can.

Thank you Harper Muse for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

An elegantly written exploration of family history, belonging, and hereditary ties that transcend the passage of time. When Veronica Stratton receives a DNA test kit for Christmas, she knows it'll expose the truth she's long suspected--that she's adopted. When her results come back, revealing her hidden ancestral heritage, she embarks on a journey to Europe, to reconnect with the tangled roots of her family tree.

On her travels, she meets a charming Irish innkeeper named Niall who shares her passion for the culinary arts, and whose attentive and welcoming nature stirs a surprising frisson of attraction in Veronica. During her stay in the castle, Veronica experiences uncanny feelings, and encounters the spirit of one of her ancestors in an otherworldly vision. After a whirlwind tour of Ireland with Niall, Veronica sets out for the remaining stops on her itinerary. While walking in the footsteps of her forebears through France, Italy, and Denmark, she experiences more visions in each location, and encounters the presence of some of the women in her family lineage. These time-slip interludes are intriguing and effective, and will have readers thinking about their ancestors and how their choices and actions impacted their own existence.

As someone who has traced their geneaology and had the DNA test experience (which revealed some surprising truths about my own ancestry) I found The Wandering Season a compelling read. It's fascinating to think about your forebears. Where they came from. Who they loved. The hardships they encountered, and how all of it resulted in your existence.

Veronica's journey is beautifully imagined, and the soft magic Runyan infuses into her contemporary fiction feels organic and plausible. The romance between Niall and Veronica is gentle and realistic, and Runyan's atmospheric and sensorial descriptions of setting and food are always transportive--it's something I love about her books.

If you've ever wondered where you came from, and where you belong, this is the novel for you. Highly recommend!

This book was such a lovely read I don’t want it to end.
Veronica did seem to be at loose ends so after a DNA test her family sends her off to explore her ancestry in Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark.
I loved her time in Ireland the most because of Niall. Where can I can a dreamboat caretaker of a castle?? Who cooks too!
I loved the snapshots of her ancestors ‘through her visions although Tadgh’s sorrow broke my heart (that’s the part I wish could’ve veen different).
It’s also a foodie book with tons of delectable dishes for readers to salivate over.
We all wander a bit until we find our place and for some it takes longer.
I am open for anyone who wishes to sponsor an ancestry wandering for me!! LOL

pleasant enough read, i liked reading about the different locations, cultures, food. if you're a fan of joanne harris, you'd like this book.

THE WANDERING SEASON by Aimie K. Runyan is a engaging and magical story of family, ancestry and romance that I enjoyed from beginning to end. Veronica Stratton is a specialty food broker poised to take her career to the next level of success. After a difficult break-up from her long-time boyfriend, Veronica is grateful to be spending time with her family at Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado. But a surprise DNA test gifted to all by her sister, Avery, changes everything. Although she has suspected that she was adopted since her teens, having the truth revealed leaves everyone at odds. Why was she never told the truth? Her best friend, Stephanie, and Avery convince Veronica to take a break from work and travel to four places in Europe that were listed in her ancestry report. As she treks from County Mayo, Ireland, to the Dordogne region of France, to the countryside of Lombardy in Italy and Copenhagen, Denmark, she tries to unravel the links to her ancestors. What role will Niall Callahan, a charming caretaker of a castle in Blackthorn, County Mayo, have on her journey of discovery and her plans for the future? The story is the perfect blend of travel adventures, romance, magical realism and family ties. I loved the vivid descriptions of Veronica’s destinations and the mouth-watering food along the way. This is a heart-tugging story full of warmth and charm that I highly recommend. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I have been a fan of this author forever and I certainly enjoyed this one as well!

Veronica has arrived at her parents for the holiday season. She has broken up with her long term boyfriend and she is still working hard at her food broker business. Needless to say, she is avoiding answering all questions. So, when her sister gives everyone a DNA test, Veronica knows she is in for some more drama. She figured out she was adopted years ago even though her parents never told her.

With so much of her life in upheaval, Veronica is looking for an escape. Inspired by her best friend, she plans to go to Europe to see four of the places listed on her DNA ancestry report.

I loved how this author unfolded this story with each location. And all the roads lead back to a charming Irish castle keeper Niall Callahan. I could just picture all the unique locations and all the delicious food! This book will definitely make you hungry.

This is a wonderful tangled up family mystery you can read quickly and it will leave you wanting more.

Need a very good atmospheric tale about family secrets…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Veronica is a fine food purveyor, amateur chef and food lover whose career is on the verge of taking off, but it’s to help other people succeed in their food ventures, not open her own restaurant. Ever since she was a teenager she has always secretly believed that she is adopted - and one Christmas after her sister suggests DNA kits for everyone her hunch is verified when her parents confirm it. Just off a breakup she goes to Ireland, France, Italy and Denmark in order to learn more about her biological roots. In each place she has visions of women in history and she wonders what her connection is to each other these women. She also connects with Niall, the owner of the inn in Ireland and she wonders how he plays into her future while she looking at her past.

I requested this book because I saw Runyan speak at my local JCC about food writing in fiction and I wanted to try one of her books. Let me just say the trifecta of food, family drama, and magical realism hit the right spot for me. I adored the food descriptions in the novel but I also loved the dabbling of magical realism as well. This reminded me a bit of early Susanna Kearnsley novels and so I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to now read her backlist!

4.25 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC to review

3.5 stars:

I expected this book to feel more historical but it was definitely a modern story. I was thrown off by the magical realism aspect of the story and I didn’t love those parts. I do have a renewed wanderlust after traveling around Europe with the main character though, so if you’re wanting to travel via a book then this one might be for you!

This is a story of finding yourself and who you want to be. Veronica goes on a month long trip to Europe to trace her family’s history. As she visits the different cities, she has a supernatural experience and can see into history. I really enjoyed this part of the book and the glimpse into struggles women in her family had faced. An engaging contemporary fiction story that I had a hard time putting down. I’m a huge fan of the author’s writing and her ability to pull you into the story. I was with Veronica on her journey and in the places she visited. The vivid writing style makes it easy to lose yourself in this book.

What an incredible read! The Wandering Season gave me major Eat, Pray, Love vibes—but honestly, I think I loved it even more. This story beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery through travel, culture, and food, and I was hooked from the very start.

The settings were stunning, from the charm of Ireland to the magic of France, Italy, Denmark, and beyond. Every destination felt alive, and the way food was woven into the story was just chef’s kiss—it made me both adventurous and hungry!

This book had everything I love:
✨ A heartfelt journey of self-discovery
✨ Breathtaking travel moments
✨ Romance
✨ A touch of ancestral magic
✨ Mouthwatering food descriptions
✨ A fantastic cat

If you love books that transport you, inspire you, and make you want to book a trip (or at least a dinner reservation), I highly recommend this one!

Veronica adores her family, but for years suspected she might not quite belong. When her younger sister presents her with a DNA kit at Christmas, her suspicions are confirmed, and her parents tell her what they can about her adoption.

What follows is a month-long journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of some of Europe’s most renowned culinary destinations. As a food broker whose whole career is about sourcing quality ingredients for top chefs, this trip is more than enticing. The Wandering Season
offers a perfect mix of personal growth, adventure, romance, and delicious food. The book blends elements of magical realism exploring Veronica’s heritage with a feel-good narrative.

Aimie K. Runyan’s latest is a great choice for anyone looking for an uplifting story that also digs deep into identity and belonging.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and of course the author Aimie K. Runyan for the advanced copy of the book. The Wandering Season is out on April 1st. All opinions are my own.

The synopsis of this book really grabbed my attention because I have such an interest in family history and DNA. To be able to travel to the places your ancestors lived before you were born has always intrigued me.

When the main character, Veronica, goes home for a family Christmas, she is gifted a DNA test. Because Veronica was adopted, it is a big deal for her to find some answers about her past. Her family also gifts her a trip to some locations that matched up with her DNA profile, so soon Veronica finds herself in an ancient castle in Ireland.

From there, she ventures to France, Italy and Denmark, and finally back to New York where she encounters a big surprise. Along the way, Veronica has visions from the past that she feels are key to her ancestors.

Ideally, I would have loved this book, but I was hoping for more solid family history than the visions and that she would actually meet a few other cousins along the way. Veronica’s family and friends also felt she was not realizing her potential professionally, so there was quite a bit of nagging by them for her to advance her career, which I found annoying.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I felt like Veronica got some answers to her past as well as some guidance to her future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/ Harper Muse for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.

2.5⭐️

I thought the premise of this story was really compelling: after discovering she was adopted, a young woman named Veronica goes on a month-long European tour, spending a week in each of the four countries found on her ancestors report. I loved reading of her experiences discovering each unique country! Veronica’s career as a restaurant consultant was unique and I found the sections about high-quality ingredients and rich food sources very interesting!

Unfortunately, this book left lots of question marks in my mind. Although I appreciate what the author was attempting, I did not feel the secret adoption element was flushed out well - the behavior of her parents did not fit their overall character, and the sudden appearance of a birth mom seemed forced. I also I did not think the “visions” Veronica kept seeing in each country were explained well. Other than referencing a possible “seeing” power held by her ancestors, and vague new-age ideas about being ‘visited’ by those ancestors, this part was left very unclear. I personally didn’t find the romance plot line to be necessary and I wish the author would have focused more on Veronica’s own journey of her heritage.

There were also couple other elements that really didn’t sit well with me. I did not appreciate the euphemisms for abortion and the slight air of disdain that someone wouldn’t support “a woman’s right”. I also found the way money/wealth was portrayed and handled to be problematic. There were way too many references made to “Daddy’s Amex” and “using your inheritance early.”

A beautiful cover & intriguing storyline, but overall not a book I plan to widely recommend.

🤐: occasional language including the UK version of a**, and muld profanity
😍: just a sweet kiss
😇: not much religion talk to speak of, other than general discussion about “fate”

Thank you to HarperMuse & Netgalley for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I have mixed feelings on this one. While I enjoyed Veronica’s journey to discover her roots upon learning she was adopted, I didn’t love the execution. I wished her journey had been rooted in more in research of her heritage rather than magical realism/visions.

This book is everything you need if you are looking for an adventure. I was so glad I got to go along for the ride, the romance, the food it was all so delicious.

Ever so heartwarming! Loved wandering to Denver, Ireland, Italy and Denmark in Aimie K. Runyan’s latest contemporary romance novel. Loved the characters and particularly loved being transported to Ireland. By the time I flipped past the last page, I was ready to book a trip to the. E.merald Isle - and to stay in a castle while there, of course,

This tale does feature a bit of magical realism/time traveling, which some readers may not enjoy (but I thought served the story well).

Overall, this was a feel good, heart warming, enchanting escape, read in a few hours.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

If you enjoy traveling and food with an Outlander feel, this book will meet many of your expectations. Upon receiving confirmation of her adoption, Veronica's parents and sister organise a trip to explore the countries of her ancestors. The Wandering Season is an easy-to-read novel of self-discovery. Although the romance lacked spark for me, the food scenes are mouthwatering. I also welcomed the echoes that Veronica experienced, I thought it added a mystical side to the story and a great way to experience how Veronica became. 4 stars

I would like to thank the author, HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheWanderingSeason #NetGalley.