Interesting premise, but the writing lacked polish. There is a bit of magical realism in the book, but despite that there unexplained moments, such as understanding people speaking a different language. If it’s already magical there could have been just a short line explaining this.

The problems, unfortunately, did not end there. Too often, from the character’s POV, the reader is told something that the character would not know. Such as at a bakery in a city unknown to her she finds pastries that were made from recipes handed down through the generations. She does not know this, can only guess, but the wording in the book makes it seem she absolutely knew.

There were many instances where this type of thing occurred, and every time it pulled me out of the story. Also, many of the descriptions were not detailed, instead explained and used general words, such as modern and tasteful, well what exactly is that? It felt clunky and awkward whenever this occurred. Also, there was reliance on too many cliches, and way too many convenient coincidences.

Since this was an advance review copy I was reading, my hope is many of these things were fixed before publication.

Veronica, a specialty food broker, has her high school suspicions confirmed that she’s adopted when her younger sister turns up at Christmas bearing DNA kits as presents for the family. When her parents are unexpectedly upset, the truth is revealed, and Veronica shares what she has long guessed. Later, she is coaxed into going forward with the kit to discover her roots, maybe get a match with a relative, and ignore the fact that her parents never told her — apparently because of an NDA that was signed at her birth.

When the kit results come back, Veronica is then coaxed on an all-expenses-paid trip to four of the regions and countries that showed up in her DNA results: Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark. She visits Ireland first, staying in a lovely old castle in the off-season, and making friends with the caretaker and his family. While there, she is presented with a couple of visions that seem to be related to the former inhabitants of the castle. A similar thing happens when she visits France, Italy, and Denmark. She also takes the time and chance to visit the local food vendors to potentially add to her wealth of food knowledge.

While this wasn't a bad book — it absolutely wasn't my cup of tea. This was very much akin to a Hallmark-esque movie with the B-team. The dialogue strained to be more than the straightforward, direct dialogue, the characters were pat and static, and the plot was dull and predictable.

I enjoyed, and had more tolerance for, the visit to Ireland than any other spot. Runyan spent more time on Veronica and Niall (the castle's caretaker) here and their budding relationship than at any other place. In fact, there was a steady decline in the time spent on the page for each location as she went.

If you are a person who loves to read about food being sourced, tasted, prepared, and eaten, then you may get more out of this than I did. It was a dominant part of the book, and probably the only consistent component of Veronica's character. I didn't love it, but I did love the uniqueness of her job and the possibilities it could open up for her.

Other things I took issue with include the complete and utter disappearance of her parents from the plot, mostly her mother, who honestly had more to answer for than Veronica was demanding of her. And then there was the sheer goodness of the characters. They were pillars of kindness and understanding — even when an apology was due, it was quick to come and sincerely meant and genuinely taken. They were all scoops of vanilla ice cream. Even the romance side of the story was unbelievably tame — a couple of kisses and I think they held hands?

This will probably work for people who look for this level of easy, light reading where they can vicariously visit other places with and through Veronica. In that, I think it succeeds. I am unfortunately not one of those people.

4.75/5 Stars
Okay, so… I don’t really care for paranormal stuff, and I’m also a bit wary of dual timelines. However, I have to appreciate how Runyan took these two things and somehow melded them together to add a different dimension to Veronica’s story. See, the fact that Veronica is the only one seeing these… “echoes” (as Runyan prefers to call them) means that they could be rationally explained by them being visions from her subconscious, such as dreams. Obviously, because these apparitions include people from the past – who apparently existed, albeit fictionally – that Veronica has apparently never heard of before, that makes this a bit unlikely.

On the other hand, had Runyan tried to tell these stories as separate timelines, or side stories, it would have been very difficult to connect them to Veronica’s present experiences. But without them, there would be far less of a path towards self-discovery for Veronica. What I’m saying, therefore, is that I forgive Runyan for these not-really-ghosts, since they do serve a purpose. And at least the only one witnessing them is Veronica herself, so who knows what she did or didn’t see, right? But kudos to Runyan for slipping this in, while not putting me off the novel altogether.

Okay, that aside, Runyan really does know how to tell a compelling story. I mean, I really wanted to know how Veronica would work out her problems, and if she’d find a way to start on a new path, either with or without the guy she meets on the first leg of her trip. Add to that the fact that this is told with more than enough culinary elements to make my mouth water at the same time, made this book even more enticing. As I’ve said in the past, I don’t mind a touch of romance in a story, as long as the female protagonist doesn’t deny herself and/or her own ambitions just to be with some guy. If it works out, great. If not, well, it just wasn’t their time.

Now, if you’ve taken a peek at my star rating below, you’ll see a full five stars. Calm down, because I’m actually giving it 4.75 stars, but graphics for that are still lacking (if you like, call it 9.5 stars out of 10). You see, she did have me choking up a bit near the end of the book, although no real sobs or tears (I’m a hard woman, I am). However, I had to take off a quarter of a star because of the “echoes” which had me pretty wary in several parts of the story. Even so, this is really a lovely read, and I can sincerely recommend it to lovers of coming-of-age stories that include a touch of romance along with some luscious culinary bits – including some recipes at the end (one of which I’d really like to try, if I could only afford the truffles). Bon Appetite!

The Wandering Season
Aimie K Runyan, author

I haven't read/listened to a book I haven't thoroughly enjoyed by Runyan.

This wonderfully crafted story follows young Veronica on a quest to discover herself and where her biological roots comes from. In doing so, her adoptive parents encourage her to take a trip. She journeys through Ireland, France, Italy and ends up in New York before returning home to Denver.

During her journey, Veronica finds her soul mate. She discovers they have much in common. Unfortunately, she realizes there is no future for them, as they live on opposite sides of the continent.

What happens next in New York when she meets her biological mother is phenomenal. Not only does she find the answers she sought but her biological mother and then her parents when she returns home to Denver provide her with the much needed encouragement to follow her dreams and desires

And she does.....

What a beautifully crafted storyline. I highly recommend it to everyone. A lovely feel good novel. A great weekend read! Pick up your copy now and enjoy!

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for an advanced reading copy of the book.

European travel, castles, cottages, pastries, coffee, and gourmet meals - for the past several days I have been immersed in the beauty of all of these things in The Wandering Season. This story was rich with imagery and made for such a cozy read! If you love travel and great food, put this one on your list!

Veronica Stratton has just confirmed the suspicions she’s had for many years - she is adopted. Her younger sister sends her on a journey to see the places her ancestors lived - Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark. Along the way Veronica meets a charming Irish castle keeper, learns more of her history, and begins to understand more of herself and what path she should take for her future.

I loved that Veronica was blessed with such loving adoptive parents and that she had strong family relationships. This would have been a 5⭐️ read for me but for two things. One part that I didn’t see coming was a bit of magical realism with visions Veronica has of her ancestors, which were not really my cup of tea. My main caveat though was related to a brief pro-choice leaning, which I found to be disappointing (see more below).

Thank you so much to @uplitreads and @bookishaimie for this #gifted copy of The Wandering Season! All opinions expressed are my own. The Wandering Season is available on 4/1/25.

📖 Adult fiction. Mild, very infrequent language. Clean romance (kisses only). Adoption. An apothecary in the long-ago past is looked on as sympathetic to the plights of women, sending a subtle pro-choice message as she offers to make a tincture for a pregnant woman. Another brief mention of terminating a pregnancy as an option.

Based on the reviews, I enjoyed this much more than I expected. Lovely story of a young woman searching for both her roots and her future. Part family drama, part food tour, and a touch of time travel. What’s not to like?

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this! In this book, Veronica explores her ancestry after finding out she was adopted. She is also going through a breakup in addition to some doubts about her current career path. Her family sends her on a whirlwind vacation to the places her DNA says she is from, and while there, she starts seeing visions of the women she is descended from. As she travels, she finds more about herself, her passions in life, and some love along the way.

I thought this was a very sweet tale of travel and food, with magical realism mixed in. While this is not quite fantasy, the fact that Veronica sees visions of her ancestors may pull readers out of the story in a jarring way. However if you’re a fan of fantasy and a little bit of magic, this is a quality read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

🎵"...Oh, my life is changing everyday
In every possible way
And oh, my dreams
It's never quite as it seems
'Cause you're a dream to me
Dream to me..."🎵
~Dreams by The Cranberries

My favorite fairy tale is about to be released to the world! If you know me, then you know I love all things food, travel, family, and books, and Aimie K. Runyan has combined all of these perfect ingredients into a delicious story, leaving me wanting more.

I loved every minute of following her FMC, Veronica, who is not just a food broker, but a food matchmaker, as she navigates her journey of self-exploration after a long-term breakup AND the results of an ancestry report.

Runyan whisks her readers from the slopes of Estes Colorado to little culinary treasure trove towns in Ireland, France, and Italy (as well as brief stops in Copenhagen and NYC), all the while Veronica searches for her orgination story. In true 🧚‍♀️ fairytale fashion, there is magic, a castle 🏰, and yes, even a chivalrous suitor 😉. There are even fabulous recipes included! I really loved this novel, and having read several of her backlist, I can easily say this is my favorite to date!

Thank you to @bookishaimie and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Veronica Stratton a speciality food broker, is on her way home to Estes Park for Christmas with her parents and younger sister, Avery, who's flying in from NY.

Things begin going haywire when her sister produces a DNA kit as a fun game, which forces Veronica to reveal that she is adopted. She had found this out for herself, as a teen, studying genetics in science class. Afraid of upsetting the applecart, she had kept quiet and never openly confronted her parents about it. Their parents tearfully reveal that it's true and say it was a closed adoption, and they never met Vero's birth parents and indeed weren't even allowed to take pictures at the hospital as soon as she was born.

This bombshell shakes things up for everyone and Veronica's parents, sister and best friend send her off to Europe, to places her DNA results indicate her forebears came from. Veronica plays along and at each of these places, starting with Ireland has visions into the past. She sees women (presumably ancestresses) at major crossroads in their lives making hard choices that bring them to America. Veronica is forced to face the fact that she has been running away from hard choices since her late teens: choices on career, persona life, future...

While this adds a touch of whimsy and fancy to the tale, this ability to see into the past is not my cup of tea, as I feel it is not Scriptural. But this novel isn't necessarily from a Christian worldview.

However, that these two devices - the culinary journey and unusual journey into the past are a huge part of the charm of this novel. Veronica's journey to find herself continues with interesting characters she meets along the way, Niall Callahan being one of them. Will he be a part of Vero's past or her future? Does she find her birth parents? What about her relationship with her current loving family: parents and sister?And what does life hold for her after these mega revelations? Does she find herself, find her passion and find someone to share that passion and life with? Or will she continue to hide herself like an ostrich, running from the possibilities life has for her? Will the wanderer find her home?

Buy the novel to find out. It can be had at all major digital and print bookshops.

The cover and description of this novel really drew me to requesting. I was so delighted to get accepted for an arc by Netgalley and Harper Muse!

After being gifted a DNA test from her sister, Veronica, the main character, finally discovers her adoption. The results leading her to leave an ex behind and escape to the countries of her origin. Leaving an old life to discover an new one basically. The hallucinations/dreams about her ancestors was a surprising twist. I would love more exploration on that if there ever is another continued novel. Overall, I felt that the plot was similar to Hallmark coded scenarios so i found it hard to make an emotional connection with the characters. (If you love that kind of thing, this book is for you)
I loved the inserts of travel, food and the magical fantasy throughout the read. The touch of self discovery mixed with romance and new hopes gave a warm fuzzy feel. Thank you again to Netgalley and Harper Muse for this Arc. My rating is my own!

What I enjoyed most about The Wandering Season was its initial promise—a woman tracing the stories of her ancestors, a layered narrative weaving past and present, and a strong sense of setting that could have grounded the novel well. Aimie K. Runyan’s writing has moments of emotional depth, and there’s clear intention in exploring identity, heritage, and legacy.

However, the execution didn’t fully land for me. Veronica’s connection with her ancestors veered too heavily into the paranormal, which felt more forced than seamless. Instead of enhancing the plot, it raised more questions than it answered. The ties to her Danish roots, though initially intriguing, were underexplored and left unresolved. With so many loose ends—about her ancestors, about Denmark, about the overall point of it all—the story left me more frustrated than fulfilled. It had potential, but the lack of clarity and cohesion held it back.

This was such a cute charming story about a girl named Veronica who finds out she is adopted and is thrown for a loop figuring out her past. She takes an extended vacation and travels to Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark where she has "dreams" of different women in the past who are going through major life changes.

The story has themes of found family, a sense of belonging, home is where the heart is, and life is what you make it.

Things that didn't work for me:

Really weird that the parents legally couldn't tell her she was adopted haha and when she figured out as a teen (she didn't look like anyone in her family) she didn't say anything.

The dreams dynamic felt a bit too dramatic and disjointed from the story as it is ambigous why she had those dreams even by the end of the book. Especially it felt off with the last vision she ends up having regarding a specific family member.

Why did she NEED to go to Europe? She didn't really do any research there and was mostly there for vibes by herself that her younger sister fully planned for her... It seemed that she was literally incapable of making life choices on her own many times throughout the book. She was a character that needed a "nudge" to do anything.

Things I loved:

Niall. The cat. The aspects of her job as a supplier for restaurants. Descriptions of the markets. Descriptions how the houses almost seemed to have "agency"- really well done!

Overall three stars because while I did enjoy it, this is one I maybe wouldn't read again BUT I am glad that I did as it has been so highly recommended on instagram. I would say this is for fans of What the Wind Knows, The Story She Left Behind, and To Sicily With Love.

Thank you to NetGalley and to HarperMuse Audiobooks and HarperMuse for my gifted ebook and audiobook copies in exchange for my honest review. This made a stellar audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator!

Did I pick this book because of its cover? Absolutely. It looked like the kind of place I’d love to travel to, and thankfully, the story delivered on that front.

The premise was fantastic—Veronica’s journey to the places her ancestors may have come from was such a fun concept. Traveling through Ireland, France, Denmark, and Italy, discovering incredible food and ingredients—it was easy to imagine being right there with her. The descriptions were rich and immersive, making this book a treat for anyone who loves food and travel.

However, one thing that didn’t work for me was the paranormal element. Veronica connecting with her ancestors in such a mystical way felt out of place. I would have preferred if she had uncovered her heritage through distant relatives or historical records rather than literal visions. Readers should definitely be prepared for this touch of magical realism!

Another thing I missed was the chemistry between Veronica and Niall. On paper, they were a great match—they bonded over food and travel, but the romance just lacked that spark. A little more passion or tension would have made their relationship and the book more engaging.

That said, I partially listened to the audiobook, and Caroline Hewitt did a great job, especially with Niall’s Irish accent! That was definitely a highlight.

Overall, The Wandering Season is an enjoyable read for those who love books about self-discovery, food, and travel. Just be aware of the unexpected supernatural twist!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks and HarperCollins Focus for the (audio) ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*The Wandering Season* is an unmissable gem that captivates readers with its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and deeply resonant themes. Aimie K. Runyan has masterfully woven a narrative that not only entertains but profoundly connects on both emotional and intellectual levels.

This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and character-driven stories, offering a transformative experience filled with emotional depth and historical insight. If you're searching for a book that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page, this one delivers in every way.

*The Wandering Season* is perfect for readers who value thought-provoking narratives and unforgettable characters. It stands as a powerful testament to Runyan’s storytelling prowess and her remarkable ability to create stories that resonate universally. Don’t miss the opportunity to be moved and inspired by this extraordinary novel.

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