I really enjoyed the part of the stories that were Veronica's story. How she was finding her way in the world while her family cheered her on. Her story about knowing she was adopted long before her parents told her was an interesting side story. It gave her story some humanness. She wasn't just another young person who was not sure what to do with her life.
I did wonder about those 'visions' she had. They seemed to muddy the water a bit. I felt those parts of the stories could easily been shared through stories told by other women in the book. Not just a random 'dream/vison' that made Veronica seem just a bit off. Way too many people seemed perfectly okay that she knew stuff about people who lived hundreds of years ago, or in the case of her birth-mother, recently. It just didn't seem to fit the story well.
I do like Runyan's writing voice and I really do like her characters. She does a great job of reminding readers that it is okay to not always know what you want out of life, but to keep moving forward and find the one thing that makes you happy.

I was drawn to this book by the description. The idea of an adopted woman going on a journey to connect with her roots appealed to me. I am fascinated by our personal histories and love how this all unfolds. It doesn't hurt that I find I have A LOT in common with the main character, including hair color, height, and the same birthday!! I also have a love of cooking but I am definitely not the wizard in the kitchen Veronica is. This book checked so many boxes for me. I love to travel, I love good food and experiencing that food with others, and I have also wondered what a DNA test might uncover. Our FMC starts as someone who thinks she's sure of herself, and on the journey realizes how much she didn't know. Through her friends, family, and visions of the past she lands in a place where she is truly happy.

The narrator Caroline Hewitt is phenomenal! She manages so many different characters seamlessly. Very impressive.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to preview this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

The story captures the journey of uncovering one’s roots in such a genuine way. It blends personal growth with a quiet romance that feels real and unforced. The way the characters evolve through the story kept me interested and connected to their experiences.

The narrator brings everything to life perfectly, giving each character their own voice and making the emotions feel authentic. It made the whole experience feel like I was right there with them.

The pacing felt just right, with the story unfolding naturally without rushing or dragging. There’s no heavy-handed drama, just a smooth, flowing narrative that lets you settle into the world the characters are navigating. It’s the kind of story that feels comforting and real.

As someone else mentioned, this book was reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love!
Veronica sets out to trace her family tree after discovering her roots through a DNA test.
Our heroine packs her bags (and emotional baggage) and heads off on a solo adventure, like a caffeinated Elizabeth Gilbert with a Pinterest board full of linen outfits. There’s love, there’s loss, there’s some romance, and enough heartfelt introspection to fill a gratitude journal.


Was it life-changing? Maybe not. But it was charming, breezy, and filled with enough wanderlust to make you stare out your window dramatically for no reason. If you're in the mood for a book that feels like a hug with a passport, this one’s for you.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Aimie K. Runyan’s books and I think this is my favorite. Veronica was a wonderful character and I loved being along for her journey as she explored her heritage and took time to sort out her feelings about being adopted. Aimie’s descriptions about Vero’s travels were incredible and I could clearly picture each place she visited. The “echoes” she experienced during her travels were all incredibly compelling and added a powerful layer to this beautiful story. Veronica’s passion for unique ingredients and culinary delights was inspiring and I was cheering her on big time as she considered her next steps.

This is a bewitching tale about feeling love in all its forms, finding your life's purpose and being able to change with the time. I loved the idea of a personal journey through 4 different countries to explore your roots. For the protagonist to then go and find out that her roots are much closer to home than she thought, it brought everything back full circle.

Exploring the culinary delicacies of Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark was easily one of the biggest draws for me. The romance interest seems realistic while also being a total dreamboat of a man.

What can I say?! While this was my first Aimie K. Runyan, it definitely won't be my last. I especially loved the gentle sprinkling of magical realism moments that made the story all the more poignant.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

This novel takes you along on an adventure of discovery. The pacing is fast and the story is interesting and the idea of following threads of the past to determine your future is interesting!

If you love food and travel, add this book to your TBR pile! It was just delightful and made me yearn to go to Europe and sample delicious foods! 
The story follows Veronica who leaves her home in Denver to find more about her family roots in Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark. On the way, she discovers more about herself as well as the women from her family line.
It had some romance, magical realism, family drama, and lots of amazing food. If you get the physical book there will be an appendix with recipes! I did the audio and the narrator was fantastic with all the different accents. But I definitely want to get a copy of the physical book to see those recipes!
Thanks to @netgalley for the early audio copy!

This was a terrific read/listen! The audio itself was especially well done. There were so many diverse characters, accents, and personalities. One of the best single narrations I’ve listened to.

As for the story, it gave me The Holiday and Leap Year vibes. The actual plot is not relate to those, but the feel and the atmosphere was definitely there. It was cozy and quaint at times, then it was vivid and decadent. I enjoy Veronica’s wandering and wondering, while she discovered more about herself and her heritage. Niall was a dream.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for my advanced listening copy, all opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aimie K. Runyan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wandering Season was not quite what I expected, but it was an enjoyable and heartfelt journey of self-discovery, identity, and passion. The story follows a woman in her twenties as she embarks on a life-changing trip to Ireland after uncovering the truth about her adoption. As she navigates the complexities of her heritage, she finds herself deeply connected not just to the land and its people but also to her true passion—food.

Runyan’s writing beautifully captures the essence of Ireland, from its rich history to the warmth of its people. The novel is infused with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and culinary elements to life, making it a treat for readers who enjoy immersive, sensory storytelling. While the pacing at times was different from what I anticipated, the emotional depth and character growth kept me engaged throughout.

Overall, The Wandering Season is a touching story about identity, belonging, and following one’s heart. Fans of contemporary fiction with themes of family heritage and self-discovery will find much to appreciate in this novel.

Wow, this story pulled me in from the start when Veronica’s sister brings up DNA kits for their family to try. Her parents kinda freak out and Veronica is able to bring up something that she has suspected for a long time…that she is adopted. Since she had already suspected that, she did not seem to be as upset as the rest of her family, but it did hit her later on. Her best friend and sister scheme together to send her to Europe to see the four places that were on her DNA ancestry report. While in one of those locations, she met a handsome castle keeper, Niall, and connects with him more than she has with anyone in a long time.

So, so good! This book pulled on my heart strings in so many ways. I was adopted as a baby much like Veronica and my pictures with my parents started after the hospital as well. My parents have told me from as long as I could remember that I was adopted so that wasn’t hidden from me. I loved her journey of finally doing something for herself and especially the ending when she finally pursued her dreams. I loved the food talk in this story and although I am not as versed in food talk as Veronica, I loved here about her business and sourcing ingredients for famous chefs and their restaurants. This will probably be in my top 10 for this year!

The narration was great!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Caroline Hewitt does a fantastic job narrating this story and really makes it an enjoyable listening experience!

Veronica Stratton has always suspected she was adopted. When her sister surprises the family with DNA tests at Christmas, Veronica's suspicions are confirmed. With her business on the edge and a recent break up with her boyfriend, her family send her on a European vacation to see the 4 places listed on her DNA profile. She hopes to find out a little about her family roots and take a break from life.

This is a character driven novel that is well written. I loved the descriptions of the picturesque scenery of Ireland and france as well as the sights and smells of the foods curated by Veronica. The relationships and characters are wonderful. This is a light hearted read that will have you wanting truffles in Provence!!!

A captivating novel that spans continents, and centuries. While some of what was random planning turned out to be a bit too on-the-mark, it was still fun traveling along with Veronica. Quite satisfying. Excellent narrator.

The more I think of this book the more stars I want to give it. I enjoyed the travel aspect of this book when typically, I don't. I felt like I was on vacation with the MC and enjoyed living vicariously through her. I loved her exploration of realizing her importance and what she really wanted for the rest of her life. Thank You Netgalley for the ALC. The Narrator Caroline Hewitt did a great job with all the specific accents needed. I enjoyed every part of this story.

Why I really loved this audiobook:
Great narrator: Caroline Hewitt
Beautiful cover: Beautiful covers are in shockingly short supply, which makes me think that maybe my taste is not in line with the general public, but I’m ok with that. It truly is lovely to see a beautiful cover every time you pick up a book.
Characters you can root for: the heroine, Veronica Stratton, has a really interesting and unique job as a specialty food broker. I never even considered that was a profession, but because I love food and cooking, I found it fascinating.
The premise: at 26, Veronica celebrates Christmas with her parents and they all receive a DNA kit from her younger sister. When the results come back, Veronica discovers that she is adopted and proceeds to spend the next month traveling the world to all the places her ancestors immigrated from.

This novel was just a tonic for the times we live in, a pleasant escape with likeable characters, a travelogue, and a coming of age story all wrapped up in a neat package.

The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan, follows Veronica Stratton—a speciality food consultant who confirms her suspicions of being adopted at her family Christmas, when her unknowing sister gifts them all DNA tests. This confirmation—along with a tough breakup—takes Veronica across the ocean, as her family funds a month long trip to the locations of her ancestry (as found by the DNA test) to give her a chance to process and learn about herself. Along the way she meets Niall Callaghan, a charming Irishman who prompts her to ask even more questions of herself and what she wants for her future. A Wandering Season is a beautiful story of self-realization, with a bit of magical realism as Veronica makes some connections with her ancestors.

At the beginning of this audiobook, I was a little skeptical of where it was gonna go, and if it would keep my attention. But as it progressed I began to really enjoy the plot, and found Veronica’s journey fascinating and sweet. Some of the dialogue and inner thoughts were a little corny and a bit on the nose for my liking, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. The jump (or fall rather) Veronica makes into self-discovery after a big breakup and confirmation of her adoption, carries many beautiful insights into family connections, identity, self-doubt, and self-worth. It was well worth the listen. 🎧🌿🌍

I rate it 3.75 stars

This was a moving women's fiction book about Veronica, a food broker who has recently broken up with her boyfriend and who takes a DNA test confirming her she isn't her parent's biological daughter. While Veronica has always suspected this was the case and been okay with it, her sister and friend talk her into taking time off to visit Ireland and other European countries in the hopes of tracking down some blood relatives.

The book has a lot of great food content, a romance with a charming Irishman and a bit of magical realism in the form of dreams about some of her past ancestors. I also really enjoyed the audio narration by Caroline Hewitt who does an excellent job with a variety of accents and a large cast of secondary characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital and audio copy and Uplit Reads for a gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review! Recommended for fans of other DNA test family dramas like Maine characters by Hannah Orenstein or The lost book of first loves by RaeAnne Thayne.