Oh this book was phenomenal! I could not put this book down. It was such a beautiful written story. I had every heart string pulled. It was gorgeously put together. Well done Aimie!

Runyan never runs out of ideas. I was captivated by the protagonists journey to discover her birth mother. She travels near and far. A little mystery, romance and travel along with delicious recipes makes this one to read in one sitting.

It's another best book so far this year for me. I enjoyed this one immensely! I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Wow!
I'm still thinking about this sweet story that has a little bit of everything to keep the readers' interest.
The descriptions of people and places were so vivid that I felt like I was watching a movie!
I deeply resonated with Veronica as I too am adopted. I think that's why I enjoyed this book so much.
My favorite stop on Veronica's journey was Italy. I've never been but thanks to this novel I got to go.
I will warn you though. The food in this book will make you drool another reason I loved this novel. Yummy! "Sigh" are two descriptions I can think of. Oh yes, amazingly wonderful lol.
5 stars from me for keeping me entertained. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a wonderful adventure. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I really enjoyed this book! If only we all could experience a trip like this one! It includes really wonderful relationship dynamics, between family members, friends, and a romantic interest, that are both relatable and inspiring. I can’t say too much without spoiling something, but the stories of the women in this novel really showcase the strength and tenacity of women and remind you not to settle for anything less than what you deserve (which is the absolute best there is) which I really needed a reminder of. If you’re a foodie, there’s plenty of mouthwatering food descriptions that will definitely inspire you in the kitchen. Overall, a very cozy, feel good read.

I really enjoyed reading this book! It had a great amount of travel stories, and I love a book that has the character discovering themselves and their past through travel. It is always fun to read and see a character in a book grow that way and see how different cultures and perspectives will alter them. It was a beautifully written book!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This is a sweet novel that I will recommend for fans of women's fiction. Veronica is adopted and goes on a search for her birth mother. It's a familiar premise but Runyan executes the story beautifully. She sets each scene with just the right amount of detail so that the reader feels they are there with the character. I especially enjoy her descriptions. Veronica's journey kept me interested all the way through. The delicious food is another bonus! Ultimately, this is a feel-good read with cozy vibes. The message - don't settle for less than you deserve - is an honorable one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

This book has a fabulous premise, wherein Veronica gets a DNA kit as a gift and learns she is adopted. Wanting to know more about her past, she sets off to Europe to venture to the places listed on her DNA report: Ireland, France, Denmark, and Italy. It is in Ireland where she meets a potential future self, in the form of Niall. This book is mostly about Veronica's journey to understand who she is, deeper than just "finding" herself.

Probably the only thing I could have done without in this book were the visions, as it just didn't jive with the contemporary story at hand for me. I did enjoy the incorporation of food and its role in Veronica's life, and I was really appreciative of the relationship between Veronica and Niall - this was written well and they both came across as adults who interacted with each other like adults.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan is a remarkable story of family and friendship with a touch of 'magic' and mystery. I've read many of her other books, most recently Mademoiselle Eiffel which I absolutely loved.
We are introduced to Avery who finds out her sister, Veronica, is adopted. So Avery and her best friend Stephanie send Veronica on a trip to the places where her family roots are and in each place Veronica has visions or “echoes” of her past ancestors. This journey of self discovery helps Avery to follow her dreams.
I loved following along in her journey.
The author does an incredible job of making everything seem so real. A favorite part of the book was her visit to Ireland. The food and that culture were fascinating to me. I was excited to see a few recipes at the end especially Crème Brûlée. I also really liked the love interest storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Great book. 4.5 stars.
Slow burning romance that built to a great finale. Not everyone falls in love at first sight, and that is OK. Some have to move slowly and find their own way in the world. Then when the time is right, true love happens.
No language, sex, or violence.
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

A life is meant to have seasons

Veronica is adopted and gets a DNA kit as a gift, she finds out the places her family roots are.
Her sister and best friend send her on a trip to Ireland, France, Italy and Denmark so she can learn more.
Veronica’s journey becomes a way to find herself.
The Wandering Season is a story of friendship, family, mystery and magic.
I loved taking the trip with Veronica to experience all the beautiful places and adventures as she discovered what was truly important to her. The food descriptions were making me hungry.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book.

The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan is a great read. What do you do when your suspicions are finally confirmed. You take a trip to find your heritage and past and come to terms with the truth. While searching for these, you discover what you've always wanted for your future. With a few oddities in plot thrown into the mix, The Wandering Season pulls you into the life of Veronica, her sister Avery, and the culinary world.

Releases Apr. 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

****Publishing April 1, 2025****

Veronica Stratton, a food distributor, visits her parents at Christmas. This is when she finds out she has been adopted! Veronica had an inkling that she was adopted, but never felt the need to ask. With her mother’s encouragement, Veronica takes time off from work to travel to Europe to investigate her family history. In addition, to finding out about her family, she tries to find new vendors for her job. What will she discover? Will Veronica be satisfied with finding more about her family? Can she expand her business?

A wonderful book that takes you on an adventure to Ireland, France, Denmark and Italy! I loved the premise of Veronica finding out she is adopted to taking a trip to discover more about the family she never had! From the writing to the story to the characters, it makes for a heartfelt and entertaining read! A great book club read as it will lead to interesting discussions!

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

The Wandering Season is a captivating exploration of identity and self-discovery. Protagonist Veronica Stratton, a specialty food broker on the brink of professional success, faces personal upheaval when a DNA test reveals her adoption—a suspicion she had long harbored. Seeking clarity, she embarks on a transformative journey through Ireland, France, Italy, and Denmark, tracing her ancestral roots. Runyan masterfully intertwines vivid descriptions of European landscapes and culinary delights with Veronica's internal quest, offering readers a rich tapestry of culture and emotion. Her encounters with her heritage are both mystical and profound. The Wandering Season is a beautifully crafted tale that resonates with anyone who has ever sought to understand their origins and the true meaning of family

I absolutely love Aimee’s books and her style of telling stories. This was a wonderful story! I loved everything about it. I felt like I was back in Ireland, Amazing warm characters. Highly highly recommend!

Taking a European journey through the pages of The Wandering Season is an absolute delight! Veronica Stratton’s search for her roots takes us from the misty shores of Ireland to the rolling countryside of Italy, weaving the past and present together in a way that feels both magical and deeply personal. With every new destination, history seeps into her reality, offering glimpses of long-lost ancestors and unraveling secrets she never expected to find.

The story is a perfect blend of adventure, self-discovery, and romance, with the charming Irish castle keeper, Niall Callahan, adding just the right touch of warmth. If you love books that transport you to beautiful places while exploring the echoes of the past, this one is a must-read!

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!

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it was amazing

I loved this story!! Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
A character driven story of a family living in Colorado. I enjoyed all the family members and especially Veronica who has just learned as an adult that she was adopted. Her sister who is the biological child of her parents gave her a DNA kit showing her ancestry. Her family convinces her to take a trip to find her roots.
I loved learning about Veronica’s job as a food specialty broker and all the descriptions of wonderful food throughout the book - even some great recipes.
I loved the romance and magical realism in the book as well.
But most of all I loved the travel descriptions in the book. Great promo for the concept of slow travel which I greatly enjoy.
Highly recommend this book for fans of romance novels with more depth, foodies and lovers of travel.
This book also provides insight into the idea of adoption and all the forms and consequences it may have. A sensitive look at the adoptees feelings as well as the loved ones around her!
Cannot wait to buy my own copy April 1. This feels like a signature book for me.

i really did enjoy this book. it held a place the serious points but without takin it down a dark and burdening plot like it could of. it managed to add the parts we needed. and perhaps sometimes we can believe that when hit with hard things, people do just keep moving and make things good. id like to believe that. and thats not to say our main character had it easy! oh no. having found out she is adopted she feel unmoored. unsettled with a sense of loss for so much of herself that wasnt ever true. i felt truly heartbroken for veronica at this point. i dont know how you would cope with such a revelation. well, in her case she has a sister, a sister who sends her out into the world to go and discover all those parts of her true self. she does so by visiting the places her DNA report informs her of. its is here where she meets many a place and people who will change and help her find her true self. and possibly finally find her true home even that home within herself.
the added romance element is of course a winner.
and for me the fact our veronica was a baker and so food was involved throughout just meant this book kept on getting better and better.
i enjoyed this book so much more than i thought i would. and id happily give it out to any of my friends or family to snuggle down to.
i also think sometimes we need absolute factual plot points. and sometimes we all need something that doesnt need to do this and in ourselves need to just enjoy a good fiction book and put judgment of how "real" it is aside. and once you do that you can really enjoy some top books for what they are.
this is one of those books. i think some people might not find certain incidences true to life. but who knows. stranger things have happened to a fair few people ive known in life. so maybe this is truer than we think. or truer than our cynical brains let us believe.

The Wandering Season is to an avid reader what fine dining is to a foodie-perfection on every level! This culinary experience begins with an introduction to Veronica’s situation and family dynamics on Christmas Eve in snow covered Estes Park, Colorado. The wait staff is comprised of fabulous characters: Veronica’s darling, bubbly fashionista sister, Avery, her best friend Stephanie, and the loving, always supportive parents.
The main course or plot is driven by the findings of the DNA test kits given as presents from Avery. Veronica embarks on a journey planned by Avery, through four countries that correlate with her ancestors. Thank goodness for dad’s American Express and Avery’s two steps ahead planning savvy! Food sourcing vendors and new products was Veronica’s mission but visions of generations before helped guide and reveal her family background and history. Runyan’s transitions between reality and dreams fade in and out seamlessly like an adroit waiter anticipating your dining needs at every turn.
Every menu is capped with a fine dessert and so it is in The Wandering Season. Thoughts of the romantic possibility of an alluring Irish castle and its keeper will linger as Veronica explores her roots and finally realizes her own self-worth. The “close your eyes and savor” moment comes when Veronica reveals her new life plan- and the pièce de résistance- her favorite recipes from each country visited!
Aimie K. Runyan’s The Wandering Season is a delicious literary and culinary experience worthy of five Michelin stars.

Wow…..what an incredible journey this book has taken me on! I have been transported around Europe with Veronica and now feel rather bereft that the journey is over. I have come to really savour Aimie K. Runyan’s novels. Her writing is beautifully descriptive - I felt fully immersed in Veronica’s wanderings; I could vividly picture each location; I could taste and smell the culinary experiences. Veronica and her parents in particular, felt very ‘human’ with feelings, thoughts and emotions that are real and valid in relation to the adoption circumstances.

Whilst Veronica’s journey is a physical one to several European locations, her journey is also one of self-discovery and personal growth. This book has left me in no doubt that “a bit of wandering is good for the soul.” Oh and the ending is absolutely perfect! 5 stars and more!

Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins Focus for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about “The Wandering Season” by Aimie K. Runyan, and I highly recommend this memorable and captivating novel. Pack your imagination and off we go on an incredible journey in this well- written and mesmerizing story. The genres for this novel are Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Travel, Magical Realism, Sister’s Fiction, Women’s Domestic Life Fiction, and Romance. The locations for this story are set in Estes Park, Ireland, France,Denmark, Italy and New York. I love how the author vividly describes the scenery, and her colorful and dramatic characters. As a side bonus, the author describes foods in such a sensory and delightful way, and offers some recipes in the back of the book.

Veronica Stratton searches for specialty foods as her business, and has been an asset to her customers, and often is asked why she doesn’t run a restaurant. Veronica is on a journey to find herself. She has been going with a boyfriend for a long time and questions her feelings about a commitment. Veronica often wonders why she doesn’t look like her parents or sister. For Christmas, Veronica’s sister gives Her a DNA test. When the results of the DNA test comes back, Veronica takes a chance and decides to both escape and explore the countries listed on the DNA report. She is eager to find her ancestors, and possible answers. With the emotional support from her best friend and sister, Veronica is encouraged to go. She does meet some intriguing and exceptional people, and has some “visions” of her ancestors.

I appreciate that the author discusses issues as the importance of family, friends, sisterhood, honesty, communication, self-discovery, hope and love. Some of Veronica’s ancestors were courageous and determined to survive and make a better life. I hope there is a sequel to this book.

This is one of my favorite books of the year so far. As an adoptee, I am always intrigued by books that feature people like me, so I had no doubt that I was going to read it, plus I am a big fan of this author's novels.
Veronica, the main character in this novel, takes a DNA test gifted to her by her sister, and it confirms her suspicions that she is adopted. She goes on a journey to Ireland, France, Italy and Denmark to see where her ancestors are from. She finds romance and explores what she wants to do with her life (she is a food broker but the question is if she wants to be a chef). She finds out some answers but has even more questions.
This book allowed me to be an armchair traveler (no small thing at the moment) and the descriptions of setting as well as the food in the locations allowed me to be elsewhere (and made me incredibly hungry). I wish the book had included a few recipes.
About the only reservation I had were about how the adoption was handled; Veronica seemed remarkably unaffected by it at times, especially since she found out when she was an adult. However, I was able to put that aside because the book was so enjoyable that I read it all in one day.
I also listened to part of it on audio. The narrator was good and I enjoyed her accents.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Focus and Harper Muse Audiobooks for providing me with the advanced copies of the text and audiobook in exchange for my unbiased opinions.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

🎵"...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.

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.

Veronica goes to spend Christmas with her parents and sister. her sister surprises her with a DNA test revealing she is adopted. veronica doesn't know how to handle the news. good story