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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The audiobook is superbly narrated by Caroline Hewitt. The pace is perfect, allowing the story to flow and be understood by the listener. She beautifully brings every character to life with accents, tone and expression.

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 audio publisher, Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Can this book please be made into a movie? The whole time I was listening I was captivating and it would make the perfect movie. The settings, the plot, the characters it was worked exquisitely well for me. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I have. It’s amazing. I am now looking for all of her prior books

A Memory of Lavender and Sage was my first read from Aimie Runyan and I knew from the first paragraph that I loved her writing. I'm happy to report that The Wandering Season was just as lovely as I was expecting. I recommend for those looking for woman's fiction with a dash of romance and whimsy. Bravo to the narrator for perfecting so many different accents to bring this story to life. Can't wait for more from this author!

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.

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!

Caroline Hewitt’s narration was absolutely perfect. Her soothing and engaging voice pulled me in right away, making it such an enjoyable listen.

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!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for my copy of The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan Narrated by Caroline Hewitt in exchange for an honest review. It published April 1, 2025.
First off, the narration was top-notch. All of the accents really enriched the story.
I loved the premise of this book, and the execution of it was even better. I fully enjoyed this book from start to finish and I can already think of several people I’d love to recommend it to!
I loved getting to travel, the foodie bits, and the family aspect. Just the right amount of romance, and overall, just a super sweet book.