Such a cute lighthearted read. I highly recommend this book if you like a romance and easy to read books.

2.75 stars

I was really torn on how to rate this one, but I ultimately ended up rating the way I did because it took me several weeks to read such a short book. I usually love small town romances and their cozy vibe, but this didn't deliver enough to sustain me and keep my attention.

I did enjoy some aspects of this book, it touches on grief and navigating through adversity. I love added substance to my romance books so the exploration of Fisher's grief added to my experience, however, it would have been delved into deeper. The romance definitely had some sweet moments and the spice was tasteful. This mainly fell short for me as I struggled to connect to Fisher and this was largely character driven. I easily preferred Sage over Fisher, she was much more interesting, fun and quirky character. Fisher really needed to be focusing on his own self development and his niece.

The writing style also detracted from my enjoyment. It pulled me out of the story because there was a lot of unnecessary detail or dialogue that didn't add much value and the pace moved very slow. The third act event didn't help things for me either considering the short length of the book. I found the direction predictable.

You might enjoy this one, if you are in the mood for a lightheaded fluffy rom-com.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes

╰⪼ Grumpy x sunshine
╰⪼ Fake dating
╰⪼ Wounded Hero
╰⪼ Strong Heroine
╰⪼ Small Town
╰⪼ Hot neighbour
╰⪼ Guardian Ward Romance
╰⪼ Chef MMC x small town teacher
╰⪼ Open door spice
╰⪼ Dual POV

I struggled to connect with this one and it's most definitely a me not you situation. While I liked Sage and Fisher as a couple I found their romance to develop very quickly and they didn't take too long before pouring their heart out to each other. I wanted more build up and angst before getting to the full on romantic bits. And I know that's a me thing. I also don't like cooking or baking in my books (again, just me but I find cooking really boring) so I wanted interest at all in Fisher and his career - although I did like that this focuses a lot on Fisher rediscovering his passions and finding out what he wants from life. I just wish the rest of the character development matched this.

Nothing groundbreaking, but a cute enough read if you like grumpy/sunshine romances without the massive build up.

A lovely small town romance, set in the summer.

A good read to add to your holiday tbr, perfect for reading on the beach or by the pool.

A well written, well paced romance I would read again.

Wow. What an amazing book. 5 stars ✨✨✨✨✨🥹
Sat here sobbing at this perfect love story. I am a sucker for a small town romance but this book is unlike anything i’ve ever read before. After reading and loving rootbound by Tara’s DeWitt i had high expectations for this book but it blew them out of the park. Absolutely phenomenal. The playlist was amazing and i read the last chapter and Epilogue to the last song and my heart swooned. This story is about Sage Byrd who lives in a small town called Spunes, Oregon, and Fisher Lange who’s from New York City. A lot has gone on in both of their lives prior to meeting, Fisher is the sole caregiver for his late sisters daughter Indy and Sage lost both of her parents at a very young age, being cared for by her 3 older brothers. Fisher travels to Spunes for work as he’s a Chef but got fired from his job due to a journalist saying his cooking was drab and boring for not changing in a while which started an argument. Fisher begins rural life in Spunes whilst trying to put together a new restaurant for his old Boss and along the way he meets his new neighbour and town sweetheart Sage. They fall for each other but know it can only be temporary as Fisher is set to go back to New York once he’s completed on the restaurant, plus he is done uprooting Indy’s life, wanting to be a stable and secure Caregiver in her life. Can they stick to staying friends with benefits? How will they cope once Fisher leaves for good…
You have to read this book, i am such a fan of Tarah’s work and cannot wait to pick up her next book! i cannot express how much i love the writing style, the title references, the meaningful analogies especially page 301! Just so beautiful

Fisher Lange, you deserve endless happiness! My goodness, this book really took me by surprise. I love when a couple is thrown through a loop in a book, and have so many awkward moments, but it's never awkward between them? The banter, the care for each other, it was always there! Sage, now she could have fallen into the manic-pixie-dream girl category, except she remained remarkably emotionally grounded which was amazing to read.

My first book by Tarah DeWitt but it will not be the last. All the ingredients for a perfect romance. Well paced with great characters, no notes.

I've been a huge fan of Tarah DeWitt's since Funny Feelings (my HEART), but Savor It is now my second favourite of hers! What I love about her books is the characters and their struggles feel really real and sincere, and Sage and Fisher are no different - there were some moments that gave me real lump-in-throat syndrome. It's really easy to get invested in their relationship and the build up - and then savor it!

out of all the books set in a small town i've ever read, this one is what reminded me to Gilmore Girls the most. the vibe was immaculate!

a chef from the city x a local farmer/teacher, an emotional teenage girl, a bunch of animals, setting up a new restaurant, preparing for the town annual competition, small town lore, meddling and nosy locals. the plot started to felt a little boring in the middle but the ending was nice. didn't attached to the characters, tho. it was okay overall.

*4.5 stars*

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for a review.

This is my first book by Tarah DeWitt, but after devouring this book in one sitting, it most definitely will not be my last book by her.

The small-town setting of Spunes, Oregon, immediately had my heart, along with the main characters of Sage, Fisher, and Fisher's niece, Indy. Oh, and all the animals that Sage owns, including the goose who is in love with Indy. I love a small-town setting, but boy did this have the best vibes. I feel like I learnt enough about the side characters to be invested in the small town, but not to the point that it detracted from the main couple's relationship. However, I would love a book about Sage's brother and best friend, as their relationship dynamic is one I would love to explore more (were together and were madly in love, had a child together, broke up, and now the brother has never been able to move on).

I love that both Sage and Fisher had issues that they were dealing with in their personal lives, and that they didn't fix them for one another, but just provided safe spaces for each other to grow and be vulnerable. Fisher in particular really struggles at the beginning of the book, and is not adjusting to the small town life, and seems to feel safe around Sage almost instantaneously (although it doesn't feel insta-lovey in my opinion, he just feels calm in her presence).

The book explores some heavier topics, particularly loss of a parent, and I thought it was really lovely having Sage and Indy discuss this together as character's that both have experienced this when they were young girls.

The love between Fisher and Sage was really beautiful to read about, as they both decided to embrace living in the moment and appreciating the time together that they were lucky enough to have, so it felt like they really made the most of every opportunity and were grateful for their time together. I will also say it's not as spicy as some other romance books I've read (still has got some spice but not loads), and I feel like that added to the wholesomeness of their relationship as it made me believe their feelings for one another was built off more than just physical lust.

I loved the exploration of career pressure, especially surrounding Fisher and being a Michelin star chef. He speaks in the book about not being able to enjoy his career wins, because he is always worried about failing or thinking forward to the next goal he has to achieve, and so stepping back from his career helps him realise that the way he had viewed happiness wasn't necessarily what actually made him happy. He had always defined success and happiness as being a Michelin star chef, but when that didn't make him happy, he didn't know how to cope with that. It was really lovely reading about him realising success can be something simpler, such as leading a life with people who are your community and doing small things that genuinely make you happy every day with your loved ones, rather than being defined by a big thing that perhaps externally to others seems successful.

I would highly recommend this book, and will be thinking about it for a long time after reading it. Sage and Fisher are one of my favourite romance couples for sure!

I had heard of Tarah and some of her books before this latest one, and knew she was highly regarded within the Romance world, and now I know why! I loved the small-town setting of this, as always, and how the whole town managed to meddle in their budding relationship, but only because they wanted the best for them! I really liked that Fisher was brought into Sage's life to help her from being embarrassed about the ending of her previous relationship, and how he helped to boost her confidence back up, while Sage helped bring Fisher down to earth and build up his own confidence in being a parent figure for the first time. This felt more emotional than your average romance novel, and I really enjoyed that aspect of it, as it felt authentic that Fisher and Sage's respective circumstances led to a strong connection and reliance on one another. The pacing of this did run a bit slow for me at times, but overall I really enjoyed it.

I cannot ask for more with this read! Filled with Small town romance, chemistry and a lot of flirty banter - absolutely loved 🥰 I loved how relatable and likeable the characters were, DeWitt always writes them so well! There is so much depth and passion in her writing, underneath all of the wittiness lies a truly beautiful message - savour everything in life, you don’t know how long it may last. Will be recommending this one for a while! ☺️

Fisher Fisher Fisher ILY!

This is my favourite small town romance of 2024! Fisher and Sage are absolutely EVERYTHING, they have me truly believing I should be moving to a small town and meeting a hot af broody chef.

This was just a very sweet story. You can just feel the connection building between Sage and Fisher and how much they mean for each other.

A sweet, enjoyable romance that follows Sage and Fisher in this friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance.

In this opposite attraction, I adored the sparks between the two and their attraction to one another, which gives the feeling.

I cherished the lighterhearted banter between them, their excellent communication skills, and the more difficult themes discussed in this book: grief, family relationships, and finding their way in life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group U.K for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love a small town romance. And seeing the cover of this book and reading the synopsis I was all in.

Sage Byrd has lived in Spunes, Oregon her whole like and dated the towns golden boy Ian. When there relationship ends suddenly after 5 years and he gets engaged to someone else. Sage has some decisions to make as she feels like a total looser. She then meets Fisher Langue, who moves in next door to her best friend. Fisher has lots going on, and is currently looking after his niece Indy after her Mum (his sister) was killed in a car accident. The pair decide to fake date to help each other out of a situation and the pair become inseparable.

I really enjoyed this book the characters are likeable and difficult subjects like grief are handled in a nice way with humour and respect. The building chemistry between Sage and Fisher is really fun and builds beautifully. This would be a hit for anyone who enjoys small town romances or opposites attract.

I also absolutely love this cover, the design and colours are just beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brown Book Group UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very sweet small-town romance! Sage and Fisher's relationship grows organically and I absolutely loved how they helped each other in finding peace, joy and purpose.

Here's what you'll find:
♥️ Small town community chaos
♥️ Neighbours to friends to lovers
♥️ Fake dating (which doesn't last very long)
♥️ Relationship deadline
♥️ Single guardianship
♥️ Farm life with all the animals

I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between Sage and Fisher, their humour and banter, the fun they have together. They make me think of Leslie and Ben from Parks and Rec - "I love you and I like you." I adore Tarah's writing and will read everything she writes!

DeWitt always pulls me in with every book she writes, and Savour It did not disappoint. Sage was such an awesome character to follow and she did not disappoint, Fisher also did not disappoint. I will devour anything written by DeWitt and it never disappoints.

I really really enjoyed this. I rarely come across authors who are so brilliant at transporting you into the little worlds they create so seamlessly. From the first page I felt as if I was stood on the streets of Spunes, breathing in the briny air and soaking up small town life. It’s funny, charming, clever and really beautifully written.

I particularly loved the tenderness and chemistry between Sage and Fisher, it felt so deep and genuine and I truly laughed and cried my way through this book. It’s definitely an emotional read and the author has such a beautiful way with words that I’m honestly a little in awe.

“I thought being with Fisher would be like cut flowers in a vase. Something lovely I let in, even knowing it couldn’t last forever. The problem is, I messed up and planted him here in all my places.” I mean, come on!!

My only slight was that the final 15% of the book felt really rushed, and as it was emotionally brutal, it felt a little like whiplash after such a well paced read. I feel like they deserved a more thorough end to their journey after such a steady climb to get there!

This book was fun and the writing style was good! Unfortunately it did fall flat in places for me
and i found myself getting bored at certain parts. It was a fun, quick read but nothing special.