Member Reviews
Tarah is a new to me author, but now I want to read all of her books!
This was a sweet small town romance that just had all the feels! 🥹 It seriously had it all - brother’s best friend, fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity - all of my favourite tropes!! 💛
I feel like a good fictional character is one that you’d want to become friends with in real life, and that was definitely the case for me with Sage! She was kindhearted, fun, quirky and just such a sweetheart!
Fisher was such a complex character and I loved that he wasn’t shy about his struggles. I loved his character development and the relationship he shared with his niece.
Sage and Fisher’s relationship was so mature! It’s so refreshing to read books that actually have good communication!! 👏🏼 The miscommunication trope is one of my pet peeves, so this was such a welcome change!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
- Small Town Romance
- Fake Dating
- Opposites Attract
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Single Guardian MMC
4.5 ✨
This book was SUCH an enjoyable one. I absolutely devoured the last 1/3 and couldn’t stop reading.
I feel with this there was the perfect balance of being plot focussed and character driven. I felt all characters contributed the right amount and brought something to the story.
If you enjoy small town romances you won’t go wrong with reading this - it made a point of playing into the small town “expectations” and it worked really well. This had some themes that some readers could find triggering and there was also a guardian trope.
Savor it is small town summer romance perfection. With charming characters that felt so real and relatable, the most delightful small town and cast of side characters, the cutest animals and a spicy and sweet romance this should be on your radar for next year releases. As for me I'll def be checking more from this author because I was impressed by her storytelling.
This is my second Tarah Dewitt book and I’m honestly disappointed that I didn’t read any more of her books earlier! Savor It is a truly delightful and emotional small town romance. We meet Sage, who wears quirky morning robes and has a collection of rescue animals, and Fisher, a Michelin star chef from New York who moves to Sage’s small town for two months after his career took a hit. The two have great chemistry, an endless collection of witty puns and they make each other better people. We also meet Indy, Fisher’s niece that he takes care of, who is a grumpy but lovable teenager that will capture everyone’s heart. I love a good small town romance, and this was definitely one of the good ones. I can’t wait for the sequel, I have an inkling of who it will be about and let me tell you I love a second chance romance like nothing else. Definitely pick this up if you’re in the mood for some small town energy, but be prepared for some small tears because it does get emotional.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
Well, this book was aptly named. Every single line of this book is something to be savoured, it’s a theme that sweeps through each page and makes this story so beautiful and heart-warming.
Sage Byrd is a small-town girl, she lives in Spunes, Oregon, in her family home surrounded by wildly growing flowers and a myriad of rescue animals. Content in her life and the happiness she surrounds herself with, until she sees her ex, the town golden boy, with his new fiancée. She needs a win, something to bring back her confidence. Enter Fisher Lange, the burnout chef, new parent to a teenage girl and all-around hot mess who renting the house near hers for the summer.
Needing a reset from his life back in New York, and in desperate need of some healing, Fisher and Indy move into the small town of Spunes for the summer to heal, and for Fisher to rediscover his passion for cooking. When Fisher sees Sage confronted by her ex and his fiancée, he steps in, and after a scorching kiss which is promptly spread through the town, the two make a deal, Sage will help Fisher with the restaurant his boss is trying to build in town but is being met with resistance, and Fisher will help Sage win the towns annual summer competition.
What I loved most about Savor It is that neither Fisher nor Sage fights their feelings for each other. They slowly let them grow and develop, acknowledge them, and talk them through. Though both know that their relationship can be nothing but temporary, they both bravely and fiercely, continue to love each other. They help each other as best they can, to heal and to rediscover the joys of life.
I also loved Fisher’s relationship with Indy, how they both walked through grief and disappointment, and how Fisher constantly tried for her, to be what she needed, to be who she needed. Every single page is filled with love, and while there is a happy ending, I feel bittersweet for having finished it. I truly wanted to savour it, to try and keep it close, I wanted to simultaneously devour every word and push it away so I could stay with these characters. If you didn’t guess already, this book is a five-star read, as is all Tarah Dewitt’s books to be fair. Please read it, it’s wonderful and stirring and I need someone to suffer with me that I’ve finished it.
I loved this! The setting a small town called Spunes was so lovely, I loved the community feel of it and how adored and involved the FMC Sage is in everything there! She was the sweetest and I loved her little family of stray animals she had! Fisher was hot!!! A sexy chef who was so lost but was so dependable and helpful and just a simp for Sage's every whim! Also really loved seeing the his relationship with his niece Indy evolve!
4 stars!
Tropes:
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Single Uncle/Guardian
Grumpy Sunshine
Fake Dating
Chef Hero
Anything Tarah DeWitt writes, I’ll inhale and Savour It was no different.
I’m a sucker for anything small town, so getting to fall in love with Spunes (not to be confused with Forks), on a sunny spring day was just what I needed. The charming small town was the perfect backdrop for Fisher and Sage’s love story, with secondary characters that added comic relief, seeing the deep bonds that can only be formed when you grow up in such a small town, and how the people of Spunes welcomed Fisher by the end.
The story of savour it was simple and nostalgic. Fisher has been thrusted into parenthood with his niece Indy, who lost her mother and is now acting out. A chef who has lost his inspiration, Fisher takes the job offer to uproot his and Indy’s life, to step away from their grief and loss, to move to the small town of Spunes, where he develops a menu using local produce. It’s there he meets his temporary neighbour, Sage (and her farm animals x). Sage is sunny and quirky, known and adored by her small town, but has recently broken up with her ex which makes everyone pity her, including her overprotective brothers who are cops.
Enter Fisher, who the people of spunes are wary of and refuse to help, Sage see’s him as the perfect solution to her little issue and thus begins an alliance that mutually benefits them both.
What I love about the reason for their “fake dating” is that it’s natural and less of a farce, more of something they can have fun with to show sage’s ex she’s doing good and allow fisher to get the best ingredients and build relationships. They form a real friendship, filled with witty banter, tension and sexual chemistry from the get go. Both are mature adults about it and are vulnerable and open with each-other about their grief, and loneliness.
I adored those two so much and the thought of fisher going back to New York pained me 😭 also shout out to Indy, her bond with sage had me so emotional 🩷😭 she’s been through a HUGE loss but watching fisher be more open with her and treating her like his niece rather than a kid he has to look after was the cherry on top of this fabulous cake.
I hope this is not the last of Spunes, because I need Wren and Ellis’s second chance book so bad 😭 (and hopefully see more of info, Sam, fisher and sage 🧸).
Thank you so much to the publishers, netgalley and Tarah DeWitt for my arc in exchange for an honest review!
Fisher and Sage make an irresistibly charming pair. Fisher exudes a grumpy pirate vibe that perfectly complements Sage's zest for life's simple pleasures. Their gradual love story is a masterpiece of communication, showcasing the beauty of a healthy relationship that keeps readers eagerly flipping through the pages. And let's not overlook Fisher's heartwarming bond with his niece, a testament to their shared journey of healing and growth. This book seamlessly integrates life lessons into its narrative, presenting a delightful package for readers to enjoy.
This literary gem offers a plethora of delights: stellar supporting characters, swoon-worthy romance, and yes, even adorable goats! My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley for the ARC; mark your calendars for May 21st if you're a fan of small-town romance, single fathers, dynamic grumpy/sunshine dynamics, fake dating, and themes of grief and renewal.
Meet Sage Byrd, the vibrant and eccentric protagonist who infuses every moment with energy and wonder. Her knack for finding beauty in the mundane is truly inspiring. On the flip side, Fisher, equally endearing in his own right, navigates his relationship with Sage with tenderness while striving to be a supportive guardian to his teenage niece.
Yet, it's not just about the main characters; the ensemble cast transforms a small town into a welcoming community. The quaint setting of Spunes, Oregon, is so enchanting that readers will wish it existed. Tarah's writing expertly blends romance with themes of anxiety, grief, and acceptance, resulting in a captivating and emotionally resonant story.
Fisher and Sage are characters who will capture your heart — Fisher, the brooding yet charming boy with a troubled past and a rebellious streak, and Sage, the girl-next-door with her own share of heartache and childhood sorrow. Their interactions, ranging from heartfelt to spicy, reveal a deep connection that unfolds with grace.
Tarah DeWitt's writing is pure enchantment, delving into the reader's soul and evoking thoughts often left unexplored. "Savor It" stands as a testament to her brilliance, offering a delightful and swoon-worthy read that tugs at your heartstrings. The witty banter, palpable tension, humorous moments, small-town allure, and diverse cast of characters combine to create an unforgettable reading experience.
From the delightful banter between Sage and Fisher to the dual points of view, Sage's endearing brothers, Fisher's undeniable charm, and the cozy small-town ambiance reminiscent of Stars Hollow, every element is meticulously crafted. Even the conclusion is a fitting finale that remains true to the characters.
While the pacing may catch some readers off guard at times, it's a minor hiccup in a book that otherwise deserves all the accolades. Tarah DeWitt once again delivers a captivating story that transports readers to a world they'll be reluctant to leave, with characters they'll wish were their own friends — or perhaps even themselves.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for graciously providing me with a digital review copy of this extraordinary book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
4.5 stars. One of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it did not disappoint! Tara Dewitt’s stories tickle my brain in the best way. They’re charming and heartfelt, sweet and sexy. Savor It might be my favourite yet. A swoony small town, sort-of-fake-dating-sort-of-friends-with-benefits-but-they’re-absolutely-PERFECT-for-each-other romance, that is immediately engrossing and brimming with witty banter, delicious tension and angst that made me ache.
I adored the MCs Fisher and Sage. Both perfectly imperfect characters, with big hearts and good intentions. Sage is at home, in her town (Spunes) and in herself, with her flowers and her farm of misfit animals. Though she longs for someone to love her exactly as she is. Fisher is lost, struggling to find himself, his passion and his purpose, whilst raising his grieving niece. Reading about him finding a home - and himself - in Sage and Spunes was a ‘privilege’ (if you know, you know!). They have such a beautiful, tender, authentic love story that totally swept me away.
Special shout-out to Gary the goose, who also gets his HEA!
Manifesting a second Spunes book in which we get a second-chance romance for Wren and Ellis 🤞🏼
Thank you, thank you, thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for this arc!
[ARC provided by NetGalley and Piatkus. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Savor It.]
Rating: 5/5
As we rapidly approach warmer weather and longer days, you may be looking for books with a summer vibe to add to your holiday TBR. As is generally the case for me, I was sucked into Savor It by the pretty colour scheme on the cover (I’m a sucker for anything with a pink/purple palette) and a blurb that ticked all my romance boxes. Small town romance? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Complex characters with depth and heart? Check! This book has everything that you could possibly want from a romcom, but it also packs an emotional punch that left me feeling incredibly seen. Reaching the last page was bittersweet but if this book teaches you anything, it’s that the fleeting nature of something doesn’t make it any less of a good thing.
Savor It follows Sage Byrd in her home town of Spunes, Oregon, where she has lived her entire life. She loves her small world where she has learned to make the most out of everything, but having recently gotten out of a long-term relationship, she needs a win that will make the towns inhabitants stop looking at her with pity. Enter Fisher Lange, a successful chef from New York City who is on the other side of a career low. Balancing the grief of losing his sister, the responsibility of looking after his niece, and the stress of losing his love of cooking, Fisher is sent to Spunes to consult on a restaurant opening and hopefully reignite his passion. But when the people of Spunes make this task difficult for him, a strategic alliance with Sage may be the answer to all his problems.
I wouldn’t consider this as having your classic fake dating trope but the beginning of Sage and Fisher’s partnership has all of the tension, longing and spark that you would find with it. I absolutely loved the instant chemistry that this pair share and as their relationship progresses, it’s impossible to deny how perfect they are for each other. There’s so much I could praise when it comes to them but more than anything, their communication is top tier and I really enjoy reading about characters who can talk about their problems like Sage and Fisher did, and the author expertly handles the more delicate conversations that they share making them seem even more real and relatable.
Other bonuses with this book include some excellent spicy scenes, some very sweet caretaking scenes (that I’ll always be a sucker for), and most importantly, characters that you can really see yourself in. I wouldn’t say I’m exactly like Sage, but I think I would like to be more like her, because she tackles life with the kind of positivity that I’d aspire to have but can also rage at rodents or sink into negative moments. She doesn’t bury anything down and feels what she needs to feel which is something I can admire.
There’s also the relationship between Fisher and his niece, Indy, which was so tender and delicate. I’d have loved to see more of their dynamic, but I also didn’t feel like anything was missing. In my opinion, each element of the plot was perfectly balanced and although I could have gone on to read more, the last page felt like a perfect end.
This is a book packed with vital life lessons but for the most important, you don’t need to look further than the title. This book, much like life in general, is one that you need to savour. Enjoy the moment when you’re in it and don’t be too sad when it’s over, because at least you still got to experience it in all its glory.
This was a lovely and heart warming read which beautiful characters who carried a lot of depth. I really enjoyed the small town romance, however I did find myself getting confused throughout with so many characters being involved but that could be a me problem as I tend to get confused like that when I read books in third person!
Set in the quaint town of Spunes, Oregon, the book introduces us to Sage Byrd, a relatable protagonist trying to overcome a recent heartbreak and prove herself to her ex and the town. Her unexpected partnership with hotshot chef Fisher Lange adds an interesting layer to the story, as they navigate their personal struggles and help each other heal. DeWitt's writing is engaging and the chemistry between the characters is palpable, making for an enjoyable read. However, the plot and conflict may feel predictable and lack depth for some readers. Overall, Savor It is a light and enjoyable read with a charming setting and lovable characters.
this book was the perfect sweet, spicy small town romance that made me want to dive right into the pages of spunes and live in the story! the first chapter was a bit tricky to get into at first but i soon became so obsessed and glued to this book that i couldn’t put it down. sage was the most loving sweetheart and reading her character was such a joy, especially through fishers pov. he spoke about her so beautifully and loved her for exactly how she was, which i adored! both characters were so easy to love - their banter, the way they truly saw, accepted & encouraged one another was so lovely to read. it touched on grief, burnout, feeling out of your depth and lost in which path to take and did so amazingly - i felt so connected to sage & fisher and loved reading both povs! they loved each other so softly and genuinely that it felt so natural and destined to happen. i found the pacing of the story so perfect & loved loved loved the small town vibes! i do wish we got more story involving the side characters, like sages brothers and indy (hopefully we get a series…) but nevertheless i throughly enjoyed and loved this book! it was touching and beautiful & a definitely a cosy comfort read. 100% recommend, 4.5 stars <3
brb, packing my bags & heading to spunes!
thank you for the arc!
Savour It is the first book of Tarah DeWitt’s that I’ve read and now not only am I looking forward to whatever she writes next, but also thinking I need to track down her other books to read!
Savour It is a gorgeous small town romance, set in Spunes, Oregon. Sage Bryd is happy in the life that she’s built in her home town but wishes that people would stop pitying her now that her long time ex has suddenly got engaged. Really Sage needs a win and the Festival of Spunes competition could be just the answer, only she needs a partner. Enter Fisher Lange, the burnt out hot shot chef from New York on a summer reset break with his niece Indy. The pair strike up a deal to help one another; but as their friendship grows their feelings blossom and they find themselves wishing that summer won’t end.
This was such a lush read, here’s the breakdown of what you’ve got to look forward to:
🪿 a self aware small town romance
🍽️ a brilliant FMC who is funny, kind, confident, and the perfect mix of soft and strong
🪿 a MMC who has been struggling but is trying his best to move forwards for himself and his niece
🍽️ a couple who are there for one another exactly as they are, who aim to support one another but aren’t trying to ‘fix’ each other
🪿 the most incredible band of misfit animals that I only wish I could hang out with myself
🍽️ great secondary characters, especially Sage’s best friend Wren and her bother (side note: I’m sure it’s not just me, but I’m definitely hoping for a follow up second chance romance between Ellis and Wren.)
🪿 a lovely slow build romance that feels real, honest and genuine
🍽️ great humour and banter throughout
I really appreciated DeWitt’s authors note at the start and how she explains her desire to create stories that acknowledge that sometimes life happens and interrupts your plans. Though there are heavy topics within the story they’re dealt with sensitively and with great care.
This was such a great read and one I’d definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time to read a book by Tarah DeWitt and this has pushed me to read the rest of her books! I loved Sage she was just so endearing and loving she was. Fisher was so sweet and funny. I loved the banter they had together and just how they treated and communicated with one another.
4.5 ⭐️ OH MY HEART!
This book felt like a warm hug. What a sweet, heart-warming and beautifully written love story.
In the cosy coastal town of Spunes, Oregon, Sage Byrd is all about farm life and community. But when her relationship tanks, she’s on a mission to prove she’s better than ever by entering the town’s Festival of Spines. Cue Fisher Lange, a displaced chef looking for a fresh start and a chance to prove himself. Sage suggests they fake a romance to boost Fisher’s image, and in return, he becomes her festival competition partner. As their fake relationship turns real, sparks fly in this heart-warming story of love and second chances.
This book reminded me a lot of Practise Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams. So if you liked that book and have been looking for something similar to fill the void I wholeheartedly recommend Savor It. Annie and Sage were definitely onto something with the hot pirate kink.
Fingers crossed we get a book about Wren and Ellis next!
Thank you NetGalley, Tarah Dewitt and Little Brown Book for sending me an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I will post this on my Goodreads account @ramonajasi on the 7th of May as instructed unless being given approval to post this sooner. I will also make a post on my bookstagram account @ramibooknook to promote the book ahead of publication. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this arc!
I adore a small town romance—it’s my current obsession. But this is quirky, full of heart, and I full on sobbed don’t worry I also cheered. I’m already craving more from this town!
“Now Savor It” revolves around a chef, but not just any ordinary chef—Fisher is a three Michelin star chef! However, life isn’t easy for him after a tragic accident leaves him as the sole guardian of his teenage niece. He’s juggling a lot, including managing professional burnout, guilt and grief. I appreciated the complexity of his character, the humor, and the sense that all parents have of not having a clue what they’re doing. This added a realism and relatability that I adore in a book. I want my books to be escapist, yet believable and have heart!
Sage, the female protagonist, was a breath of fresh air. She was strong but composed effortlessly, and I could imagine myself sitting in her sunroom surrounded by her array of animals, indulging in scones. She embodied my favorite type of protagonist—soft yet powerful. I longed to be her friend.
The chemistry between the two was effortless, and I loved the connection they built and I fell hopelessly in love with their story! I rooted for their happy ending, it was a story of such hope but without the cliche of fixing people. Nobody needed fixing they simply needed to learn and that is sage advice!
My advice to you is to pick up a copy of Savor It because I did just that, every word, every chapter.
Absolutely adored this book! Tarah just keeps upping her game and THE romance game! She's a genius. This book made me both laugh and cry! I can't wait to read the next up in the series because hot firemen??!! hello?? Tarah is such a great author for writing the sensitive lines of grief while still remaining light hearted and swoony. Absolute easy 5 stars
This was a really fun and wholesome book that I enjoyed but sadly didn’t love :(
Tarah DeWitt is usually an auto-but author for me so I was incredibly excited for Savour It but it just felt a bit too rushed for my liking and I felt like I didn’t know either main character all that well. It was an easy read for sure, but it just didn’t hold my attention much.
Funny Feelings reign’s supreme still!
I really tried to enjoy this book but unfortunately I just couldn't bring myself to connect with the characters and understand what was happening. I really think I would've preferred there to be more of a focus on their romance instead of not feeling a connection between the characters. Ultimately, I just don't think that this book is for me.