The Memory of Lavender and Sage

My first book by Aimie K Runyan to read and I must say there is a depth to this book that gratifies the reader. At the same time, there are some characters the reader will love to hate simply because of their attitudes.
When Tempesta's father dies and leaves her none of his estate, Tempesta's brother reveals that her mother had her own estate that went entirely to her. Tempy's mother was from Sainte Colombe in Provence in France, and so Tempy decides to move back to France to get to know her mom better through the people in her town. Her welcome was at first rather cool, except for Jenofa, a woman who had watched Tempy's mom grow up. Tiberi shows up to help put Tempy's house to rights, and there is a lot that needs to be done. Tiberi and Tempy work together to bring the hundreds years old house into the modern age, and then they work together to revitalize the village. There are some recalcitrant citizens of the village who don't want the progress or the influx of tourists that Tempy's ideas will bring, but they are soon won over.

Aimie has done such a masterful job of developing her characters in this book, the reader feels a kinship with some, a strong distaste for others, and still others fall somewhere in between. The settings she has included in the book make the reading far more interesting.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and an herb garden that will help and heal your ills.

Harper Muse provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I loved this book! The title caught my attention first; once I started to read the book, I could not put it down. I love the characters, the descriptions of the country, usage of herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes, etc. I can almost smell the herbs and spices as I write this review. The book centers on a woman's return to a small area in Provence where her mother grew up and left when she was a young woman. Past family secrets are revealed and new relationships are formed. Wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Many many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie K. Runyan. This is a book I want on my shelf so I can go back and re-read it from time to time. It's just a lovely, magical book.

Family is a place where we should all feel wanted, loved and accepted, But in some cases this is far from the truth. All her life as the eldest daughter Tempesta has always felt like an oddity. Her dad works like a maniac keeping the Luddington Foundation thriving and her younger brother Wal is rightfully taking his father's place in the hierarchy of the Luddington family. When her father dies, Tempesta is not surprised that the majority of the family wealth goes to her brother. Her mother though had left her a modest inheritance of her own. Suddenly Tempesta's world is opening up right before her and a trip to find out more about her roots in France is about to happen. .
She becomes part of the small town where her mother was such an important cog and yet Tempesta knows little about that time in her mother's life.
What unfolds is a true coming of age (even though she is well into her adult life). So many thiings about her childhood did not make sense and now she is getting the answers to all those nagging questions she had while growing up.
This book is a very good read and so enjoyable. The characters are wonderfully portrayed that you can almost see them. Kudos to the author for writing a story that really does pull you in.

I loved this book! It was so atmospheric. I loved the community, the setting, the friendships, the herbs and all the food! But, I especially liked the characters, and watching them develop throughout the book. It was just a joy to read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you net galley for giving me this opportunity to read the book, 'The Memory of Lavender and Sage.
Tempesta is a food critic for a newspaper and lives in NYC.
Tempesta lost her mom when she was a young teen.
Her family consists of her younger brother and grandmother.
Tempesta's and Wal's father has just pased away. The will is read and mostly everything is given to Wal.
But, Tempesta does get a little something from her deceased mother. With the money she receives from her mother she goes to Provence, France where her mother is originally from.
Tempesta buys a small house which needs some work. She isn't welcomed by most of the residents from the small village. As time goes by the residents begin to treat her as a local.
I absolutely loved this book, it had me in tears. Hopely, Aimie will write another contemporary novel.
Can I give it ten stars!!!

What a delightful book. Good characterization. Would recommend to others. Hope the author has a follow up book planned to continue with the characters already in play.

I absolutely loved this book, it had brilliantly crafted characters, a lovely sense of setting and a positive storyline.

When Tempesta's father dies and she sees he hasn't left her anything in his will, instead has left everything to her successful older brother, she feels hurt and betrayed and decides to return to a little village in France where her mother grew up. Once in the village, Tempesta instantly feels a connection to the place and enjoys settling in and making her home there.

Whilst exploring the village, Tempesta begins to learn about herself, her mother and her family too and soon realises that not all was as it seemed with her father's will.

There's more to life than just learning about her past though, the village is under threat and needs to be saved, but it's not as easy as Tempesta offering her skills to help - some of the locals are far from welcoming and seem to hold grudges against her family name.

I really enjoyed this as I felt like I was getting to know Tempesta and her family. The descriptions of the village and the smells of the herbs and everything were brilliantly crafted and made me want to go and explore little villages in France myself!

Very enjoyable read.

i really enjoyed this book. the characters really came to life and I felt like i was transported to France. I loved the “magical” element woven through the story and my mouth watered as Tempesta cooked up her dishes.

The Memory of Lavender and Sage
by Aimie K. Runyan
Pub Date: February 13, 2024
Harper Muse
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read this author before and loved her books!
Runyan does not disappoint! This is a 5 star book I am happy to recommend.
Food critic Tempèsta Luddington has always felt like the odd person out in her family, ever since she lost her beloved mother at the tender age of thirteen. When her workaholic father passes fifteen years later, Tempèsta is not surprised that the majority of the considerable family money will pass to her dutiful younger brother, Wal. Still, she is left a modest remembrance from her mother, and for the first time Tempèsta has a world of choices before her.
5 star

I am used to Aimie K Runyan writing pure historical fiction and she always knocks it out of the park. She's amazing at it. This is the first modern story of hers that I've read and it was nothing short of amazing. I absolutely loved the setting and the characters (except the few I hated). Tempesta was such a strong relatable character and her new community was just one I'd love to live in. I loved the sense of community, once they decided to accept her as one of their own. I loved watching how each character grew and developed as the story progressed. I truly enjoyed reading the entire process of restoring the house and getting to know Tempesta's mother's history. While I hope Aimie doesn't stop writing historical novels, I truly hope this isn't her last contemporary story. Clearly, it's a genre that she excels at. And, I've added another place in France that I need to visit.

A strong, Tempesta Luddington has felt lost since her mother died when she was 13. An outsider, even in her own family, to no fault of her own, she can't seem to find footing in this life she lives. When her father dies, she receives a small inheritance from her mother. After a little coaxing, she decides she must go see the quaint village in France where her mother grew up. But the pull she feels is strong and she jumps with both feet, buying a home there, sight unseen, that could modestly be described as a "fixer-upper." She soon learns her mother's past and her legacy hold a very different story than she ever imagined. Her life, once void of affection and connection, begins to fall into place and she finds the home, and the people, she was always meant to know.

This book was un-put-downable! Aimie K Runyan's first attempt at contemporary fiction was a massive success. Having read her previous historical fiction, I knew this would be stepping out of the norm for her and she hit it out of the park. The vibrant details are woven beautifully throughout the pages and you can't help but fall in love with the place and the people she's created. (And you may get a little hungry because all of the food she creates sounds INCREDIBLE.)

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a simply beautiful story of a woman finding her roots and true home in the village of her mother. The characters are written carefully to display their good and bad traits. The story flows easily and magic and truth blend seamlessly. An enchanting story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Harper Muse and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Food critic Tempest Luddington has always been somewhat of an outcast in her family. Her mother loved her, but she died when Tempest was 13. When she gets a little older, she decides to buy a house in her mother's home village, Sante-Colombe She wants to learn more about her mother and gain some independence from her family. Along the way, she grows up and begins to discover her place in the world. This is a very well-written story with likable characters. I liked the information about the plants and how Tempest used them to make healthy products. I recommend this book if you like a sweet, story with the main character learning a lot about herself. .

“…there has to be more ways to live a life than cramming yourself into a tiny apartment and living shoulder to shoulder with people you don’t care about and who don’t care about you, all in pursuit of a job at a corporation that would happily replace you within two weeks if you died at your desk.”

Atmospheric, comforting and wholesome; this book was a wonderful way to start the year.

Tempèsta lost her mother at the age of thirteen. Her relationship with her father and paternal grandmother had been strained ever since and after her father’s passing she decided to leave the city life in New York and to travel to her mother’s home town in the south of France.

There were secrets to be discovered, some of which heartbreaking, but the idyllic setting, combined with the soothing life wisdom, balanced out the heaviest details.
I loved the community, the found family aspect, and the subtle hint of magic that made the book even more charming. Even though this was not exactly a romance novel, there was a love story that won over my romance loving soul.

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

After really enjoying A BAKERY IN PARIS and THE SCHOOL FOR GERMAN BRIDES, I had no idea what to expect of Aimie Runyan's debut contemporary novel. THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE showcases Runyan's gifted versatility as an author. Like her historicals, it's filled with sharply observed details and memorable characters you want to root for. Reading it felt like taking an immersive trip to Provence—you can smell the lavender blooming, feel the warm sun, hear the clatter of footsteps on cobblestone streets. When I wasn't reading it, I found myself wanting to return to the charming world Runyan created. Bottom line: THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE is a delectable comfort read, like a warm bath with a glass of French wine after a long day.

Loved, loved, loved! What an escape! After reading quite a few serious books in a row, this way a joy! I wanted to live this woman’s life!!! A touch of magic, a beautiful setting, a grown up romance ooh it was wonderful!!

The Memory of Lavender and Sage is a remarkable story that reminded me why I love reading so much! The joy I got from turning each page is something I can’t quite explain but it’s a joy that I hope to carry with me throughout my 2024 reading journey!

This is a story about Tempesta and her desire to find a place and a family where she belongs. This journey takes her from the concrete jungle of New York to her late mother’s birthplace in a small Provence in France. There she discovers things about her mother she never knew from the very people who knew her as a child. It’s in this small village that she discovers she has quite the green thumb and she turns the things she grows in her greenhouse into delicious food and products that not only help others but bring them together. The more time she spends in this place, with these people…she realizes that she has finally found her home and calling in life.

I loved each and every page of this story! It’s a very immersive story as you find yourself wanting to smell the lavender that was planted to keep the scorpions away, the basil that is loving harvested to make a decadent pesto, the lemon verbena cookies as they bake and see for yourself the antiques in a local shop that each have a story to tell.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper Muse and most of all Aimie Runyan for allowing for to read this gem of a novel before it hits the shelves! What a great way to kick off 2024!

Tempèsta is a New York food critic with an unhappy family life. Her French-born mother died when she was 13 and she doesn't feel accepted by the rest of her family who own a huge Foundation. Her father and his mother always preferred her brother Wal and made no secret of the fact that they felt like she was too much like her mother for her to be a real part of such as prestigious family. When her father died, his entire estate is left to her brother - no surprise there - and it makes her want to make some changes in her life. She has a bit of money that was left to her by her mother so sight unseen she buys the house where her mother was born in Sainte-Colombe, a small village in Provence. When she arrives at the house she questions her decision to buy the run down and cluttered house where no one had lived for years. A local builder assures her that the house has good bones and that it will be magnificent when it's cleaned out and updated. She's also surprised at some of the negative feelings from the local residents who seem to be harboring bad feelings and memories about her mother.

Despite the shape the house was in and the negative feelings from some of the people in town, she decided to stay. She gradually makes friends and becomes romantically involved with the builder who is helping her renovate her house. She also finds that she has a special talent for growing herbs in her greenhouse that amazes her. The small town is close to losing its school which would mean more of the young members of town would be moving away when Tempesta has an idea that she thinks will save the town. Will the people in the town who dislike her go along with her plan and will her plan even work to help save the town?

This is a lovely book about family, friends and community and about learning more about previous generations of your family. It was great to see the main character change from feeling unloved by her family to creating a new family of people not connected by blood but made up of the people who cared the most about her.

So many things about this novel appealed to me, the plot, the characters and the setting. And although I’m not a cook and don’t have a green thumb or speak more than a few French phrases, I could see heading off to Provence in a heartbeat! Merci pour le livre and bon voyage!

I am a huge fan of Aimee’s historical fiction books so I was so excited to see she’s writing a new genre. I adored this story from the first page! Such heartwarming characters. Highly highly recommend

This book was the first work of contemporary fiction written by this author who usually writes historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Tempesta, a young food critic in New York, unhappy with her life. After her father dies, she leaves New York for the small village in Provence her mother came from, hoping to learn more about her mother and start a new way of life. As she befriends Esteva, she becomes further enmeshed into trying to help the community revive, as Tempèsta also starts her own business. The setting is perfect, the characters likable, and the story enchanting. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I am a fan of this author and this one was as good as the last one I read. Another great story with well developed characters, some you like and some maybe not so much. The story flowed well and I just couldn't put it down.

This is a story about family, acceptance, being the odd one out. And that is what Tempesta seems to be. Set in a small village in Provence, Tempesta sets out to find out more about her mothers past and while doing so finds friendship, a sense of community and so much more.

A great setting for this book which is in some ways magical, is very well written and brings such wonderful characters to life. The stories and characters developed throughout the story/book, flowed so well and was so easy to read but had the depth and intensity to make it a wonderful and truly great read.

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

A lovely story about finding your history and then yourself, Tempesta inherited from her mother, who died when she was a teen, but she's not been to Provence before, Now, she's there and discovering there was more to the woman than she knew or was told. It's atmospheric and engaging with a well drawn protagonist. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

With THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE, bestselling historical fiction author Aimie K. Runyan takes readers on a journey to contemporary Provence in this heartwarming comfort read that had me wanting to jump on the next flight to buy a petite maison in a charming provincial town. Having traveled extensively in the locations she writes about, Runyan captures the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Provence perfectly.

This is a book that not only engages the senses, but also has great emotional payoff as main character Tempesta travels to France after her father’s untimely death and discovers secrets hidden in her Occitan mother’s past as well as the magical gifts she inherited from the generations of women before her.

Runyan marries touches of sparkling fabulism with healthy, grounded romance, relatable family dynamics, and a sense of cathartic self-discovery as Tempesta uses her skills to bring new life and purpose to the sleepy hamlet of Sainte-Colombe and its citizens. If you enjoyed Chocolat and Practical Magic, you will love this feel-good novel.

This book received a five-star rating from me. It is a story of family and personal discovery that is moving and inspiring. It depicts the beauty of Provence in vivid detail, which makes the reader want to travel there. The characters are unforgettable.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was inspirational and the interactions between the main characters was believable. I loved the slight touch of whimsy with Tempy possible having a bit of magic for plants. It was just an enjoyable read and hard for me to put down.

I loved this story, one about a brave woman who changed her life. Beautiful setting and loved the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. great story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This feel-good novel checked several of my boxes – magical realism, small town in France, a life reboot, found family, romance, food and even a few tantalizing recipes thrown in.

After Tempesta’s French mother dies when she is thirteen, she is left living in New York with her workaholic father, younger brother, and vindictive grandmother. Fifteen years later her father dies, and Tempesta decides to take a leave from her newspaper food critic job and visit the small French town her mother came from.

This is the beginning of Tempesta’s revival – with her inheritance she buys a fixer-upper manor house in the small town of Sainte-Colombe, in Provence, makes new friends, develops a romance with a hunky carpenter, learns about her French family and heritage from the village elders, and discovers her mystical talent related to growing herbs and preparing food.

This may sound typical and predictable, but it’s really so much better than the usual. The novel was well-written, the characters authentic, and I found myself quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Juxtaposed with Tempesta’s personal growth was the story of the small village on the brink of ruin being saved by the villagers using the tools at their disposal, and Tempesta was the catalyst to get the village to see the dire situation they faced while providing a creative solution.

After the life-changing decisions Tempesta makes throughout the novel, not only has she blossomed in her new environment and become more assured and confident, but she has made a difference in the life of the village. As another character tells her, “You deserve to feel at home. You deserve to feel like you belong. That you’re valued.” She had spent so many years convinced that she was unlovable and unworthy, that she began to think it was true. It was heartwarming to see Tempesta flourish and to carry on her family’s legacy.

I highly recommend this feel-good novel of revitalization (both Tempesta’s and the village’s), family, and realizing that more important than making a living, is to take the time to make a life.

I loved this book so much! This is not an action-packed book, but you are looking for something to read with vibes - this is a fantastic choice.

I loved reading about the village, the "magic", the village traditions and superstitions, the herbalist vibes, etc. The writing was beautiful and magical. I was swept away with all the descriptions and I didn't want this book to end.

I found myself googling similar places so I could picture the village in my head. The characters were also amazing and stole my heart (LOVE Jenofa).

If you want a slower paced, vibey read - pick this one up ASAP.

The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie K. Runyan was a great story and truly unique and an engrossing novel.
I loved the character development and was completely invested in them all.
The writing and the story with this book was done well.
A well-written and captivating story from Runyan it was truly fantastic, fascinating, and an enjoyable read.

Thank You NetGalley and Harper Muse for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Come and share The Memory of Lavender and Sage with Tempesta, her brother Wal and the friends in Sainte-Columbia, France where their mother grew up; who always smelled of lavender and sage. Where the sister and brother reconnected and they both found the love of family and new friends.
Aimie K. Runyan has made this family and town come alive in this family drama and coming to live life freely story.
It is a great book with so many wonderful characters and a fascinating story to tell.
I loved it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own
#TheMemoryofLavenderandSage
#AimieKRunyan
#HarperMuse
#NetGalley

Completely invested from the first page, I stayed up to the early morning hours unable to put it down. I have longed to visit the French countryside most of my life. Thank you, Aimie K. Runyan for taking me there—oh, the power of a book and the beauty found within its pages.

I absolutely loved the story, the characters, and the setting, but I was crestfallen when the “magic/mystical” aspect of it was introduced to the story. Personally, I don’t read books that have anything of the sort in them, and would have loved for it to not have gone there. Having received an ARC, I felt a responsibility to finish the book and offer a review. So, once again I say, it was a beautiful story and I loved everything about it with the exception of the supernatural, mystical element.

A special thank you to Aimie K. Runyan, Netgalley, and the publisher for the honor of reading The Memory of Lavender and Sage before it was released.

When Tempesta's father dies he leaves her nothing, she moves to France to start her life there. Lovely setting and a great story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of a single woman with strength of character and moxie. It inspires all to have the courage to step out of our comfort zones and follow our hearts, even when the going gets a little bit rocky.

Thanks to NetGalley, Aimie K. Runyan and Harper Muse for this ARC. After a childhood feeling like the odd person out, and missing her beloved deceased mother, Tempesta takes her inheritance and heads to her mother’s homeland, Provence. While not immediately accepted by the small community, she soon finds a home, friends and a new innate talent that helps her connect with her neighbors and brings a sense of self-confidence and belonging.

If you’ve visited any of the gorgeous villages in France’s Haute Provence, The Memory Of Lavender And Sage will be a wonderful reminder of what you’ve experienced during your time there. If you haven’t yet been to that part of the world, this book will definitely help immerse you in the landscape. The imagery throughout this book is exquisite and it's clear that Aimie Runyan is very familiar with the landscape, the villages and the people there.
I loved the story of Tempèsta and her discovery of a place to belong and family she didn’t know she had. She’s such a beautifully drawn character that it was easy to imagine her strolling through her greenhouse talking to her herbs or creating magic in her kitchen. While this is her story, there were many other characters who helped to create a sense of welcome and belong, at least after a while, and a sense of promise for the future. The herbs in this story are almost characters in their own right, each representing a feeling, for example basil for love. It was fascinating watching the village of Sainte-Colombe transforming from a tired place where people, businesses and homes were slowly dying to somewhere filled with beauty and vitality thanks to the seeds sown by Tempésta and her friends. This story is filled with hope, sunshine, a sense of regeneration and belong and is one I’ll read again for sure.
Oh, and there are recipes, wonderful recipes at the end! What more could you want?

This book is one that makes the reader think about the meaning and importance of family as well as the idea that life is something more than how much money we make or how many hours we work. The narrator, Tempesta, suddenly loses her father after having lost her mother when she was a teenager. Her grandmother is cold to her and makes Tempesta feel as if she doesn't belong in her family. Tempesta works as a food critic in the United States but decides to go to her mother's village in France and buys a small house there with the small inheritance from her mother (her brother got the lion's share, from the father), sight unseen. Although she is not initially welcomed by everyone there (some call her a witch), she comes to make a life there, coming to understand that a life is more than going to work each day and making money. She gets out of the rat race and discovers that the community is all around her and she finds her own true talents, in spite of the pressure placed upon her by her brother who wants her to come home to help him run the family business, that is literally making him ill.
There are wonderful characters in this book, beautiful descriptions and important and meaning messages for the reader (without being didactic). I definitely look forward to reading future books by Ms. Runyan.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

I loved everything about “The Memory of Lavender and Sage” by Aimie K. Runyan. In this captivating and well-written novel, the author writes in a sensory manner, and vividly describes the scenery and the landscape as well as the colorful and dramatic characters. Not only can I see the plants, and the food, but I can smell, and feel them. There is feeling of magic in the air. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Romance, France, Magical Realism, Family Drama, and Fiction. The story takes place in a small province in France and New York.

The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some come from dysfunctional families. The female protagonist, Tempesta, is a food critic, and feels uncomfortable with her family. Tempesta’s mother passed away when she was a thirteen, and she was brought up by a cold and indifferent grandmother and a father that works compulsively. When her father passes away, her brother Wal reads the will, and Tempesta doesn’t inherit anything from her father. She is left with an envelope with some money that belonged to her mother. Tempesta has always been drawn to France, her Mother’s home.

Tempesta is captivated by a run-down in the French village, and purchases it. The Mayor and some of the people don’t seem to want Tempesta there. She gets help from some of the people, and starts to fix the house. Tempesta realizes that there are secrets that her mother had, and she wants to discover them, and herself. Tempesta has an unusual talent of growing herbs and plants.

I appreciate how the author discusses the importance of family, friends, communication, honesty, love and hope. There is also a wonderful section of recipes. I highly recommend this charming, delightful, memorable and thought-provoking novel to everyone

Heartwarming, enchanting, and full of hope, this book grabbed me within the first few pages. "The Memory of Lavender and Sage" reminds us that the past may help shape us, but we alone can choose our future and decide what makes us truly happy. With memorable characters, an idillic French countryside setting, a splash of whimsy, and included recipes referenced in the story, this would make an excellent book club pick.

Tempeste worked in New York as a restaurant critic. After her father’s death she inherits a small inheritance and buys an old house in need of repairs in Sainte-Colombe in Provence.
Tempeste finally gets a chance to move away from her controlling grandmother and discovers the villager where her mother once lived.
Lots of nostalgia and rediscovered memories.
I loved the way Tempeste gradually discovers who she is and the life her mother lived in the small village.
A love story with lots of descriptions of delicious food, friendships and family relationships.
A pleasure to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Publishers for the chance to read and review this E-Book. I loved it.

Reading this book is the emotional equivalent of sitting on your porch, warm breeze tickling and watching a lovely sunset.

After the death of her beloved French mother at age 13, Tempesta became increasingly isolated from her locked-in father, openly hostile grandmother and her brother. Always striving to fit in and gain approval, she got her degrees in finance, but added one in journalism too. After hating her financial jobs, she ended up as a food critic for a NYC publication. But the emptiness remained. When she received a small inheritance from her mother after her father's death, she buys the only house in her price range in her mother's home town in Provence. Her journey of self discovery and finding a family along with a few secrets is affecting, haunting and touched with a whisper of magical realism.

Aimie K. Runyan's stunning novel, THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE, will awaken your senses as the author transports you to a small magical village in Provence as the past meets the present with vibrant characters that linger long after the book ends.

New York food critic and restaurant reviewer Tempèsta Luddington has never felt like she belonged since she lost her mother at thirteen. They were close, and when she died, she was left feeling empty and alone with her workaholic father, younger brother, Wal, and her overbearing grandmother (dad's mother), who had never supported her.

Her dad had removed every trace of her mother and locked it all away in the basement, which was a tragedy for Tempèsta. Within two weeks of her mother's funeral, her Grandmother Luddington came to live with them. There was no love for her or nurturing and a disconnect.

Presently, her dad has passed, and the family money goes to her brother. Tempèsta is left with some money from her mother that she had put away for her. She does not want to be involved in the family business like her brother and has decided she wants to travel to the place her dear mother was passionate about and loved.

She is grieving and uses her money to buy a run-down manor house in Sainte-Colombe (a fictional town), a small village in Provence where her mother grew up. She is nervous about moving to a remote country from New York, not knowing anyone.

Upon arrival, she is not greeted warmly by the mayor and some others but bonds with his granddaughter, who works in the family business in one of the shops in the village. They become best friends, and she meets others in the community and village she connects with.

Slowly, she finds her groove and meets a carpenter who helps her with home repairs and renovation. She nurtures a love of cooking and gardening —and even develops her greenhouse, where she grows herbs in infusions, gifts for shops, soaps, creams, sauces, menus, baking, and more.

She slowly learns from one of her mother's friends about her mom's life, love, and secrets—why she left Provence, moved to the States, married her father, while continuing to love this slice of heaven.

Tempèsta finds her way, comes up with creative ways to save the dying village, her passion, and loves her new life, new love, her friends, her home, and her new community. She knows she will not return to the States and has found her home.

Lavender and sage (devotion and wisdom) are integral parts of the story and title, and their fragrances evoke the memory of her mother. Her mom always smelled of lavender and sage, no matter what perfume she wore or the soap she used.

Beautifully written, THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE is a lovely story in a lush setting —a young woman's journey to find her place, family, history, legacy, and where she truly belongs. Character-driven, enchanting, magical, and uplifting. From self-discovery, hope, new beginnings, rejuvenation, and community to a touch of romance. An example of where "family' does not always mean blood-related.

THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE is a love letter to Provence and an ode to small dying towns, artisans, and shopkeepers, who need life, love, and support. As a bonus, delectable recipes are included.

Atmospheric and rich in place and charm. For fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Ellen Taylor, Sarah Jio, and Gillian Harvey.

I do not read many women's fiction novels or contemporary; however, I could not pass up the chance to travel to Provence! My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more—Love the cover and the book trailer. As some other reviewers mentioned, would love a sequel with Wal. Congrats to the author for her first full-length work of contemporary fiction!

Thanks to HarperMuse and NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

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My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
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I loved this novel! I am a Francophile as well as a gardener, so I was instantly drawn in by the blurb, gorgeous cover, and the setting. The story is so well-written and descriptive. I truly felt like I was transported to a small village in France, surrounded by fragrant lavender fields.

The characters are truly endearing, the family saga had me immediately hooked, and the romance swept me off my feet. The story was incredibly heartwarming and had just the right amount of magical realism. I cannot recommend this charming story enough! If you enjoyed "Under the Tuscan Sun," you would love this novel. I will definitely be stocking this one at my bookshop and recommending it to my customers. Well done, Aimie! I look forward to reading many more of your books.

P.S. If you are ever in the Asheville, NC or Greenville, SC area, my bookshop opens this April in Landrum, SC. We are right off of Exit 1 and halfway between both cities. I'd be happy to have you in for a book signing.

Provence on a plate! Aimie Runyan delivers a delectable novel filled with flavorful characters searching for family and identity. Readers travel to Sainte-Colombe in the rolling hills of Provence to villages lined with terra-cotta tiled roofs and brightly painted shutters; housing families that have lived here for generations. The villagers have locked away grief, rejected family expectations, and the need for change.
Main character, Tempesta’s only connection to her late mother is a quilt and the memory of her scent, lavender and sage. Runyan’s descriptions of the landscapes are filled with the same vibrant colors that make up the quilt. Sainte-Colombe, declining in population, is a village with a café, a kitchen shop, and an outdoor market on Fridays. The history of the old language, Occitan, the suspicions and beliefs of villagers, and the challenges of accepting the past are revealed through colorful, endearing villagers who are helping Tempesta adjust from the hurried life of a NYC restaurant critic to a life where the “soil vibrates with potential.” Readers will relax as seeds of hope are sown in the characters. Tempy’s greenhouse filled with herbs is the perfect place for reflection as Runyan uses analogies of growing and plants to enrich the story.
The Memory of Lavender and Sage is a novel of contemporary fiction filled with optimism and finding joy in making things new again. Experience village life in Provence and the sheer beauty in rolling hills of lavender. But best of all become aware of the delicious aroma of herbs mingled with revelations that come from discovering one’s true gift.

I have been a fan of Runyan’s for a while. Not only for her books but her baking tips. Her books are always so delicious, and will awaken your senses.

Tempesta Luddngton is a food critic whose mother died when she was a teen. When her father passes away her brother gets the majority of the money, while she gets her mothers belongings and a small sum.

She is happy to reconnect with her mother and her past. Tempesta uses what money she receives to buy a home in Saint-Colombe, where her mother grew up. She finds the home is disrepair and second guesses her choice, but will find out the value of community and hopefully find out more about her mother.

A beautiful story, where all your senses will be filled to the brim. I am not a green thumb, but Runyan’s novel makes me want to be have one.

Thank you Suzy Approved book Tours and Aimie K. Runyan for this novel which is out March 5.

An absolutely stunning book. I loved Tempy and her search for a life to call her own. So many wonderful elements. Vivid descriptions that carry you to Provence with characters fully developed and touching scenes. It will stay in my mind and heart and instantly became a favorite. A vacation in a book with a touch of magic!

Pack your backs, because you will feel like you are in France! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this is to die for!!“The Memory of Lavender and Sage” tells the story of Tempesta, who is trying to reconnect with her mother’s past. Her mom died when she was thirteen so she decided to move to her mother’s hometown in France. The author did an amazing job of making me feel as if I were there. I appreciate all of the cooking tips. This was a new author to me, but I will definitely be checking out her other books. Many thanks to the author, Harper amuse and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Memory of Lavender and Sage will draw you in and make you want to go the the French countryside! The story of a young woman finding where she fits in the world is heartwarming and rich with descriptive atmosphere. The characters are realistic, illustrating the lifstyle of the era and the place.
This is a novel to lift your spirit!

"In the space of a gap of a hummingbirds wing"...

If an author can transport me straight to the French Provençal Countryside, complete with all the sights, sounds, scents, and yes, savory tastes, without ever having to leave my couch or favorite reading nook... especially when it is narrated so beautifully, it is worthy of 5 stars for me. Aimie Runyan created such well-developed characters and immersed them in a most-vivid, atmospheric setting, I felt like I was touching the herbs with Tempesta. And Caroline Hewitt brough Tempesta and the rest of the characters to life, enriching the dialogue, and seamlessly navigating between dialect and languages,

The reason for the quote? It is one of many beautiful quotes that resonated with me as I listened to this wonderful contemporary fictional novel of a woman searching her roots in Provençal France. Now that I have my hands on a physical copy, I will be making those lemon verbena cookies and mint margaritas this weekend!! Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers for granting me the audiobook opportunity in exchange for my review.

Wow Loved it What a way to debut in a new genre of writing. Being one of my favourite historical authors, I thought I would try Aimie’s new book The Memories of Lavender and Sage. It was unputdownable, beautifully written, and a great story. I fell in love with the characters of this small French town, it left me wanting to be part of this small town. The description of oils, rubs etc was enough to get your taste buds and nose humming with excitement. Love, loss, heritage, tradition, family, finding confidence and growth all played a huge part in this highly recommended read. I look forward to reading more of not just Aimie’s historical fiction but also the contemporary novels in the future. 5 stars

I would like to thank Harper Muse, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheMemoryofLavenderandSage #NetGalley

I've read a few of this author's books and enjoyed them so much. This one was excellent. A page turner for sure. It kept me turning the pages while also listening to the audio from my public library.

This is a stunning book. A story about family and how people in families sometimes treat each other. Or make a difference in children/grandchildren. This one starts out with Tempesta in her father's bedroom after his death. Her brother Wal is also there. They are the only children and stand to inherit the wealth their father left. Their Grandmother Luddington is also there. She's a real piece of work. I didn't like her at all....

When Wal basically inherits everything he and Tempesta are somewhat shocked. But Tempesta was left her mother's money. It was nothing in comparison but it was quite a bit and both Temp and Wal were happy about that. Grandmother Luddington was her usual selfish person and said some very mean things to Temp. Not to anyone's surprise either.

Tempesta took the money and went to France. She wanted to see where their mother was from and maybe get to know more about her. She had died when Temp was only thirteen and Temp had vivid memories of her and the stories she always told her about her home in France. Temp buys a place without seeing it and is sorely surprised at what she finds. She thinks it's never going to be fixable. But she learns better. She meets Tiberi and he fixes her house and greenhouse and her. Temp learns so much about herbs and plants and becomes a big hit in the town. after which she is finally accepted as one of them.

There is a lot going on in this book and it's all tied up so neatly and perfectly. From being a New York journalist who writes about restaurant, restaurant critic, to a village called Sainte-Colombe in France. Tempesta finds the belonging she longed for since the loss of her mother. She and her brother become close and her life is full.

I can picture the house in the country with the meadow surrounding it. The greenhouse. The main house. The roof even. The town with it's not at all modern shops. The people. Hills of lush greenery. It all looks so beautiful in my mind. That is how well this book is written.

Do not miss the author's notes at the end. And there are delicious sounding recipes after that. I may have to give at least one a try.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AimieKRunyan, #HarperMuse, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars...

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author Aimie K. Runyon for the opportunity to read, "The Memory of Lavender and Sage." It was a lovely story filled with family, friendship, and love. I was also thoroughly enchanted by the little French village in the book.

The story took place in both New York and a small village in France. The main character, Tempèsta, left New York after her dad died to live in a small French village where her already deceased mother had grown up. She needed to flee New York to get away from her brother and grandmother who had never treated her very kindly.

Once she was in France, Tempèsta started renovations on the house she bought with the money her mother and father had left her. She also realized she was an excellent gardener and she had a special gift of encouraging her herb plants to grow quickly. She used her herbs to create unique oils, rubs, and food she then gifted to her new friends. Later, she was able to sell her homemade herb specialties to help raise money for the small town that was fading fast.

Tempèsta also found love and friendship in her new home. These new found friends helped her to unravel important secrets about her mother and family that would change her life forever. This was such a wonderful story told with so much kindness and love. As an added bonus, there were several mouth watering recipes that were included throughout the story. A few of them were even included at the end of the book, which was such a pleasant surprise! #NetGalley #TheMemoryofLavenderandSage

This book is a warm hug and a bowl of hearty pasta with the lovely summer breeze blowing through the open windows.

The beginning of The Memory of Lavender and Sage shows Tempèsta coming to terms with just how unmoored she feels in her childhood home while learning that she will receive a modest trust from her mother after her father passes. Tempèsta uses this money to reconnect to her mother's past in the Provençal village of Sainte-Colombe. The unlikable characters and Tempèsta's feelings of not quite belonging in NYC at the beginning of the book act as juxtaposition to the welcoming villagers and deep roots she develops quickly in Sainte-Colombe as the book continues.

The pacing of the book is slower, just like Provençal life, but enough happened with the village and the characters that I stayed hooked. I didn't feel the need to devour this book as I usually do my reads, but rather I wanted to savor it. Sainte-Colombe is so atmospheric that I could imagine the beautiful home Tempèsta is remodeling, the delicious food and drink everyone enjoys, and all the beautiful herbs and rolling hills. I constantly found myself wanting to love on my houseplants, start an herb garden, and cook rich meals to be eaten al fresco. This book made me want to learn French, cook more often, and travel. I loved watching the characters grow and connect with each other.

The romance in this book felt ancillary and I found the chemistry between characters to be a little lacking. The rest of the platonic relationships made up for this lack, however.

I really loved this book and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy read featuring found-family, magical realism, delicious food, and beautiful scenery.

A cozy, heartwarming journey
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024

This is the first novel that I've read by Aimie K Runyan and I'm so glad that I did!

The Memory of Lavender and Sage tells the story Tempesta, a mid 30's woman living in NYC. She is dealing with the death of her father when we are first introduced to her. Her relationships with her father, brother and grandmother are tense at best. Her mother, who had passed unexpectedly many years prior, hailed from France.

Dissatisfied with her life in NYC and longing to trace her mother's heritage, she journeys to France, starting over.

This novel reads like a love letter to France as well as food, as a foodie myself, I especially appreciated all of the care and detail that went into that aspect of the novel. It's a heart warming story about a woman who learns about her mother and also finds herself.

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

A heartwarming story of a woman trying to find out more about her mother and finding more than she could have imagined. Tempèsta lost her mother when she was young and her father and the rest of the family didn’t treat her very well. When her father passes away and leaves her only with the money her mother saved for her, she decides to go to France and find out more about her mother. This is a wonderful story set in a beautiful town. It is everything you want in contemporary fiction with friends, love, townspeople stuck in their ways, and a town wanting to stay alive. This book will transport you to France and a place where life is a little slower and time is savored.

Reading this was like being pulled through a portal to the past 25 years ago when I lived and went to school in Provence. Such delightful characters and descriptions made this truly wonderful.