4 stars, bonus points for the PNW representation

This was a super sweet summer hallmark romance. It didn’t feel very tropey and was written well!! The small town was perfectly described and you could really feel the community and the other characters. Felt very Gilmore Girls with town meetings and the eclectic cast. The romance was paced really well for the majority of the book besides the end which felt a bit montage-y. I do love the maturity of the characters!!

Overall very cute. Felt like a cozy Christmas read but for the summer!!

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

I just wanted to thank the publisher for an ARC for this book. I had listened to it on audio and I don't know I really wanted to to like this book, but I feel like it kinda fell flat. It stared off great and it caught my attention, but as the book went on it kinda just lost my interest. I felt like the characters really didn't go well together. I had DNF it at 70% and at that point I didn't care to read how the book had ended.

Tarah DeWitt books never fail to feel like a warm and cozy embrace. The charm, the wit, the effortless chemistry and the uniquely endearing characters, all work seamlessly to create a story that is both fun and flirty while also packing a wallop of emotions. Savor It is a tender and sweet but powerfully meaningful love story. It’s wonderfully adorable and swoony, and I fell madly in love with this world, these characters, and this town.

Savor It finds the deliciously grumpy and complicated Fisher Lange, big city, recently disgraced Michelin-star chef relocating to the endlessly idyllic Spunes, Washington…and next door the small town charmer Sage Byrd, the very manifestation of sunshine and warmth and welcoming spirit. She’s the antithesis of Fisher’s energy- as he struggles to not only pick up the pieces of his recent professional disaster but also is struggling to parent his teenage niece, grieving both personal and professional losses. But turns out his neighbor (and her endless parade of animal friends) is more than just a nuisance- she seems to hold not just the key to helping him connect with his niece but also can help him with his short-term project in town, a project that requires earning the town’s trust. Who better than town enthusiast and the beloved Pollyanna-esque Sage to help him? And Fisher might also be the man to help Sage win the much coveted title of victor in the festival competition.

Sage and Fisher both represent what I love most about Tarah’s writing- her deft capacity to create uniquely specific characters that are so dynamic and layered, flawed but beautiful, each at a true existential turning point. A turning point catalyzed by the dynamic they find in the other. Tarah truly is a gifted character writer- the details, the quirks, the dynamic emotions- I found myself so immersed in both Sage and Fisher. Sage is brightness and love- immediately lovable, deeply likable, and so charismatic she feels like magic. Her animal collection, her small town spirit, her compassion and optimism make her truly sparkle- I’m half in love with her myself. Fisher, on the other hand, has a melancholic heaviness to him at first. But Fisher is deeply struggling- not just with his professional path, but also in coming to terms with his own identity and ambitions. He's a man at a crossroads of versions of himself, all while trying to build stability for his niece. He's dreamy and swoony once he opens his heart, and I could not help but fall for him as we saw the depth of his emotions. There is a profound sadness and lostness to Fisher- his is a journey of healing and acceptance, the balm for which he finds with the person and in the place he least expects it.

I loved watching these two fall- how they built empathy as friends, leaned into everything that makes the town magic, and not only found love with each other but also found better and more true versions of themselves. Their love story is fun and flirty- vibrant and page turning. But it’s also substantive, tender and gentle at times and life changing in others- there's a love story that is more than just romance, it’s about self-discovery and forgiveness. And that’s where this story really shines- Tarah’s keen ability to balance a light, bright, and heartwarming summer romance with character arcs that are hard fought, full of loss and insecurities and challenge. It's wonderfully balanced in tone and impact- the feelings hit, but it doesn’t drown you in them. It’s the perfect saturation of depth and fun.

I loved all the juxtapositions of Savor It. The big city noise and the small town charisma. The grumpy sunshine contrasts. The warmth and brightness of life paired with the cold fissures of grief. Savor It is as much about the jagged and soft edges of living as it is about the romance we find in the journey. Fisher in particular struck a deep chord with me- he wasn’t instantly likable like Sage, but I felt his buried pain and stoic coping deep in my soul. I loved seeing this man come to terms with his heartache, his doubts, and finding the right path for himself. And I loved how Sage brought that to life in him- how they both became the safe space for the other to land, even if they started off riotously at odds.

This quickly became my favorite Tarah DeWitt story to date- and the audio is so fantastic. The narrators brought such depth to their performances and captures the wit and charm of Tarah’s prose with authenticity and character. Zachary Webber is a favorite, and his stoic but vulnerable depiction of Fisher is pitch perfect, but Karrisa Vacker’s depiction of Sage really stood out. Sage’s energy was beautifully captured, and I couldn’t stop listening to this story.

I adored this story- it’s why Tarah DeWitt is my go-to for feel-good, cozy romance that packs a ton of depth into the most charming and heartfelt story.

If you like:
-City Boy x Small Town Lady
-Summer Vibes
-Small town shenanigans/antics
-Opposites attract
-single guardian
-forced proximity/neighbors
-scene stealing animals
-frenemies to friends with benefits
-making the ex jealous
-he’s a chef

This book, as with every book Tarah writes, was so lovely. Her characters are always so well-rounded and well-developed, and so, so real. Her books grab your heart and squeeze, and this one was no different. Sage and Fisher have my whole heart, and this little town in Washington was my favorite little literary escape. I loved everything about this tender, ooey gooey book.

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt is a delightful romance that will sweep you off your feet in the cozy little town of Spune, Oregon! Sage is on a mission to prove she’s thriving after a breakup, while Fisher, a former Michelin-star chef, is trying to find his groove again while caring unexpectedly for his niece.

As they work together to win the summer festival and help his restaurant, their friendship blossoms into something unexpected. But with Fisher's uncertain future and Sage's love for her hometown, the big question is: will they choose love and happiness over their individual dreams?

With tons of chemistry, humor, and heart, Dewitt perfectly captures the charm of small-town life and the excitement of finding love when you least expect it. Savor It is packed with lovable characters and feel-good moments, making it an absolute must-read! You'll be cheering for Sage and Fisher every step of the way!

Thank you @authortarahdewitt, @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the #gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book. LOVED IT.

Fisher was going through so much in his life and he felt so broken, and Sage felt like she was more than what people perceived her to be. It was so lovely to watch them not only fall for each other, but also for Fisher to find peace within himself and realize that he was finally healing.

I seriously adored this book. The end had me tearing up when Indy realized that she had also found her home in Spoons. Gosh. It was SO GOOD.

Tara could write a grocery list and I'd request to read it early. Come back to it when I needed to feel good.

I did a reread of Funny Feelings before reading Savor It and was afraid I wouldn't love it as much, but I there was no reason to worry - it's a different type of love.

I am very much in my "Yes Chef" era (thanks to The Bear) and this filled the void in between seasons.

Small town, fake dating, shenanigans? Always and forever.

I love Tarah’s books and words. I truly enjoyed her exploration of grief and the growth we saw throughout. I love fully realized characters and a single dad trope, so I was truly here for this!

I didn't hate this, but I also didn't love this.
It was a cute story, but i wasn't a fan of the writing.
The number of times the phrase "savor it" was used made me cringe.
I also found some of the spicy scenes a bit cringe.
My favorite couple was Indy and Gary 😂😂.
I loved the animal friends and the small town vibes.
If you like small town romance with spice, this might be for you!

This one was very enjoyable. I really like Tarah's writing and she's only getting better with each book gives us.

Sage and Fisher's story in Savor It by Tarah Dewitt was a light and refreshing break from the darker romance I've been reading. I got through this so quickly!

This was a small town, grumpy sunshine, fake dating, slow burn romance that was all in all an enjoyable read! I cannot wait for book 2 to release so that I can revisit this series again!

This was my first novel by Tarah DeWitt and it certainly won't be my last. I loved the small time vibes with this one. Tarah has created a near perfect romcom full of all the witty banter I need and adore. Her characters were so well developed, and her writing transported me to the most adorable quaint small town.

This was such a sweet small town/big city mashup read. I loved the characters, and the charm. I loved that the male main character was a chef, and the family dynamic he had with his niece. I definitely will be checking out more by DeWitt.

It really took me more than a couple of chapters to actually get into this one. Unfortunately this just missed the mark for me. Savor It had so many of my favorite tropes but I felt like the delivery was lacking. Sage and Fisher had some really good moments but there were others where their chemistry was just nonexistent. And there were so many slow moments for me that I found myself constantly putting the boom down.

I did, however, like the premise and how the book touched on themes like being present and enjoying every moment and accepting that changing your mind is okay.

This may not have been a favorite for me but it was still a cute read!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this story. Small town girl meets big city chef who’s got a lot of baggage but just needs some sage advice. Loved the ups and down, the advice and positive outlooks. Great read!

✨ Publication date: May 21, 2024✨

Savor It is a strangers to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance book by Tarah DeWitt. It’s the first book in a new series and It’s my first book by this author and definitely not my last!

Sage Byrd lives in the small town of Spunes Oregon. Sage and her brothers grew up here and after their parents died, Sage’s older brothers help raise her and keep the roof over her head. She eventually purchased her childhood home/hobby farm and settled into her small town life.

As it is in small towns, everyone knows everyone and there isn’t much personal business that’s kept personal so when Sage’s long term relationship with the towns Golden boy ends, it’s no secret and she can’t seem to avoid running into him and his new fiancé.

Fisher Lange has a history of his own. After rising to fame in the New York culinary scene and earning a Michelin star, he falls hard and fast. Fisher loses his temper and his Michelin star. In the height of trying clean up the mess that’s his career, his sister dies in a tragic accident leaving him as the guardian of his teenage niece.

Fisher is given one last opportunity to stay in Spunes for the summer while he helps his boss finalize the opening of a new restaurant there. It feels like he has just a few months to save his career and his relationship with his niece.

Sage and Fisher forge a new friendship that turns summer fling, knowing that they can’t have much more. What happens when your big city dreams can all be found inside a small town? Fisher and Sage help each other overcome their fears and obstacles while falling so deeply in love, one summer might not be enough!

I loved this book! Both Sage and Fishers characters were beautifully written and their chemistry was off the charts. I cannot wait to read the next instalment of the series! This is a 4.5 star book for me!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #tarahdewitt #savorit

This one was so fun. The relationship between Sage and Fisher was so bright and warm. The small town atmosphere was so cozy. This was such a perfect summer beach read🌸✨

Tarah DeWitt always delivers on writing fun characters but also never shy's away from giving them depth. Fisher obviously has a lot on his plate when he arrives to Spunes, so seeing him navigate all of that, mentally and physically, was so heartwarming. Especially with Sage their to help him through it all.
They helped each other heal, in the end, and I think that's so sweet.

Rounded up from 3.5
Sage loves her small town and the tight knit community. She is now looking to prove herself during the Festival of Spines. Fisher is in town for the summer with his niece, Indy, who he is now parenting. They form a partnership for the competition.
This is a single parent, small town romance. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either. I'm not a fan of moody teenage girls, so Indy was kind of annoying. And we get it, Sage is quirky. I felt like the author was trying too hard to convince us that she was "different from all the other women". I also thought there was a lot of filler and not enough interactions between the two MCs. I mostly didn't vibe with the writing.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really liked this and I’m excited to see where this series goes.

I’m super excited about Wren and Ellis’ story!

This book was so cute! The chemistry was perfect between the main characters and it was just a feel good type of book!