The Memory of Lavender and Sage

I was fortunate to receive two books from Aimie K. Runyan. One novel was her historical fiction novel A Bakery In Paris & The Memory of Lavender and Sage which is coming to book stores on February 13^th 2024. Food critic Tempesta Luddington feels like an outsider in her family ever since she lost her mother as a teen. Fifteen years later Tempestas father passes and everything he owned goes to her younger brother Wal. Tempesta is left with some money from her mother and for the first time in her life she decides to make herself happy and move to the town of Sainte Columbe in Provence France where her mother originally came from. At first with how cold some of the villagers and the mayor is she wonders if she’s made a mistake. Over time Tempesta learns the meaning of community and friendship the importance of self confidence and the power of trust and love.

Writing, Story & Setting

I love that the setting is in Provence and while Sainte Columbe isn’t a real village I could picture myself there as I read the story. I like the character of Tempesta I feel I could relate to her in away because we both take a chance and realize what our dreams are and never give up. I also like that Aimie gave her that name it’s something different. For those who’ve read a lot of Aimie’s historical fiction if you are expecting a fast paced novel don’t. This is contemporary women’s fiction and it moves slower than her historical fiction.

Overall

Overall, whether Aimie writes historical fiction or contemporary women’s fiction, I can’t wait to read what she writes next and read her older works as well. Thank you so much Aimie for this early copy of The Memory of Lavender and Sage. If you don’t have an early physical or netgalley copy of the book, pre-order it now so you get it on February 13^th!