Savor It by Tarah DeWitt Summary, Characters and Themes
Savor It by Tarah DeWitt is a heartwarming and humorous contemporary romance set in the quaint, charming town of Spunes, Oregon. This delightful rom-com explores themes of love, loss, healing, and self-discovery, all tied together with small-town charm and hilarious banter.
Sage Byrd, a spirited small-town teacher, and Fisher Lange, a big-city chef grieving his sister’s death, forge a fake-dating pact that unexpectedly leads to emotional healing and a blossoming romance. With endearing characters, adorable animals, and heartfelt moments, this story offers a perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and substance, making it an irresistible summer read.
Summary
Sage Byrd has spent her entire life in Spunes, Oregon, a small town brimming with quirky characters and rich history.
She finds joy in teaching, rescuing misfit animals, and cherishing the simple pleasures of her community. However, when her long-term boyfriend, Ian, moves on with a flashy engagement, Sage feels the weight of everyone’s pity.
Determined to reclaim her narrative, she sets her sights on winning the town’s annual summer competition, the Festival of Spunes. There’s just one problem—she needs a partner.
Enter Fisher Lange, a once-renowned New York City chef whose world has been turned upside down. After losing his Michelin star and his beloved sister, Fisher finds himself caring for his teenage niece, Indy, while grappling with grief and burnout.
Reluctantly taking on a consulting gig for a struggling restaurant in Spunes, Fisher struggles to connect with the tight-knit townspeople and reignite his love for cooking. A chance encounter with Sage sparks an unexpected opportunity for both of them.
Realizing they can help each other, Sage and Fisher strike a deal: she’ll use her insider knowledge to help Fisher win over the town, and he’ll be her partner for the summer competition.
Their arrangement is meant to be strictly strategic, but as they train together, bond over shared vulnerabilities, and navigate the chaos of small-town life, their fake relationship starts feeling all too real.
The story unfolds with witty banter, intimate moments, and heartfelt exchanges that deepen their connection. Fisher admires Sage’s ability to find beauty in the mundane, while Sage discovers Fisher’s tender side beneath his gruff exterior.
Both characters confront their insecurities and learn to embrace their strengths—Sage, her boundless compassion and individuality, and Fisher, his capacity for love and healing.
Meanwhile, Fisher’s relationship with Indy undergoes a transformation as they navigate shared grief.
With Sage’s support, Fisher becomes a more present and understanding guardian, while Indy begins to see Spunes as a place where she can truly belong.
As the festival approaches, life throws the pair curveballs, from career hurdles to unexpected confessions.
When the competition day arrives, it serves as a backdrop for emotional breakthroughs rather than the climax of their romance. Ultimately, their mutual respect, shared healing, and undeniable chemistry lead to a mature and satisfying resolution.
Savor It concludes with a hopeful epilogue, showing Sage and Fisher building a future together.
Their journey is marked not by grand gestures but by quiet courage, steady growth, and the joy of savoring life’s fleeting but precious moments. This heartfelt romance proves that sometimes, the best stories are about finding love in the simplest, most unexpected places.
Characters
Sage Byrd
Sage is the quintessential small-town girl with a big heart and a penchant for quirky humor. Her personality shines through her optimism, wit, and unique ability to find joy in the smallest things, even amidst her insecurities.
Despite feeling the weight of judgment from her community after her breakup with Ian, she is determined to reclaim her narrative and prove her worth. Sage’s resilience is central to her character—she doesn’t let her struggles define her but instead uses them as opportunities for growth.
Her connection to her rescued animals and her unshakeable kindness make her deeply relatable and endearing. However, Sage’s self-doubt, stemming from her past relationship and the expectations of others, often makes her question her value.
This vulnerability makes her an even more realistic and multifaceted character. Her journey is not just about falling in love but about rediscovering her self-worth and embracing her individuality without apology.
Fisher Lange
Fisher is a deeply layered character whose grief and career burnout make him both complex and compelling. As a former Michelin-star chef, his fall from grace and subsequent relocation to Spunes mark a pivotal turning point in his life.
He grapples with the loss of his sister, Freya, and the responsibility of raising his teenage niece, Indy, which adds depth to his emotional struggles. Initially, Fisher appears reserved and distant, but his emotional intelligence and capacity for love gradually surface as he connects with Sage.
His growth throughout the novel is remarkable—he moves from being a man who feels untethered and purposeless to someone who rediscovers his passion for cooking and life. Fisher’s attentiveness and ability to observe and appreciate Sage’s unique qualities showcase his capacity for genuine love and connection.
His transformation is driven by his willingness to confront his pain and embrace the idea of a new beginning, making his journey both heartfelt and inspiring.
Indy Lange
Indy, Fisher’s teenage niece, is a strong-willed and fiercely independent character who adds depth to the story’s emotional core. Losing her mother has left her guarded and somewhat rebellious, yet her vulnerability is evident in her quiet longing for stability and understanding.
Indy’s relationship with Fisher evolves beautifully; initially fraught with tension, it blossoms into one of mutual respect and care. Her bond with Sage is another highlight, as Sage becomes a comforting presence and a source of wisdom in her life.
Indy’s character serves as a poignant reminder of the different ways grief manifests and the importance of finding a support system during difficult times.
Wren (Sage’s Best Friend)
Wren is the quintessential best friend—loyal, hilarious, and unafraid to call Sage out when needed. Her dynamic with Sage is one of mutual support and light-hearted banter, providing much-needed levity to the story.
Wren’s sharp wit and humor balance out Sage’s introspective nature, and their friendship is a testament to the importance of having a dependable support system. Wren’s playful teasing about Fisher and her unwavering belief in Sage’s worth highlight her role as both comic relief and emotional anchor.
Ellias, Silas, and Micah (Sage’s Brothers)
Sage’s brothers, particularly Ellias, are beautifully crafted characters who embody the themes of family and resilience. Ellias, as the eldest, takes on a parental role, having stepped up to care for his siblings after their parents’ untimely death.
His sense of responsibility and protectiveness toward Sage is touching and underscores his selflessness. Silas and Micah, though less prominently featured, add warmth and humor to the story, showcasing the bond shared by the Byrd siblings.
Together, the brothers provide Sage with a foundation of love and support, emphasizing the importance of family in navigating life’s challenges.
Ian (Sage’s Ex-Boyfriend)
Ian serves as the catalyst for much of Sage’s initial conflict, embodying the archetype of the small-town golden boy who ultimately falls short of true substance. His decision to quickly move on and get engaged after his breakup with Sage highlights his superficiality and lack of emotional depth.
While Ian is not a central character, his role is significant in shaping Sage’s journey of self-discovery and her determination to prove her worth outside of her relationship with him.
Freya (Fisher’s Sister)
Although Freya is no longer alive, her presence is felt throughout the novel through Fisher and Indy’s memories. Her loss serves as the emotional core of Fisher’s grief and is the reason behind his disconnection from his passion for cooking.
Freya’s legacy is one of love and family, and her absence underscores the themes of loss and healing that run through the story. Her memory also plays a crucial role in bringing Fisher and Indy closer together, as they learn to navigate their shared grief.
Themes
Love and Healing
The central theme of Savor It is love as a pathway to healing. Both Sage and Fisher are navigating life after profound emotional wounds: Sage, grappling with self-doubt following a long-term breakup, and Fisher, burdened by grief over the loss of his sister and the resulting responsibility for his niece.
Their journey illustrates how love—romantic, platonic, and familial—can be a salve for life’s most painful moments. Their relationship grows organically, from camaraderie and mutual support to deep affection, underscoring how shared understanding and vulnerability can foster not only love but also emotional restoration.
Their dynamic demonstrates that healing isn’t instantaneous; it’s a slow, collaborative process enriched by kindness, acceptance, and the courage to be honest.
Grief and Loss
Grief is another prominent theme, woven into the fabric of Fisher’s and Indy’s lives as they adjust to life without their sister and mother, respectively. The novel delves into the ways grief shapes individuals differently: Indy acts out as a teenager, expressing her pain through rebellion, while Fisher becomes emotionally withdrawn and loses his passion for cooking.
Sage, on the other hand, carries the long-term scars of losing her parents as a child. Her quiet resilience complements Fisher’s more immediate struggle, showing how the passage of time alters but does not erase the impact of loss.
The book does not sugarcoat grief; instead, it portrays its rawness and persistence. This is balanced with moments of joy and hope that hint at the possibility of moving forward while still honoring what has been lost.
Self-Worth and Identity
Sage’s journey is deeply rooted in the search for self-worth and self-acceptance. After her ex-boyfriend Ian quickly becomes engaged, she is left questioning her value and struggling with negative self-perceptions.
Her cheerful exterior often masks her insecurities, making her growth throughout the novel all the more meaningful. By the end, Sage learns to appreciate her quirks and embrace her uniqueness, realizing that her worth is not contingent on anyone else’s opinions.
Fisher, too, faces an identity crisis. Once a celebrated chef, he feels like a failure after losing his Michelin star and struggles to reconnect with his love for cooking. Through Sage’s encouragement and their mutual support, Fisher rediscovers his passion and begins to reimagine his career.
Both characters’ arcs emphasize the importance of living authentically and on one’s terms.
Community and Belonging
The small-town setting of Spunes, Oregon, plays a pivotal role in shaping the story’s themes of community and belonging. The close-knit, somewhat quirky town provides both a sanctuary and a source of pressure for Sage and Fisher.
For Sage, Spunes is a place of familiarity and comfort, but also one where she often feels judged and defined by her past relationship. For Fisher, the town’s tight-knit culture is initially alienating, but he eventually finds acceptance and a sense of home within it.
The townspeople’s meddling, while humorous, underscores the value of community in providing support during times of personal upheaval. Spunes becomes a microcosm for how collective effort and mutual care can enhance individual growth and connection.
Second Chances
The theme of second chances permeates the novel, both in relationships and personal aspirations. Fisher’s sabbatical in Spunes represents a chance to reevaluate his priorities and regain his passion for life and cooking.
Sage, too, sees the summer festival as an opportunity to redefine herself in the eyes of her community and herself. Their romantic relationship is also a testament to the idea that love can flourish unexpectedly, even after disappointment and heartache.
By taking a chance on each other, Sage and Fisher demonstrate how starting over—whether in love, career, or life in general—can lead to a more fulfilling future.
Joy in Everyday Life
One of the book’s most delightful themes is finding joy in small, everyday moments. Sage embodies this theme with her infectious optimism, appreciation for her misfit farm animals, and love for life’s quirks, from silly puns to cherished routines.
Fisher, on the other hand, begins the story entrenched in cynicism and burnout. Through Sage’s influence, he learns to find happiness in life’s simple pleasures, like cooking for loved ones or spending time in a welcoming community.
This theme reinforces the idea that happiness doesn’t always come from grand gestures or monumental events. Instead, it often lies in the beauty of the mundane, waiting to be noticed and savored.
Courage and Vulnerability
The courage to be vulnerable is a recurring motif in Savor It, particularly in the characters’ interactions. Fisher’s willingness to open up about his grief and Sage’s honesty about her insecurities highlight the bravery it takes to let someone truly see you.
Their relationship thrives because they both dare to show their imperfections, fostering a deep emotional connection. The novel’s exploration of courage also extends to the characters’ personal growth: Fisher confronting his career burnout, Sage overcoming her fears of inadequacy, and Indy reconciling with her uncle.
These arcs underscore that courage often manifests in quiet, everyday decisions, like choosing to trust, to forgive, or to try again.