The Memory of Lavender and Sage

By: Aimie K. Runyan

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt

“A standout voice in women’s fiction. I was captivated from the very first line.”—Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Summer of Songbirds

Perhaps the secrets of her mother’s past in this tiny French town hold the key to her own future. . .

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.

Lost in grief and hoping to reconnect with her memories and her mother’s past, she uses the money to buy a ramshackle manor house in Sainte-Colombe, a small village in Provence, where her mother had grown up. But she is greeted with more questions than answers. Her welcome, especially by the town’s stodgy mayor, is cold at best, and she finds herself wondering if the entire experiment was a mistake.

Yet she stays, stubbornly sticking it out, slowly learning that her mother’s legacy was more than just a nest egg. Through her mother and the village, Tempèsta learns the value of community and friendship, the importance of self-confidence, and the power of love and trust. What’s more, she sees for herself that there is magic and beauty in the everyday—even something as simple as a sprig of lavender and sage.

“For readers who love Under the Tuscan Sun and Chocolat, this is your next heartfelt, delightful read.”—Jennifer Moorman, bestselling author of The Baker's Man

• A dreamy escape into Southern France from bestselling author Aimie K. Runyan.
• Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, Rebecca Serle, and Sarah Jio
• Kate Quinn described Runyan’s previous work as “a moving tale of female solidarity and courage.”
• Stand-alone novel of approximately 100,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Aimie K. Runyan (P)2024 Harper Muse

Like a warm blanket for the soul

This book is lovely the performance is wonderful too. It is captivating and keeps your attention. I loved it

Everything that I hoped would happen did! it was such a lovely escape.

I so enjoyed this happy story. it has been a nice distraction from the stress of everyday life. the descriptions of the herbs and foods were great and I felt like I was experiencing the little village myself!

A wonderful story

This new book is a total sensory delight in the form of a French fairy tale. Exquisitely narrated, it is a romantic tale of unwittingly finding and discovering one’s rightful place in the world. I was swept away.

The narrator's ability to verbally guide me in feeling the magic.

The story was very special. Filled with joy and possibilities. I wish I could go there, meet those people and belong in a place like that.

Outstanding

The setting was so detailed I felt as if I were there...
The characters were so well described it kept you enthralled. A work of art in forgiveness 🎈

Sunny, light, and uplifting

This was a lovely story based in a beautiful area of France. Some of the storyline is fairytale-like. Too bad that the reader’s French accent sounded more Italian than French.

Suspend the skeptical and embrace the possible

This story wasn't just a sweet tale with a heart-warming ending. it takes the reader to another place and time. There's an implicit invitation to suspend one's resistance to the mystical and embrace the possible. I found a love for a place I've never seen. And admiration for the small places worthy of saving and revitalizing when the people are known and loved. Isn't that true for all of us no matter our address or time? Thank you for this tale of hope and redemption so needed for our current time and place.

The story was mesmerizing

I enjoyed the story but almost stopped listening because the sound of what felt like fake French. If the author’s note about her time in France was at the beginning or if it was read by someone else adding in some voices I could’ve listened seamlessly.

I can't finish it

Almost like another version of "Under the Tuscany Sun", and the reading style is lack of subtlety, and I am not impressed.

VERY PREDICTABLE!!

Sorry but this was really a waste of a credit and time. I really wanted to like this book about the French Countryside, I love everything about France and I wanted to imagine the sights smells and beauty of it but I was so distracted by the sappiness of the narrator. The characters were boring. Just hoping to prevent others not to waste time and a credit. I should say thank you because I am grateful for the cookie recipe,