A Taste of Sage: A Novel

I’m a huge fan of cooking shows, so I knew this one was for me! Excellent book!!! Super weird thing to point out, but the cover texture was strange and unlike any other book I’ve had. Otherwise, fantastic read!!!

Great read.

This novel had two glaring problems: pacing and characterization. The pacing on this one was off from the very beginning. Large amounts of time would pass and we wouldn't even notice until a sentence alerted us to it. It felt like the first third of the book was on fast forward so that we could get to the romance aspect. The fast and choppy pace didn't help the lack of characterization. Both of the characters were empty shells with nothing unique or standout about them. He was the stuck up rich jerk and she was the fiery poor girl who had to work for everything she had. They both fit into their molds so blandly. I wanted to love this novel, as rival chefs in a hate to love romance sounds fantastic. And yet there was nothing unique about the novel. It seemed to just want to check off the boxes of a romance novel. I didn't believe in their love nor did I know anything about the characters.

She had a bizarre physic ability that was never touched on except in an over the top, extremely dramatic event that made me roll my eyes. That aspect definitely made the novel feel like they were trying way too hard to stand out or be different.

Unfortunately, this novel is a hard pass for me.

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Yaffa S. Santos, from first page to last! It was a perfect “escape” and I savored the time I got to sit in my favorite big chair and enter Lumi’s world, so rich with vivid tastes and color! Easy, breezy, fun, delicious, and happy read. Look forward to reading more from Yaffa!!

This is a fabulous book. I’m so happy that it exists! While it offers its readers intriguing characters, charming moments and incredible recipes, none of these offerings are the POINT of this book. The point - from what I gathered - is that it speaks to the unexpected journeys we ALL go on (if we so choose), to identify and dismantle the lies that we’ve held....specifically speaking, the lies that have prohibited love from fully entering our lives. This is a brave look at what it takes to see the lies, shed the lies, and step into what we all deserve: LOVE. ❤️ I wholeheartedly recommend this book. If you are looking for a holiday gift for a friend, family member or lover, then this is an ideal choice. 🙏😍

I really enjoyed this book.
The characters were so authentic and the story kept me interested. The recipes are very enticing too.
I’m glad I read it and hope the author continues to entertain and involve us in tales like this.

Perfect rom-com that reminds me a little of the movie No Reservations. This book made me laugh out loud, tear up, and go wth. I absolutely loved it! The last 50 pages almost had me mad but it ended perfectly!

Sweet and spicy! Yaffa S. Santos has cooked up a delectable tale bubbling with food and romance. Lumi is pretty bummed out when her Dominican restaurant goes out of business and she is forced to take a job as a sous chef at a traditional French restaurant. Even more irritating her new boss is a bit of an arrogant ass. He thinks he is gods gift to the kitchen and even though he is drop dead gorgeous Lumi is not impressed. That is... until she is. Lobsters, apples, tomatoes, tarts, kisses, turtles, misunderstandings, recipes, and charm.

This was a fun little treat. I really liked Lumi and all her sas. I also really liked the fact that she could feel the emotions of the person who prepared her food, that was a fun magical element to the story. Julian was hard to like, but I think deep down he was a good guy. The romance between Lumi and Julian didn’t always work for me. There was a turning point though where I got it, I just wish I had felt it earlier. I also wish we had got to know these characters a little better they weren’t quite as multi dimensional as I would’ve liked. The cooking in the book was great and I loved how they included the recipes. I would have definitely love to dine at Lumi’sie’s Dominican restaurant.

This book in emojis 👩🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳 🍲 🦞 🐢 🍏 🍅

*** Big thank you to Harper for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This book is delectable. I love Lumi, her story, her gift, her food, her passion & fire. The Dominincana in me understands & relates to the love of family, how they mold you & your thoughts. I love a book that also includes recipes!

A Taste of Sage was a charming and well written book about food and romance, highly enjoyable, and some very good recipes are included.