AWRW Book Review: Strawberry and Sage, by Author Amanda Gale @AmandaGaleBooks

A historical romance novella for readers of the Meredith series and new readers alike.

Gabriel Kelly is a hard-working young carpenter carrying the weight of responsibility on his back. With his father injured on the job and his brother fighting in Vietnam, Gabriel struggles to stay positive. And with the possibility of being drafted looming over him, he can focus only on things that matter, like visiting the mountain, where he regains clarity, and cherishing his time with Abigail, the childhood friend with whom he’s always been in love.

Abigail Wheeler is a bright, ambitious college student who just knows she can change the world. Determined to make good use of opportunities her mother never had, she spends her time campaigning for women’s rights and planning for her future. Her own experiences have taught her that the world is full of promise. So when Gabriel confesses his heart, she is torn, unsure whether they’d be compatible even though she secretly loves him too.

In a tumultuous time when change is the only constant, Gabriel and Abigail long to find meaning and to find themselves. As their friendship is tested by wars both inside and out, they discover that the differences that had kept them apart are actually why they need each other most.

Set in 1967 in the lush mountains of Vermont, Strawberry and Sage is a tale of friendship, love, and the perfect strawberry pie.

Kindle Edition, 106 pages

Published July 15th 2015 by Brenda & Cobena Books

Genre: Historical Romance, Women’s Fiction, New Adult

What’s It About?

Abigail Wheeler and Gabriel Kelly have always been friends. From when they were eight years old, slaying imaginary dragons in her grandmother’s strawberry patch, to branching out into adulthood, with Gabriel taking over his father’s carpentry business, and Abigail taking college courses and participating in sit-ins to protest the war.

Times have changed, but one thing has stayed the same; their feelings for one another.

(Warning: Contains Spoilers, But Doesn’t Give Away The Ending.)

He tells her rather abruptly that he loves her and wants to marry her, but only if she wins the town’s pie making contest. Abigail, being a modern woman, isn’t sure if she should be flattered or offended by this proposal. Gabriel can’t believe the words that came out of his mouth, and hopes he hasn’t ruined what they have between them, for good!

Abigail mulls her decision over, while perfecting the perfect strawberry pie recipe. This leads to a conclusion which is VERY Abigail. 🙂

Strawberry and Sage is a spin-off novella of The Meredith Series, which focuses on Nick Kelly’s parents and their relationship.

My Thoughts

I can’t get this goofy, sappy grin off my face!

Strawberry and Sage was an absolute feel-good read, that had me smiling from page one till the end. I devoured it one sitting, (much like I’d like to do to Abigail’s strawberry pie!). I enjoyed reading Abigail and Gabriel’s story, and I feel like I know them even better now, than I did from reading The Meredith Series. I am so glad that Author Amanda Gale gave them their own story!

I loved the ending! Like I mentioned above, it was VERY Abigail. 🙂 It made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! I wasn’t expecting that conclusion, but was overjoyed that it happened that way.

Author Amanda Gale has a knack for world building. Upon page one, I was transported to Grandma Wheeler’s strawberry field, and was charmed by young Abigail and Gabriel, and as time progressed, I felt myself growing with them, and adapting to the changed surroundings. The transition was smooth, and I never felt that there were any gaps, even though the story spanned from age 8-21, within approximately 100 pages.

I loved this story, and couldn’t possibly recommend it enough. A perfect summer read to enjoy with or without a slice of pie! (Uh oh, now I’m craving pie!)

5 stars! (Or in this case, strawberries!)

I was provided with a copy of Strawberry and Sage in exchange for a fair, thoughtful, and honest book review. This is no way swayed my rating.

Check Out What Others Had To Say About Strawberry and Sage!

“The story is fresh, the characters are likable. Their inner struggles, emotions and intents are true to life.” —Sheri A Wilkinson

“I picked up this book not knowing what to expect and I can’t emphasize enough how much I enjoyed reading it. The characters were lovable, but complex and perfectly flawed. I found myself loving the main characters and wanting to know even more about the supporting characters. The story was so well written that I began to engross myself in each scene, not knowing what development would be coming next.” —T. Chamberlin

“This was an easy, wonderful read. I loved the story, and having read the Meredith Series (4 books) this was an invitation to get to know, understand and love a few of the main Meredith Series characters better. And having been in college myself during the Viet Nam war years, the author’s careful attention to that era paid off. The language and emotions she portrayed through the main characters in Strawberry and Sage were spot on to what we felt and experienced during those years. Whether reading Strawberry and Sage prior to reading the Meredith Series or after, you will be caught up in characters you will come to love and who you will miss after reading that last page.” —Judy411

“I loved how the story revolved around a simple act like baking a pie, but touched on deeper subjects like the war, the draft, civil rights and women’s rights. It was a great read for a Saturday afternoon!” —Erin and Nathanial Pearson

Purchase

Amazon, USA

Amazon, UK

About The Author

A graduate of Vassar College and Boston University, Amanda Gale taught high school English before she began writing women’s fiction. The four novels of her *Meredith* series explore love, growth, and the flaws that make us human. A lover of history, classic literature, and quiet nights at home, she lives outside Philadelphia with her family.

Goodreads Author Page

Website

Twitter

Facebook Fan Page

Advertisement