What do you think?
Rate this book
Missed Connections
What if you had the chance to revisit every relationship that mattered?
Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and recently finished her tenure as the general manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. When her younger sister gets engaged at Christmas, it's an open door for her mother and siblings to prod Sabrina for her itinerate lifestyle and her inability to commit to any of her previous relationships. What they don't know is that Sabrina, after fifteen long years, has attained her goal of becoming a MICHELIN Guide Inspector. And due to the anonymity required to preserve the integrity of the ratings, they never will. After her mother's final clumsy attempt to fix her up with the charming "boy next door," Sabrina is more than ready to return to DC where she will begin her dream job.
She arrives at the airport, resolved to put the family conflict behind her and focus on her work, but now her mother's critical voice fills her with doubts. Sure, she attained the job she's always wanted, but at what cost? She's neglected not only romantic relationships but meaningful friendships as well. Once in her concourse, Sabrina's airline is hosting a "Spin the Wheel" game. Sabrina plays along, hoping for perhaps a free drink ticket or a bit of extra legroom. She lands on "Time Travel for NYE": the chance to fly to Tokyo, then back to Hawaii to experience the turning of the new year twice.
Once in the airport's lounge, the ticket agent offers her something far more the opportunity to revisit each of her past relationships to answer the burning had any of these relationships been worth salvaging, or was she, as her mother accuses, too quick to cast these men aside? Spanning fifteen years and thousands of miles, Sabrina will have the rare opportunity to know for certain if all her choices had led her down the right path.
Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and recently finished her tenure as the general manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. When her younger sister gets engaged at Christmas, it's an open door for her mother and siblings to prod Sabrina for her itinerate lifestyle and her inability to commit to any of her previous relationships. What they don't know is that Sabrina, after fifteen long years, has attained her goal of becoming a MICHELIN Guide Inspector. And due to the anonymity required to preserve the integrity of the ratings, they never will. After her mother's final clumsy attempt to fix her up with the charming "boy next door," Sabrina is more than ready to return to DC where she will begin her dream job.
She arrives at the airport, resolved to put the family conflict behind her and focus on her work, but now her mother's critical voice fills her with doubts. Sure, she attained the job she's always wanted, but at what cost? She's neglected not only romantic relationships but meaningful friendships as well. Once in her concourse, Sabrina's airline is hosting a "Spin the Wheel" game. Sabrina plays along, hoping for perhaps a free drink ticket or a bit of extra legroom. She lands on "Time Travel for NYE": the chance to fly to Tokyo, then back to Hawaii to experience the turning of the new year twice.
Once in the airport's lounge, the ticket agent offers her something far more the opportunity to revisit each of her past relationships to answer the burning had any of these relationships been worth salvaging, or was she, as her mother accuses, too quick to cast these men aside? Spanning fifteen years and thousands of miles, Sabrina will have the rare opportunity to know for certain if all her choices had led her down the right path.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Aimie K. Runyan
15 books1,607 followersAimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Her next books, The Castle Keepers (in collaboration with J'nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan) and A Bakery in Paris will release in 2023 from Harper Collins. Also from Harper Collins, Aimie's contemporary Women's Fiction debut, The Memory of Lavender and Sage, will release in early 2024. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a dragon. To learn more about Aimie, please visit www.aimiekrunyan.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
May 12, 2026
3.75 I loved the culinary focus of this story—the 'theater' of fine dining and the meaningful connection between the protagonist and her father were beautifully captured. The light time-travel element added an interesting layer to the plot as things unfolded a second time around. While the middle of the book slowed down for me, the final portion was very strong and the food descriptions remained a highlight throughout. A great read for anyone who appreciates the nuances of a cherished meal.
June 19, 2026
I am a sucker for all books with time travels, glimpses into alternative outcomes, a glimpse of the path not taken so I was absolutely hooked by Missed Connections.
This was made even better by taking place in the culinary world, a career I wish I pursued in my youth. I was utterly fascinated.
This is speculative fiction at its finest, a chance to have some do overs with the overall theme of taking the high road.
This was made even better by taking place in the culinary world, a career I wish I pursued in my youth. I was utterly fascinated.
This is speculative fiction at its finest, a chance to have some do overs with the overall theme of taking the high road.
March 4, 2026
really enjoyed this! i love a book that takes place within the fine dining industry so mix that with reminiscing on the highs and lows of your life and what could’ve been plus time travel, yeah i’m sold
June 26, 2026
"What if you had the chance to revisit every choice that mattered?"
Sabrina Sorensen is thirty-seven, single, and just lost a fabulous job as manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. While visiting her family in California for her sister's engagement party, her mother and others chide her for her lack of commitment to her career and relationships. What they don't know is her dream to become a Michelin inspector. Sabrina races to the airport to leave but she has no where to go and breaks down. The ticket agent pulls her aside and allows her to fly to any time in her life she would like to change. Will she be able to achieve her career and relationship goals?
I loved everything about this book. Everyone wishes they could go back and make a different choice. We wonder what would happen if we went route B instead of route A. Sabrina's character is fully fleshed out and she is able to pursue her dreams with the advantage of perspective. The restaurant and kitchen setting gives all the best vibes as Sabrina travels the globe looking for the right connection. The infusion of delicious food, romance, and time travel is a delicious and magical recipe!
The audiobook performance by Caroline Hewitt (8 hours 15 minutes) captures the magic of Sabrina's second chance to find the right recipe for her life. Highly recommend adding this to your beach bag. Fans of The Bear will love this one too!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads and Aimee K. Runyan for the gifted advance reader's copy, advance listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
Sabrina Sorensen is thirty-seven, single, and just lost a fabulous job as manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. While visiting her family in California for her sister's engagement party, her mother and others chide her for her lack of commitment to her career and relationships. What they don't know is her dream to become a Michelin inspector. Sabrina races to the airport to leave but she has no where to go and breaks down. The ticket agent pulls her aside and allows her to fly to any time in her life she would like to change. Will she be able to achieve her career and relationship goals?
I loved everything about this book. Everyone wishes they could go back and make a different choice. We wonder what would happen if we went route B instead of route A. Sabrina's character is fully fleshed out and she is able to pursue her dreams with the advantage of perspective. The restaurant and kitchen setting gives all the best vibes as Sabrina travels the globe looking for the right connection. The infusion of delicious food, romance, and time travel is a delicious and magical recipe!
The audiobook performance by Caroline Hewitt (8 hours 15 minutes) captures the magic of Sabrina's second chance to find the right recipe for her life. Highly recommend adding this to your beach bag. Fans of The Bear will love this one too!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads and Aimee K. Runyan for the gifted advance reader's copy, advance listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
January 13, 2026
Missed Connections
By: Aimie K. Runyan
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Publisher: Harper Muse
I have loved every book by Runyan, BUT this is my new favorite. I spent a lovely Sunday reading her latest book.
I loved the premise of this novel. Sabrina is 37 and has been working in the restaurant business for years traveling around the world. When her job ends in Paris, she spends time with her mother and sister to help plan her sister’s wedding.
Sabrina is independent and her life long goal is to become a MICHELINE Guide inspector. Her mother is wanting her to settle down and tries to fix her up, but Sabrina is feeling stifled by her mother and her ways. She ends up at the airport and this changes the trajectory of her life.
She meets a kind lady who offers who a trip of a lifetime, but NOT in the way we think. She has the opportunity to have some closure and satisfaction with some of her past mistakes.
Runyan has a way with words, that have you immersed in the story and visualizing the entire scenes.
Thank you, Harper Muse, for the early copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
By: Aimie K. Runyan
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Publisher: Harper Muse
I have loved every book by Runyan, BUT this is my new favorite. I spent a lovely Sunday reading her latest book.
I loved the premise of this novel. Sabrina is 37 and has been working in the restaurant business for years traveling around the world. When her job ends in Paris, she spends time with her mother and sister to help plan her sister’s wedding.
Sabrina is independent and her life long goal is to become a MICHELINE Guide inspector. Her mother is wanting her to settle down and tries to fix her up, but Sabrina is feeling stifled by her mother and her ways. She ends up at the airport and this changes the trajectory of her life.
She meets a kind lady who offers who a trip of a lifetime, but NOT in the way we think. She has the opportunity to have some closure and satisfaction with some of her past mistakes.
Runyan has a way with words, that have you immersed in the story and visualizing the entire scenes.
Thank you, Harper Muse, for the early copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored this book absolutely loved it. I don't think I could ever say enough good things about it. It has all the things if you love a romcom- Sabrina is our girl. She is visiting home after getting fired from her job in Paris. As a general manager of a restaurant, sabrina has worked in restaurants. Her whole life, from the back of the house to the front, and her goal in life is to be a michelin reviewer-- she returning home for the holidays and to celebrate her sister, she made a quick detour. In Denver to apply for a job where she ran into a man from a past restaurant. She worked at and it wasn't a heavy reunion. After getting home and dealing with her overbearing mother, she decides to head out and doesn't really have a plan of where she's going to go.She just gets to the airport and there she encounters, somebody special in her life -- this person takes her to a special lounge within the airport and discusses her life and where she thinks could have gone another way (no takebacks on death though) Maybe if she did something, a different way it would have worked out differently sabrina thinks about it and takes a trip, we see her take a few of them. Just see, if she could figure out how to fix her life from the beginning of her career in louisiana to a failed relationship in Ireland and the story of what really went down in Paris- this book is so good. It makes you. I think it makes you reflect. Do you really want to change something? How could one simple a little change affect your whole life? This was a perfect read for New Year's. I will definitely go back and read the author's back catalog. If you're a fan of any kind of time swap, you will love this. I could definitely see this as a movie netflix.Hulu, we need to option this right now.Because it is so good--- loved Sabrinas special someone too great characters
Thank you, netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you, netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quick Summary: A leap of faith, women's fiction novel
My Review: Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan is categorized as "Cooking, Food & Wine | Travel | Women's Fiction." It is scheduled for release on 5/26/26.
About the Book: "Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and recently let go as general manager of a posh Parisian restaurant.
...in hopes of becoming an inspector for the famed MICHELIN guides...
[granted an] ...opportunity to revisit some of her key choices, personal and professional, in her past. Sabrina suddenly is given the rare chance to answer the burning question: has she been foolish to sacrifice so much for her dream of becoming a Michelin inspector?"
In My Own Words: A slice of life story about a woman who is magically granted a chance to right her past life path while learning to believe in herself.
My Final Say: Oh my stars! I loved this story so much. It was light yet deep. It was fun yet serious. It was lessons learned and loves lost then found. It was a food-tastic learning experience and a celebration of cuisine. It was a story about a life lived muted until a wondrous miracle of sorts happens.
The concept was fresh and though familiar, it shined brilliantly. My immersive reading/listening experience was an ideal way to take this story in. I simply cannot say enough good things about it.
This audiobook was narrated by Caroline Hewitt. She did such a magnificent job with her delivery, especially considering the numerous characters. I was so invested in the story that I could have sworn there were several individuals who were narrating instead of just one. I loved the accents and vocal nuances.
Having the opportunity to read the book alongside listening to the story made things that much more entertaining. I felt like I was learning about new places, new culinary experiences, and new ways to understand relationships from a past to present POV.
I loved the creative time travel element, as well as the character distinctions when the temporal shifts came. I also loved seeing the character growth in Sabrina. There were others, too. The lead came full circle with her relationships, with her life, and with her dreams...and that was satisfying and inspiring.
This story gets a diamond in the rough rating. I do hope readers will consider it strongly. There is something special about this novel.
Other: Readers who enjoy magical realism, realistic fantasy fiction, and stories that warm the heart, this is the one.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 💎
Format: 📱🎧
Cover: +
Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harper Focus | Harper Muse), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC and an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed Missed Connections. I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from this author.
My Review: Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan is categorized as "Cooking, Food & Wine | Travel | Women's Fiction." It is scheduled for release on 5/26/26.
About the Book: "Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and recently let go as general manager of a posh Parisian restaurant.
...in hopes of becoming an inspector for the famed MICHELIN guides...
[granted an] ...opportunity to revisit some of her key choices, personal and professional, in her past. Sabrina suddenly is given the rare chance to answer the burning question: has she been foolish to sacrifice so much for her dream of becoming a Michelin inspector?"
In My Own Words: A slice of life story about a woman who is magically granted a chance to right her past life path while learning to believe in herself.
My Final Say: Oh my stars! I loved this story so much. It was light yet deep. It was fun yet serious. It was lessons learned and loves lost then found. It was a food-tastic learning experience and a celebration of cuisine. It was a story about a life lived muted until a wondrous miracle of sorts happens.
The concept was fresh and though familiar, it shined brilliantly. My immersive reading/listening experience was an ideal way to take this story in. I simply cannot say enough good things about it.
This audiobook was narrated by Caroline Hewitt. She did such a magnificent job with her delivery, especially considering the numerous characters. I was so invested in the story that I could have sworn there were several individuals who were narrating instead of just one. I loved the accents and vocal nuances.
Having the opportunity to read the book alongside listening to the story made things that much more entertaining. I felt like I was learning about new places, new culinary experiences, and new ways to understand relationships from a past to present POV.
I loved the creative time travel element, as well as the character distinctions when the temporal shifts came. I also loved seeing the character growth in Sabrina. There were others, too. The lead came full circle with her relationships, with her life, and with her dreams...and that was satisfying and inspiring.
This story gets a diamond in the rough rating. I do hope readers will consider it strongly. There is something special about this novel.
Other: Readers who enjoy magical realism, realistic fantasy fiction, and stories that warm the heart, this is the one.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 💎
Format: 📱🎧
Cover: +
Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harper Focus | Harper Muse), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC and an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed Missed Connections. I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 5, 2026
4.25 stars
This is a review of the audiobook of Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan. The ALC was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Focus (Harper Muse), via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A friend posted a great review for this book and then I saw it was a "Listen Now" selection on NetGalley so I grabbed it. I devoured this story (see what I did there - IYKYK) in twenty-four hours - I just loved it! Think, A Christmas Carol meets The Bear!
At 37 years old, Sabrina finally achieved her lifelong goal of becoming a MICHELIN Guide inspector. But no one can know - not her friends, her family, or her romantic interests. When her critical mother tries to fix her up with a young man, Sabrina has had enough and embarks on her next journey which will being in DC.
When she arrives at the airport, the ticket agent offers Sabrina the opportunity to revisit each of her past relationships to answer some burning questions: had any of her past relationships been worth salvaging, or was she, as her mother accuses, too quick to cast these men aside? Spanning fifteen years and thousands of miles, Sabrina will have the rare opportunity to know for certain if all her choices had led her down the right path.
I loved Sabrina and she sounds like someone I would be friends with. I really enjoyed watching her develop into a smart, take-no-sh!t, goal-oriented go-getter.
Aimie Runyan was either a chef in a past life or really did her research. I couldn't help but drool over the menus and recipes! Regardless, I would go to dinner with her any time!
I also enjoyed traveling around the world with Sabrina. This is the second book I've listened to narrated by Caroline Hewitt and she has become an auto-listen narrator for me. She is an absolute master of accents and captures the personalities of every character, making them distinct and individual!
This was a fun diversion from my usual thrillers and heavy historical fiction novels. If you enjoy a little magical realism, a little romance, and a constantly developing FMC, this book is for you!
This is a review of the audiobook of Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan. The ALC was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Focus (Harper Muse), via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A friend posted a great review for this book and then I saw it was a "Listen Now" selection on NetGalley so I grabbed it. I devoured this story (see what I did there - IYKYK) in twenty-four hours - I just loved it! Think, A Christmas Carol meets The Bear!
At 37 years old, Sabrina finally achieved her lifelong goal of becoming a MICHELIN Guide inspector. But no one can know - not her friends, her family, or her romantic interests. When her critical mother tries to fix her up with a young man, Sabrina has had enough and embarks on her next journey which will being in DC.
When she arrives at the airport, the ticket agent offers Sabrina the opportunity to revisit each of her past relationships to answer some burning questions: had any of her past relationships been worth salvaging, or was she, as her mother accuses, too quick to cast these men aside? Spanning fifteen years and thousands of miles, Sabrina will have the rare opportunity to know for certain if all her choices had led her down the right path.
I loved Sabrina and she sounds like someone I would be friends with. I really enjoyed watching her develop into a smart, take-no-sh!t, goal-oriented go-getter.
Aimie Runyan was either a chef in a past life or really did her research. I couldn't help but drool over the menus and recipes! Regardless, I would go to dinner with her any time!
I also enjoyed traveling around the world with Sabrina. This is the second book I've listened to narrated by Caroline Hewitt and she has become an auto-listen narrator for me. She is an absolute master of accents and captures the personalities of every character, making them distinct and individual!
This was a fun diversion from my usual thrillers and heavy historical fiction novels. If you enjoy a little magical realism, a little romance, and a constantly developing FMC, this book is for you!
May 19, 2026
You had me at time travel and a fairy godmother! Add in some gourmet food and this book is almost perfect! Sabrina loses her job as a GM at a very posh Parisian restaurant and she feels that she may have lost her way. She is questioning her life decisions when she goes to her sister’s engagement party. She is greeted by her “fairy godmother” at the airport and is allowed to go back in time to change decisions that have made major differences in her life.
I really enjoyed how her small life revisions allowed her to make major life changes with the benefit of having lived this life already. Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the digital ARC. Four stars.
I really enjoyed how her small life revisions allowed her to make major life changes with the benefit of having lived this life already. Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the digital ARC. Four stars.
June 8, 2026
The life goal is to be a Restaurant Michelin Inspector. You’ve got to start somewhere so here we go. Off to the Burbank airport where the airline ticket agent is an insightful, Irish fairy godmother named Rosalyn who sends her on trips to her past and back again. Why? Because it helps Sabrina analyze and understand her situations to she can tweak as necessary. Loved this! Having the setting in various restaurants and country was great! Very atmospheric and fun.
Caroline Hewitt is a fantastic narrator! I always like how she brings stories to lift. Her inflection and clarity is always top-notch.
Special thanks to Harper Focus via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful audiobook.
#audiobookreview #missedconnections #aimierunyon #womensfiction
Caroline Hewitt is a fantastic narrator! I always like how she brings stories to lift. Her inflection and clarity is always top-notch.
Special thanks to Harper Focus via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful audiobook.
#audiobookreview #missedconnections #aimierunyon #womensfiction
May 28, 2026
Sabrina is down on her luck. In her late thirties, single, and newly jobless, she’s miraculously given the chance to select moments in her life to relive and redo. And so we follow her back in time to see what happens when one has the benefit of wisdom, experience, and foresight of what’s to come.
I always love when books are set in the restaurant industry, and not just because of the mouthwatering food descriptions. Whether you enjoy cooking, dining out, or just food in general, it’s a glamorous and fast paced setting for fiction. Sabrina’s dream of becoming a Michelin inspector was also super interesting, and I learned quite a bit about that whole process.
I’m also a huge fan of time travel books, and what stood out about this one is it doesn’t feel like cutesy unrealistic magic for some reason. Like a completely normal plot turn, Sabrina is working through her past issues by just trying again 😆 The ticket agent/fairy godmother character does add just a touch of lovable whimsy.
The audiobook narrator Caroline Hewitt does a fabulous job. Her voice makes a very believable Sabrina and she pulls off several accents very well - definitely listen if you can!
I recommend this one for fans of Rebecca Serle and Elin Hilderbrand.
Many thanks to Harper Muse for the early copies.
I always love when books are set in the restaurant industry, and not just because of the mouthwatering food descriptions. Whether you enjoy cooking, dining out, or just food in general, it’s a glamorous and fast paced setting for fiction. Sabrina’s dream of becoming a Michelin inspector was also super interesting, and I learned quite a bit about that whole process.
I’m also a huge fan of time travel books, and what stood out about this one is it doesn’t feel like cutesy unrealistic magic for some reason. Like a completely normal plot turn, Sabrina is working through her past issues by just trying again 😆 The ticket agent/fairy godmother character does add just a touch of lovable whimsy.
The audiobook narrator Caroline Hewitt does a fabulous job. Her voice makes a very believable Sabrina and she pulls off several accents very well - definitely listen if you can!
I recommend this one for fans of Rebecca Serle and Elin Hilderbrand.
Many thanks to Harper Muse for the early copies.
July 3, 2026
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Genre: Magical Realism
Thank you UpLit Reads and HarperMuse for both an eARC and physical copy. The below thoughts and honest review are my own.
All Sabrina Sorenson has ever wanted in life is to become a Michelin Guide Inspector. But she's recently lost her job as a manager at a restaurant in Paris and her ex has sabotaged her chance with her secret blog. Her dreams now feel hopeless. Her father, the only one who encouraged her, passed away a few years ago, and her mother is extremely critical. When Sabrina comes home for her younger sister's engagement party it doesn't go well. Sabrina leaves quietly and heads to the airport, only she doesn't know where to go now. Sabrina breaks down at the ticket counter and the ticket agent pulls her aside and gives her the chance of a lifetime - to revisit some of her key life choices and do things differently.
I love a time travel book. I love exploring the butterfly effect. And don't we all wonder how things could be different if you made a different decision big or small? This story was so fun and heartfelt. Sabrina is an independent woman who also had the opportunity to learn so much about her life and her choices and really grow as a character. She was genuine with a really nice balance of hope and struggles. I really liked reading about her. The setting of the restaurant world was extremely well researched and well written. I really enjoyed that, even though it was foreign to me, it was still well explained. With all magical realism, you do have to suspend some disbelief, and this book maybe a tiny bit more, but honestly the book is like a warm hug and I was fine to ignore any skepticism.
Genre: Magical Realism
Thank you UpLit Reads and HarperMuse for both an eARC and physical copy. The below thoughts and honest review are my own.
All Sabrina Sorenson has ever wanted in life is to become a Michelin Guide Inspector. But she's recently lost her job as a manager at a restaurant in Paris and her ex has sabotaged her chance with her secret blog. Her dreams now feel hopeless. Her father, the only one who encouraged her, passed away a few years ago, and her mother is extremely critical. When Sabrina comes home for her younger sister's engagement party it doesn't go well. Sabrina leaves quietly and heads to the airport, only she doesn't know where to go now. Sabrina breaks down at the ticket counter and the ticket agent pulls her aside and gives her the chance of a lifetime - to revisit some of her key life choices and do things differently.
I love a time travel book. I love exploring the butterfly effect. And don't we all wonder how things could be different if you made a different decision big or small? This story was so fun and heartfelt. Sabrina is an independent woman who also had the opportunity to learn so much about her life and her choices and really grow as a character. She was genuine with a really nice balance of hope and struggles. I really liked reading about her. The setting of the restaurant world was extremely well researched and well written. I really enjoyed that, even though it was foreign to me, it was still well explained. With all magical realism, you do have to suspend some disbelief, and this book maybe a tiny bit more, but honestly the book is like a warm hug and I was fine to ignore any skepticism.
June 9, 2026
Sabrina has put her career first her whole life, and now that she’s attained a status she’s had her eye on, she’s worried her family will shift their focus to her romantic life. On her journey home, a quirky airline worker offers her a unique opportunity: to go back in time and revisit each of her relationships. This will finally help Sabrina decide if her choices were the right ones in terms of romance.
It’s a cute concept and fun to watch Sabrina go back 15 years to inspect her romantic life. Sort of reminded me of the feelings I got from Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Thanks to Libro.fm and Harper for my gifted copy.
It’s a cute concept and fun to watch Sabrina go back 15 years to inspect her romantic life. Sort of reminded me of the feelings I got from Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Thanks to Libro.fm and Harper for my gifted copy.
July 7, 2026
I love books about the restaurant industry and have a soft spot for time travel stories. But this was mostly a miss for me. Too cliche.
May 26, 2026
4.25
Full disclosure: I grabbed this audiobook from Libro.fm as part of their early listener program by mistake. I knew I had an eARC for The Missed Connection and thought it was the same book. It was not. It didn’t take long for me to be happy with my error.
MISSED CONNECTIONS is fantastic.
Narrated by Caroline Hewitt, it is the story of a young woman who has been chasing her career dreams only to find herself unemployed and under the scrutiny of her mother and siblings who chastise her for her inability to commit to a relationship or a job. Distraught and untethered she is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to revisit her life choices and truly evaluate her priorities.
I loved this.
We travel back in time and across the globe with Sabrina Sorensen as she navigates the high pressure world of haute cuisine with the goal of becoming a Michelin inspector. Along the way we see both the personal and professional sacrifices she’s made in pursuit of that dream. With the opportunity to do it again, will she make the same choices or chart a different course?
I love books that transport me to iconic locations through the author’s vivid words. The sense of place in this book is phenomenal whether it’s Paris, New Orleans, or Copenhagen. The food descriptions are mouth watering. I’m afraid to check the scale for fear of gaining pounds simply from reading this book.
Magical realism, particularly time travel, is tricky to write well and Aimie Runyan is up to the task. The mechanism for slipping between worlds fits seamlessly into the story and the transitions flow organically.
Benefit from my mistake by intentionally grabbing a copy of this book. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to Harper Muse and Libro.fm for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
Full disclosure: I grabbed this audiobook from Libro.fm as part of their early listener program by mistake. I knew I had an eARC for The Missed Connection and thought it was the same book. It was not. It didn’t take long for me to be happy with my error.
MISSED CONNECTIONS is fantastic.
Narrated by Caroline Hewitt, it is the story of a young woman who has been chasing her career dreams only to find herself unemployed and under the scrutiny of her mother and siblings who chastise her for her inability to commit to a relationship or a job. Distraught and untethered she is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to revisit her life choices and truly evaluate her priorities.
I loved this.
We travel back in time and across the globe with Sabrina Sorensen as she navigates the high pressure world of haute cuisine with the goal of becoming a Michelin inspector. Along the way we see both the personal and professional sacrifices she’s made in pursuit of that dream. With the opportunity to do it again, will she make the same choices or chart a different course?
I love books that transport me to iconic locations through the author’s vivid words. The sense of place in this book is phenomenal whether it’s Paris, New Orleans, or Copenhagen. The food descriptions are mouth watering. I’m afraid to check the scale for fear of gaining pounds simply from reading this book.
Magical realism, particularly time travel, is tricky to write well and Aimie Runyan is up to the task. The mechanism for slipping between worlds fits seamlessly into the story and the transitions flow organically.
Benefit from my mistake by intentionally grabbing a copy of this book. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to Harper Muse and Libro.fm for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
If you were given the chance to revisit some of the defining moments in your life, would you take it?
This special story was absolute magic. I cried a few times, and it was worth every tear.
The best way I can describe this thought-provoking piece of women's fiction is by saying it's Groundhog Day meets Sliding Doors meets Cinderella.
Aimie wove together a clever journey of moving timelines, culinary ambition, love, loss, and what-ifs. I can honestly say this will stay with me always.
Missed Connections is available now and I can't recommend this one highly enough!
Thank you to Aimie K. Runyan and Harper Muse for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This special story was absolute magic. I cried a few times, and it was worth every tear.
The best way I can describe this thought-provoking piece of women's fiction is by saying it's Groundhog Day meets Sliding Doors meets Cinderella.
Aimie wove together a clever journey of moving timelines, culinary ambition, love, loss, and what-ifs. I can honestly say this will stay with me always.
Missed Connections is available now and I can't recommend this one highly enough!
Thank you to Aimie K. Runyan and Harper Muse for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read
May 17, 20263.5 stars
Since graduating from culinary school, 37 year-old Sabrina Sorenson has filled various roles in the restaurant industry as she works toward her ultimate goal of becoming an inspector for the famed Michelin guides. After losing her most recent job as the General Manager of a posh restaurant in Paris, Sabrina returns home to California for her sister's engagement party but her overbearing mother's relentless criticism prompts her to leave the party and head to the Burbank airport. While trying to pick a destination and second guessing her life choices, Sabrina meets a fairy godmother-like ticket agent who sends her time travelling for a "cosmic do-over" of key life choices as she revisits her past in New Orleans, Dublin, Copenhagen and Paris.
Missed Connections is an enjoyable read about the journey of self-discovery of a woman in her late '30s considering what she has sacrificed in pursuit of her dream of becoming a Michelin inspector. It goes into a fair bit of detail about the restaurant industry which I enjoyed having worked in restaurants through high school, university and law school but I could see some readers finding it excessive. Sabrina's time travelling takes her to four incredible cities but I was a bit disappointed that there really wasn't much of a sense of place as most of the plot takes place in the restaurants where she's working. Overall, an interesting premise and a well-written story that will have you thinking about regrets and if there are things you would want to change in your own life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse and Aimie K. Runyan for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Since graduating from culinary school, 37 year-old Sabrina Sorenson has filled various roles in the restaurant industry as she works toward her ultimate goal of becoming an inspector for the famed Michelin guides. After losing her most recent job as the General Manager of a posh restaurant in Paris, Sabrina returns home to California for her sister's engagement party but her overbearing mother's relentless criticism prompts her to leave the party and head to the Burbank airport. While trying to pick a destination and second guessing her life choices, Sabrina meets a fairy godmother-like ticket agent who sends her time travelling for a "cosmic do-over" of key life choices as she revisits her past in New Orleans, Dublin, Copenhagen and Paris.
Missed Connections is an enjoyable read about the journey of self-discovery of a woman in her late '30s considering what she has sacrificed in pursuit of her dream of becoming a Michelin inspector. It goes into a fair bit of detail about the restaurant industry which I enjoyed having worked in restaurants through high school, university and law school but I could see some readers finding it excessive. Sabrina's time travelling takes her to four incredible cities but I was a bit disappointed that there really wasn't much of a sense of place as most of the plot takes place in the restaurants where she's working. Overall, an interesting premise and a well-written story that will have you thinking about regrets and if there are things you would want to change in your own life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse and Aimie K. Runyan for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ This was the perfect palate cleanser between meh books! I picked up the audio on a whim today and I am SO glad I did. I loved this second chance at life story. If you love the TV show The Bear and the book Midnight Library or The Other Side of Now, this will be right up your alley. This is about 37 year old Sabrina caught in a cross roads of ‘what next?’ in life. She meets what I can only describe as her Irish fairy godmother and is given a chance to redo/revisit various points in her life to see if she’d do anything different and in the process learns more about herself and her industry. Since the age of 13 Sabrina dreamed of being a Michelin Guide Inspector and takes several restaurant jobs all over the world throughout her life to get there but at age 37 hasn’t yet achieved it after so many setbacks. This book gets very deep and knowledgeable about the world of top tier restaurants and I loved it! Having worked in the food industry for a decade, I just absolutely adore the behind the scenes and inner workings of a restaurant front and back of house. So if you dive into this, be prepared to be immersed in all the terminology and food!
This “redo” or “revisit” parts of your life is not a new concept but I loved the setting and self realizations in this book. This is very much a women’s contemporary with sprinkles of romance. You won’t swoon and it’s spice free but I will say, I swooned over Sabrina and the decisions she made for herself and others. I love seeing growth in characters at a similar age to me using the knowledge that inherently takes decades to master for self growth and realizations about the people and world around them. We only become the people we are today through our past experiences and I just love it. There were parts of the book that felt a little over done and “too perfect” at times but I felt so good listening to the story and it’s what I needed.
I highly recommend the audiobook. This is narrated by Caroline Hewitt, I was so engaged and immersed into this story that I started and finished in 1 sitting in 1 day. I could continue to gush but I think overall, I am just pleasantly surprised by a book that wasn’t on my radar until today and it came to me at the perfect time I needed it.
TLDR:
* The Bear meets The Midnight Library, second chance at life
* Behind the scenes of fine dining front/back of house operations
* Women’s Contemporary with hints at romance subplots, late 30s fmc
* Magical Realism, fairy godmother(ish) trope
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Harper Focus and Aimie K. Runyon for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book is set to publish on May 26, 2026.
This was my 53rd book of 2026
Format: Gifted ALC
This “redo” or “revisit” parts of your life is not a new concept but I loved the setting and self realizations in this book. This is very much a women’s contemporary with sprinkles of romance. You won’t swoon and it’s spice free but I will say, I swooned over Sabrina and the decisions she made for herself and others. I love seeing growth in characters at a similar age to me using the knowledge that inherently takes decades to master for self growth and realizations about the people and world around them. We only become the people we are today through our past experiences and I just love it. There were parts of the book that felt a little over done and “too perfect” at times but I felt so good listening to the story and it’s what I needed.
I highly recommend the audiobook. This is narrated by Caroline Hewitt, I was so engaged and immersed into this story that I started and finished in 1 sitting in 1 day. I could continue to gush but I think overall, I am just pleasantly surprised by a book that wasn’t on my radar until today and it came to me at the perfect time I needed it.
TLDR:
* The Bear meets The Midnight Library, second chance at life
* Behind the scenes of fine dining front/back of house operations
* Women’s Contemporary with hints at romance subplots, late 30s fmc
* Magical Realism, fairy godmother(ish) trope
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Harper Focus and Aimie K. Runyon for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book is set to publish on May 26, 2026.
This was my 53rd book of 2026
Format: Gifted ALC
May 20, 2026
Thank you netgallery for sharing this book with me. I appreciated the restored relationships and the chance to make new decisions. Some chapters felt slow for me but overall it was a sweet story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Believe in your skills and take more chances. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. People want you to succeed more than you realize.”
Because every woman, even a Viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and then
WOW! This book is now a favorite of mine.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to go back in time? To redo some defining events in your life? Could you going back in time change anything about the future?
I was mesmerized from the beginning. Caught up in Sabrina’s story and along for the ride. The culinary culture as Sabrina moves from New Orleans to Copenhagen to Paris was fascinating to see.
The mysterious, mystical airport had me wishing one really did exist. As well as her enchanted flights that I could only dream of.
I enjoyed every moment of these flights with Sabrina in this beautifully written story.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book.
Because every woman, even a Viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and then
WOW! This book is now a favorite of mine.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to go back in time? To redo some defining events in your life? Could you going back in time change anything about the future?
I was mesmerized from the beginning. Caught up in Sabrina’s story and along for the ride. The culinary culture as Sabrina moves from New Orleans to Copenhagen to Paris was fascinating to see.
The mysterious, mystical airport had me wishing one really did exist. As well as her enchanted flights that I could only dream of.
I enjoyed every moment of these flights with Sabrina in this beautifully written story.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book.
May 22, 2026
This was such a comforting, thoughtful read for me.
Missed Connections blends magical realism with family expectations, ambition, regret, food, and second chances in a way that felt incredibly relatable. Sabrina’s character arc especially worked for me because her struggle between personal ambition and the expectations placed on her felt very real.
I also loved the culinary backdrop and the high-pressure restaurant atmosphere woven throughout the story. At times it honestly reminded me of The Bear, but with magical realism elements and a softer emotional tone.
What really stayed with me though was the way the novel explored regret, bravery, and the question of whether playing it safe is always the right decision. It sparked a lot of internal reflection while I was reading.
Caroline Hewitt’s narration was fantastic and added so much warmth and emotional depth to the audiobook experience.
A heartwarming but thoughtful story that I’d absolutely recommend for fans of magical realism and book club fiction.
This was one of those books that wrapped around me like comfort food while still making me think deeply about my own choices and regrets.
Very nearly a 5-star read for me. ✨
Missed Connections blends magical realism with family expectations, ambition, regret, food, and second chances in a way that felt incredibly relatable. Sabrina’s character arc especially worked for me because her struggle between personal ambition and the expectations placed on her felt very real.
I also loved the culinary backdrop and the high-pressure restaurant atmosphere woven throughout the story. At times it honestly reminded me of The Bear, but with magical realism elements and a softer emotional tone.
What really stayed with me though was the way the novel explored regret, bravery, and the question of whether playing it safe is always the right decision. It sparked a lot of internal reflection while I was reading.
Caroline Hewitt’s narration was fantastic and added so much warmth and emotional depth to the audiobook experience.
A heartwarming but thoughtful story that I’d absolutely recommend for fans of magical realism and book club fiction.
This was one of those books that wrapped around me like comfort food while still making me think deeply about my own choices and regrets.
Very nearly a 5-star read for me. ✨
February 16, 2026
4 stars rounded down.
I flew through Missed Connections by Aimie Runyan—it was such an engaging and easy read. The premise immediately hooked me, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their journeys unfold. They felt relatable and well-developed, which made it easy to stay invested in their outcomes.
One of the things that surprised me most was how much I learned about restaurant management along the way. The behind-the-scenes details added depth and authenticity to the story without ever slowing the pacing or feeling overly technical. It gave the book a fresh angle that kept things interesting throughout.
While parts of the story felt a bit predictable, the strong character work and compelling setting made up for it. Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast-paced read with heart, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a unique backdrop.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish May 26.
I flew through Missed Connections by Aimie Runyan—it was such an engaging and easy read. The premise immediately hooked me, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their journeys unfold. They felt relatable and well-developed, which made it easy to stay invested in their outcomes.
One of the things that surprised me most was how much I learned about restaurant management along the way. The behind-the-scenes details added depth and authenticity to the story without ever slowing the pacing or feeling overly technical. It gave the book a fresh angle that kept things interesting throughout.
While parts of the story felt a bit predictable, the strong character work and compelling setting made up for it. Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast-paced read with heart, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a unique backdrop.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish May 26.
April 15, 2026
This is my first book by Aimie K. Kunyan and it won't be my last. This book reminds me of Rebecca Serle's books which I also love. They have just enough fantasy in them to not seem ridiculous. Sabrina gets the chance from a fairy Godmother to go back and end a few important relationships of her life in a different way. Her latest egotistical ex boyfriend, a doctor who isn't who she thinks he is, and a former chef/mentor to her. Each opportunity to time travel back in time proves very insightful and fruitful. The best mate for her happened upon a chance meeting and she happened to have a lot in common with him. If you were able to go back and change the bad relationship endings in your life, would you? Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book. It was very enjoyable.
May 30, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy of this novel.
I’ve long enjoyed Aimie K. Runyon’s historical fiction, so I was a bit leery when I picked up her most recent novel, with its contemporary setting. By the time I finished the first chapter, I was hooked. By the time I finished the epilogue, I had decided that this is my favourite of all her novels to date.
The lead female character, 37 year old, blonde, blue-eyed, statuesque Sabrina Fair Sorenson, is descended from Danes on her beloved late father’s side. More than her older brother and younger sister, in character and appearance, she resembles her Danish emigrant father, a talented chef/restauranteur who died in an on-site accident for which she blames herself. Several years later, she still grieves him and blames herself for his death. The two were very close; he was openly proud of Sabrina. Her mother Nancy, on the other hand, has always been prickly and distant, eager to find fault, and trying to control every aspect of her life, including her appearance. She disapproves of Sabrina’s ambitions to climb the career ladder and to ultimately qualify for her dream job inspecting restaurants for the world-famous Michelin institute.
After a precipitous break-up with her talented but insecure boyfriend, also on the culinary success ladder, she decides to flee the sommelière job she is quite happy with, just to get away from his mistreatment. This is an escape fantasy somehow manifested—there are no explanations either rational or magical—by a sweet ‘granny’ type who comes to Sabrina’s aid as she collapses at the airport check-in desk. She has no idea where she is going. Unresolved grief, her mother’s bullying, work and relationship stress and the pressures of giving her younger sister the perfect wedding crumble her inner strengths. The fairy godmother, Rosaline, appears only for the purpose of granting her a ‘do-over’—a chance to revisit several key moments of her life to find out for herself not only where she should go, but also where she belongs.
Sabrina, carrying only a small bag with her few belongings and a magical green leather backpack that fills itself with whatever she needs depending on where she lands, then undertakes several luxury-airline jaunts back and forth through time. In each stop, she is finds herself further up the ranks in the business, as she ‘tries out’ new restaurants around the world. In each, she knows some of her co-workers, both above her level and beneath it, and in two of them she is in committed relationships. The third, which brings her to her father’s natal city, Copenhagen, introduces her to a young man whose mother was the true reason for her father’s emigration. By this time, Sabrina has let it be known that she has disavowed romantic relationships.
But the thing she most fears, a total and very public failure in her chosen field which she is accused of having brought about, ends up being the best thing that ever happened to her, both personally and professionally. She takes her final Jetway trip back to her own time to take up the life she now realizes finally was the one she wanted all along but most feared to move towards.
Sabrina is not the customary charming and beautiful rom-com protagonist. But this isn’t the standard rom-com. The humour mostly emanates from Sabrina’s astute POV, not unkind but always quick to call out what is really happening behind every situation she confronts. It’s dry and sharp and always pertinent. The romance the story’s focus, as might be expected. When it appears, it is either as a warning to women who are willing to subsume themselves in the interest of eventual marriage, or it is, as she comes to it, of the tender, fully committed soulmate kind, where the soulmates share equal standing in their union while fully supporting each other in their careers. There is magic in this, of course, but the novel’s finest characteristic seems to be that its suggestion that such a relationship, despite its real life challenges, doesn’t have to exist only in the fairy tale realm.
I loved this book, and certainly learned a lot about the inner hierarchies of the restaurant world, its high pressured work and sometimes bitter competition. I would have liked to know just a bit more about the mysterious workings of the Michelin people, which is only touched on at the end. And Sabrina’s romantic interests, who are so important to her life’s path, are described only superficially. Rian, especially, devolves into a stereotype. The gentle Nikolai, whose life she quite frankly manipulates, deserves a bit more development too. Nonetheless, this is a lovely and well-written story by a master storyteller.
I’ve long enjoyed Aimie K. Runyon’s historical fiction, so I was a bit leery when I picked up her most recent novel, with its contemporary setting. By the time I finished the first chapter, I was hooked. By the time I finished the epilogue, I had decided that this is my favourite of all her novels to date.
The lead female character, 37 year old, blonde, blue-eyed, statuesque Sabrina Fair Sorenson, is descended from Danes on her beloved late father’s side. More than her older brother and younger sister, in character and appearance, she resembles her Danish emigrant father, a talented chef/restauranteur who died in an on-site accident for which she blames herself. Several years later, she still grieves him and blames herself for his death. The two were very close; he was openly proud of Sabrina. Her mother Nancy, on the other hand, has always been prickly and distant, eager to find fault, and trying to control every aspect of her life, including her appearance. She disapproves of Sabrina’s ambitions to climb the career ladder and to ultimately qualify for her dream job inspecting restaurants for the world-famous Michelin institute.
After a precipitous break-up with her talented but insecure boyfriend, also on the culinary success ladder, she decides to flee the sommelière job she is quite happy with, just to get away from his mistreatment. This is an escape fantasy somehow manifested—there are no explanations either rational or magical—by a sweet ‘granny’ type who comes to Sabrina’s aid as she collapses at the airport check-in desk. She has no idea where she is going. Unresolved grief, her mother’s bullying, work and relationship stress and the pressures of giving her younger sister the perfect wedding crumble her inner strengths. The fairy godmother, Rosaline, appears only for the purpose of granting her a ‘do-over’—a chance to revisit several key moments of her life to find out for herself not only where she should go, but also where she belongs.
Sabrina, carrying only a small bag with her few belongings and a magical green leather backpack that fills itself with whatever she needs depending on where she lands, then undertakes several luxury-airline jaunts back and forth through time. In each stop, she is finds herself further up the ranks in the business, as she ‘tries out’ new restaurants around the world. In each, she knows some of her co-workers, both above her level and beneath it, and in two of them she is in committed relationships. The third, which brings her to her father’s natal city, Copenhagen, introduces her to a young man whose mother was the true reason for her father’s emigration. By this time, Sabrina has let it be known that she has disavowed romantic relationships.
But the thing she most fears, a total and very public failure in her chosen field which she is accused of having brought about, ends up being the best thing that ever happened to her, both personally and professionally. She takes her final Jetway trip back to her own time to take up the life she now realizes finally was the one she wanted all along but most feared to move towards.
Sabrina is not the customary charming and beautiful rom-com protagonist. But this isn’t the standard rom-com. The humour mostly emanates from Sabrina’s astute POV, not unkind but always quick to call out what is really happening behind every situation she confronts. It’s dry and sharp and always pertinent. The romance the story’s focus, as might be expected. When it appears, it is either as a warning to women who are willing to subsume themselves in the interest of eventual marriage, or it is, as she comes to it, of the tender, fully committed soulmate kind, where the soulmates share equal standing in their union while fully supporting each other in their careers. There is magic in this, of course, but the novel’s finest characteristic seems to be that its suggestion that such a relationship, despite its real life challenges, doesn’t have to exist only in the fairy tale realm.
I loved this book, and certainly learned a lot about the inner hierarchies of the restaurant world, its high pressured work and sometimes bitter competition. I would have liked to know just a bit more about the mysterious workings of the Michelin people, which is only touched on at the end. And Sabrina’s romantic interests, who are so important to her life’s path, are described only superficially. Rian, especially, devolves into a stereotype. The gentle Nikolai, whose life she quite frankly manipulates, deserves a bit more development too. Nonetheless, this is a lovely and well-written story by a master storyteller.
June 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this reflective and emotionally grounded story. The book opens with an unusual POV style that initially felt more like an omniscient narrator with access to the characters’ thoughts and emotions, which caught me a little off guard at first. However, once Chapter 1 begins, the story settles firmly into Sabrina’s first-person POV, and from there the narration becomes very easy to follow and immersive.
At its core, this is a story about revisiting moments in your life and wondering whether changing one decision could alter your entire future. What I appreciated most was that the story didn’t necessarily focus on “fixing” the past, but instead on understanding it more fully. There’s something very human and relatable in the idea that sometimes growth comes less from changing the outcome and more from actively engaging with the truth of a situation, even when the ending remains the same.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging throughout. There were several moments where I became so absorbed in the story that it genuinely felt like listening to a friend recount meaningful moments from their life. The emotional reflections felt authentic rather than overly dramatic, which made the themes land even harder.
I also really loved the fine dining and kitchen atmosphere woven throughout the book. The behind-the-scenes look into the food industry added such a rich layer to the story and gave the setting a lived-in authenticity that made everything feel more immersive.
This may not be a huge, flashy, blockbuster-style read, but it’s the kind of story I think will stay with me for a long time. The themes and lessons felt honest, relatable, and deeply reflective in a way that lingered after I finished reading.
Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story!
At its core, this is a story about revisiting moments in your life and wondering whether changing one decision could alter your entire future. What I appreciated most was that the story didn’t necessarily focus on “fixing” the past, but instead on understanding it more fully. There’s something very human and relatable in the idea that sometimes growth comes less from changing the outcome and more from actively engaging with the truth of a situation, even when the ending remains the same.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging throughout. There were several moments where I became so absorbed in the story that it genuinely felt like listening to a friend recount meaningful moments from their life. The emotional reflections felt authentic rather than overly dramatic, which made the themes land even harder.
I also really loved the fine dining and kitchen atmosphere woven throughout the book. The behind-the-scenes look into the food industry added such a rich layer to the story and gave the setting a lived-in authenticity that made everything feel more immersive.
This may not be a huge, flashy, blockbuster-style read, but it’s the kind of story I think will stay with me for a long time. The themes and lessons felt honest, relatable, and deeply reflective in a way that lingered after I finished reading.
Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story!
June 27, 2026
I literally made my trips in the car longer on purpose to keep listening to this book. I turned off highways. I offered to run to the store. I took the scenic route. I finished this in two work days (I drive a lot). First, I loved the story. Time travel is not new in magical realism. It has been DONE. I absolutely loved Runyan's unique take on it, with a little joke in there about fairy godmothers. For the profession of our FMC - I grew up in the service industry because of my mom. I then worked in it off and on for more than 20 years, in numerous different establishments. Runyan nailed restaurant life. The hierarchy. The egos. The friendships. The connections. I found myself nodding along when something was described, laughing at something I knew to be true. Back to our FMC. I adored her. Her heart, personality, flaws, and all. She was written perfectly. I have always been a fan of Aimie K Runyan. I adore her historical fiction; her writing never fails to completely full me in and hold me close.
The narrator, Caroline Hewitt, did a phenomenal job bringing each character to life. Different voices, different accents, and the personalities of each - all characters were easily discernible. Hewitt was the perfect choice for narration.
I received a gifted copy of this book and the audio. All opinions are my own.
The narrator, Caroline Hewitt, did a phenomenal job bringing each character to life. Different voices, different accents, and the personalities of each - all characters were easily discernible. Hewitt was the perfect choice for narration.
I received a gifted copy of this book and the audio. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2026
Missed Connections was a good book, and certainly brought some interesting thoughts about the “what ifs” in life. However, there was something wooden about the writing and the characters - I thought some of the relationships could have been developed better. The story is very much like others I’ve read about going back to the past and fixing mistakes or making different choices. Still enjoyable, if not entirely original or one-of-a-kind.
June 4, 2026
An aspiring Michelin inspector, Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and has just lost her job as a manger at a fancy restaurant in Paris. When she goes back to California for her younger sister’s engagement party, her family gives her a hard time about never sticking with jobs or relationships.
After a tough night, Sabrina ends up at the airport feeling lost and unsure about her future, when a ticket agent gives her a chance to revisit some of the biggest choices she’s made in life. As she revisits her past, Sabrina has to decide whether chasing her dream has been worth the sacrifices, and whether a new romance with a Danish chef might change what she wants for her future.
Another hidden gem of a book! I love magical realism and I loved this book as well.
I loved the premise of the story, especially the element of revisiting the past. All the food mentions definitely made me hungry however! 😁
The story kept my attention throughout, and I loved visiting the places and restaurants alongside the main character through her experiences.
Caroline Hewitt’s audio narration was perfect, and I listened to the entire book in one sitting.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy!
After a tough night, Sabrina ends up at the airport feeling lost and unsure about her future, when a ticket agent gives her a chance to revisit some of the biggest choices she’s made in life. As she revisits her past, Sabrina has to decide whether chasing her dream has been worth the sacrifices, and whether a new romance with a Danish chef might change what she wants for her future.
Another hidden gem of a book! I love magical realism and I loved this book as well.
I loved the premise of the story, especially the element of revisiting the past. All the food mentions definitely made me hungry however! 😁
The story kept my attention throughout, and I loved visiting the places and restaurants alongside the main character through her experiences.
Caroline Hewitt’s audio narration was perfect, and I listened to the entire book in one sitting.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy!
June 4, 2026
The ending of the first chapter had me completely intrigued and the last chapter left me in tears.
Sabrina dreams of becoming a MICHELIN guide Inspector, but circumstances and missed opportunities along the way have left that ambition frustratingly elusive. Unemployed, unhappy and back in Denver with her family, she leaves on a whim with no real plan and nowhere to go. Sabrina is provided the extraordinary opportunity to travel through time to revisit key moments in her life. Sabrina embarks on lessons of understanding and growth. Will this help her to discover the life she really wants? You need to read it to find out.
The pace of the writing is very good and I loved meeting the people who helped shape Sabrina’s life in one way or another. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Sabrina and her father and seeing the impact he had on the person she became. Caroline Hewitt’s narration was a joy to listen to, bringing the characters to life and capturing their personalities beautifully.
Thank you to Harper Focus, Harper Muse, Aimee K. Runyan and NetGalley who provided me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sabrina dreams of becoming a MICHELIN guide Inspector, but circumstances and missed opportunities along the way have left that ambition frustratingly elusive. Unemployed, unhappy and back in Denver with her family, she leaves on a whim with no real plan and nowhere to go. Sabrina is provided the extraordinary opportunity to travel through time to revisit key moments in her life. Sabrina embarks on lessons of understanding and growth. Will this help her to discover the life she really wants? You need to read it to find out.
The pace of the writing is very good and I loved meeting the people who helped shape Sabrina’s life in one way or another. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Sabrina and her father and seeing the impact he had on the person she became. Caroline Hewitt’s narration was a joy to listen to, bringing the characters to life and capturing their personalities beautifully.
Thank you to Harper Focus, Harper Muse, Aimee K. Runyan and NetGalley who provided me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2026
I REALLY loved this (audio)book. Thank you so much Net Galley for a copy- this is an honest review.
Now, ‘what if’ stories are nothing new- and not new to me. The closing doors, in five years, both ways, and so many more books and stories. But you know what? I still look for stories that bring something new to those, and this one gave me that.
Sabrina is a chef by trade but DREAMS of being a Michelin star critic (which I didn’t know was something that is of the utmost secrecy), moving from kitchen to kitchen with just that goal. But when she finally feels like she is set too far off the path… what’s a girl to do? Stumble into some sort of cosmic portal in an old airport where she can relive certain moments or even days/weeks in previous parts of her life? Oh, yeah. Pretty much exactly that. Especially after being pushed by her hypercritical mother (who I feel she was maybe a bit too gracious to even at the end).
But, like stories like this, Sabrina feels both open to new possibilities and also shocked by how some paths always lead to the same destination, even if by a slightly different route. Some paths are meant to teach us while some help us reach our dreams.
Now, I really enjoyed how people in her past were introduced, how their histories were shared, how we got her reflection on what she wished would have been different. The way she was able to see how her life impacted others in small ways and big. Genuinely, it was beautiful.
I also LOVED the narrator. The narrator brought the story to life. The accents and voices for different people was so immersive, not over the top. While I was particularly fond of Rosaline the most (to no surprise), the narrator really helped me visualize every person in the story. I cannot say enough good things about the narrator. Definitely my favorite audiobook in a while.
So, I’ve gone on long enough. I BEG you give this book a chance, especially if you enjoy the sort of wistful what if type stories like this.
Now, ‘what if’ stories are nothing new- and not new to me. The closing doors, in five years, both ways, and so many more books and stories. But you know what? I still look for stories that bring something new to those, and this one gave me that.
Sabrina is a chef by trade but DREAMS of being a Michelin star critic (which I didn’t know was something that is of the utmost secrecy), moving from kitchen to kitchen with just that goal. But when she finally feels like she is set too far off the path… what’s a girl to do? Stumble into some sort of cosmic portal in an old airport where she can relive certain moments or even days/weeks in previous parts of her life? Oh, yeah. Pretty much exactly that. Especially after being pushed by her hypercritical mother (who I feel she was maybe a bit too gracious to even at the end).
But, like stories like this, Sabrina feels both open to new possibilities and also shocked by how some paths always lead to the same destination, even if by a slightly different route. Some paths are meant to teach us while some help us reach our dreams.
Now, I really enjoyed how people in her past were introduced, how their histories were shared, how we got her reflection on what she wished would have been different. The way she was able to see how her life impacted others in small ways and big. Genuinely, it was beautiful.
I also LOVED the narrator. The narrator brought the story to life. The accents and voices for different people was so immersive, not over the top. While I was particularly fond of Rosaline the most (to no surprise), the narrator really helped me visualize every person in the story. I cannot say enough good things about the narrator. Definitely my favorite audiobook in a while.
So, I’ve gone on long enough. I BEG you give this book a chance, especially if you enjoy the sort of wistful what if type stories like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews