What do you think?
Rate this book
Missed Connections
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26What 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
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Aimie K. Runyan
17 books1,580 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 86 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.
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
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
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Everything is on fire, your life choices are side-eyeing you, and suddenly the universe hands you a boarding pass to your own past—because apparently rock bottom now comes with travel perks—Missed Connections: A Novel by Aimie K. Runyan absolutely spiraled me in the best, most introspective, “wait… should I be rethinking my entire life right now?” kind of way. Published by Harper Muse, thank you to Harper Muse Audio and Libro.fm for the gifted ALC because this story didn’t just ask “what if?”—it poured a glass of wine, sat me down, and made me feel every possible answer.
Sabrina Sorensen is thirty-seven, successful on paper, but internally? A quiet mess of ambition, doubt, and exhaustion from constantly proving she made the “right” choices. She’s spent years grinding her way through the restaurant world chasing the dream of becoming a Michelin inspector, all while keeping that dream tucked away from a family that doesn’t quite get her. When she loses her job in Paris and gets pulled back into the orbit of her well-meaning but pressure-heavy family, everything starts to crack. And then—because this book said we’re not doing anything halfway—she ends up at an airport where reality kind of… bends.
What follows isn’t your typical time travel trope. It’s softer, more intentional. Sabrina is given the chance to revisit pivotal moments in her life—not to rewrite herself into someone new, but to better understand who she already is. Watching her move through past relationships, career choices, and those tiny, seemingly insignificant decisions that somehow shape everything? It hit. Hard. There’s something almost unsettling about seeing a character face the same question we all quietly carry: did I make the right choice, or just the only one I could at the time?
And listen… the SECOND “two-buck Chuck” got mentioned, I was locked in. Charles Shaw wine walked so our questionable wine phases could run, and as someone who lived close enough to Napa to absolutely partake back in the day, I felt personally seen. That detail alone gave the story this grounded, real-life texture that balanced out the magical elements perfectly.
The restaurant world here is layered and immersive without feeling overwhelming—front of house, back of house, the politics, the passion—it all hums in the background like a second heartbeat. You can tell Sabrina didn’t just choose this life… she earned it. And the relationships? Messy, complicated, sometimes frustrating in the most human way. Her dynamic with her family, especially that constant low hum of expectation, felt way too familiar. And then there’s Nikolai… soft, steady, and quietly everything. Not overpowering the story, just existing in that space where something real has room to grow.
“I had loved before. But this? This felt like finally coming home.” That line didn’t just land—it lingered.
And the audiobook? Elite. The narration by Caroline Hewitt elevated this into something immersive and deeply personal. She captures Sabrina’s internal tug-of-war so naturally that it stops feeling like a performance and starts feeling like a confession. The emotional beats hit harder, the quieter moments stretch just enough to breathe, and before you know it, you’re fully invested. This is a “one more chapter” that turns into “why is it suddenly 2am?” situation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you loved The Midnight Library but wanted something a little warmer, a little more grounded, and layered with food, travel, and emotional growth instead of straight existential spiral—this is your book. It’s for the reader who doesn’t just want a story, but wants to feel something shift a little while reading it.
So be honest—if you were handed the chance to revisit one moment in your past… would you actually change it, or would you finally understand why it happened the way it did?
#MissedConnections #AimieKRunyan #HarperMuse #LibroFM #AudiobookReview #CarolineHewitt #Bookstagram #BooksCoffeeBrews #MagicalRealism #WomensFiction #ContemporaryReads #WhatIfReads #ReadersOfInstagram #BookReview #CurrentlyReading #ALCReview
Sabrina Sorensen is thirty-seven, successful on paper, but internally? A quiet mess of ambition, doubt, and exhaustion from constantly proving she made the “right” choices. She’s spent years grinding her way through the restaurant world chasing the dream of becoming a Michelin inspector, all while keeping that dream tucked away from a family that doesn’t quite get her. When she loses her job in Paris and gets pulled back into the orbit of her well-meaning but pressure-heavy family, everything starts to crack. And then—because this book said we’re not doing anything halfway—she ends up at an airport where reality kind of… bends.
What follows isn’t your typical time travel trope. It’s softer, more intentional. Sabrina is given the chance to revisit pivotal moments in her life—not to rewrite herself into someone new, but to better understand who she already is. Watching her move through past relationships, career choices, and those tiny, seemingly insignificant decisions that somehow shape everything? It hit. Hard. There’s something almost unsettling about seeing a character face the same question we all quietly carry: did I make the right choice, or just the only one I could at the time?
And listen… the SECOND “two-buck Chuck” got mentioned, I was locked in. Charles Shaw wine walked so our questionable wine phases could run, and as someone who lived close enough to Napa to absolutely partake back in the day, I felt personally seen. That detail alone gave the story this grounded, real-life texture that balanced out the magical elements perfectly.
The restaurant world here is layered and immersive without feeling overwhelming—front of house, back of house, the politics, the passion—it all hums in the background like a second heartbeat. You can tell Sabrina didn’t just choose this life… she earned it. And the relationships? Messy, complicated, sometimes frustrating in the most human way. Her dynamic with her family, especially that constant low hum of expectation, felt way too familiar. And then there’s Nikolai… soft, steady, and quietly everything. Not overpowering the story, just existing in that space where something real has room to grow.
“I had loved before. But this? This felt like finally coming home.” That line didn’t just land—it lingered.
And the audiobook? Elite. The narration by Caroline Hewitt elevated this into something immersive and deeply personal. She captures Sabrina’s internal tug-of-war so naturally that it stops feeling like a performance and starts feeling like a confession. The emotional beats hit harder, the quieter moments stretch just enough to breathe, and before you know it, you’re fully invested. This is a “one more chapter” that turns into “why is it suddenly 2am?” situation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you loved The Midnight Library but wanted something a little warmer, a little more grounded, and layered with food, travel, and emotional growth instead of straight existential spiral—this is your book. It’s for the reader who doesn’t just want a story, but wants to feel something shift a little while reading it.
So be honest—if you were handed the chance to revisit one moment in your past… would you actually change it, or would you finally understand why it happened the way it did?
#MissedConnections #AimieKRunyan #HarperMuse #LibroFM #AudiobookReview #CarolineHewitt #Bookstagram #BooksCoffeeBrews #MagicalRealism #WomensFiction #ContemporaryReads #WhatIfReads #ReadersOfInstagram #BookReview #CurrentlyReading #ALCReview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was hoping to give this somewhere between 4-5 stars since it seemed like right up my alley of magical realism and romance, with a side of food and travel to boot. Unfortunately, there were too many things that irked me:
- When we get to Chapter 2, Sabrina's mother is referred to by her first name, Robin and not any other term that refers to her as Sabrina's mother. It weirded me out because it suddenly felt like a POV switchup, with the story in first person but our narrator is referring to her mom on first name basis.
A couple of pages later, Robin is referred to as Mom. And then a couple of paragraphs later, back to Robin. And then back to Mom. And then back to Robin. Anytime the mother was referred to, it was always on first name basis — even when Sabrina was talking to her directly. Is this just some cultural thing I am not understanding as a POC who lives on the other side of the world? Don't daughters call their mothers mom, mommy, mama, etc unless it's a typical stepmother-daughter relationship?
I'm assuming it's an error, maybe the author started writing in third person POV then switched to first person and stuck with the latter. But then one of her former lovers called his mother by his first name so... what is happening here? 😅
Tbh, I almost dropped this ARC because it was so offputting and annoying, I'm sorry. I understand this is an unedited copy, but correcting this error is bare minimum effort or due diligence that should have been done by the author or the first pass editor before this was shared as an ARC.
- While I enjoyed reading about the food and the process, sometimes it felt like the author was info dumping. I know talking about the restaurant industry is part of the story since the MC works in that industry but it got to a point for me where it felt unnecessary.
One example that comes to mind now is how anytime Sabrina has to talk about how the Michelin Guide works. Or explaining what the role of a kitchen staff is, like (this is not a direct quote, I'm just doing an example) "the chef de partie was in his station" or "the commis chef assisted the chef de partie", like okay yes I don't know the inner workings of a professional kitchen but we're literally given a glossary at the start to explain their roles. If I needed info, I could go back to those pages. Or you could show their role in action and I'd pick it up from there.
We kept being reminded that this is her industry, that she's great at her job and she knows all these things, she's the expert... but it was more telling than showing for the most of it. It was always in context or in the lens of her and her relationship with someone and how this affected her work.
- The "lessons" that Sabrina is imparting to her past relationships sound so... level headed and well-crafted, I could feel they were written. I don't know about you, but when I'm reading I don't want to be reminded that I'm reading. I get that she has a decade or so of experiences when she travels back in time to "correct" her missteps, but it kinda felt preachy at times. And everything just gets resolved easy peasy, albeit sometimes at a bittersweet note.
- I didn't like how, when prompted to travel back to happier or memorable times, it was somehow always attached to some guy. Here is an accomplished woman in her mid 30s... and she's tied back to old relationships. Yeah, there is wisdom there, like how we're all made up of people we've met, but with the way it was written, it felt like she was just using it as an opportunity to see if this path would take her to a professional life and a personal life that fits her best.
In the end, it was all too The Midnight Library for me, just with food and traveling layered over it.
I was hoping to give this somewhere between 4-5 stars since it seemed like right up my alley of magical realism and romance, with a side of food and travel to boot. Unfortunately, there were too many things that irked me:
- When we get to Chapter 2, Sabrina's mother is referred to by her first name, Robin and not any other term that refers to her as Sabrina's mother. It weirded me out because it suddenly felt like a POV switchup, with the story in first person but our narrator is referring to her mom on first name basis.
A couple of pages later, Robin is referred to as Mom. And then a couple of paragraphs later, back to Robin. And then back to Mom. And then back to Robin. Anytime the mother was referred to, it was always on first name basis — even when Sabrina was talking to her directly. Is this just some cultural thing I am not understanding as a POC who lives on the other side of the world? Don't daughters call their mothers mom, mommy, mama, etc unless it's a typical stepmother-daughter relationship?
I'm assuming it's an error, maybe the author started writing in third person POV then switched to first person and stuck with the latter. But then one of her former lovers called his mother by his first name so... what is happening here? 😅
Tbh, I almost dropped this ARC because it was so offputting and annoying, I'm sorry. I understand this is an unedited copy, but correcting this error is bare minimum effort or due diligence that should have been done by the author or the first pass editor before this was shared as an ARC.
- While I enjoyed reading about the food and the process, sometimes it felt like the author was info dumping. I know talking about the restaurant industry is part of the story since the MC works in that industry but it got to a point for me where it felt unnecessary.
One example that comes to mind now is how anytime Sabrina has to talk about how the Michelin Guide works. Or explaining what the role of a kitchen staff is, like (this is not a direct quote, I'm just doing an example) "the chef de partie was in his station" or "the commis chef assisted the chef de partie", like okay yes I don't know the inner workings of a professional kitchen but we're literally given a glossary at the start to explain their roles. If I needed info, I could go back to those pages. Or you could show their role in action and I'd pick it up from there.
We kept being reminded that this is her industry, that she's great at her job and she knows all these things, she's the expert... but it was more telling than showing for the most of it. It was always in context or in the lens of her and her relationship with someone and how this affected her work.
- The "lessons" that Sabrina is imparting to her past relationships sound so... level headed and well-crafted, I could feel they were written. I don't know about you, but when I'm reading I don't want to be reminded that I'm reading. I get that she has a decade or so of experiences when she travels back in time to "correct" her missteps, but it kinda felt preachy at times. And everything just gets resolved easy peasy, albeit sometimes at a bittersweet note.
- I didn't like how, when prompted to travel back to happier or memorable times, it was somehow always attached to some guy. Here is an accomplished woman in her mid 30s... and she's tied back to old relationships. Yeah, there is wisdom there, like how we're all made up of people we've met, but with the way it was written, it felt like she was just using it as an opportunity to see if this path would take her to a professional life and a personal life that fits her best.
In the end, it was all too The Midnight Library for me, just with food and traveling layered over it.
May 18, 2026
Book: 3.25⭐️ Audio: 2.75⭐️
Missed Connections is the story of 37 year old Sabrina, whose life goal is to become a Michelin Inspector, and she will stop at nothing to achieve said goal. In an in depth exploration of the world of fine dining, Sabrina happens upon an opportunity for some second chances. If she wants, she’s able to revisit moments in her life that, unbeknownst to her, were more than pivotal moments. Will she be able to see things in a new light and learn from her previous mistakes? Can she have more than just the dream job?
While her focus on her work is admirable, it’s clear Sabrina has lost her way, forgotten what’s important in life. So much so, that I found her to be not very personable/relatable, or even really likable in the beginning. This story has a VERY heavy focus on the ins and outs of the world of fine dining, and while interesting, I found it very dense and hard to follow as someone with little knowledge at the start. I loved the description of the book, and always love a time travel trope, so I pushed through, and am glad I did, but it really was a slow and thick start. Once we got past some of the educational/work slog and got to know some of the more personal pieces of Sabrina’s life, it was easier to connect with her as a character. The way the time travel piece comes about feels quite random, but I guess I don’t know how else it would’ve worked, and I did really love her “guide” (and would looove more of her backstory!). I really appreciated how open Sabrina was to the opportunities she was given, and how willing she was to take responsibility for the parts she played in the past moments she visits. The fact that she learns and acts on what she learns truly plays to her character growth. She doesn’t just become more likable, but someone you actually root for. That said, the eventual love story feels very secondary, which may be intentional, but I’m also not quite sure I believe them as a couple. The exploration of her relationship with her mom was the most relatable part for me. As someone who grew up with a difficult mother, I completely understood the urge to call he by her name and essentially make her earn the “Mom” title. I normally hate miscommunication in a book, but between mother and daughter is REAL. It’s often not until we have truly learned their story, who they were before they became “Mom,” that we can start to understand who they are and why they do/say what they do.
If you are interested in learning more about the culinary world and fine dining experience, loved The Midnight Library, or are a fan of Rebecca Serle, I’d recommend you check this one out! I didn’t love it as much as those, mostly because of the slow and heavy start, but did enjoy it, and it gives the same vibes.
The audio on this one, though, was just okay for me. Caroline Hewitt did a wonderful job as a narrator, but the story itself was heavy with details of the restaurant/culinary industry in ways that were very hard to follow without either prior knowledge or reading visually. Since I had very little knowledge of that world, I struggled to get into the story and connect with the main character while listening. Because I was able to also receive the eARC as well, I was able to switch to an immersive read, and immediately was able to enjoy more. I am not sure I would recommend the audio for this specific story, but by no fault of the narrator! And really just my preference with a story like this.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the eARC, and Harper Focus for the ALC, of Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan!
Missed Connections is the story of 37 year old Sabrina, whose life goal is to become a Michelin Inspector, and she will stop at nothing to achieve said goal. In an in depth exploration of the world of fine dining, Sabrina happens upon an opportunity for some second chances. If she wants, she’s able to revisit moments in her life that, unbeknownst to her, were more than pivotal moments. Will she be able to see things in a new light and learn from her previous mistakes? Can she have more than just the dream job?
While her focus on her work is admirable, it’s clear Sabrina has lost her way, forgotten what’s important in life. So much so, that I found her to be not very personable/relatable, or even really likable in the beginning. This story has a VERY heavy focus on the ins and outs of the world of fine dining, and while interesting, I found it very dense and hard to follow as someone with little knowledge at the start. I loved the description of the book, and always love a time travel trope, so I pushed through, and am glad I did, but it really was a slow and thick start. Once we got past some of the educational/work slog and got to know some of the more personal pieces of Sabrina’s life, it was easier to connect with her as a character. The way the time travel piece comes about feels quite random, but I guess I don’t know how else it would’ve worked, and I did really love her “guide” (and would looove more of her backstory!). I really appreciated how open Sabrina was to the opportunities she was given, and how willing she was to take responsibility for the parts she played in the past moments she visits. The fact that she learns and acts on what she learns truly plays to her character growth. She doesn’t just become more likable, but someone you actually root for. That said, the eventual love story feels very secondary, which may be intentional, but I’m also not quite sure I believe them as a couple. The exploration of her relationship with her mom was the most relatable part for me. As someone who grew up with a difficult mother, I completely understood the urge to call he by her name and essentially make her earn the “Mom” title. I normally hate miscommunication in a book, but between mother and daughter is REAL. It’s often not until we have truly learned their story, who they were before they became “Mom,” that we can start to understand who they are and why they do/say what they do.
If you are interested in learning more about the culinary world and fine dining experience, loved The Midnight Library, or are a fan of Rebecca Serle, I’d recommend you check this one out! I didn’t love it as much as those, mostly because of the slow and heavy start, but did enjoy it, and it gives the same vibes.
The audio on this one, though, was just okay for me. Caroline Hewitt did a wonderful job as a narrator, but the story itself was heavy with details of the restaurant/culinary industry in ways that were very hard to follow without either prior knowledge or reading visually. Since I had very little knowledge of that world, I struggled to get into the story and connect with the main character while listening. Because I was able to also receive the eARC as well, I was able to switch to an immersive read, and immediately was able to enjoy more. I am not sure I would recommend the audio for this specific story, but by no fault of the narrator! And really just my preference with a story like this.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the eARC, and Harper Focus for the ALC, of Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan!
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bonjour! This review is for both the advanced listening copy AND the advanced reading copy of Missed Connections, which was thankfully and appreciatively provided to me by NetGalley, the author Aimie K. Runyon and her publisher Harper Muse. Originally, I listened to the story first and while I'm not saying don't buy the ebook or a physical copy.. you should definitely get the audiobook! There are words and accents that you should hear that makes such a difference! The narrator Caroline Hewitt did such an amazing job with the variety of worldly accents! That's something I could never get right by just reading the book. I mean, how would I know what a Danish accent sounds like?
Have you ever seen the movies Back to the Future 2, and Groundhogs Day? Well, if you haven't you should, because then you'd know what I mean when I say that Missed Connections is way better then both those movies combined! No shade to either movie, they're classics, but Aimie gave a fun and fresh perspective to one of my favorite magical realism tropes. If you had the chance to go back in time and change some decisions or right your wrongs, would you? Well, she does and then some!
Sabrina had been working her entire career with the main goal into becoming an inspector for the Michelen guides. She's been a GM in a restaurant in Paris. An apprentice in a New Orleans kitchen. An up and coming sous chef in Ireland. Through out all of her global adventures, she's shared love and losses with some guys she thought she'd left in the past. But a fairy godmother gives her an opportunity to revisit her past to see where she went wrong, because at the moment, she's unemployed, with no clear direction on where to go in life.
While she goes back and forth, between her past and present, she learns and matures, which is the real lesson. Because in the beginning of the book, she kind of sounded like a know it all. Yet by the end, she's learned to give people some grace. Along with forgiveness with oneself and others, that's an incredible gift to give others!
Now, going back to the beginning of my review. In my opinion, get the ebook, audiobook, paperback and hardcover! Reading books and collecting them are two vastly different hobbies! Unless there's a fairy godmother to stop you. I mean, that's what I do when I really enjoy a book, like this one 😉, and I can't wait for it to be published so I can finally have a physical copy in my hand! Until then, Au revoir!
Have you ever seen the movies Back to the Future 2, and Groundhogs Day? Well, if you haven't you should, because then you'd know what I mean when I say that Missed Connections is way better then both those movies combined! No shade to either movie, they're classics, but Aimie gave a fun and fresh perspective to one of my favorite magical realism tropes. If you had the chance to go back in time and change some decisions or right your wrongs, would you? Well, she does and then some!
Sabrina had been working her entire career with the main goal into becoming an inspector for the Michelen guides. She's been a GM in a restaurant in Paris. An apprentice in a New Orleans kitchen. An up and coming sous chef in Ireland. Through out all of her global adventures, she's shared love and losses with some guys she thought she'd left in the past. But a fairy godmother gives her an opportunity to revisit her past to see where she went wrong, because at the moment, she's unemployed, with no clear direction on where to go in life.
While she goes back and forth, between her past and present, she learns and matures, which is the real lesson. Because in the beginning of the book, she kind of sounded like a know it all. Yet by the end, she's learned to give people some grace. Along with forgiveness with oneself and others, that's an incredible gift to give others!
Now, going back to the beginning of my review. In my opinion, get the ebook, audiobook, paperback and hardcover! Reading books and collecting them are two vastly different hobbies! Unless there's a fairy godmother to stop you. I mean, that's what I do when I really enjoy a book, like this one 😉, and I can't wait for it to be published so I can finally have a physical copy in my hand! Until then, Au revoir!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, Missed Connections wildly exceeded my expectations. I was intrigued by the description of this book from the beginning as a former restaurant worker, lover of good food and sucker for time travel and multiverse shenanigans - Aimie K. Runyan delivered! This is the first book I've read by Runyan, but it won't be my last.
In Missed Connections, Sabrina is nearly 40 and has been working her way up through the ranks with fine dining restaurants, pursuing her childhood dream of being a Michelin Guide inspector. Having recently been dismissed from her latest job, with nowhere to go but back to her childhood home, she finds herself breaking down at the airport where a kind ticket agent offers her the opportunity to revisit some of the important moments of her life. Would she do things differently if she could? Would those changes make any difference in the current trajectory of her dream?
It's a pleasure to watch Sabrina's journey unfold. Runyan's descriptions of the inner working of a kitchen, the scrumptious food, meticulous preparation, the hours and dedication of fine dining staff was enchanting. I loved meeting the people who were instrumental to Sabrina's journey, those that helped and inspired her, as well as those who presented hurdles.
In a rare moment of serendipity - which is wonderfully defined in the book - I got the book and the audiobook of Missed Connections from NetGalley. The audiobook is narrated by Caroline Hewitt, who narrated The Library of Fates, which I listened to earlier this year. I really enjoyed her narration throughout as she has a wonderful variety of voices and accents for the characters who come from multiple countries and represent the diversity you find in many kitchens. I never wondered who was speaking. It was also never in question whether Sabrina was speaking to another character, or thinking to herself, something that is not always clear in audiobooks, so I appreciated Hewitt's ability to make the distinction.
The book also includes a couple of the recipes that are talked about within the story, which is a treat! I believe the final version of the audiobook will have a supplement that includes the recipes as well.
Thank you to Harper Focus, Harper Muse, NetGalley, and Aimie K. Runyan for the advanced copy of this book and audiobook. Both will be published on May 26, 2026.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In Missed Connections, Sabrina is nearly 40 and has been working her way up through the ranks with fine dining restaurants, pursuing her childhood dream of being a Michelin Guide inspector. Having recently been dismissed from her latest job, with nowhere to go but back to her childhood home, she finds herself breaking down at the airport where a kind ticket agent offers her the opportunity to revisit some of the important moments of her life. Would she do things differently if she could? Would those changes make any difference in the current trajectory of her dream?
It's a pleasure to watch Sabrina's journey unfold. Runyan's descriptions of the inner working of a kitchen, the scrumptious food, meticulous preparation, the hours and dedication of fine dining staff was enchanting. I loved meeting the people who were instrumental to Sabrina's journey, those that helped and inspired her, as well as those who presented hurdles.
In a rare moment of serendipity - which is wonderfully defined in the book - I got the book and the audiobook of Missed Connections from NetGalley. The audiobook is narrated by Caroline Hewitt, who narrated The Library of Fates, which I listened to earlier this year. I really enjoyed her narration throughout as she has a wonderful variety of voices and accents for the characters who come from multiple countries and represent the diversity you find in many kitchens. I never wondered who was speaking. It was also never in question whether Sabrina was speaking to another character, or thinking to herself, something that is not always clear in audiobooks, so I appreciated Hewitt's ability to make the distinction.
The book also includes a couple of the recipes that are talked about within the story, which is a treat! I believe the final version of the audiobook will have a supplement that includes the recipes as well.
Thank you to Harper Focus, Harper Muse, NetGalley, and Aimie K. Runyan for the advanced copy of this book and audiobook. Both will be published on May 26, 2026.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW!! This is a book you will not want to miss!!
While there is a small amount of romance (and yes, a happily ever after!) - it really isn't the main theme in this amazingly well written story.... (which I loved, just an FYI if you're looking for that).
It is very clean - I did not notice any language & no intimacy scenes.
Sabrina learned the love of food from her beloved Dad... I loved that. The author did a fantastic job detailing a lot about food & restaurant work life, Michelin stars & more.... which I love so much because I'm a foodie (don't worry if you're not...while there is great detail & info about this, it won't bore you if that's not your thing, it's really well handled with giving information, but not making the book drag.)
I also love how Sabrina learns a lot about gratitude & contentment, as well as how to better handle prickly situations (& people). I loved how she worked hard to try to restore/refresh relationships with her Mom & brother... giving a bit of a fresh start with her Mom & hope for a brighter future with her.
A few of my favorite quotes that I couldn't help but share because I found them so profound:
---"I had loved Rian. Naive me had thought I loved Edward. But Nikolai? Nikolai is home." (context... this is after Sabrina has spent most of the past 37 years of her life searching & striving for that sort of thing, especially after her Dad died young & she has a rocky relationship with her Mom. She, at present time, also feels a bit lost for where she should go next, or what she should be doing.)
---""And for the second time in my adult life, he picks me up and twirls me. Because every woman , even a viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and again." (context... she is very tall, I believe 6' 2" & that has been an issue in her life.)
---"The world might just have one less bully in it. Because he was shown kindness when he needed it." (context... Sabrina chose to go back a 2nd time to talk to Edward, an ex, to see if she could help change his life as well.)
Thank you so much to the author (Aimie K. Runyan), publisher (Harper Muse) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
Publication date is set for 5/26/26, mark your calendars so you don't miss out!!! Review also shared on other sites such as Bookbub & Goodreads.
While there is a small amount of romance (and yes, a happily ever after!) - it really isn't the main theme in this amazingly well written story.... (which I loved, just an FYI if you're looking for that).
It is very clean - I did not notice any language & no intimacy scenes.
Sabrina learned the love of food from her beloved Dad... I loved that. The author did a fantastic job detailing a lot about food & restaurant work life, Michelin stars & more.... which I love so much because I'm a foodie (don't worry if you're not...while there is great detail & info about this, it won't bore you if that's not your thing, it's really well handled with giving information, but not making the book drag.)
I also love how Sabrina learns a lot about gratitude & contentment, as well as how to better handle prickly situations (& people). I loved how she worked hard to try to restore/refresh relationships with her Mom & brother... giving a bit of a fresh start with her Mom & hope for a brighter future with her.
A few of my favorite quotes that I couldn't help but share because I found them so profound:
---"I had loved Rian. Naive me had thought I loved Edward. But Nikolai? Nikolai is home." (context... this is after Sabrina has spent most of the past 37 years of her life searching & striving for that sort of thing, especially after her Dad died young & she has a rocky relationship with her Mom. She, at present time, also feels a bit lost for where she should go next, or what she should be doing.)
---""And for the second time in my adult life, he picks me up and twirls me. Because every woman , even a viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and again." (context... she is very tall, I believe 6' 2" & that has been an issue in her life.)
---"The world might just have one less bully in it. Because he was shown kindness when he needed it." (context... Sabrina chose to go back a 2nd time to talk to Edward, an ex, to see if she could help change his life as well.)
Thank you so much to the author (Aimie K. Runyan), publisher (Harper Muse) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
Publication date is set for 5/26/26, mark your calendars so you don't miss out!!! Review also shared on other sites such as Bookbub & Goodreads.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW!! This is a book you will not want to miss!!
While there is a small amount of romance (and yes, a happily ever after!) - it really isn't the main theme in this amazingly well written story.... (which I loved, just an FYI if you're looking for that).
It is very clean - No language & no intimacy scenes.
Sabrina learned the love of food from her beloved Dad... I loved that. The author did a fantastic job detailing a lot about food & restaurant work life, Michelin stars & more.... which I love so much because I'm a foodie (don't worry if you're not...while there is great detail & info about this, it won't bore you if that's not your thing, it's really well handled with giving information, but not making the book drag.)
I also love how Sabrina learns a lot about gratitude & contentment, as well as how to better handle prickly situations (& people). I loved how she worked hard to try to restore/refresh relationships with her Mom & brother... giving a bit of a fresh start with her Mom & hope for a brighter future with her.
A few of my favorite quotes that I couldn't help but share because I found them so profound:
---"I had loved Rian. Naive me had thought I loved Edward. But Nikolai? Nikolai is home." (context... this is after Sabrina has spent most of the past 37 years of her life searching & striving for that sort of thing, especially after her Dad died young & she has a rocky relationship with her Mom. She, at present time, also feels a bit lost for where she should go next, or what she should be doing.)
---""And for the second time in my adult life, he picks me up and twirls me. Because every woman , even a viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and again." (context... she is very tall, I believe 6' 2" & that has been an issue in her life.)
---"The world might just have one less bully in it. Because he was shown kindness when he needed it." (context... Sabrina chose to go back a 2nd time to talk to Edward, an ex, to see if she could help change his life as well.)
Thank you so much to the author (Aimie K. Runyan), publisher (Harper Muse) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own. This is the first book I've read by this author, but definitely won't be the last!
Publication date is set for 5/26/26, mark your calendars so you don't miss out!!! Review also shared on other sites such as Bookbub & Goodreads.
While there is a small amount of romance (and yes, a happily ever after!) - it really isn't the main theme in this amazingly well written story.... (which I loved, just an FYI if you're looking for that).
It is very clean - No language & no intimacy scenes.
Sabrina learned the love of food from her beloved Dad... I loved that. The author did a fantastic job detailing a lot about food & restaurant work life, Michelin stars & more.... which I love so much because I'm a foodie (don't worry if you're not...while there is great detail & info about this, it won't bore you if that's not your thing, it's really well handled with giving information, but not making the book drag.)
I also love how Sabrina learns a lot about gratitude & contentment, as well as how to better handle prickly situations (& people). I loved how she worked hard to try to restore/refresh relationships with her Mom & brother... giving a bit of a fresh start with her Mom & hope for a brighter future with her.
A few of my favorite quotes that I couldn't help but share because I found them so profound:
---"I had loved Rian. Naive me had thought I loved Edward. But Nikolai? Nikolai is home." (context... this is after Sabrina has spent most of the past 37 years of her life searching & striving for that sort of thing, especially after her Dad died young & she has a rocky relationship with her Mom. She, at present time, also feels a bit lost for where she should go next, or what she should be doing.)
---""And for the second time in my adult life, he picks me up and twirls me. Because every woman , even a viking warrior, loves a good twirl now and again." (context... she is very tall, I believe 6' 2" & that has been an issue in her life.)
---"The world might just have one less bully in it. Because he was shown kindness when he needed it." (context... Sabrina chose to go back a 2nd time to talk to Edward, an ex, to see if she could help change his life as well.)
Thank you so much to the author (Aimie K. Runyan), publisher (Harper Muse) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own. This is the first book I've read by this author, but definitely won't be the last!
Publication date is set for 5/26/26, mark your calendars so you don't miss out!!! Review also shared on other sites such as Bookbub & Goodreads.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Has Sabrina actually missed a connection in life as her mother chides her for, or is the best yet to come?
Missed Connections begins with a quick recap as our female lead, Sabrina, shares the why behind her passion for food and dream of becoming a Michelin Star Reviewer. On a pitstop home from Paris, where she left her last job, she inspects and interviews at a restaurant in Denver, Colorado, but has a terrible experience. Her terrible ex-boyfriend is the head chef and Edward brings unresolved beef! Edward threatens to out Sabrina's anonymous food critic blog- effectively destroying her lifelong dream of become one of the world's most famous incognito reviewers!
After a short, overwhelming visit at her family home (it's never a good sign when children call parents by their first name...), Sabrina once again packs up and heads to the airport for her next career move- but where?! Thankfully, an angel in the form of a gate agent gives Sabrina what so many of us have longer for: the chance to relive moments from her past to see if she missed an opportunity. If Sabrina feels closure from all of these life changing moments, will she feel free to once again begin anew? Is there a mistake or life lesson she missed? Most of Missed Connections centers around Sabrina revisiting her career ladder via Louisiana, Ireland, Copenhagen, and Paris! What a culinary adventure! Sabrina returns back to Burbank Airport and begs her fairy time travelling godmother for one last chance to make things right. Will she get that chance? Would it even matter if she did?
I love this book for it's delicious nature- both in describing food and the sweet tone as we join Sabrina in wondering - have we missed our chance? Aimie Runyan's author's note at the end of the book really hits the nail on the head! I'll definitely pick up Aimie Runyan's other books! Sabrina works hard to achieve her goals and yet isn't too prideful to seeing where she could learn more, do better, and leave her world a better place. Readers will root for her to achieve every dream she's ever longer for!
Troupes: time travel!
Spice: 0 / 🌶️
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC!
The Goodreads description isn't accurate as of May 2, 2026 - which threw me for a loop 😄
Missed Connections begins with a quick recap as our female lead, Sabrina, shares the why behind her passion for food and dream of becoming a Michelin Star Reviewer. On a pitstop home from Paris, where she left her last job, she inspects and interviews at a restaurant in Denver, Colorado, but has a terrible experience. Her terrible ex-boyfriend is the head chef and Edward brings unresolved beef! Edward threatens to out Sabrina's anonymous food critic blog- effectively destroying her lifelong dream of become one of the world's most famous incognito reviewers!
After a short, overwhelming visit at her family home (it's never a good sign when children call parents by their first name...), Sabrina once again packs up and heads to the airport for her next career move- but where?! Thankfully, an angel in the form of a gate agent gives Sabrina what so many of us have longer for: the chance to relive moments from her past to see if she missed an opportunity. If Sabrina feels closure from all of these life changing moments, will she feel free to once again begin anew? Is there a mistake or life lesson she missed? Most of Missed Connections centers around Sabrina revisiting her career ladder via Louisiana, Ireland, Copenhagen, and Paris! What a culinary adventure! Sabrina returns back to Burbank Airport and begs her fairy time travelling godmother for one last chance to make things right. Will she get that chance? Would it even matter if she did?
I love this book for it's delicious nature- both in describing food and the sweet tone as we join Sabrina in wondering - have we missed our chance? Aimie Runyan's author's note at the end of the book really hits the nail on the head! I'll definitely pick up Aimie Runyan's other books! Sabrina works hard to achieve her goals and yet isn't too prideful to seeing where she could learn more, do better, and leave her world a better place. Readers will root for her to achieve every dream she's ever longer for!
Troupes: time travel!
Spice: 0 / 🌶️
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC!
The Goodreads description isn't accurate as of May 2, 2026 - which threw me for a loop 😄
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I enjoyed Missed Connections, but I did think that Sabrina was a bit snobbish in the beginning. This may have been because of her long standing career in the fine dining industry in hopes of becoming a Michelin inspector. There is a certain type of personality needed to excel in fine dining and she definitely resembled that with her ambition to be the best. While reading, it was obvious that she had indeed put her career at the forefront of other things in her life, and it was easily seen in Edward's and Rian's chapters. I did feel that these two love interests were first in her journey of rediscovering who she was as a person because they both had a pivotal role in launching her career to what it was when we first met her. Despite those relationships not working out, it helped her realize what exactly she was looking for in terms of love.
Even if I may not have been fond of her initially, I grew to like Sabrina and how she was able to stand up for herself when it came to past employers and love interests. I do wish that there was a bit more to Nikolai and Sabrina's story because I felt that those few chapters were so short lived. Despite this, I am glad that they got the ending they deserved. Compared to Edward and Rian's chapters, Nikolai just didn't seem to get enough attention. I do think that this was because their relationship was so "present" in her life with him communicating back and forth with her for last eight years.
I loved that Sabrina was 37 years old, so this story definitely felt age appropriate in that sense. I also was so happy that she was able close those chapters of her life with grace. The travel agent was so sweet and I loved how she was always there for Sabrina when she needed it.
I do think that readers who are also foodies and avid travelers will love this book as the book takes us to California, Denver, New Orleans, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Paris. Readers who enjoy magic realism will also enjoy this book as taking a plane back in time to various points in life is so unique. I also recommend this book to readers who enjoy feel good stories about finding one's purpose again and moving forward in life.
Thank you Harper Muse for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Even if I may not have been fond of her initially, I grew to like Sabrina and how she was able to stand up for herself when it came to past employers and love interests. I do wish that there was a bit more to Nikolai and Sabrina's story because I felt that those few chapters were so short lived. Despite this, I am glad that they got the ending they deserved. Compared to Edward and Rian's chapters, Nikolai just didn't seem to get enough attention. I do think that this was because their relationship was so "present" in her life with him communicating back and forth with her for last eight years.
I loved that Sabrina was 37 years old, so this story definitely felt age appropriate in that sense. I also was so happy that she was able close those chapters of her life with grace. The travel agent was so sweet and I loved how she was always there for Sabrina when she needed it.
I do think that readers who are also foodies and avid travelers will love this book as the book takes us to California, Denver, New Orleans, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Paris. Readers who enjoy magic realism will also enjoy this book as taking a plane back in time to various points in life is so unique. I also recommend this book to readers who enjoy feel good stories about finding one's purpose again and moving forward in life.
Thank you Harper Muse for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this ARC.
There are claims that this book feeds both your soul and mind- and honestly, I get it. At its core, Missed Connections explores the idea of revisiting pivotal moments in your life. Sabrina is able to go back in time and relive certain moments with the opportunity to make a different choice. It's about regret, second chances, and the quiet, persistent "what ifs" that follow us/haunt us.
There's also this slightly magical, almost whimsical thread running through it (think Irish fairy godmother vibes with a dusting of time-bending). And yes, there's even a time traveling airplane at Burbank Airport, which somehow works. It walks the line between grounded reality and something just a little uncanny.
It did have a bit of a rocky start for me, but this is the kind of story that lingers. I found myself thinking about it this whole week. Its ideas about timing, regret, and human connection really stick with you.
At first, this novel was almost a missed connection for me. The prologue leans very storybook-esque, almost like someone is telling you the story rather than letting you fully experience it... which had me considering putting this down a few pages in. But I hunkered down. And I am so glad I stayed.
It was mostly a prologue issue for me because once the story got going, I ended up really loving the characters and how everything unfolded. The characters (and the premise) were easily the highlight for me-they felt engaging, real, and easy to root for.
There are so many little lines that stick with you:
- Sometimes competence matters more than confidence.
- But we'll never know, and no good will come of speculating how it could have turned out differently.
- People want you to succeed more than you realize.
This book stayed on my mind all week. It's a feel-good story with a thoughtful edge, and I kept craving more.
If you like stories about second chances, timing, and "what ifs," this one is absolutely worth picking up.
There are claims that this book feeds both your soul and mind- and honestly, I get it. At its core, Missed Connections explores the idea of revisiting pivotal moments in your life. Sabrina is able to go back in time and relive certain moments with the opportunity to make a different choice. It's about regret, second chances, and the quiet, persistent "what ifs" that follow us/haunt us.
There's also this slightly magical, almost whimsical thread running through it (think Irish fairy godmother vibes with a dusting of time-bending). And yes, there's even a time traveling airplane at Burbank Airport, which somehow works. It walks the line between grounded reality and something just a little uncanny.
It did have a bit of a rocky start for me, but this is the kind of story that lingers. I found myself thinking about it this whole week. Its ideas about timing, regret, and human connection really stick with you.
At first, this novel was almost a missed connection for me. The prologue leans very storybook-esque, almost like someone is telling you the story rather than letting you fully experience it... which had me considering putting this down a few pages in. But I hunkered down. And I am so glad I stayed.
It was mostly a prologue issue for me because once the story got going, I ended up really loving the characters and how everything unfolded. The characters (and the premise) were easily the highlight for me-they felt engaging, real, and easy to root for.
There are so many little lines that stick with you:
- Sometimes competence matters more than confidence.
- But we'll never know, and no good will come of speculating how it could have turned out differently.
- People want you to succeed more than you realize.
This book stayed on my mind all week. It's a feel-good story with a thoughtful edge, and I kept craving more.
If you like stories about second chances, timing, and "what ifs," this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received this as an arc via netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own
Can I just start by saying that I feel so incredibly honoured to have been accepted for this arc because reading it was such an amazing experience. I love alternate reality / what-if stories so much, and the fact that it revolves around food & the food industry? SOLD. From the little guide to restaurant roles at the beginning to the recipes at the end, it felt like the book was welcoming the reader to connect to it.
꒰💌꒱ Missed Connections follows Sabrina Sorensen, who dreams of being a Michelin inspector. Faced with doubt about whether everything she did to get there was worth it, she ends up at the airport, where she is offered the opportunity to revisit her past and do things differently. We get to watch her revisit the cities, restaurants and relationships that brought her this far and navigate them using her age earned, wiser perspective.
I love that the book takes us on a little journey around the world, while also bringing out the behind-the-scenes magic behind every culinary experience. And speaking of magic, the book (as you can guess) has a sprinkle of that too, but ultimately it is a story of growth, of how every choice you make matters, and of how you write your own destiny. Special shoutout to Sabrina, our protagonist, who's passionate and independent, and though she has her fears and insecurities, she never lets any of it stop her from being an absolute force at what she does- which is what makes her so inspiring. I loved Nikolai too, though his character wasn't explored as much. I also think we could've gone without that last re-revisit and instead spent more time back in the present. But anyway, everything in this book is so authentic, so real and I love it.
જ⁀➴ If you're looking for something that's like a mix of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, I think you'd like this book!
Can I just start by saying that I feel so incredibly honoured to have been accepted for this arc because reading it was such an amazing experience. I love alternate reality / what-if stories so much, and the fact that it revolves around food & the food industry? SOLD. From the little guide to restaurant roles at the beginning to the recipes at the end, it felt like the book was welcoming the reader to connect to it.
꒰💌꒱ Missed Connections follows Sabrina Sorensen, who dreams of being a Michelin inspector. Faced with doubt about whether everything she did to get there was worth it, she ends up at the airport, where she is offered the opportunity to revisit her past and do things differently. We get to watch her revisit the cities, restaurants and relationships that brought her this far and navigate them using her age earned, wiser perspective.
I love that the book takes us on a little journey around the world, while also bringing out the behind-the-scenes magic behind every culinary experience. And speaking of magic, the book (as you can guess) has a sprinkle of that too, but ultimately it is a story of growth, of how every choice you make matters, and of how you write your own destiny. Special shoutout to Sabrina, our protagonist, who's passionate and independent, and though she has her fears and insecurities, she never lets any of it stop her from being an absolute force at what she does- which is what makes her so inspiring. I loved Nikolai too, though his character wasn't explored as much. I also think we could've gone without that last re-revisit and instead spent more time back in the present. But anyway, everything in this book is so authentic, so real and I love it.
જ⁀➴ If you're looking for something that's like a mix of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, I think you'd like this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review is based on a complimentary copy provided through NetGalley.
This novel explores self‑reflection, regret, tension to keep balance between professional ambition and private life, the weight of family expectations, and the possibility of rewriting one’s story.
The writing style is elegant and polished, which makes this book an enjoyable read. The fine‑dining setup and behind‑the‑scenes details are refreshing and original, though at times a bit overwhelming and occasionally repetitive. The characters are strong and well developed — you either connect with them easily and admire them (Sabrina, her father, Nikolai) or strongly dislike them (Robin, Orla).
The narrative leans heavily into fairy‑tale elements, so readers who prefer more realistic women’s fiction may not appreciate the magical realism woven into the plot. Sabrina’s “travel agent godmother” and the surreal time‑travel episodes give it a modern Cinderella feel. At the same time, the premise of revisiting past choices and relationships places it close to "The Midnight Library". Both books explore second chances and the burden of regret in similar ways, and those parallels made the story feel less original to me — the reason I reduced my rating to 4 stars.
The biggest weakness is how often Sabrina’s brilliance and talent are mentioned without ever showing her actual achievements or recipes. The book barely conveys the uniqueness of her talent — those special sparkles that explain her rapid career progress. That absence made parts of the story feel hollow.
The pacing is medium to slow — not my usual preference — but it worked here and didn’t detract from the overall experience.
To conclude, this is a thoughtful book with polished writing, strong characters, and an engaging fine‑dining setting, though the blend of restaurant behind‑the‑scene details and fairy‑tale time travel, while inventive, may divide readers depending on how much technicalities or realism they expect.
This novel explores self‑reflection, regret, tension to keep balance between professional ambition and private life, the weight of family expectations, and the possibility of rewriting one’s story.
The writing style is elegant and polished, which makes this book an enjoyable read. The fine‑dining setup and behind‑the‑scenes details are refreshing and original, though at times a bit overwhelming and occasionally repetitive. The characters are strong and well developed — you either connect with them easily and admire them (Sabrina, her father, Nikolai) or strongly dislike them (Robin, Orla).
The narrative leans heavily into fairy‑tale elements, so readers who prefer more realistic women’s fiction may not appreciate the magical realism woven into the plot. Sabrina’s “travel agent godmother” and the surreal time‑travel episodes give it a modern Cinderella feel. At the same time, the premise of revisiting past choices and relationships places it close to "The Midnight Library". Both books explore second chances and the burden of regret in similar ways, and those parallels made the story feel less original to me — the reason I reduced my rating to 4 stars.
The biggest weakness is how often Sabrina’s brilliance and talent are mentioned without ever showing her actual achievements or recipes. The book barely conveys the uniqueness of her talent — those special sparkles that explain her rapid career progress. That absence made parts of the story feel hollow.
The pacing is medium to slow — not my usual preference — but it worked here and didn’t detract from the overall experience.
To conclude, this is a thoughtful book with polished writing, strong characters, and an engaging fine‑dining setting, though the blend of restaurant behind‑the‑scene details and fairy‑tale time travel, while inventive, may divide readers depending on how much technicalities or realism they expect.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For fans of magical realism and the fine dining industry- it is like a mixture of Aftertaste and your favorite Ashley Poston. Who hasn't wanted a magical remote control that could allow you to return to certain points in your life and do something differently? Sabrina Sorensen is at a point in her life where she wants to be a Michelin guide, but her career in the restaurant industry has gone sideways. From the chef's assistant to lots of kitchen roles, sauce person and General manager and front of the house roles, she has a culinary degree and many connection across the globe. She gets into a special airport lounge that gets her a flight to a certain point in the past.
At times romantic, I see this as much more of a contemporary light-fantasy-magical realism book than a traditional romance. I liked the storyline and the idea that in our 30's we are much less insecure and able to speak up for ourselves. Most of our regrets become in being braver, speaking up and taking more risks rather than playing it safe.
The big surprise and win here is the level of detail and setting of fine dining, not just in running a kitchen, but the career path of someone in this field. Everyone eats at restaurants, but very few have the level of detail and experience in knowing how cut throat and political this can be. I loved the setting and hearing more about what this is like and the interpersonal relationships involved. I loved Sabrina's character arc and the variety of people who changed based on her path back as a cosmic re-do.
I definitely recommend this unique story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. Book to be published May 26, 2026.
At times romantic, I see this as much more of a contemporary light-fantasy-magical realism book than a traditional romance. I liked the storyline and the idea that in our 30's we are much less insecure and able to speak up for ourselves. Most of our regrets become in being braver, speaking up and taking more risks rather than playing it safe.
The big surprise and win here is the level of detail and setting of fine dining, not just in running a kitchen, but the career path of someone in this field. Everyone eats at restaurants, but very few have the level of detail and experience in knowing how cut throat and political this can be. I loved the setting and hearing more about what this is like and the interpersonal relationships involved. I loved Sabrina's character arc and the variety of people who changed based on her path back as a cosmic re-do.
I definitely recommend this unique story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. Book to be published May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received this as an arc via netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own .
Was such a quick and enjoyable read for me. The concept immediately pulled me in, and I found myself really invested in Sabrina Sorensen’s journey as she starts questioning her career path and the choices that brought her there.
The story has a subtle magical realism element that adds an interesting twist, allowing Sabrina to revisit moments from her past with a new perspective. I really liked how this was used—not in an overwhelming way, but just enough to explore the idea of “what if” and how different decisions could shape our lives.
Sabrina felt very real to me—ambitious and passionate, but also uncertain and sometimes hesitant. Seeing her reflect on her past with more confidence and self-awareness was one of the strongest parts of the book. It makes you think about how, with time, we often wish we had been braver or trusted ourselves more.
Another highlight was the setting. The story takes you across different cities and restaurants, and I especially enjoyed the insight into the restaurant industry. The details about career progression and the dynamics behind fine dining made the story feel authentic and added something a bit different.
For me, the plot itself was fairly predictable at times, and I would have liked a bit more depth from some of the side characters, particularly Nikolai. I also think the pacing towards the end could have been tighter, with more focus on the present.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and easy read about personal growth, ambition, and learning from the past. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a hint of magic and a unique setting, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sabrina is an aspiring Michelin guide reviewer that reaches a point in her personal and professional life that leaves her wondering where to go and what to do next. Having seemingly hit rock bottom, she gets the chance to revisit pivotal moments in her past with her 37 years of life experience, and do things differently. The men she loved, what would have happened if she put in a bit more effort? The jobs she had, what if she had been bolder and taken more risks?
This book reminded me in ways of The Midnight Library (how once choice can impact your entire life), The Memo (the fairy godmother figure and career aspects), and The Husbands (how your partner impacts who you are). I really loved this take on time travel! The story illustrated in such a beautiful way that "Sometimes, you can do all the right things, and still fail.". While other books with similar premises have their characters going back in time to steer their lives in a completely different direction or to demonstrate how one choice can make/break your life, this story was more subtle. This book was more about closure for Sabrina. The journey was healing. Sabrina even used her knowledge of how things play out in the future while she was in the past to be kinder and appreciate the people in her life more.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone needing a reminder that sometimes, giving it your all is all you can do, The true outcome is up to fate!
This book reminded me in ways of The Midnight Library (how once choice can impact your entire life), The Memo (the fairy godmother figure and career aspects), and The Husbands (how your partner impacts who you are). I really loved this take on time travel! The story illustrated in such a beautiful way that "Sometimes, you can do all the right things, and still fail.". While other books with similar premises have their characters going back in time to steer their lives in a completely different direction or to demonstrate how one choice can make/break your life, this story was more subtle. This book was more about closure for Sabrina. The journey was healing. Sabrina even used her knowledge of how things play out in the future while she was in the past to be kinder and appreciate the people in her life more.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone needing a reminder that sometimes, giving it your all is all you can do, The true outcome is up to fate!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Missed Connections was such an engaging and heartfelt read. I was immediately drawn into Sabrina’s story and loved following her as she revisited pivotal moments in her life, relationships, and career to figure out whether the choices she made truly led her where she was meant to be. The magical realism aspect added just the right touch of charm while still keeping the story grounded in emotion and personal growth.
One of my favorite things about this book was the culinary setting. Sabrina’s journey through the fine dining world and her dream of becoming a Michelin Guide inspector made the story feel fresh and unique. The restaurant and kitchen details were fascinating without ever feeling too technical, and the travel and food descriptions completely pulled me in.
Sabrina herself was easy to root for. I loved watching her grow into a confident, goal-oriented woman willing to take chances instead of letting self-doubt control her decisions. The relationships throughout the story felt relatable and added a lot of emotional depth.
Some parts were a bit predictable, but the strong character development, emotional heart, and immersive setting more than made up for it. Overall, this was a warm, entertaining read with memorable characters, a unique backdrop, and a thoughtful message about taking leaps even when the timing never feels perfect.
I’d definitely read more from Aimee K. Runyan in the future.
One of my favorite things about this book was the culinary setting. Sabrina’s journey through the fine dining world and her dream of becoming a Michelin Guide inspector made the story feel fresh and unique. The restaurant and kitchen details were fascinating without ever feeling too technical, and the travel and food descriptions completely pulled me in.
Sabrina herself was easy to root for. I loved watching her grow into a confident, goal-oriented woman willing to take chances instead of letting self-doubt control her decisions. The relationships throughout the story felt relatable and added a lot of emotional depth.
Some parts were a bit predictable, but the strong character development, emotional heart, and immersive setting more than made up for it. Overall, this was a warm, entertaining read with memorable characters, a unique backdrop, and a thoughtful message about taking leaps even when the timing never feels perfect.
I’d definitely read more from Aimee K. Runyan in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
WOW! Aimie K, Runyan, the Author of "Missed Connections" has written a magical, unique, captivating and intriguing novel. I am a huge fan of Aimie K. Runyan, and I loved everything about this book. It has the feel of "Groundhog Day" and "Back to the Future" with the addition of an "Irish God-Mother". The Genres for this well read and imaginative book are : Magical Realism, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary, Single Women's Fiction, Women's Domestic Life Fiction, and Literary Fiction. The female protagonist, Sabrina Sorensen, is single, 37, and has been obsessing to be a "Michelin Guide Inspector." The politics in the restaurant business are brutal and getting those "Michelin Stars" and keeping them is tricky. Sabrina has some family conflict, and after a major disappointment with the restaurant, heads to the airport, with no place to really go.
At the airport, she meets a kind ticket agent, who pulls her aside. If you had the opportunity to go back to the past, to correct a mistake, that would be positive, and help meet your goals, would you go? Repeatedly? Sabrina is confused with her goals and achievements in life, and decides to take a chance. She revisits locations, visits with characters she has known, and meets new intriguing characters. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable book for a magical adventure. Aimie K. Runyan has done a wonderful job, writing and storytelling!
At the airport, she meets a kind ticket agent, who pulls her aside. If you had the opportunity to go back to the past, to correct a mistake, that would be positive, and help meet your goals, would you go? Repeatedly? Sabrina is confused with her goals and achievements in life, and decides to take a chance. She revisits locations, visits with characters she has known, and meets new intriguing characters. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable book for a magical adventure. Aimie K. Runyan has done a wonderful job, writing and storytelling!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
MISSED CONNECTIONS by Aimie K. Runyon is a charming “sliding doors” novel.
I can be lukewarm on stories with even a little bit of magic, but I do love novels about strong ambitious women; the setting in international high-end restaurants drew me in. At a low point when the next job she tries for is in a restaurant run by a man Sabrina had a dramatic breakup with years ago, she finds herself under the care of a magical ticket agent who lets her go back in time to pivot points both personal and professional in her past – top restaurants in Ireland, New Orleans, Paris, Denmark. Lots of great kitchen scenes. Sabrina can bring her 37-year old maturity to situations that blew up in the past.
There is fun, but also gradual character growth. Through her career progression from basic line cook to restaurant general manager, Sabrina has been nurturing an ambition to become a Michelin inspector. This goal propelled her through the steps she needed to take, always hungry for the next promotion, and blogging on the side. I love a character walking purposefully through life. Two thumbs up for her character and portrayal.
Finally, the audiobook narration by Caroline Hewitt was a treat! Fantastic accent work.
Comps: Midnight Library (but less didactic); Insignificant Others; Second Courses
I can be lukewarm on stories with even a little bit of magic, but I do love novels about strong ambitious women; the setting in international high-end restaurants drew me in. At a low point when the next job she tries for is in a restaurant run by a man Sabrina had a dramatic breakup with years ago, she finds herself under the care of a magical ticket agent who lets her go back in time to pivot points both personal and professional in her past – top restaurants in Ireland, New Orleans, Paris, Denmark. Lots of great kitchen scenes. Sabrina can bring her 37-year old maturity to situations that blew up in the past.
There is fun, but also gradual character growth. Through her career progression from basic line cook to restaurant general manager, Sabrina has been nurturing an ambition to become a Michelin inspector. This goal propelled her through the steps she needed to take, always hungry for the next promotion, and blogging on the side. I love a character walking purposefully through life. Two thumbs up for her character and portrayal.
Finally, the audiobook narration by Caroline Hewitt was a treat! Fantastic accent work.
Comps: Midnight Library (but less didactic); Insignificant Others; Second Courses
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Missed Connections was an enjoyable read. Once I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down.
Sabrina is in her late thirties and finds herself unemployed. She wonders how this lapse in employment will impact her ability to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a Michelin reviewer/inspector. Sabrina has kept this goal a secret from friends and family.
We discover magical realism woven into the story when Sabrina encounters a ticket agent at the airport who gives Sabrina the opportunity to time travel back to significant moments in her life, allowing her to glean new insight into her past relationships and choices.
I enjoyed getting to know Sabrina and the author did a good job of drawing us into caring about the important people in her life. It was also interesting to learn more about what it takes to be a chef, run a restaurant, and become a Michelin reviewer. There were definitely times that Runyan’s descriptions of the food in the story made me hungry!
Since I’m not the biggest fan of magical realism, the fact that I enjoyed this book so much demonstrates what an incredible writer Runyan is. I definitely want to explore her other writing. This book comes out on 5/26/26.
Thank you Harper Focus (Harper Muse), through NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sabrina is in her late thirties and finds herself unemployed. She wonders how this lapse in employment will impact her ability to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a Michelin reviewer/inspector. Sabrina has kept this goal a secret from friends and family.
We discover magical realism woven into the story when Sabrina encounters a ticket agent at the airport who gives Sabrina the opportunity to time travel back to significant moments in her life, allowing her to glean new insight into her past relationships and choices.
I enjoyed getting to know Sabrina and the author did a good job of drawing us into caring about the important people in her life. It was also interesting to learn more about what it takes to be a chef, run a restaurant, and become a Michelin reviewer. There were definitely times that Runyan’s descriptions of the food in the story made me hungry!
Since I’m not the biggest fan of magical realism, the fact that I enjoyed this book so much demonstrates what an incredible writer Runyan is. I definitely want to explore her other writing. This book comes out on 5/26/26.
Thank you Harper Focus (Harper Muse), through NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews