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Our Common Thread: A Novel

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In this enchanting tale of modern love and timeless romance, a young woman’s extraordinary discovery whisks her away to alternate timelines―a multitude of possibilities, a singular love story.

Disconnected and listless, Mattie Bridges is fraying at the edges. Working as a wardrobe assistant on a charming Christmas movie in an even more charming small town should be a balm to her turmoil. But she still can’t find her footing.

And after getting lost in her own closet, her life―or more accurately, her lives―becomes a lot more unsteady.

Following a passageway hidden behind her clothes hangers, Mattie uncovers a portal to all the paths her life could have taken. Each reality sees her in a different career, different headspace, and sometimes, a different romance.

Meanwhile, in her current reality, she’s trying to untangle her feelings for her coworker, charming actor Austin Farrow. Between professional decorum and past trauma, Mattie doesn’t feel ready to explore that story further.

But if she’s been paying attention, she might see that her multiple realities aren’t that different after all. There’s a common thread running through them, and Mattie needs to decide whether to knot the thread, or let it unravel.

319 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2026

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About the author

Kahli Scott

1 book27 followers
Kahli Scott was born in the freezing north of Canada and raised on the subtropical east coast of Australia, where she completed her BFA in creative writing at Queensland University of Technology. She now lives in Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island (Te Waipounamu), working as the manager of the regional film office and writing as the sun rises over the mountains. Our Common Thread is Kahli’s first novel.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Cecily -  MillennialBookGal.
2,902 reviews23 followers
July 12, 2026
Thank you Kahli Scott and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.

4.25 Stars

I went into this novel a little bit cautious as I am not the biggest fan of time travel or multiple timeline tropes because it can be done so badly. However, I am super grateful I gave the novel a chance because I love how it was done.

What would you do if you had a chance to review those moments of crossroads, where a decision you make at that moment takes you in one direction but you have the ability to see how things would have gone if you chose the other path.

Mattie (with two t's) gets this chance but the way the author chooses to use these moments to teach Mattie to trust and believe in herself was my favorite aspect. There are a lot of nuances that I loved but this is why I love the use of magical realism more than straight fantasy.

I recently read The Book of Doors and both novels gave me that same sense of satisfaction by the end (though this one is more romantic).

The narrator was great and I even got to listen while enjoying a rainbow. Overall, a lovely experience.

Great read.
Profile Image for jo.
312 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2026
This is such an interesting, and a whimsical read! The premise of it hooked me right from the start, and I knew it would be a fun time.

Essentially we’re following our fmc Mattie, who’s a wardrobe assistant on a movie set. She uncovers a portal that takes her into alternative versions of her life. And we follow her journey whilst she goes through these alternative realities, and the anxieties of the “what ifs”.
It’s a very thought-provoking read. And I appreciated the message of it. I was rooting for Mattie right from the start. However, the romance aspect of the storyline did not convince me as much. The mmc seems too bland for my liking and I just didn’t see the connection of the two main characters together?

Still, it was a nice and a reflective read, and how the choices you make affect your life. How you should enjoy the present and get over the possibilities that could emerge from the “what ifs” of the other lives.

“He was there, in every timeline. The universe gave him to us, in every timeline. He’s our common thread.”


Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

Profile Image for Janeya De.
1 review
July 8, 2026
Wow!

I absolutely loved Our Common Thread. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story and found it so hard to put down. Kahli has a wonderful way of creating characters that feel genuine and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.

The writing flows beautifully, with the perfect balance of heart, emotion, and moments that kept me eagerly turning the pages. It is hard to believe that this is Kahlis first novel. I look forward to her publishing more.
Profile Image for Eline Pols.
119 reviews2 followers
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026
Thanks to netgally and the publisher for the arc! I was so excited when I got this arc! Anyone who knows Me knows I'm obsessed with everything parallel universe related. My (not yet published) debut novel revolves around a parallel universes romance! But I'm going to be honest the first 30% nothing happened and it was so boring, I couldn't connect to the story or the characters and the romance felt a little cheesy to me. I really tried to like this but finally decided to DNF at 54%. When the parallel universe portal finally happened I got invested but then nothing happened again. And even the grossly underrated fainting trope that I love couldn't save this story for me
Profile Image for reese ♡.
121 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 17, 2026
Our Common Thread follows Mattie Bridges, a wardrobe assistant working on the Christmas romcom Magic Season. Feeling out of place and convinced she has no future in the industry, Mattie plans to leave film industry once this production wraps. Life on set remains uneventful, until she meets her charming coworker, Austin Farrow.

One day, Mattie gets lost in her wardrobe and discovers that it is actually a portal to alternate timelines of her life. Each timeline reveals a different path she could have taken based on the choices she made. As she explores these possibilities, she realizes they all share a common thread, and this may involve Austin.

--

You know how sometimes the right book finds you at the right time of your life? That was what I felt while I was reading Kahli Scott's debut novel, Our Common Thread.

As someone who dwells on the what ifs and the other possibilities of nearly every decision that I've made in my life, I heavily related to Mattie Bridges. I'm at the point in my life where I am starting to question myself if I still belong in the same industry that I've been since I started my career and if I am truly deserving of the good opportunities that comes to my way. So when Mattie was introduced in the book, I immediately felt connected to her.

On the other hand, Austin Farrow is such a wonderful complement to Mattie's character. The moment Austin was introduced in the book, I couldn't help but to be charmed by him. Every single time he appears in the book, he is always just very endearing and when he actually got to know Mattie, he is nothing but kind and understanding with what she feels. The misunderstanding at the end of the book, was actually a valid reaction from Austin and something that I would understand from his point of view given his family's history, it was easy to extend him the same grace he had shown Mattie throughout the story.

What I loved most was how the book reminds us that no matter what timeline we're in, every version of ourselves has their own happiness and challenges. I found comfort in the idea that no path is truly perfect, that happiness is truly not just found in a single decision that we make in life.

What makes Our Common Thread stand out is its perfect balance between whimsy and heart. The exploration of alternate timelines was really fascinating and could have easily taken over the heart of this novel, but instead, the story was truly about grief, love, and self-discovery at its core.

More than anything, Our Common Thread is a good reminder to extend ourselves the same grace we give to other people and accept that regret and fear are part of being alive. There will always be another version of ourselves who made a different choice, took a different risk, or followed a different dream. I imagine every one of those versions felt scared at some point when faced with a big and important decision.

One quote from Austin resonated with me deeply:

"We're all afraid." Austin tosses his hands in the air. "All the time. For so long, I was afraid of making any decisions. I convinced myself that a decision I made led to my brother's death. I thought if I did as little as I possibly could, maybe my decisions wouldn't have a big consequence again. But it's impossible to be alive without making choices."

I nod. "And I want to be alive," I whisper.

"Me too," says Austin. "I realize that now."


This made me realize that being alive means continuing to choose despite our fears.

This book found me at a time when I needed to hear that message the most. For that reason alone, I know Our Common Thread will stick with me for a very long time.

Thank you to Kahli Scott, Little A, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Our Common Thread will be released on July 07, 2026.
Profile Image for mika.
190 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
[thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-arc!]

3.5 stars

if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the tiniest decisions, or if you've ever questioned what would've happened if you had done something differently, or just if you're currently going through a quarter-life crisis, i believe this novel is for you.

despite a successful career as a wardrobe assistant on movie sets, matty feels stuck in her life, not exactly dissatisfied but only wondering if true happiness lies somewhere else. amidst all the overthinking decisions she has made in the past, she finds a magic portal inside her closet, which leads her to alternate versions of her life. the story will follow matty as she tries to navigate the guilt of what-ifs and the anxiety of all the decisions that create new realities.

that is an intriguing plot, to say the least. other than the pretty cover, i was drawn to the concept of alternate universes and being able to know the consequences of different choices. the author created a fantastic world, and i loved the explanation for the portal at the end, which wrapped up the book really nicely.

however, there might have been too many different realities. until about half of the book, matty just visits timelines one after the other, so i was getting quite bored by the 40-ish% mark. it became somewhat redundant, even though she did learn something from each of them. consequently, the thunderstorm part felt a little drawn-out. several of her lives were not that necessary in the first place, but especially so during that part.

it was still very interesting to consider all that could've happened if she had acted differently in the past. it almost overwhelmed me, to be honest, as i was focusing on all the crossroads i have encountered in my life and wondering where i would be, and whether i would be happier, if i had taken another path. however, what the novel wants you to realise is that anywhere you end up, you will at some point question yourself and your past decisions, and you will wish for another life; but the most important thing is to appreciate it as it is and think about what you truly want in order to live it to the fullest. there is no point in overthinking yesterday, since it cannot be changed. it sounds a little corny, but i think sometimes you need to be reminded that life can't be all about fulfilment and happiness.

so, yes, loved that part of the book. the second half focuses more on the romance, which i will admit i didn't enjoy quite as much as the magical part. the character of austin felt a little bland (albeit very complex, as matty will be able to see through the portal) and even though he does seem to like matty a lot, and matty to like him just as much, i didn't feel much chemistry between them. they're actually a little boring, to be honest. (there's nothing wrong with being a boring couple, but. yes) maybe i would've liked it better if they just got together at the very end, instead of a little before that.

still, it was a nice, reflective read. there are some heavy topics that the author handles very well: alcoholism, death and grief and guilt, abusive relationships and the trauma they cause. this novel is not a wholesome romance, though it is part of it; it's about the choices you make and how they affect your life, and about finding the confidence and trust to not overthink them so much and find happiness in the now instead of grieving the endless possibilities for other lives.
Profile Image for Rach.
418 reviews
June 25, 2026
Our Common Thread follows Mattie Bridges, a wardrobe assistant on a Christmas movie who is trying to find her way in life, and Austin, an actor who plays a supporting role on the same set. One day, guided by a cat, she stumbles upon a hidden passageway in the back of her closet, which opens her up to a multitude of possibilities in terms of career and life trajectories.

I read the blurb of this and was immediately intrigued, as I love magical realism, but I didn’t expect it to remind me so much of other long-time favourites of mine. The magical apartment/time travelling, whimsical vibes and love interest plotline were reminiscent of The Seven Year Slip, while the ability to “try on” different lives based on different decisions Mattie made brought me right back to The Midnight Library. If books like these were also favourites of yours, this one may be right up your alley! In the same vein, I was filled with all the same feel-good emotions that magical books like this evoke, and yet I was grounded in reality by elements of deep reflection, life decisions, self-discovery and wisdom that was scattered between the pages.

I loved the unique elements that still made this book stand on its own, such as the common thread that bound the characters and timelines, the subtle surprises that were thrown in there and a periodic sense of mystery that kept me invested. I also appreciated how relatable the FMC was in her journey across the book and found myself rooting for her, particularly when she was dealing with her problematic ex-boyfriend. While the romance felt more like a subplot, I do wish this had been fleshed out a bit more so we could have seen greater buildup of tension or further interactions between the FMC and MMC.

Overall, a highly enjoyable and bingeable read that is both thought-provoking and comforting. What a great debut! Thank you to Brilliance Publishing (Brilliance Audio), Kahli Scott and NetGalley for an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Annette Jordan.
2,959 reviews62 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 29, 2026
Our Common Thread by Kahli Scott is an emotional romance with a magical element that charmed and delighted me. In this strong debut the author tells a story that will resonate with many readers , after all who has never imagined how differently their life might have turned out if they had made different choices, and here we get to see that play out for Mattie, a wardrobe assistant on a film set on location in a small town perfect for the cosy Christmas vibes of the movie. Following a messy break up that leaves her questioning her taste in men the job seems like the perfect time for Mattie to take stock of things in both her personal and professional lives, a process that is unexpectedly helped by a portal in her wardrobe that opens on to different versions of her life, where different choices lead to some surprising outcomes. However it does seem that in every version of her life the one common thread is her attraction to Austin Farrow, an actor, something that she is fighting not only for professional reasons but because of her past experiences.
I appreciated the blend of whimsy and reflection that the author brought to this story, I found myself rooting for Mattie and hoping that she would make the right choices to bring her both personal and professional happiness. The development of the relationship between Austin and Mattie was beautifully handled, it progressed in a way that felt believable and had me excited for their happily ever after. It is not all sweetness and light however, there is discussion of grief, alcoholism and coercive or abusive relationships, but again the author handles it sensitively and with a delicate touch.
I really enjoyed this story of love, magic and destiny .
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own .
Profile Image for Amanda.
118 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 15, 2026
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. Mattie is a fashion assistant on a movie set. On the set, we see Mattie meet and have a connection with Austin, one of the actors in the movie. Mattie is back at her apartment unwinding, when she hears a noise coming from her wardrobe. This noise gets her curious and she discovers this wardrobe is actually a portal to other timelines/versions of her life. This leads to an awkward encounter between Mattie and another version of Austin. This has Mattie questioning herself the next day about if what happened was actually real or just her imagination. She later reveals and talks to her friend, Margot, and neighbor, Florence, about what is happening with the wardrobe. This leads Mattie to follow her curiosity and enter the wardrobe multiple times to see what path she took and the different versions of herself that are revealed. One consistent in the timelines is Mattie and Austin. In each, an invisible thread seems to keep them connected/drawn to one another. This was an engaging and wholehearted read. I think the pacing in the beginning was a little slow. However, as Mattie dives more in the wardrobe, the story picks up pace and keeps you wanting to read more to see how the different timelines play out. This story has great supporting characters who provide the story and Mattie with found family, humor, healing, and love. I loved seeing Mattie grow as a character. Throughout her journey, she gains confidence and decides what she wants to make herself happy and fulfilled. If you enjoy books with romances with magical realism, this is a great read to pick up. :)
Profile Image for ObscureVi.
79 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I rarely read this type of books (gentler, where there's more focus on the self-discovery/growth of the character than the romance itself), but I think that this one found me at the perfect time when I needed something lighter and it just clicked in a way I never expected.

At some point in our lives, most of us, if not all, had at least one moment that followed with a question: What would happen if I did something else? What if I skipped school? What if I picked a different major? What if I stayed in a relationship that wasn't great for me? What if...

Following a noise, Mattie finds herself in another reality (thanks, magical wardrobe), one we could call alternate/parallel universe and soon realises that it shows her some of the outcomes on how her life could have looked, if only she picked differently. Yet, the universe itself it seemingly trying to tell her something, as all versions of her life have a common thread (hey, title drop!)

Mattie was pretty relatable and written in such a way, that I kept keeping my fingers crossed, hoping she will finally find her way. Austin on the other hand was an absolute cinnamon roll and I can't remember the last time the male main character made me feel so soft.

I do wish we got more of the build-up between Mattie and Austin, because it felt like we ended up with too little interactions between the actual (if you know, you know) couple.

Overall, I really enjoyed it to the point where I couldn't stop reading, because I wanted to know what will happen next. It was a fast read and I found the writing style light, perfect for this type of novel.
Profile Image for Neu Reads.
142 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)

Our Common Thread, a gentle and contemplative novel that explores themes of self-discovery and second chances. Centred around Mattie (2 t's!), a woman at a personal and professional crossroads, the story delves into the idea of parallel universes - that allow her to visit the consequence of life choices that she has made. I appreciated how the book uses these multiverse visits as a way to reflect on choices and growth, and the touch of magical realism that feels reminiscent of Ashley Poston’s style.

The romance was sweet and heartfelt, although I felt the chemistry was a bit understated; I would have loved to see a bit more build-up to their connection, as both characters come across as nice, but I wasn’t entirely convinced about what actually drew them together. Mattie’s background of leaving a previous toxic relationship was clear, and her journey towards valuing herself, rebuilding her confidence and moving forward is really the heart of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but felt like it was lacking in spark a bit - nice and comforting, but maybe missing that extra something to make it truly stand out. Still, I enjoyed it, and look forward to the author’s next work. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 stars—worth a read, especially if you enjoy thoughtful stories with a touch of magic.
Profile Image for Meghan.
4 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 2, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from netgalley
3.5

A sweet little romance with a side of magical realism/ alternate timelines?! Sold!

Mattie is on location in a cute little town called Casey River for her job as a wardrobe assistant for a Hallmark-y type Christmas movie. She's feeling a bit stuck and not sure exactly what she wants in life, not to mention coming off a breakup. One night she discovers a portal in the back of the wardrobe of her rental apartment that appears to lead to alternate timelines. While she's exploring these alternate timelines she's also spending time with an actor on the movie, Austin. I super loved the alternate timelines aspect of the book. Wondering what could have been if you'd taken a different path, and trying to decide if the one you're on is the "correct" one. And while I did like the romance and our MMC, Austin, I wish we could have had a just a little more development of their relationship and see them really get to know each other and fall for each other. I just wanted a bit more chemistry. I'd say if you're a fan of Ashley poston or The Good Part by Sophie Cousens, you'd probably like this one. Overall a really cutelittle read and I had a fun time. Will absolutely look for more from the author in the future!
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 30, 2026
I could not put this book down – loved, loved, loved it!

Full disclaimer: the author is my sister and I was the first person in the world to read this book, however that doesn’t mean my review isn’t accurate!

This book gave me a warm fuzzy feeling, it’s cosy and so relatable. I think we can all see parts of ourselves in Mattie, her decisions and her experiences.

Mattie is a wardrobe assistant filming a Christmas movie in a small town. She’s not satisfied with her life and is considering stepping out of the industry she’s worked so hard to be in.

One night, Mattie discovers a portal in her wardrobe which leads to other versions of her life. It is all about those “what if” moments and how your life could have turned out differently based on different decisions.

Of course, as the title suggests – there is one common thread in all the versions of Mattie’s life – and it takes her experiencing all these versions for her to realise what that is.

It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate what we have and it’s so well written – I can guarantee that you will get lost in Mattie’s worlds – all of them!
Profile Image for Kelly Powell.
380 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
I’m so glad Kahli reached out to share this book with me because I genuinely can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved the concept of the portals and exploring all the different versions of Mattie’s life. It’s such a relatable journey, who hasn’t hit a point where you start questioning how you got where you are, and what might’ve happened if you’d made different choices? I think so many women will see themselves in Mattie.

This is a slow-burn romance, but it’s just as much about self-discovery as it is about love. It's a story about finding yourself, learning to trust your own path, and being brave enough to take risks, even when you’re not quite ready.

I was completely engaged from the very beginning and never found myself bored. It had that soft, comforting, small-town charm that’s so easy to get lost in, with just enough originality to keep it interesting.

A feel-good read with a fresh and thoughtful edge. I’d absolutely recommend.

Thank you to the author for a physical ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Taylor.
88 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 26, 2026
I really thought this one was going to be a slam dunk for me. I loooove magical realism, alternate timelines, and stories that explore all the different paths a life can take.

Unfortunately, this one just never fully clicked.

My biggest issue was the pacing. It took nearly 30% of the book to get to the magical elements that initially drew me in, and by that point I was already struggling to stay invested. I kept waiting for the story to open up, but it stayed much quieter and more introspective than I expected.

I also never fully connected with the romance. Mattie and Austin were perfectly nice, but I didn't really feel the chemistry between them? I found myself wanting more from their relationship.

The audiobook was well done! I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy reflective stories about self-discovery. For me, though, the premise promised a little more magic and momentum than the story ultimately delivered.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Kahli Scott for the ALC!
Profile Image for Sara Loves Books.
201 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 29, 2026
Our Common Thread is one of those books that quietly works its way into your heart.

The alternate timeline concept immediately caught my attention, but what I loved most was that it never overshadowed the real story. At its core, this is a thoughtful novel about grief, love, forgiveness, and learning to accept the life you're living instead of mourning the one that might have been.

One of the things that stayed with me was the reminder that we're often much kinder to everyone else than we are to ourselves. Every decision we make means leaving another possibility behind, so it's only natural to wonder how life might have unfolded if we'd chosen differently. But this story gently reminds us that fear, regret, and second-guessing are all part of being human—and they don't mean we've taken the wrong path.

This is one I'll be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Kahli Scott, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. #netgalley

Life is crazy... go enjoy some fiction.
Profile Image for Kayla.
28 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Mathilda AKA Mattie is a wardrobe assistant on a romance movie filming in a “magical” small town. One night, she discovers a hidden passageway in the back of a wardrobe in her apartment that leads her into a portal of a parallel universe. Now she has to figure out why?

OMG SO GOOD! I loved Narnia as a kid and this book was a great nod to a nostalgic childhood classic. The magical realism in this novel was executed perfectly and wasn’t too unrealistically portrayed unlike some others that I have read. The narrator for the book was awesome! She kept me engaged the entire time and told the story with that hint of magic that the story itself had. The main characters had great chemistry and I loved how their story unfolded. Without giving too much away, this story was a great reminder to be grateful and appreciative of everyday, the choices we make, the people in our lives, the unique live paths we’re on, and to never stop believing in and standing up for ourselves. Five star book!
162 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 5, 2026
Since Mattie is a wardrobe assistant on a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie, it is fitting that when she discovers a portal to alternate versions of her life, it involves crawling through a literal wardrobe. At a crossroads in her life, and struggling with the demands of her career, the portal shows all the paths she didn’t take to help her figure out her future. The one constant in all her lives seems to be an actor from her current job, Austin Farrow. The developing romance was very sweet but took a back seat to Mattie personal growth and character development. I would have liked to see more of them together. The magical realism aspects were well executed but I wish there had been a bit more variation in the alternate timelines. The narration of the audiobook was great and added a lot to the story and characters. I think Boots the cat was my favorite character. Overall, this was a fun, quick and thought provoking read.

Thank you to Little A, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Cassandra York.
338 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2026
I LOVED reading Mattie’s story! I’m such a sucker for the whole theme of finding your common thread, the person you’d find in every timeline. The concept of a multiverse has grown increasingly popular in the 2020s and Scott does a wonderful job with her take on this genre. Each and every character in this story is so fun to get to know!

My only complaint is the marketing seems more juvenile than the contents of the book. While the cover art is really cute, it does give a YA feel. Also, I would’ve loved more! The pacing toward the end seems so abrupt with the way Austin finds everything out.

Despite these few drawbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Many parts made me very sentimental and grateful for the life I’m currently living. Here’s to romanticizing real life!

**Thank you to the author for reaching out and providing an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Profile Image for Noelle Winford.
22 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

I devoured this book. Somehow the author managed to describe the most confusing plot in a way that didn’t leave me confused at all, which is super impressive. The plot and themes are reminiscent of The 7 Year Slip, Midnight Library, and an even a bit of 13 Going on 30. This would Fans of Ashley Poston would adore this book. I really appreciated the way it discussed themes of relational trauma, learning to trust yourself, and gaining the perspective to appreciate what you have in front of you. Mattie was such a relatable character, and there are several moments that made me stop and think about my own life and how to take control of it. The only tiny thing I’d say is that I wished there were a bit more dialogue between the MMC and FMC in the beginning to add tension to their storyline. But other than that, I loved this heartwarming magical realism romance, and I can’t wait for it to hit shelves in July!
Profile Image for Michelle Preston.
219 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2026
Thank you so much to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for this ALC of Our Common Thread.

Our Common Thread is about Mattie (with 2 Ts) discovering a wardrobe that leads to different realities all while trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life in her current reality.

This was so interesting because it shows how true the butterfly effect can be. Any small change, even as small as a coin flip, can alter how your life plays out. It also touches on the invisible string theory where Austin and Mattie were always meant to be in each other’s lives.

Honestly, I would be questioning my entire existence too if I went to a different reality every night. I thought the pacing of the story was great. It kept me thinking the entire time, and I even teared up towards the end. This was truly a beautiful story.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was wonderful.
Profile Image for Nic.
298 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 29, 2026
I enjoyed this audiobook, wonderfully narrated by Charlotte Lobdell, but the story didn't reach its potential. The main timeline and alternates weren't explored in a satisfying way, which made them seem underdeveloped. The amount of handholding the reader through repetitions/narrative summaries of what happened annoyed me. As did the fact that the discovery of her first own alternate timeline takes ages. In general, the reader is soooo far ahead of her the whole time that it cast her in an unflattering light. There are lots of epiphanies of the inspirational calendar quote variety that felt forced and like they too were for the benefit of the reader. I was intrigued enough to keep listening until the end and was fascinated by the explanation of how the portal works and how it came to be. Clearly, the author is creative and has great ideas. I hope her next novel allows for more depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the free audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
87 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 6, 2026
One of my favorite reads so far this year. It’s a tightly woven, introspective story and there's something so exciting about reading a debut novel! So many details converge: as a wardrobe assistant for a film, Mattie uses colors and fabrics in her descriptions; as a behind-the-scenes crew member, she’s startled to find herself the main character; even tiny details, like how Mattie discovers the portal in thanks to meowing and the number 9 of the apartment next door curls like a cat’s tail. Beyond the romance, of finding the "common thread," it's an exploration of the what ifs through a character whose subservient personality is recovering from a traumatic relationship. The pacing is perfect, with the introduction of the setting and Mattie’s unrest just detailed enough to set the stage before moving on to exploring the magical portal. I feel lucky to have gotten to read this. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Profile Image for Lissa.
153 reviews
July 15, 2026
I love romance, and i love anything to do with time travel or parallel worlds. This book has both, which made it a perfect match for me! In essence, the story has quite a lot of classic romance elements, but the concept of parallel worlds adds a very fun touch! It made it such a refreshing read. The story wasn't too complicated, but I thought it was well-excecuted. The writing was fleunt and the chapters weren't too long, making me fly through the story. The characters were also great. Quite likeable, with subtle changes in character in the different worlds. They also had amazing chemistry. I was truly giggling and kicking my feet at times! The setting - a film set - was also lovely. I must admit, there could've been some more depth here and there, but overall this was a great read! I truly hope there will be more books by this author in the future, because I'm thrilled to read more.

3,75✨️

Thank you for the eArc @netgalley 💙
Profile Image for Annie.
152 reviews
April 13, 2026
An amazing debut novel with a fresh writing approach from author Kahli Scott. This time-travelling romance novel has magnetic appeal and an enchanting storyline.
Mattie the main protagonist works in the film industry as a wardrobe assistant when she meets Austin who plays a supporting role in the production being filmed.
A time portal is discovered and Mattie experiences several timeframes where she finds different versions of Austin. It is beautifully written and the plot weaves the connecting threads to bring this couple to a common understanding.
The supporting characters are also well developed and provide additional insight to the ebb and flow of the scenes. The story has a subtle complexity with a satisfying ending that ties all the elements up very nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Talya.
164 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2026
Everyone knows I am a sucker for books that involve time travel and alternative timelines, and this one did not disappoint. It follows Mattie (with two ts), a costume assistant working on a Hallmark style Christmas movie who discovers a portal to different timelines hidden inside the wardrobe of her short term rental. As she navigates these alternate realities, she begins to develop feelings for one of the film’s actors. She dismisses the idea as impractical, only to realize that every timeline seems to include some version of him. The characters are multidimensional and believable, which made the story very engaging. The slow-burn romance was not the central focus of the plot. Instead, the heart of the book is Mattie’s journey of self discovery, as she learns who she is by experiencing the many possible versions of herself across different timelines.
Profile Image for Pandora.
476 reviews135 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
It's hard to believe this book is a debut because it was utterly fantastic. The perfect kind-of whimsical magical realism paired with real world problems. I didn't want to stop reading this book from the very beginning, it had a way of pulling me right in and besides, who doesn't want a magical wardrobe in their life? It also sparks that thought in your head of what if? What if I'd not taken that job? What if I'd gone down a different path?

I could find myself relating to Mattie easily, with questioning if she was where she wanted to be in life and particularly when she was dealing with her manipulative gas lighting ex boyfriend as I've certainly been quite a people pleaser in the past. I'm glad that Mattie stood up for herself and found the confidence to know what she didn't deserve and later on, what she did deserve.
Profile Image for Jalin.
27 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 24, 2026
If you believe in soulmates or are interested in multiverse and red string theories, Our Common Thread could definitely be for you. It is a love story full of fantasy, mystery, self-discovery, and science fiction set in a small town during the production of a Christmas movie. I liked the exploration of Mattie’s different paths and where she ended up compared to her own. I was also fond of several of the minor characters and the roles they played in Mattie’s personal development and coping with learning of alternative timelines throughout the plot. At times, I was hoping for more romance but I greatly appreciated the depth of the science fiction elements. Overall, I enjoyed reading this debut romance novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review. Our Common Thread is expected to be published on July 7th, 2026.
Profile Image for Sarah Beth G. (a.neverending.tbr).
995 reviews18 followers
July 5, 2026
Time slip books and magical realism are almost always going to work for me. I liked the unique setting of this story and the nod to the wardrobe. The storyline was well plotted and interesting. I did expect Mattie to spend more time in the alternate timelines and so the beginning to middle dragged a bit for me. However, I enjoyed watching Mattie trying to figure out the common threads of her alternate lives and the soulmate concept. Overall I thought this was a solid and enjoyable debut, it just felt a little long for the story that it told.

The narrator was a good choice and did a great job bringing the characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Fade to black to closed door romance; some strong language
Profile Image for Acey Reeves.
228 reviews
July 8, 2026
3.75 rounded up. I loved so many parts of this. The multiverse travel was such a fun concept, and it was easily my favorite aspect of the book.

This could have been a five-star read for me if the romance had been more developed. I needed more show than tell when it came to the relationship and the emotional connection between the characters.

I also really liked the side characters, but I wish they had been a bit more fleshed out. Overall, this was a cute read, but I hate that it didn’t fully live up to my expectations or to what I felt was its full potential.

Overall, this was a cute and entertaining read, but I can’t help feeling disappointed that it didn’t quite live up to what I felt was its full potential or to the expectations I had going in.

Thank you netgalley for the audiobook arc!
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