Missed Connections
A Novel
Will be published approx. on 30. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-4003-5325-5 (ISBN)
Description
What if you had the chance to revisit every choice that mattered?
Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and just lost a fabulous job as manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. She heads home to California for her younger sister's engagement party, and it's an open door for her mother and siblings to chide Sabrina for her inability to commit to any of her previous jobs and relationships. What they don't know is that Sabrina, for fifteen long years, has been building her resume in hopes of becoming an inspector for the famed MICHELIN guides-a path that has required keeping her ambitions hidden, even from her family. And, with the job loss, all she's worked for is in jeopardy. After her mother's final clumsy attempt to fix her up with the charming "boy next door," Sabrina leaves the party and retreats to the Burbank Airport.
The problem? She has nowhere to go.
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. Has she been wasting her life? Faced with the enormity of her next decision, Sabrina breaks down at the ticket counter. The ticket agent pulls her aside and offers her the life-altering opportunity to revisit some of her key life choices, both personal and professional. 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? And will a spark with an aspiring Danish chef change her priorities altogether?
Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and just lost a fabulous job as manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. She heads home to California for her younger sister's engagement party, and it's an open door for her mother and siblings to chide Sabrina for her inability to commit to any of her previous jobs and relationships. What they don't know is that Sabrina, for fifteen long years, has been building her resume in hopes of becoming an inspector for the famed MICHELIN guides-a path that has required keeping her ambitions hidden, even from her family. And, with the job loss, all she's worked for is in jeopardy. After her mother's final clumsy attempt to fix her up with the charming "boy next door," Sabrina leaves the party and retreats to the Burbank Airport.
The problem? She has nowhere to go.
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. Has she been wasting her life? Faced with the enormity of her next decision, Sabrina breaks down at the ticket counter. The ticket agent pulls her aside and offers her the life-altering opportunity to revisit some of her key life choices, both personal and professional. 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? And will a spark with an aspiring Danish chef change her priorities altogether?
Reviews / Votes
'A feast of culinary delights, a fairy godmother, and a chance to rewrite the past? Yes, please. Textured with regret, soul-searching, and second chances, MISSED CONNECTIONS is thoughtful, heartfelt, and magical. Truly a novel you'll want to savor.' * Heather Webber, USA TODAY bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe * 'A poignant story about timing, fate, and emotional risk. Runyan captures longing with grace and restraint. Romantic without being sentimental. A quietly beautiful read.' * Laura F., bookseller on Netgalley * 'Aimie Runyan has written the perfect book for foodie readers, romantics, and anyone who has ever dreamed of a do-over. Sabrina Sorenson has plotted a meticulous career in the restaurant industry, honing her palette in hopes of becoming a Michelin inspector--but a holiday dig from her critical mother has her wondering if she's chasing the wrong goals. When a mysterious airport ticket inspector gives her the opportunity to revisit past crossroads in her life--failed relationships, jobs not chosen, ladders unclimbed--Sabrina has the chance to discover what she truly wants. I finished MISSED CONNECTIONS with a big smile and an even bigger craving for a craft cocktail, a perfectly plated strawberry marzipan tart, and a plane ticket to Europe.' * Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Astral Library * 'Delicious, page-turning, and ultimately relatable. Book clubs will devour this story of love, life, and lost (and found?) connections.' * Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author of Insignificant Others * 'Fans of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY will devour this delicious story of a woman who gets a magical opportunity to re-do pivotal life choices. With the fascinating backdrop of culinary culture from New Orleans to Copenhagen to Paris, this whimsical tale is full of hard-won insights about work, love, passion, and family. I was utterly entranced by the mystical airport from which our heroine boards flights to key moments of her past--gaining wisdom, standing up for herself, and, ultimately, creating a fulfilling pathway ahead. You'll be wishing for your own enchanted airplane flight . . . Enjoy the ride!' * Laura Resau, author of THE ALCHEMY OF FLOWERS and THE RIVER MUSE * 'In MISSED CONNECTIONS Aimie K. Runyan enchants the reader from the first word, striking the perfect blend of whimsical magic with the emotional depth of a story about a woman journeying back in time to relive her life's most pivotal moments. Journeying through the culinary world of Michelin restaurants, readers will practically taste the dishes, feel the heartache, and find themselves pondering the timeless question: What if I had the chance to redo life's big moments? It was a book I wished would never end.' * Grace Helena Walz, author of Good Hair Days * 'Well-rounded characters, a touch of magic, and a delicious peek into the inner workings of restaurants enhance Runyan's latest (after THE WANDERING SEASON, 2025) and should make for good book group discussions.' * Booklist * 'What if you could revisit the moments that mattered most? MISSED CONNECTIONS answers that question in a beautifully written, fast-paced novel filled with mouthwatering food, emotional depth, and just the right touch of magic. Aimie K. Runyan explores ambition, love, and second chances with heart and honesty. With a determined heroine you'll root for, this is a novel you'll savor long after the last page. It's my favorite book of Runyan's yet.' * Eliza Knight, USA TODAY bestselling author of Lost in the Summer of '69 * 'What would you change about your life? This book offers you a look into what might have been. The incredible characters and chance to look at your own life in retrospect will hopefully let you see what you have now and accept or cherish it.' * Theresa Hess, bookseller at Macdonald Book Shop in Estes Park * 'With its razor-sharp understanding of high-end restaurant culture and its moving exploration of life's turning points, MISSED CONNECTIONS will resonate with fans of 'The Bear' and readers drawn to the emotional what-ifs of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. A compelling meditation on ambition, regret, and belonging. Don't miss this excellent book!' * Barbara O'Neal, bestselling author of The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Focus
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
258 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4003-5325-5 (9781400353255)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Internationally bestselling author Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate unsung heroines. She has written six historical novels (and counting!) and is delving into the exciting world of contemporary women's fiction. She has been a finalist for the Colorado Book Award three times, a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' 'Writer of the Year,' and a Historical Novel Society's Editors' Choice selection. Aimie is active as a speaker and educator in the writing community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two adorable (usually) children, two very sweet cats, and a pet dragon. Visit her online at aimiekrunyan.com; Instagram: @bookishaimie; Facebook: @aimiekrunyan; X: @aimiekrunyan