A review by marcyjmf
Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love a good time travel or time loop story and have read as many as I can get my hands on, so I was really excited to dive into Time Loops & Meet Cutes. And honestly? It was such a fresh take on the trope that it completely won me over. Jackie Lau brings her signature humor, warmth, and heart to this story, making it not just a fun romance, but something deeper and more meaningful.

The setup is classic: Noelle Tom is stuck reliving the same Friday after eating some mysterious dumplings. But what makes this book stand out is that she’s not the only one in the loop—Avery, a stranger to her before this all started, is also stuck. Their friendship quickly becomes one of the best parts of the book, adding both humor and heart. Instead of feeling trapped and isolated, Noelle has someone to navigate the chaos with, making the story feel even more dynamic and hopeful.

Of course, there’s romance—Cam, the charming brewery owner, is easy to fall for—but this book isn’t just about finding love. It’s also about finding yourself. Through Noelle’s repeated day, she gains a new perspective on her life, her family, and her friendships. It’s about the messy, imperfect relationships that actually make life feel full and happy. The story is heartfelt, funny, and uplifting in a way that sticks with you.

This was my first book by Jackie Lau, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m so excited to go back and dig into her back catalog because if this book is any indication, I’m in for some amazing reads. And if you loved The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, I can almost guarantee you’ll love this one too. It has that same mix of magical realism, romance, and self-discovery that makes for such a compelling and emotional story.

If you love time loop stories but want one that feels fresh and full of heart, this is worth picking up. Time Loops & Meet Cutes is the book that makes you smile, think, and maybe even appreciate your perfectly imperfect life a little more.