Just Haven’t Met You Yet

A lifestyle reporter known for interviewing couples about how they met yearns for a meaningful relationship of her own in this appealing but slow-moving rom-com from bestseller Cousens (This Time Next Year). Laura Le Quesne wants a meet-cute like the one her late parents had: her mother found half an antique ha’penny and traveled to the Channel Islands to reunite it with its mate, owned by Laura’s father. When Laura’s editor hears this tale, she sends Laura to Jersey to retrace their steps and write up their story. After her flight, Laura discovers that she accidentally swapped suitcases with a stranger—and, noticing the rom-com potential of this mishap, prays the handsome man she bumped into on her flight is the one who took her luggage. She sets out to track him down with the help of quirky, bearded taxi driver Ted. As Laura’s misadventures escalate, Ted listens patiently to her romantic flights of fancy and lends a shoulder when she learns some uncomfortable truths about her parents’ relationship, leading Laura to reevaluate what she’s looking for in love. While Laura’s meandering becomes repetitious and she can come across as self-involved, moments of humor and poignancy keep the pages turning. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Josie Silver will find plenty to enjoy. (Nov.)