Maybe This Time by Cara Bastone
A Delightful Time-Travel with Heartwarming Chemistry
Maybe This Time offers a refreshing take on the time-travel genre with a unique blend of romance, humor, and a dash of science fiction. The story revolves around June Flint, a high school English teacher who unexpectedly finds herself eighty-five years in the future after a solar flare. What makes her situation even more bizarre is that her phone still works—though it only connects her to Mikey, the gym teacher from her own time.
What starts as a desperate call for help quickly evolves into an unlikely and heartwarming friendship. Mikey, known for his easy-going nature and knack for making people laugh, is the last person June expects to rely on. Yet, through a series of increasingly charming and funny phone calls, the two form a bond that defies time itself.
June convinces Mikey that the only way to save her is to befriend her present-day self, a task that’s easier said than done. Present-day June is shy, standoffish, and has always kept Mikey at arm’s length, not particularly fond of his carefree attitude. Watching Mikey navigate this challenge is both amusing and touching, as he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to this reserved version of June, discovering depths to her that he hadn’t noticed before.
The dual timelines create a fascinating dynamic, allowing readers to explore how relationships can evolve across different contexts and personalities. The chemistry between Mikey and both versions of June is nothing short of adorable, with the author skillfully balancing the playful banter and deeper emotional connections that develop over time.
The quirky time-travel science, involving wormholes and solar flares, adds a fun twist to the plot without overwhelming the story. It serves as a backdrop to the real focus of the book: the developing relationships and the ways in which people can change when given a second chance—or, in this case, a chance through time.
The audiobook format brings this story to life, making it an enjoyable listen that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The narrator does a fantastic job of capturing the distinct personalities of June and Mikey, enhancing the humor and emotion in their interactions.
