REVIEW: Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

In Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne, Dr. Miranda Reed is kind of a big deal in the physics world. With the publicity, attention, and money it’s brought to Nova University, she thought she would surely receive full tenure. But…nope. The board instead offers Miranda a sabbatical year. Some time to relax and reset, then go back to lecturing as per normal. Armed with a few choice words for them, her best friend as well as her aunt talks Miranda down from making a scene. And they give her another choice. Instead of spending the year getting caught up on reading physics journals and ordering takeout, why not go the way of Eat, Pray, Love? But in Miranda’s case her focus will be on astrology–something she’s scoffed at in the past.

“Life isn’t meant to be hypothesized.”
I frown, not liking that one bit. “What’s life meant for then?”
Aunt Lillian smiles. “To be lived.”

Following her horoscope instead of the laws of science is most definitely not easy for Miranda. Neither is interpreting the sometimes intentionally vague wording. But as she begins to see astrology in action and dedicates herself to learning every detail about it, even she can admit the turnout is eerily accurate at times. Case in point, Miranda’s neighbor, artist Simon Archer. As her horoscope warns of distractions from her true goals, she finds moody Archer to be a diversion that was at first unwelcome but soon proves to be a great friend. And it muddles Miranda’s emotions. Because when she’s supposed to be having a good time dating Christian, a guy who literally saved her life–and a guy whose natal chart matches hers perfectly–she can’t help but think of Archer. And it leaves Miranda to wonder if astrology is another crutch in her life keeping her from going after what’s in her heart.

“Just for tonight, be Miranda. Not an astrologist, not an astronomer. Just a woman who believes she makes her own destiny. Who doesn’t believe the stars determine our personality or love match.”
For a moment I only look at him then I hear myself whisper, “Okay.”

MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE had the laughs, heartfelt sentiments, and lively dialogue I expect from Lauren Layne as well as a heroine on a wholly relatable journey of self-realization and introspection.

‘There is maybe just the tiniest part of me that can’t stop wondering: Am I following my heart? Or my horoscope?’

A Lauren Layne book is always a guaranteed good time. MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE was definitely no exception but it also had the added bonus of being focused on a heroine who was a woman in STEM. So, Miranda wasn’t necessarily your typical female lead. What she was, though, was a woman who defined herself as a scientist. Period. She didn’t have hobbies, didn’t really date. She did have a terrific best friend (Daphne) and a lovable, eccentric aunt (Lillian) who had her back through everything. And those two women were the ones who set Miranda on her year-long Eat, Pray, Love style quest to listen to the universe–and her heart–instead of strictly following science.

Miranda was such a likable, fun character. She might have been all about physics and astronomy, but she radiated this positivity that I adored. And when she had to interact with her grumpy artist neighbor Archer? It was entertaining as all get-out. Now, there was a bit of a lowkey love triangle between Miranda, Archer, and a man who saved her life, Christian. But there was no cheating involved. And it wasn’t super angsty or frustrating.

Instead, I thought Layne showed a very realistic slant to Miranda’s pledge to follow her horoscope–which of course led to her having to interpret what it said and how it applied to her life. And then to further that, the big questions that came up had her wondering if she was actually following her heart and going with her gut instinct or was she yet again–just like with science–relying on a set of instructions to point her in a certain direction? Something I found understandable and thought-provoking.

QOTD: Do you read your horoscope or follow astrology?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: August 13th, 2024 | by Gallery Books |

After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan .

As the youngest physics professor at her university, practical-minded Miranda Reed plans her life with minute precision. But that’s before she’s denied tenure and the promotion she thought was guaranteed. Suddenly, her tidy life is anything but constant.

Overdue for a sabbatical, Miranda takes some time to look towards the stars—only this time, she’s not looking for black holes. With her faith in science shaken, Miranda turns to a practice she’s long dismissed as astrology.

Determined to figure out why her life has suddenly gone sideways, Miranda commits to a year of letting her horoscope guide her. Put a down payment on a home? Not while Mercury’s in retrograde. Spontaneous dinner party invitation? Sorry, horoscope says Gemini Rising best stay in tonight. And as far as the intriguingly aloof artist living next door? Never. His Aries energy is all wrong. On the other hand, the charming father of her new tutoring pupil is Sagittarian perfection. Made for her…right?

As Miranda navigates life with new a perspective, she slowly discovers neither science nor the stars have all the answers. And that, when it comes to love, you sometimes just have to trust your heart.