Juni hasn't been truly in love since her teenage years, with her high school sweetheart Alex. On her thirty-third birthday, she finds a letter, a promise they made when they reluctantly parted ways after graduation. In the letter, they promised to seek each other out when they were thirty-plus and dusty, and if they happened to be single, they would give the relationship another chance. Win or lose, Juni sends a message to Alex. It turns out that Alex is also single, and the summer in Stockholm is filled with dates. At the same time, Juni's job as an interior designer takes off when she gets the chance to pitch a big assignment that could make her dream of opening her own studio come true. The carousel spins faster and faster when she also takes on the assignment of decorating Alex's cousin Leo's large attic, and soon she is faced with situations and decisions she didn't see coming. Could it be that returning to her history could actually be the key to finding her future?

The one that got away is, quite simply, about the greatest of all: Love. About the desire to find a way back to that unspoiled, exuberant and naive love that you might only experience the first time you're truly in love. That relationship that ended abruptly or was just completely wrong geographically or in terms of timing.

 

350   Pages

 

Reviews: 

"100 percent Feelgood" - Ölandsbladet magazine

"This is certainly not a story that runs straight from A to B, where you know exactly how it will all end. It winds its way back and forth, offering a mix of euphoria and complications, beautiful friendships, fraught family ties, and—of course—a generous dose of nostalgia. It also feels incredibly fresh and modern, and the dialogue is truly well-crafted.

All in all, it’s a wonderful rom-com—actually one of the best I’ve read in a long time. A truly delightful read!" - ihyllan

 

"I really enjoyed the story... I had high expectations, but as I read, I came to appreciate how it stands out and differs from what I had originally imagined.

The writing is superb, though slightly challenging. It feels very modern and distinctly "Stockholm." To me, Sager’s style is reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella’s—modern, charismatic, and captivating!
The descriptions of the setting are beautiful and idyllic, capturing places like the Stockholm archipelago.
The book has a summery feel, too; it allowed the summer to linger a little longer for me, even now that we’re into September.

I highly recommend this feel-good gem! Summery, charismatic, and a real mood-lifter!"- @aswedishbooklover

 

"This was a book I really fell for—a charming, romantic story that drew me in from the very first moment. I constantly wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen to Juni, Alex, and the characters around them.

The concept of a teenage promise coming back to life years later is both fun and a bit nostalgic. At the same time, the story offers unexpected twists, wonderful characters, and just the right amount of emotion, making it hard to put down once I’d started.

I loved how Eleonor portrays love—not just that first great love, but also how life changes us and how the path to happiness and love rarely turns out the way we imagined. The road is seldom straight; there are twists and bumps along the way to the destination.

The One That Got Away is a heartwarming, accessible story about daring to look back in order to move forward! I truly loved this story!"- Lollosbokhorna

 

"A delightfully humorous story that made me laugh right from the very first chapter. The humor hits just the right note, and I smiled and laughed out loud many times while reading." - Boktokig

 

 

"When I hear the plot, I imagine a book that’s predictable and a bit wishy-washy. But boy, was I wrong—this book takes paths I didn't expect. At least for a while. It relies heavily on dialogue, and I love it; the exchanges are snappy, funny, and highly entertaining. There are also elements of a podcast included, which is equally entertaining. Plus, Juni is a truly wonderful character. I got it recommended and am so glad I read it. This is truly a book that drew me in completely—one I just wanted to stay immersed in." - emiliesboktips

 

 

"This is truly a book that surprises and feels like a breath of fresh air. Instead of following a predictable path, it offers an unexpected narrative—filled with joyful moments, dark complications, and fractured family relationships—that keeps moving forward.
What lingers is just how incredibly lifelike the dialogue feels. Combined with the beautiful bonds of friendship and the story's warmth, this gives the entire book a fresh, modern feel. It is one of the best books I have read this year—a novel about relationships that is full of heart and depth, and which resonates deeply with the reader." - boktokigaida