Book Review: Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
The New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle returns with “a romantic gem” Expiration Dates about a young woman who decides to finally live for herself rather than rely on the universe for answers.
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a name: Jake.
But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.
“Daphne’s sometimes heart-wrenching, often heartwarming search for meaningful relationships, both romantic and platonic, is sure to inspire” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) new and longtime fans of Rebecca Serle.
Book Review
I received an advance review copy from @atriabooks on @netgalley for my honest review, and this is another one I wish I had read sooner! Serle is now on my auto-buy author list going forward.
“Expiration Dates” by Rebecca Serle is a fresh and enchanting take on romance that I couldn’t put down, devouring it in just one day. Daphne Bell’s life, dictated by slips of paper indicating the duration of her relationships, is both fascinating and deeply moving. Serle weaves a compelling narrative that challenges the notions of fate and self-determination, making Daphne’s journey profoundly relatable.
Daphne’s encounters, from her brief fling with Martin to her deeper connection with Noah, and ultimately, her complex relationship with her ex-boyfriend and best friend, Hugo, add layers of emotion and depth to the story. Each relationship teaches Daphne something new, leading her to question the very nature of love and destiny.
The twist comes with Jake, whose slip lacks an expiration date, throwing Daphne into a whirlwind of doubt and hope. As their story unfolds, Daphne’s internal struggle between following the universe’s plan and forging her own path is beautifully portrayed.
Serle’s writing is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, making “Expiration Dates” a romantic gem that stays with you long after the last page. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and delightful exploration of love and self-discovery.
Read if you like:
💚✨ Friends to Lovers
💚✨ Slow Burn
💚✨ Body Positivity
💚✨ Second Chance
