Rebecca Serle is very talented at setting the stage. In each of her novels, I have a vivid sense of the setting, in this case Los Angeles. Every locale is staged with the finest furniture and knick knacks, and the views are spectacular. The characters are dressed in impeccable costumes, including the proper accessories. The food descriptions make my mouth water. These novels are very aesthetically pleasing.

I also love the premise of her novels, the little magical realism twist. In this one, Daphne knows how long each of her romantic relationships will last because she always finds a slip of paper inscribed with the guy’s name and a length of time.

The thing about this novel (and I felt the same way about In Five Years) is that it is presented as a fun, magical romance story, but there are subplots in here that veer away from the story and create a heavy vibe that doesn’t match the rest of the lighthearted plot. I also feel like the character development is a little too forced. Whenever characters suddenly realize that they’re in love or feelings just come over them out of nowhere, it leaves me wishing there had been more in the text to show me why that happened.

There were a couple of little surprises for me in this story, but overall it was predictable and unsatisfying. As much as I find the idea of Rebecca Serle novels appealing, the reality doesn’t live up to my expectations.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS:
Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me a chance to review this book. My opinions are my own.
Follow-up books can be difficult when authors do well right out of the gate. Having said that, the story of Daphne and her pieces of paper was fairly predictable. For this reader, it lacked reasons to care for Daphne. It is a short read that can be enjoyed over an afternoon. I hope the author keeps aiming to write stories that more women can relate to.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A delightfully heartwarming romance, sprinkled with: magical realism; an insecure heroine (yet to discover her own shiny essence); a bevy of handsome prospective beaus; and a bantering, gentle, humorous cadence that oozes authenticity and charm. Not to mention a glamorous LA setting, sure to catch the interest of even the most casual star-struck reader.

Daphne Bell, thirty-three years old, is looking for love. Or better said, Daphne is looking for guidance on love. Because Daphne wants to get it right - wants to find her Mr Right, her soul mate, the partner with whom to share her life - with no expiration date attached.

An ask that is perhaps more difficult than it seems, for, beginning at the tender age of seven, (Grade Five), Daphne has been receiving strange anonymous notes, penned by an unfathomable know-all-things spirit, instructing her on the name and duration of her next romantic partnership.

As Daphne, our first person POV, has learned to navigate the strangeness of a world replete with these instructions, her narrative interweaves timelines to fill the reader in on these pre-ordained relationships in her past, leading us to her current situation. A flurry of vignettes follows, each as engaging and spirited as a mini episode of “Modern Love”, outlining the young Daphne’s romantic past, and helping us understand the complications involved. For, without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), all is not as it seems with Daphne.

For our heroine has secrets, dark ones, yet to be revealed. And a lesson, hard-fought, to be learned.

I loved this book - the touch of magic, the story, the characters, and the perfectly crafted ending. And who could resist the sweetness and the quirkiness, counterbalanced by the mind-nudging question-bubbles floated tantalizingly by the author.

Questions ultimately raised, and faced head-on, without need, or fear, of answers. Questions about love, and living, and letting go.

And the wonder that may be waiting, just around the corner, if a heart is ready and open.

This one made me cry! It’s one of those books that makes you sad at times but yet so happy overall.

I loved, loved, loved the setting; California holds a very special place in my heart, so the fact that this book doesn’t focus on the glamorous, glitzy side of the Golden State is wonderful.

I knew that there was something more than the notes that Daphne wasn’t sharing, and while I kind of suspected what it was, it still shocked me. The profound message of living life to the fullest because you only get one chance isn’t presented in a didactic fashion; rather, it’s beautifully incorporated throughout the book. That there is a finite time to life and everything in it, while so simple, is a constant gentle reminder. The ending made me smile so much!

Daphne’s relationship with her parents and some of their conversations were emotional and deeply touching. It was heartwarming to see that bond.

I found the idea of the notes a bit fantastical, but it works so well with Serle’s viewpoint on dealing with mortality (with regards to both life and relationships).

I really wanted to like this, I've loved Serle's other books, I just did not connect with the writing. I was not invested or interested in any of the characters and they felt two dimensional. Maybe in another time I would've resonated and with it more and connected with it, but sadly not now.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful book about love and life and difficult situations. Serle always manages to write stories that immediately pull me in! The only thing that fell flat for me was the end - but I also think this is the thing that will be most interesting to chat about with friends who also read it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!

EXPIRATION DATES by Rebecca Serle is quick read with a great premise but it lacks depth.

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁:
Daphne, now 33 years old, receives a slip of paper with a name and duration on it every time she meets a new man — it’s the exact amount of time they will be together. The last note she receives does not have a duration. Does this mean that her and her new man have no expiration date; that they’ll be together... forever?

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 & 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
I tried to like it but was left wondering what the point was. There’s something about making your own destiny buried in the story.

There’s a thing that happens at the 60% mark. Rebecca Serle loves to do this type of thing. It did not add to the story and it was not “a great exploration of” the thing nor did it “bring awareness” to the said thing. I can’t tell you what the thing is because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Just know that the thing was pointless.

When I wrote essays in Advanced Literature my early criticism from Ms. Pile (my teacher) was that there was a lot of “padding” in my writing. I can still see the red pen marks on my essays with the word “Padding” scribbled in the margins. She would scribble the same thing in the margins of this book. This book has A LOT of padding — unnecessary descriptions of random things and places. There was no need for a detailed description of Irene’s house, closet and relationship status. What was even the point of Irene? Relevance, your honour! All this padding could have been better used to add depth to the characters and develop their chemistry which was lacking.

There was a small twist towards the ending that I did not predict. The twist was good and I wish it came earlier.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱?
If you like Rebecca Serle’s books, you might enjoy this one. If you were rolling your eyes at IN FIVE YEARS, like I was, then this one is probably not for you.

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for an advanced copy!

Rebecca wows in her first romance that had me laughing and crying.

I love Rebecca Serle’s writing. Her novels always make me laugh and cry. Her characters are warm, flawed, funny and tragic. She makes me think and feel emotions with every book of hers I’ve read (In Five Years is one of my favourite books). So when I heard the synopsis of Expiration Dates and learned it was her first true romance, I was already sold, with some high expectation. I’m delighted to say that Rebecca far exceeded my expectations with Expiration Dates.

I love Rebecca’s writing - it’s crisp but poignant. Her characters come to life off the page and feel like friends and people I know. In Expiration Dates, we meet Daphne Bell, who has a weird thing that happens to her. Every time she meets a new man, she discovers a slip of paper somewhere that day that tells her how long she’s going to be in a relationship with him. This weird happening has ruled her love life. Sometimes the relationships end. Other times she stays with them longer than she’d like because of the timeline. Other times she ends something she likes because the paper told her it was over. Throughout the book, Daphne has to decide whether she’s living her life by fate or destiny. Does she have to do what the paper says? If her true love doesn’t fill her cup with joy, even though the paper says he is, does that mean she’s wrong, or the paper? Interspersed through her story with Jake, the only man she’s met that hasn’t had an expiration date, we get to experience her other relationships, both the happy and the sad. Throughout the book we also get a glimpse into Daphne’s life and the different situations that have led her to the life she’s currently living.

Expiration Dates obviously has romantic relationships in it, but I am loath to tell you too much about any of them because the relationships are really crucial elements of the plot. Daphne is a wonderful character: she’s smart, funny, loyal and flawed. She has secrets that she struggles to share with people she cares about and people who want to care about her. Watching her grow and go after the love she wants in life is all crucial parts of the story. In the afterword, Rebecca comments that “all of Daphne’s chapters matter, just like all of mine did, just like all of yours do.” Expiration Dates is about all of the moments in our lives that bring us to the people that matter and the opportunities that define us.

Swoony, filled with magical realism, and a letter to all kinds of love: family, friends and lovers, Expiration Dates is the perfect book to read when you need a little happiness in your life.

I loved this book so much! I really appreciate that Rebecca Serle can tell such big stories in such tight, short novels. I read this one so quickly, it was so easy to connect with the main character, Daphne and I enjoyed living vicariously through each of her dating/relationship stories that wove the story together. If you have enjoyed other books by this same author, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.

I really wanted to fall in love with this one. And I liked it. But I never fell in love.

The concept of knowing exactly how long each relationship would last would not work for me in real life. I would one hundred percent of just lit the bridge on fire and watched it burn just to see if I could make it shorter than the time I was given. Or I would be never be invested knowing it would end.

However, it was a very fun concept for a book. I just never felt any connection for the relationship in the book so I didn’t really buy in to a lot of the story.

Fun, light and an enjoyable read but no wow factor for me.

Sometimes I wait months to post about a book, sometimes I barely wait 24 hours. With Expirations Dates it's the latter. I read it over the course of a day. If I hadn't had other obligations I would have consumed it in one sitting. Here's why I was so drawn in:

If you knew the EXACT length of a romantic relationship, would you still begin it? Would you trust yourself fully to that other person, or always be holding back part of yourself in order to protect your heart???

Every time Daphne Bell meets a potential love interest, she mysteriously (magically?) receives a piece of paper with their name and a date stating how long they'll be together. It has always been accurate.
This story kicks off with Daphne finding a new piece of paper with *just* a name. Has she found her soulmate? Does this mean there will be no time limit to this relationship?

Friends, this premise is *chef's kiss*. The execution of the idea is so well done. It is warm-hearted, hopeful and has excellent pacing. Twice, when I thought things were starting to get predictable, BAM a nugget of truth was revealed that changed my entire outlook on the situation. (I may have also dramtically paused in those moments to gush about it to the Hubs.) 👏👏👏 If you haven't guessed by now, know that I loved it.

Expiration Dates would be great for a book club and could lead to great discussions on:
📚 soulmates
📚 the question, "Is love enough?"
📚 the role of fate vs. free will

Expiration Dates is out Mar 19!

#ExpirationDates @rebecca_serle #2024reads #fiction #bookstagram #bookjournal #newreleases #canadianbookstagram

This was my first Rebbeca Serle read and it makes me want to check out more of her work. A beautiful story although not romance-heavy, you'll love watching Daphne and Jake's relationship blossom. I do feel that the ending was somewhat lacking and left me wanting a bit more and that some characters could have been fleshed out a bit more.

CW: death, grief

The cover for this book is beautiful. I loved Daphne as a character, as well as Jake, and I loved them together. The premise was intriguing. However, the story felt unfinished in several ways. The chapters flipped back and forth between the present and each of Daphne's previous relationships, but we don't find out why or what purpose that serves. I hated Hugo - he was bitter and jealous. I thought the first big twist was an intriguing one, but I hated the second one, and I wish the outcome was different. Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Simon & Schuster Canada for the e-ARC of EXPIRATION DATES by Rebecca Serle in exchange for my review. This novel will be released on Mar. 19th.

This is going to be a hot read for book clubs! "Expiration Dates" by Rebecca Serle is a whimsical exploration of love and time. Serle has crafted a novel that resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that love, like time, is both finite and infinite.

Readers are told a captivating tale that transcends the boundaries of its genre. Serle takes readers on a literary journey with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart.

Meet Daphne Bell. She 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: the exact amount of time they will be together. These numbered papers have been a constant in Daphne's life for over two decades, leaving her wondering if there might be one without an expiration date.

Finally, on a blind date at her favourite Los Angeles restaurant, there's only a Jake. But as Jake and Daphne's story unfolds, doubts arise, and Daphne grapples with what it means to be both committed and truthful. She holds secrets that could break Jake's heart, and the numbered papers may not hold all the answers.

"Expiration Dates" delves into themes of love, fate, and self-discovery. Serle masterfully explores the idea that relationships have their own timelines, and sometimes love defies predictions. The novel challenges us to consider how we define commitment and truthfulness in matters of the heart.

Daphne Bell is a relatable protagonist who is vulnerable, hopeful, and burdened by the weight of her numbered papers. Her journey from skepticism to acceptance is beautifully portrayed. Jake, the enigmatic blind date, adds depth to the narrative. His unwavering belief in Daphne's unique situation forces her to confront her own doubts.

Serle's prose is elegant and evocative. She paints vivid scenes, from the bustling streets of Paris to the fog-kissed hills of San Francisco. Her descriptions evoke sensory experiences, making the reader feel the warmth of a croissant or the chill of a foggy morning.

The emotional core of the novel lies in its exploration of love's impermanence. How we cling to moments, knowing they have an expiration date, serve as a metaphor for life's uncertainties in the numbered papers. Readers will find themselves pondering their own relationships and the fragility of time.

This is a must-read for those seeking a blend of romance, magical realism, and introspection. Serle's storytelling talent shines through, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. Whether you're single, in love, or somewhere in between, this novel invites you to consider the expiration dates that shape our lives.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rebecca Serle does it again.

This is such a beautiful book about the search for love. It was gorgeous in its delivery.

I loved Daphne’s character. I felt that a couple of the secondary characters could have been a bit more developed but I really enjoyed it on the whole.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.

𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭.

Imagine always knowing exactly how long every single one of your romantic entanglements would last? Would you want to know? I’m not sure that I would. Daphne, the main protagonist of Expiration Dates doesn’t seem to have that choice. She’s simply made peace with the fact that these little notes from Universe appear seemingly out of nowhere and are always accurate. Until one day a paper with no date/timeline arrives…

The concept of this book definitely fascinated me. I kept thinking how that kind of knowledge would change all romantic experiences. Yet still wouldn’t prevent heartache because we’re never really masters of our hearts. It was easy to root for Daphne. And develop a mega crush on Hugo! I loved their friendship and how they spent their time (especially all the food stuff 😂).

This is my second Rebecca Serle book and I must admit I’m becoming quite a fan of her signature magical realism combined with a journey of self-discovery. Daphne is far from perfect but that just makes her human. And yes, I might have shed a few tears reading this one! It left me with lots of feels!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted copy!

Do you forge your own path or allow yourself to follow destiny?

I have enjoyed this authors books in the past — and I feel that I liked this book — but that something was lacking for me — which I just can’t put my finger on — maybe I wanted more or maybe I wanted the story to go differently…
There were definitely some unexpected events and also some choices by the main character that I am not sure I agreed with.
I thought the premise of the story was great and I overall liked the storyline — but found it hard to get invested deeply with any of the characters . Though the writing of the emotional aspect between the characters was quite good and the few small twists definitely helped towards maintaining my interest in the final outcome.

Overall 3.5/ 5 stars .
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada, Atria Books for this ARC . This is my honest review.

3.5 stars. This was my first Rebecca Serle book and while I did enjoy the premise, the ending fell a bit flat for me. But I like her writing and character development. Still worth a read if you’re into this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Since 5th grade, every time Daphne starts dating someone she receives a slip of paper with his name and the exact amount of time her relationship with him will last. Now at age 33, she is on her way out to meet a blind date when she receives a note with the name "Jake" but no expiration date. Does this mean that she is finally meeting the man she will spend her life with?

Expiration Dates has a great concept and is a quick read. The chapters alternate between Daphne in the present day getting to know Jake and hanging out with her friend, Hugo (they dated for three months but remained friends) and flashbacks to her past failed relationships. I almost stopped reading at 60% due to a plot twist that took the story in a different direction that I wasn't sure I could handle for personal reasons but glad I finished because I hate to DNF a book and what I was worried might happen did not. Expiration Dates was an okay read with a message about living life to the fullest but there just wasn't enough to the story for a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Shuster Canada for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I loved loved loved this book! It was so cute and well-written, Rebecca Serle never disappoints. I also loved that it was paced quickly, there was never a scene that I felt to be unnecessary and we kept it moving to the final conclusion.