I was looking for a light love story and this one sounded very promising, so I grabbed it. And what can I say: it was worth it, the story is beautiful and touching. Funny, relaxed, with some serious undertones and lovable protagonists.
This is what it's about: We are in London. Jesse Lightning, over 30, currently going through a divorce, designer and new children's book author, has an important business appointment. Shortly before, he involuntarily bathes in coffee - the day is rapidly getting worse. Minnie, an aspiring actress and current waitress, is at his side, and has also experienced much happier times - she is currently recovering from a nasty ex with the help of her therapist. He recommends that she find new friends and create new, beautiful experiences, and so Jesse and Minnie dare to experiment: every 14 days they meet up for friendly dates. No one is to know the other's last name, no phone numbers are exchanged, no one googles the other. Just a nice time together like in childhood. That's the idea - but can it work? Spoiler: of course it doesn't work, this is a romance, and if the title says that it should go from Friends to Lovers in 5 days (aka 5 dates), we as interested readers know where the journey is going to. But this journey is told in a super charming and entertaining way, and it was fun to accompany Minnie and Jesse through the highs, lows and unexpected plot twists. To reveal too much more about the content would really be too much of a spoiler, so I'll keep this review short and just give a big reading recommendation. Well written, it grabbed me. The locations, the setting, were, I repeat, charming. We were in the north of London, in the lavender fields of Provence, in Paris and in Los Angeles - it had everything 😊. As the saying goes, a feel-good book, in the best sense of the word.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!

The characters were not engaging to me! I wish I had been more invested in their story! It felt contrived and done, which made me care less about these characters specifically and I found myself flipping through pages without really taking in anything. Perhaps it will be the right read for someone else!

I could not put this book down, I absolutely loved every part of it. The main characters were so wonderful aligned. I felt transported to Provence- the writing was incredibly descriptive. Read it- you’ll love it

I was hooked from the first page of this book. I loved the characters of Jesse and Minnie and the way their stories were slowly fed into the narrative. I loved the fact that the plot wasn't just focused on the romance but showed how looking after yourself before rushing into a relationship is more important.

I would highly recommend for anyone who likes romance and women's issues.

When Minnie and Jesse both end up in the same coffee shop, it’s kismet. Jesse is feeling a bit broken and Minnie is trying to follow her therapist’s advice to put herself out there. Their chance encounter affords them the opportunity to go on five “non-dates” and just have fun with no expectations whatsoever.

This book is flawless. It’s a beautiful story of two broken souls coming together. It’s funny, it’s romantic and it’s fun. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

**Title: Five Days by Zoe Folbigg**

"Five Days" by Zoe Folbigg is a captivating novel that delves into the unexpected bond formed between Minnie and Jessie, two individuals recovering from recent breakups. Meeting by chance, they decide to become friends without delving into each other's pasts, allowing their relationship to evolve naturally.

Folbigg's narrative is both tender and engaging, capturing the essence of emotional recovery and the unpredictability of human connections. The characters of Minnie and Jessie are well-developed, with their gradual journey from friendship to something deeper being portrayed with authenticity and warmth. The prose is evocative, drawing readers into their world and making their evolving relationship feel genuine and relatable.

"Five Days" is a heartwarming exploration of how chance encounters can lead to profound personal transformations, making it a delightful read for anyone who believes in the healing power of new beginnings and unexpected friendships. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

It took me awhile to get into this story, it was a bit different than what I have read in the past by this author.
I loved the character of Minnie, she was sweet, funny, imperfect & loveable. I enjoyed her journey and healing throughout this story.

This would be a perfect read for those who love the following;

Romance
Taking Chances
Imperfect Characters that grow
Equality
Emotions

I have never heard of the Bechdel test for movies, this was an interesting twist to the book.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for am ARC copy in return for my honest thoughts and opinions .

Perfect for those who enjoy:
- Romance
- Dating stories &taking chances
- Binge reading
- Heart in your mouth fiction

With thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

It took me a while to get the hang of this story, mainly Minnie being eager to please (including her therapist) and being needy for all the understandable reasons. And I appreciated both main characters for trying to find their way with all the uncertainties and insecurities they were dealing with. However, somehow Jesse's struggles seemed more alive.

Having never heard of the Bechdel test for movies, this was an interesting extra angle to the book. Equality being a theme in the background. And it this day and age (in our demanding society), I quite like Jesse openly crying.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.