Five Things I Love About You is a heartfelt and uplifting read about fresh starts, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways life can lead us to love. At 49, Miranda is at a crossroads—until a bike accident and a series of mysterious dreams send her on a journey to track down the man who keeps appearing in her subconscious. What follows is a charming, feel-good story filled with friendship, fate, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

I was fully invested in Miranda’s journey, especially in the first half, where she takes bold steps to shake up her life. Her friendships with Sophie and Kirstie were a highlight, adding warmth and humour that grounded the story. I loved that, even though romance was at the core, it also felt like a journey of reinvention—at least at first.

However, in the latter part of the book, I found myself wishing for more focus on Miranda’s personal growth rather than just her romantic choices. Her detour into a relationship with Jay and the lack of communication with Matt made the plot feel a little more predictable than I’d hoped. While I enjoyed the love story overall, I would have loved to see Miranda’s journey celebrate more than just finding “the one.”

That said, Clare Swatman’s writing is engaging, and the themes of love, fate, and second chances are beautifully woven throughout. While some plot choices didn’t fully land for me, this was a warm, enjoyable read that left me feeling hopeful. A solid recommendation for fans of uplifting, romantic fiction!

3🌟

49 year old Miranda is a divorced empty nester who is looking for the next thing in life. Miranda gets in a bike accident where she runs into a handsome mystery man. After the accident she cannot stop thinking, or should I say dreaming about him. After months of feeling like she knows this man more than their small encounter she starts her next adventure to seek out this mystery man. Is he her soulmate?

I can relate to Miranda’s story as a mom of a child who is growing up fast, I now struggle to find my next adventure & find myself outside of motherhood.

While I really enjoyed the concept of this book, the romance fell a little flat to me. I would’ve loved more story surrounding Matt.

🤍 new beginnings
🤍 soulmates & fate
🤍 self discovery
🤍 female friendship

Thank you netgalley, bold wood books & Clare Swatman for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.

*Five Things I Love About You* by Clare Swatman is a sweet, emotional romance with a unique premise. The story revolves around a love letter that lists the five things the protagonist loves about her partner, which leads to a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery. The characters are relatable, and the relationship feels authentic, though some of the plot elements can be a bit predictable. While the writing is engaging and poignant, the story is more about the emotional growth of the characters than the romance itself. It's an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance, though it doesn't feel overly groundbreaking. Perfect for those looking for a heartfelt, easy read.