Expiration Dates: A Novel

“Here's the truth: I do want love. In some ways, I've been looking for it forever. Real love, the kind that makes you want to grow old together, makes you not just unafraid of all that time with one person but electrified by it.”

This book was magical. I could not put it down and I just needed to absorb every second. I loved watching Daphne’s growth in and out of relationships, with her family, her friends and her job. She was honestly a really likable character and I loved her story so much. I laughed, I smiled, I cried. This book was just amazing. It’s the perfect romance book to cuddle up with and has a unique twist! Serle’s writing was done in a way that there was emotion and detail, but it wasn’t too overdone with cliches or overused phrases. The characters were all done in ways that made them relevant, but no one character took away from another. I liked the split between timelines as well but would’ve liked to see a little bit more of Daphne’s relationships. Overall, I did really love how despite being a romance book, the plot was so much bigger than just two people falling in love. I loved the development of the plot, the navigation of growing up as a 20 something year old, and the importance of all relationships, not just romantic ones.

This book is like a sugary confection — sweet, light, enjoyable, fun, but insubstantial. Serle writes well. There’s zest, energy, sparkle and much enthusiasm in the narrative, with lots of witty banter. The reader is treated to all the sights and colors of the California experience. Lush scenery and trendy eateries are beautifully described. The inviting backdrop firmly anchors the tale. Daphne is the young, independent, extroverted protagonist. She’s frequently described as unique and different. She moves lightly through life, barely grazing the surface. She works for a temperamental studio exec, traveling to exotic locales at a moment’s notice. Much of Daphne’s life is depicted like a movie reel, one glossy experience after another, shiny mementos accumulated for a burgeoning, but superficial scrapbook. At first, it’s assumed that this is due mostly to her youth. Only later, well into the book, do we discover the real reason for Daphne’s reluctance to engage deeply with the people and experiences in her world. Unexpected drama is then introduced into the story to explain Daphne’s reticence, but the drama seems somewhat contrived and tacked on. The book attempts to take a serious turn in the interest of a much-needed story arc, but the results are mixed. While some books can successfully straddle the line between lightness and solemness, this one seemed to have difficulty striking the right tone. The book wanted to be both light and somber, but didn’t quite strike that balance. Much of the book centers around Daphne’s romantic relationships, and her search for true love. She seems somewhat in love with love itself, and struggles with who and what she really wants. She romanticizes love in a cinematic way, but when she actually finds what appears to be the perfect match, she wavers and hesitates. Ultimately, Daphne discovers that her most important journey is one of self discovery and acceptance. She faces hard truths and some life-changing decisions. Daphne learns that she must know and trust herself before she can ever commit to anyone else, even as both Hugo and Jake vie for her affections. The paper “expiration dates” that Daphne receives are a clever plot device that lends some magic to the story. Yet, in many ways, these mysterious missives from the universe only contribute to, and compound, the frivolous and temporary way that Daphne initially approaches her life. However, that’s somewhat understandable, given the gravity of her circumstances. Overall, this is a quick, light read that wrestles with the search for love and the meaning of life. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for with heartfelt earnestness. Also, Murphy is a wonderfully endearing character.

Boy, does Rebecca Serle know how to tug at the strings of your heart and throw you through a loop. I honestly did not think I'd be rating this book this high when I started reading it. I spent the first half of this book really kind of bored. It felt like a big sell on living in LA, and I found myself repeatedly skipping passages to try and get on track with the actual story. I enjoyed the way the author writes dialog between characters and how she can set a scene so you can picture it so clearly in your head but I hated that new chapters were flinging me back into the main character's past to moments and people I didn't care to read about until I realized how each part plays into the whole. While I didn't enjoy those chapters as much, they made me look forward to the chapters that did follow with the main characters and the relevant storyline. I can honestly say I cried, I smiled and that there came a moment when I couldn't put my book down till the end. I would recommend this book as a good read and would give it a 5 star rating based on my feelings at the end of the book if it weren't for how I spent the first half thinking I'd only give it about 3. So, happy middle of 4 stars overall, in my opinion.

I discovered Rebecca Serle about a year ago when I read "In Five Years" and loved it! So, I followed it up with "One Italian Summer," which I thought was excellent, and then with "The Dinner List," which I also enjoyed. So, when I saw that "Expiration Dates" had been released, I bought a copy immediately. But, I have to admit that while this book is fairly well written, it doesn't pack the emotional punch of the earlier novels. I liked the premise of "Expiration Dates," but it grew a bit tiresome as it headed for the conclusion, which really disappointed me. This is probably just a matter of personal preference, but in my heart, I felt she picked the wrong guy. But, you may disagree, so by all means, you should buy it and read it and reach your own conclusions!

Expiration Dates, by Rebecca Searle, is a contemplative work of fiction with a side of romance. It’s thoughtful, emotional and carries a worthwhile message. This magical realism story is an easy, relatively short, but engaging read.

Daphne receives slips of varying types of paper before, or around the time of meeting a new romantic interest. These slips ever only have two things written on them…the person’s name and how long they will be together. Daphne has built her life around the dictation of these messages.

In this novel we get the backstories of her past romances and what she learned along the way. Likewise, there are chapters devoted to her current romantic situation and it’s development to date. Upon meeting Jake, she receives a note with name and no ending date. Has she finally found the one?

Her past relationships are varied and interesting and reveal intriguing bits of Daphne’s life. But beyond this narrative, there is something deeper, a message more profound, a secret that Daphne keeps hidden and rarely acknowledges, one that impacts her everyday.

Expiration Dates showcases strong friendships and explores family dynamics. It is mainly character-driven, showcasing personal growth and offers depth and insight while exploring various, thought-provoking issues. Life is hard for all kinds of reasons and how we face those difficulties matters.

I truly enjoyed this story, as I do all of Rebecca Searle’s unique, provoking plots. I do wish we could have had a bit more from the conclusion, though I did like the direction it took. I would also have appreciated an explanation for the mysterious dates, but I now know that this author rarely explains those magical elements in her stories. On first glance, at a surface level, Expiration Dates is one thing, but after some time and reflection, the story becomes something else, and in that light, the ending is quite perfect.

I love how Rebecca Serle’s books always have some unexpected magical element woven into a life that is otherwise seemingly ordinary. This is the story of Daphne, who gets a piece f paper from the universe every time she dates someone telling her exactly how long their relationship will last. When she finally gets one with no time on it, she thinks she’s finally found the one until she starts second-guessing whether the relationship is right or not, forcing her to learn to trust herself and not the slips of paper. Rebecca never disappoints me and I love how those magical elements get incorporated into her stories in a way that makes them feel so believable.

Rebecca Serle has the knack for writing a story that reads like you are watching Netflix. I have enjoyed all of her novels! They have all been 4-5 stars each. This one, while still enjoyable, it felt rushed. I knew the ending was coming before it hit me, which I tend to dislike. I like to be wowed, surprised, or shocked. This is still worth a read, if you like this sort of thing. It's written well, just wanted more.