Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars Contemplative & Impactful
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good.
Had no expectations for this book. I just needed a book title that started with E. Was a surprisingly a good book. There was one error in the book. It was a chapter about Josh but they got Josh and Jake names mixed up. Page 203.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not the worst, not the best
I was looking for something a bit more light-hearted after finishing a particularly gut wrenching book. This definitely fit the bill. Unfortunately I’m not sure this author realized that this was a lighthearted romance. I kept getting the sense she wanted this to be deep and life-changing but the story and the writing just wasn’t there to back it up. The constant over description of food was also quite irritating. Overall enjoyable but slightly boring.
4.0 out of 5 stars A California Confection About Life & Love
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique story 🩷
Daphne Bell dating life is not typical. She always knows how much time she will share with potential dates. Whether it is 3 days, 5 weeks, or more. When she meets someone she gets a piece of paper with a name and number on it. She knows how long she will have with each man.This unique opportunity lets her live life to the fullest, whether it is Paris, San Francisco or Los Angeles. She is also hiding another secret from her potential dates.When she meets Jake she does not get a date, just a name! Does this mean he is her forever or something more?This novel is heartwarming, charming, sad, fun, emotional and more. You will experience ever feel. A unique story which had me mesmerized and invested in Daphne’s journey.This was my second novel by Serle, and starting her back list soon.
An original plot line
An easy read, original plot line, maybe a tiny bit predictable in spots, but I enjoyed it.
Good read for beginners
For someone who hasn’t picked up a novel in years, this was a great book to get back into the swing of things. Some bits are definitely relatable and there are good life lessons in the mix, also. Would recommend for book clubs or solo reading.
Great Read
This is a quick and enjoyable read!
Relationships with end dates
What if every relationship came with an end date before it even began?That’s been Daphne’s reality—cryptic little notes showing up before every man she’s ever loved, each with a time limit. No heartbreak, no mystery… just a countdown. Until the day she meets someone new and the note is blank.This isn’t a typical romance—it’s about love, yes, but more about the kind we give ourselves. The kind that waits, grows, forgives. Rebecca Serle writes with such quiet magic, layering grief, healing, and timing into a story that lingers long after you’ve finished.This book made me sit with myself. It reminded me that not everything is supposed to last forever—and maybe that’s okay. Maybe some people are just meant to teach us how to choose better.📌 My one critique? I really wish we got more insight into who sent the notes. That thread was so intriguing, and I kept hoping for a deeper dive. Still, the story felt complete in its own quiet way.
Good, but slow
A great author but I much preferred some of her other books, this was a bit slow and I read it because the central mystery interested me, but we never get answers to that…
Visit the Atria Books Store
Expiration Dates: A Novel
AED6652
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
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While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
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All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
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Visit the Atria Books Store
Expiration Dates: A Novel
AED6652
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars Contemplative & Impactful
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good.
Had no expectations for this book. I just needed a book title that started with E. Was a surprisingly a good book. There was one error in the book. It was a chapter about Josh but they got Josh and Jake names mixed up. Page 203.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not the worst, not the best
I was looking for something a bit more light-hearted after finishing a particularly gut wrenching book. This definitely fit the bill. Unfortunately I’m not sure this author realized that this was a lighthearted romance. I kept getting the sense she wanted this to be deep and life-changing but the story and the writing just wasn’t there to back it up. The constant over description of food was also quite irritating. Overall enjoyable but slightly boring.
4.0 out of 5 stars A California Confection About Life & Love
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique story 🩷
Daphne Bell dating life is not typical. She always knows how much time she will share with potential dates. Whether it is 3 days, 5 weeks, or more. When she meets someone she gets a piece of paper with a name and number on it. She knows how long she will have with each man.This unique opportunity lets her live life to the fullest, whether it is Paris, San Francisco or Los Angeles. She is also hiding another secret from her potential dates.When she meets Jake she does not get a date, just a name! Does this mean he is her forever or something more?This novel is heartwarming, charming, sad, fun, emotional and more. You will experience ever feel. A unique story which had me mesmerized and invested in Daphne’s journey.This was my second novel by Serle, and starting her back list soon.
An original plot line
An easy read, original plot line, maybe a tiny bit predictable in spots, but I enjoyed it.
Good read for beginners
For someone who hasn’t picked up a novel in years, this was a great book to get back into the swing of things. Some bits are definitely relatable and there are good life lessons in the mix, also. Would recommend for book clubs or solo reading.
Great Read
This is a quick and enjoyable read!
Relationships with end dates
What if every relationship came with an end date before it even began?That’s been Daphne’s reality—cryptic little notes showing up before every man she’s ever loved, each with a time limit. No heartbreak, no mystery… just a countdown. Until the day she meets someone new and the note is blank.This isn’t a typical romance—it’s about love, yes, but more about the kind we give ourselves. The kind that waits, grows, forgives. Rebecca Serle writes with such quiet magic, layering grief, healing, and timing into a story that lingers long after you’ve finished.This book made me sit with myself. It reminded me that not everything is supposed to last forever—and maybe that’s okay. Maybe some people are just meant to teach us how to choose better.📌 My one critique? I really wish we got more insight into who sent the notes. That thread was so intriguing, and I kept hoping for a deeper dive. Still, the story felt complete in its own quiet way.
Good, but slow
A great author but I much preferred some of her other books, this was a bit slow and I read it because the central mystery interested me, but we never get answers to that…
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Friendship”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1982166835