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Expiration Dates: A Novel Hardcover – March 19, 2024
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Daphne Bell 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 on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a name: Jake.
But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.
“Daphne’s sometimes heart-wrenching, often heartwarming search for meaningful relationships, both romantic and platonic, is sure to inspire” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) new and longtime fans of Rebecca Serle.
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAtria Books
- Publication dateMarch 19, 2024
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.1 x 8.38 inches
- ISBN-101982166827
- ISBN-13978-1982166823
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
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From the Publisher



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In Five Years
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One Italian Summer
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars 70,682
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4.2 out of 5 stars 16,231
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Price | $9.77$9.77 | $8.79$8.79 |
Also from Rebecca Serle | no data | no data |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A passionate story about love and trust that will have you sniffling long before the twist." —People
"This novel goes beyond a lighthearted romance to explore the ways we let fate shape our lives, for better or worse." —The New York Post
"Daphne’s sometimes heart-wrenching, often heartwarming search for meaningful relationships, both romantic and platonic, is sure to inspire."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"Serle’s compulsively readable prose will attract fans of Jennifer Weiner and Emily Henry."—Booklist
"Serle provides an interesting conceit and a healthy dose of wit that readers will appreciate. An entertaining love story with moments of depth." —Kirkus
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The paper is blank save for the name: Jake. The four letters rest on cream stationery lacking any additional information but sporting a firm black border. It’s weighty, this note. Significant in my hands.
I find it slipped under my door on my way to dinner. The dinner that, if this paper is to be believed, will introduce me to the man I will spend the rest of my life with. This has never happened before. But then again, it’s not the kind of thing that happens twice.
The restaurant is in West Hollywood, not far from where I live. I like to choose the place. If I get the paper late, like, say, at dessert—and it says two hours—I can wrap things up quickly.
Tonight we are at the tail end of summer in Los Angeles, and warmer nights are descending into the low seventies. The wind has even started to pick up—reminding us of all that fall can bring. I tuck my hair behind my ear and toss it over my shoulder as I climb the steps and open the door.
“Hey, Daphne!” The hostess at Gracias Madre, a casual vegan Mexican place on Melrose, recognizes me immediately. Her name is Marissa, and I know she used to bartend at The Pikey on Sunset, before they closed. “You’re the first one here, do you want to sit?”
The space is beautiful—a bar area spills out onto a large and lively patio to the side. There are potted trees throughout the restaurant, and warm, yellow light falls from the overhead glass fixtures and onto the terra-cotta-tiled floors like honeycomb.
I’m nervous, and I’m never nervous. I’m wearing a black halter top and a pair of 501s. Neon kitten heels. I would have probably chosen a different ensemble, maybe even something a little more romantic, seeing as how this is going to be my last first date ever, but I was already dressed, and now here we are.
“Sure,” I tell her. “I love your jumpsuit.” I point to the denim romper she’s wearing. I could never pull it off, but she definitely is.
“It’s from the vintage on Melrose—I took your tip.”
“Throwback,” I say, as we walk. “Good shit.”
There are several places in West Hollywood that sell secondhand, but Wasteland is the best. I don’t have a ton of hobbies, but thrifting is one of the few.
She leaves me at the table—I’m in the back of the restaurant, which gives me a full view of the entire space—and I take out my phone.
There’s a text from my mom, Debra. Honey, did you look at the pictures I sent? She’s a burgeoning photographer, primarily focusing on—I kid you not—mezuzahs.
The answer is no.
One from my landlord, Mike, who wants to know if the gardeners came today. I shoot him back an emoji. Also no. A flurry of pings on a group chat I have muted—college friends, something about Morgan’s bachelorette. I haven’t seen half of them in a decade, I’m surprised they’re even including me.
And one from Hugo—my ex-boyfriend (we’ll get there): Well?
He’s not here yet, I write back. Then: Just sat.
I consider telling him about the fact that this time, for the first time, the paper was blank, but decide against it. I’m about to meet my soul mate feels like more of an in-person thing, or at least a phone call. We convey too many important things in too few words these days.
Drinks after? I’m meeting Natalie at Craig’s, should be done by 8.
I try to remember who Natalie is. The girl he met at Bikram? Or the one from Bumble?
Maybe.
I put my phone facedown on the table.
Five minutes go by, then ten. I order a drink—one of their alt margaritas from the menu. Something with agave and smoked jalapeño. It arrives and goes down salty and tangy.
He runs late, I think. It’s not ideal, but I can live with that. About five years ago, right around the time Hugo and I called it quits, I decided to start showing up to places on time. I’ve been pretty good about it. LA traffic notwithstanding. It’s all about learning the rhythms of your city. Don’t try and get to WeHo from Brentwood in the afternoon. There is always construction on Wilshire by Westwood Boulevard; take Sunset. San Vicente to Seventh Street to the Pacific Coast Highway is the slowest way to get to Malibu, but the most beautiful.
My phone dings. Another text from my mom: ?
My parents live in the Palisades, on the other side of the 405 in Los Angeles. The Palisades is like Pleasantville—all the new houses belong on Cape Cod, and there’s a shopping center that takes holidays a little too seriously. It’s also about as far as you can get and still live in the same city.
Love it! I write back, without opening her email. Last week she sent me an entire Dropbox full of her rabbi in various states of undress in the backyard. I consider explaining to her that just because she loves Judaism and photography does not mean all her photography has to be Jewish-influenced, or that her Jewish identity now has to be caught up in being a photographer, but I decide against it. It would take more than two texts, and I want to be present right now.
Present.
Thirty-three years, six significant relationships, forty-two first dates, one long weekend in Paris.
And now, here we are. The first and last blank sheet of paper.
“Daphne?”
I look up to see a man not a lot taller than I am, with graying brown hair and hazel-green eyes. He’s wearing a button-down shirt and jeans and carries a single red rose.
“Hi,” I say. I make a move to stand up to—what? Hug him? I sit back down.
He hands me the rose. When he speaks his voice is pleasant and familiar. “Someone was selling them outside, and I thought I should bring a proper consolation for being fifteen minutes late.”
When he smiles, the lines around his eyes crinkle.
“You were right,” I say. I take the rose. “What took you so long?”
He shakes his head, like, Oh boy. “How much time do we have?” Jake asks me.
I take him in. Real, incarnate, across from me now. He has a birthmark under his jaw, a freckle by his left eye. All of these minute details that make up a person, that make up this person, my person.
“A lot,” I tell him. “We have a lot of time.”
Product details
- Publisher : Atria Books (March 19, 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1982166827
- ISBN-13 : 978-1982166823
- Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.38 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #77,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #44 in Women's Friendship Fiction
- #499 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- #761 in Contemporary Women Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy this novel's unexpected plot twists and surprising surprises, finding it an enjoyable light read with interesting life lessons to ponder. The writing is well-crafted and beautiful, with great characters and a lovely, whimsical tone. While customers appreciate the depth and self-discovery elements, they find the pace slow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story of the book, which features lots of surprises and twists, with one customer noting its magical realist elements.
"...Serle writes well. There’s zest, energy, sparkle and much enthusiasm in the narrative, with lots of witty banter...." Read more
"...You will experience ever feel. A unique story which had me mesmerized and invested in Daphne’s journey...." Read more
"...loved the writing style and the story overall. would definitely recommend to others!" Read more
"...of it all, I appreciated how it deepened the story. I don't think I can say more without being a spoiler...." Read more
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and fun read, with one customer noting it's an easy vacation read.
"This book is like a sugary confection — sweet, light, enjoyable, fun, but insubstantial. Serle writes well...." Read more
"such a cute and short book. the ending kinda threw me off guard but it was still so good. loved the writing style and the story overall...." Read more
"Expiration Dates is a solid 4-star read that’s easy to get into and easy to read—but don’t expect it to hit quite as hard as her previous novel, In..." Read more
"...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." Read more
Customers find the book thought-provoking, appreciating its interesting take and good life lessons. One customer notes how the inviting backdrop firmly anchors the tale.
"...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...." Read more
"...This novel is heartwarming, charming, sad, fun, emotional and more. You will experience ever feel...." Read more
"The premise of the book is interesting but it focus too much on Daphne's relationship with Hugo so you already know what is going to happen...." Read more
"...It’s a fun twist, blending romance with a bit of mystery, and the characters are endearing enough to keep you interested...." Read more
Customers find the book well written and easy to read, describing it as a quick read.
"...Serle writes well. There’s zest, energy, sparkle and much enthusiasm in the narrative, with lots of witty banter...." Read more
"...The writer had a good opportunity at exploring what happens if we know something is going to happen, does it happen because it was mean to or..." Read more
"...the ending kinda threw me off guard but it was still so good. loved the writing style and the story overall. would definitely recommend to others!" Read more
"...I will say that Serle's writing is beautiful, lending magic to an already enchanted premise...." Read more
Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning the author's skill in writing dialog between them.
"...Daphne is the young, independent, extroverted protagonist. She’s frequently described as unique and different...." Read more
"...twist, blending romance with a bit of mystery, and the characters are endearing enough to keep you interested...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
Customers appreciate the realism of the book, with one mentioning its small magical realist touch and another noting its lush scenery.
"...Lush scenery and trendy eateries are beautifully described. The inviting backdrop firmly anchors the tale...." Read more
"...This novel is heartwarming, charming, sad, fun, emotional and more. You will experience ever feel...." Read more
"such a cute and short book. the ending kinda threw me off guard but it was still so good. loved the writing style and the story overall...." Read more
"...It’s thoughtful, emotional and carries a worthwhile message. This magical realism story is an easy, relatively short, but engaging read...." Read more
Customers appreciate the depth of the book, noting its self-discovery elements and how it slowly reveals itself to the reader.
"...seeking a thought-provoking and delightful exploration of love and self-discovery. Read if you like: 💌 Magical Realism..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...Unnecessarily so. While I usually appreciate writing and details and all of the intricate little nuances, there were entirely too many...." Read more
"...Creative and lovely, yet complex." Read more
Customers find the book's pace slow.
"...This one, while still enjoyable, it felt rushed. I knew the ending was coming before it hit me, which I tend to dislike...." Read more
"Read this in 1 day. Slow at first then incredibly powerful to those who struggle with a chronic illness, especially if it’s terminal...." Read more
"...At first this book kind of slow. But then it freaky picked up and I finished it in 2 days. This book would make an amazing movie" Read more
"...It took so long. I almost DNF. Ending was good, but predictable." Read more
Reviews with images

Mr. Right vs. Mr. Right Now: A Tale as Bold as Time
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024This 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2025Daphne 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025The premise of the book is interesting but it focus too much on Daphne's relationship with Hugo so you already know what is going to happen. The writer had a good opportunity at exploring what happens if we know something is going to happen, does it happen because it was mean to or because we mould our destiny by what we know.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The most frustrating thing is her relationship with Jake, she said he was perfect but decided to change her mind once she knew he wasn't meant to be the one.
And what the hell happens with Hugo? We are supposed to believe that she just forgives him for almost making her marry a random guy?
And what happens with her condition? Apparently she heals out of nowhere because it never get mentioned again after leaving for Italy.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2025such a cute and short book. the ending kinda threw me off guard but it was still so good. loved the writing style and the story overall. would definitely recommend to others!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025After a hiatus, the book club is back! So it's time to review my most recent pick, namely Rebecca Serle's Expiration Dates.
Daphne Bell has been given a gift -- or a curse, depending how you look at it. The universe sends her pieces of paper saying the amount of time she'll spend with each man she dates. Daphne doesn't know how or why these relationships end, only that they will.
But Daphne isn't just a thirtysomething looking for love. Because this is Serle, who delivered a doozy of a gotcha in One Italian Summer. In Expiration Dates, she does it again, and I didn't even see it coming. But once I processed the say what? of it all, I appreciated how it deepened the story.
I don't think I can say more without being a spoiler. I will say that Serle's writing is beautiful, lending magic to an already enchanted premise.
Expiration Dates reminds us that time is as infinite as it is finite -- but ultimately what we make of it.
5.0 out of 5 starsAfter a hiatus, the book club is back! So it's time to review my most recent pick, namely Rebecca Serle's Expiration Dates.Mr. Right vs. Mr. Right Now: A Tale as Bold as Time
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
Daphne Bell has been given a gift -- or a curse, depending how you look at it. The universe sends her pieces of paper saying the amount of time she'll spend with each man she dates. Daphne doesn't know how or why these relationships end, only that they will.
But Daphne isn't just a thirtysomething looking for love. Because this is Serle, who delivered a doozy of a gotcha in One Italian Summer. In Expiration Dates, she does it again, and I didn't even see it coming. But once I processed the say what? of it all, I appreciated how it deepened the story.
I don't think I can say more without being a spoiler. I will say that Serle's writing is beautiful, lending magic to an already enchanted premise.
Expiration Dates reminds us that time is as infinite as it is finite -- but ultimately what we make of it.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024Expiration Dates is a solid 4-star read that’s easy to get into and easy to read—but don’t expect it to hit quite as hard as her previous novel, In Five Years. The premise is intriguing: the protagonist receives mysterious notes with the expiration dates of all her relationships. It’s a fun twist, blending romance with a bit of mystery, and the characters are endearing enough to keep you interested.
That said, while the concept is cool, the execution feels a little far-fetched. The story’s unique setup starts to lose its luster as it becomes predictable, and while the characters are endearing in the moment, they are not enduring.
The writing is fine—nothing that stands out—but Serle’s signature style makes it enjoyable for a light read. If you’re a fan of her work, you’ll find flashes of that charm here, just don’t expect the same emotional depth or impact you got from In Five Years.
Overall, Expiration Dates is a fun, easy read for a lazy afternoon. A great option if you’re in the mood for something light, but don’t go in expecting too many surprises.
Top reviews from other countries
- Brandie CReviewed in Canada on April 25, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars An original plot line
An easy read, original plot line, maybe a tiny bit predictable in spots, but I enjoyed it.
- AnonymousReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars 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.
- Silvia MassonReviewed in Canada on May 21, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
This is a quick and enjoyable read!
- K5Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2025
3.0 out of 5 stars YA read
Maybe more stars for a YA. Too slow for me and too simple of a read. Easy read, but not very interesting.
- SilverReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars 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…