In Five Years: A GMA Book Club Pick (a Novel)

My goal was to get back into reading and this book was perfect for that. It is a unique blend of romance, friendship, and a touch of magical realism that makes for a compelling and emotional read. Unlike typical romance novels, this book subverts expectations by focusing on deep, complex relationships—not just romantic love, but the love between best friends. The bond between Dannie and Bella is the heart of the story. It’s a quick read with a gripping premise. The NYC setting and time-jump element keep the story moving briskly

When I read the Amazon “blurb” on this book, I went into it thinking it would be one of those two friends who agree that “if we’re not married by the time we’re 35, we’ll get together” books.It was not that. Instead, this is an interesting and sometimes uncomfortable look at the truth of the old saying that “life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” This book, with its very interesting premise, is testimony to that frustration and futility.I still haven’t resolved my feelings on the ending. For me, it was a bit surprising, but overall it makes sense.

Believable characters, raw emotions, and a deep story about girlfriends and their boyfriends that pushes boundaries. Loved this story. I would definitely recommend it for book clubs or a good girlfriend book.

Let me start by saying, I’m not completely upset with the story or ending. But let’s be clear, this is not a love story, nor a story about friendship. Was love and friendship in the book? Yes, but so was a detailed description of their meals and the wine they chose to go along with it. I feel like I remember those scenes way more than the pages of the characters relationships.I loved the idea of having a vision of your life 5 years from now and seeing how it all transpires, but this book failed at connecting the reader to the outcome. The main character’s description of her best friend came off as obsession rather than best friends growing up together. Her reminiscing gave me stalker vibes. I couldn’t connect, I couldn’t route for anyone, except for Bella and her battle with cancer. This could have been a really good book with a great concept but unfortunately fell short.Easy read, but if you’re on the fence, find something else.

Someone gifted me this book about two years ago. I found its summary description lackluster and never got around to reading it until now. While I appreciate historical fiction, literary classics, and deeper written venues, I found this book captivating with just the right amount of character development. While its protagonists deal with serious issues, its tone is light and the dialogue authentic. Rounding from 4.5 stars.

This book was riveting in its rawness and ability to make the reader feel such truth in emotion. It is about different facets of love and how we can love differently through familiarity. It splits your heart open in its path through reality while showing how grief cuts you to its core while etching the pure beauty of friendship onto a heart, always to remain a part of you. Often it is this closeness of a friend that touches us in a truer manner than a relation can ever hope to delve to the deepest level.We must be cautious with whom we trust with this depth of closeness and its fragile reality.

This book had me hooked from chapter 1, I read it in one sitting. I loved the way the story flowed and how the characters meshed together. If you believe in love and fate, this is the story for you. Although there was a very sad turn of events, the love shown through all the way to the ending. Truly a great read! Looking forward to more from this author.

4.5 ⭐️’s . I went into this book blind. After reading the first couple of chapters it seemed like the book was going to focus on Dannie figuring out what her “premonition” meant and how it came to be or stop it from happening. Another couple of chapters it’s like we completely forgot about that storyline. But continuing on a beautiful and sad story began to develop about friendship, grief and learning to live in the now. The last chapters do go back to the premise of the story with an explanation or shall I say understanding of why. This was a good story and it had me tearing up.