In Five Years

What would you do if you saw a glimpse of your future? Would knowing it somehow lead you to make decisions that inevitably lead to its fulfillment? Rebecca Serle explores this concept in this charming and heartwarming novel.

I went into this book thinking the main characters would be Dannie and her boyfriend; however, the book is really about the love between two best friends, Dannie and Bella. Dannie struggles to figure out the path of her love life, but the one constant and fulfilling relationship in her life is her friendship with Bella. These two characters are so different, but they balance each other. Serle does a great job of creating this contrast. Some might say that the two women are stereotypes, one grounded and serious while the other is free-spirited and laid back; however, it's not bothersome to me. I believe they are simply examples of real women, even if they are maybe portrayed to the extreme.

The plot line takes a turn about 60% into the book. It did not end up being the story I expected it to be, but that is not a bad thing. I ended up liking it more because of the new direction it went in. While some of the plot developments are a bit cliche, I still thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. It was a fast, engaging read that I would definitely recommend to my fellow readers.

For anyone looking for a book about love and friendship that will both break and warm the heart, In Five Years is a great choice.