In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Summary
Where do you see yourself in five years?
When Type-A Manhattan lawyer Dannie Kohan is asked this question at the most important interview of her career, she has a meticulously crafted answer at the ready. Later, after nailing her interview and accepting her boyfriend's marriage proposal, Dannie goes to sleep knowing she is right on track to achieve her five-year plan.
But when she wakes up, she’s suddenly in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and beside a very different man. The television news is on in the background, and she can just make out the scrolling date. It’s the same night—December 15—but 2025, five years in the future.
After a very intense, shocking hour, Dannie wakes again, at the brink of midnight, back in 2020. She can’t shake what has happened. It certainly felt much more than merely a dream, but she isn’t the kind of person who believes in visions. That nonsense is only charming coming from free-spirited types, like her lifelong best friend, Bella. Determined to ignore the odd experience, she files it away in the back of her mind.
That is, until four-and-a-half years later, when by chance Dannie meets the very same man from her long-ago vision.
Brimming with joy and heartbreak, In Five Years is an unforgettable love story that reminds us of the power of loyalty, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of destiny.
Book Setting: Manhattan, New York
Sarge’s Deli - Where Dannie get’s her favorite whitefish salad bagel before her job interview.
Wachtell - The law firm Dannie interviews with and eventually is hired at.
The Rainbow Room - Where David proposes to Dannie.
Murray Hill - Where Dannie lives in the beginning of the story.
Snack Taverna - Where Bella and Dannie frequently meet for Greek food.
Amagansett - Where Dannie, David, Bella, Aaron, and their friends vacation for Labor Day weekend.
Gramercy Park - Where Dannie and David move to
37 Bridge St - The Dumbo loft apartment Dannie sees in her vision.
Reviews
“A heartwarming portrait of a broken heart finding a little healing magic.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Rebecca Serle did a brilliant thing with the central conceit of this book, and it took me by surprise. This is a quick read…and it’s just the right amount of cathartic emotional release.”
— She’s Full of Lit
“A heartfelt love story that will no doubt make you cry and want to call your loved ones.”
— Book Club Chat