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Five First Chances
What would you do if you had one more chance for the life of your dreams?
Lou feels like she is stuck on the wrong path: alone, in a city far from home, watching other people be happy. When the man she's in love with announces his engagement to someone else, Lou is consumed by 'what ifs'.
That's when she finds herself slipping back in time to a night two years ago, where one small decision changed everything...
Suddenly, Lou has a chance to fix her mistakes. But as her choices lead her down roads she never could have imagined, she finds herself stuck in a time loop of her own making. And with each slip, Lou notices her life intersecting with one person again and again. A friend of a friend who once lived on the periphery, who is slowly becoming the one person who makes her feel like she might finally be on the right track.
Lou is about to realize that our greatest love stories aren't always the ones we expected, but are the ones we choose to fight for.
For anyone who has ever felt stuck on the wrong path comes a stunning, time-bending love story that challenges what it means to get things "right," the kind of book that will pull at your heartstrings and make you realize that if you just open yourself up to the possibilities, our world is full of inspiring people poised to change everything...and you might just be one of them.
Lou feels like she is stuck on the wrong path: alone, in a city far from home, watching other people be happy. When the man she's in love with announces his engagement to someone else, Lou is consumed by 'what ifs'.
That's when she finds herself slipping back in time to a night two years ago, where one small decision changed everything...
Suddenly, Lou has a chance to fix her mistakes. But as her choices lead her down roads she never could have imagined, she finds herself stuck in a time loop of her own making. And with each slip, Lou notices her life intersecting with one person again and again. A friend of a friend who once lived on the periphery, who is slowly becoming the one person who makes her feel like she might finally be on the right track.
Lou is about to realize that our greatest love stories aren't always the ones we expected, but are the ones we choose to fight for.
For anyone who has ever felt stuck on the wrong path comes a stunning, time-bending love story that challenges what it means to get things "right," the kind of book that will pull at your heartstrings and make you realize that if you just open yourself up to the possibilities, our world is full of inspiring people poised to change everything...and you might just be one of them.
391 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2023
183 people are currently reading
18741 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jost
2 books125 followersSarah Jost was born and grew up in Switzerland, against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps. She moved to the UK in her mid-twenties and now lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Luke and their adorable and fast-running dog Winnie. Sarah writes contemporary book club novels, with a touch of magic, looking at love stories in all shapes, mental health, female characters finding their confidence and quirky pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
March 31, 2023
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Every single small decision you make can spoil it all.
I really enjoyed the book's time loop premise as it was unique in the way that the character doesn't know it's happening right away and she slowly realizes it bit by bit as she goes through her five chances. I was surprised by how sad this story was, romance novels are usually of the cutesy kind. I also loved how all the secondary characters were essential to the story in some way.
Lou was such an endearing main character and I couldn't help but be carried away on her journey and cheer her on to find happiness. There is a lot of heavy subject matter in the book. Miscarriage, mental health issues, cancer, death and bereavement. But they are all central to the story and are used sensitively and not in a gratuitous way. The ending has a twist and I did not see it coming and was an oh my gosh moment. This was an excellent debut and honestly, I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Every single small decision you make can spoil it all.
I really enjoyed the book's time loop premise as it was unique in the way that the character doesn't know it's happening right away and she slowly realizes it bit by bit as she goes through her five chances. I was surprised by how sad this story was, romance novels are usually of the cutesy kind. I also loved how all the secondary characters were essential to the story in some way.
Lou was such an endearing main character and I couldn't help but be carried away on her journey and cheer her on to find happiness. There is a lot of heavy subject matter in the book. Miscarriage, mental health issues, cancer, death and bereavement. But they are all central to the story and are used sensitively and not in a gratuitous way. The ending has a twist and I did not see it coming and was an oh my gosh moment. This was an excellent debut and honestly, I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
February 28, 2023
I was not going to rate this one but what the heck. Doing it anyways. I have no clue what happened. I kept reading hoping to get there but I'm over the forcing myself to deal with it.
I'm out.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
I'm out.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
April 12, 2023
I love, love, LOVE time loops, but especially when paired with a tragic storyline. Once you finish this one, the title hits the heart a little harder.
It took me a bit to wrap my brain around the situation, as there's quite a few characters and individual conflicts. But I became instantly hooked once I had everything straight.
As Lou slowly realizes she's being continually transported back two years to Saturday, July 15th, 2017—repeating the same period of time—it's a story of small moments making monumental rippling effects.
As always with books like this, a review feels impossible to adequately capture the beauty and bittersweet message of this story.
I loved seeing Lou rebuild each version of her life into something she truly wants. There's moments of repairing friendships, acknowledging that some people will never change despite multiple chances, finding love and attempting to hold onto it ... and more!
The ending wrecked me, I must say. But I loved it anyways!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
It took me a bit to wrap my brain around the situation, as there's quite a few characters and individual conflicts. But I became instantly hooked once I had everything straight.
As Lou slowly realizes she's being continually transported back two years to Saturday, July 15th, 2017—repeating the same period of time—it's a story of small moments making monumental rippling effects.
As always with books like this, a review feels impossible to adequately capture the beauty and bittersweet message of this story.
I loved seeing Lou rebuild each version of her life into something she truly wants. There's moments of repairing friendships, acknowledging that some people will never change despite multiple chances, finding love and attempting to hold onto it ... and more!
The ending wrecked me, I must say. But I loved it anyways!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
January 14, 2023
I love a good time loop story and this was one of my favorites. I really liked the characters and enjoyed watching them grow and also learning more about each of them with each loop. There were some really good life lessons. It was heartbreaking and beautiful, and just a really good read. I look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 26, 2023
I’m really not a fan of the “grown adult character behaving immaturely” storyline. I found Lou to be difficult to take and I didn’t care about what would happen to her. The formatting also made it a bit hard to read. It got very wordy at times and I found myself skimming large portions of paragraphs. Overall this just wasn’t the book for me, but it could be for someone else.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
December 31, 2022
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking story that is not only about starting over but about growing and making yourself a better person. I feel like I learned so much about myself from reading this and while I know I can't travel back in time I want to make the most out of each day that I have.
Lou, on her quest to have a better life, deal with her anxiety, and find love, is destined to go back in time 5 times to a fixed point in her life. She is a native Swiss but moved to England to try teaching French. Her job is not going well, her only true friend and flatmate Yuki, has just moved out, and Lou feels like her life is going nowhere. One day, Yuki calls her and asks her to go to a funeral for a guy that she met briefly at Yuki's birthday party. At the memorial service afterwards Lou finds herself being transported back two years in the past. This pattern will continue until Lou can figure out who she is and what is the best possible life path.
This book had me stuck to my couch as I had to find out what happened and who would be the right fit for Lou. I was also an emotional wreck. I had a connection with one of the characters and what he went through. This book had romance, a little bit of sci-fi and so much more. I really feel like I learned a little bit more about myself and want to try and live my best life every day. This is a must read for anyone who likes a good read and doesn't mind shedding a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy.
Lou, on her quest to have a better life, deal with her anxiety, and find love, is destined to go back in time 5 times to a fixed point in her life. She is a native Swiss but moved to England to try teaching French. Her job is not going well, her only true friend and flatmate Yuki, has just moved out, and Lou feels like her life is going nowhere. One day, Yuki calls her and asks her to go to a funeral for a guy that she met briefly at Yuki's birthday party. At the memorial service afterwards Lou finds herself being transported back two years in the past. This pattern will continue until Lou can figure out who she is and what is the best possible life path.
This book had me stuck to my couch as I had to find out what happened and who would be the right fit for Lou. I was also an emotional wreck. I had a connection with one of the characters and what he went through. This book had romance, a little bit of sci-fi and so much more. I really feel like I learned a little bit more about myself and want to try and live my best life every day. This is a must read for anyone who likes a good read and doesn't mind shedding a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy.
March 10, 2023
This is me hiding my face cuz I'm a hot mess with a hellava #bookhangover 😭🥺
I can count on one hand the number of times I cried real tears over a novel before-1. But nothing like this... and it was worth every word.
#FiveFirstChances is a groundhog day type of story, where we first find Louise at her college friend Yuki's bday party. When she gets an inviting text from her ex she ignores it, not ready to weigh what it would mean to answer it. We experience a few specific days with Lou over 6 months, meet her family, get a feel for the relationships in her life. By the time she decides to respond to the text it's already too late & her ex is with someone else.
As she becomes plagued by what ifs, she's suddenly slipping back in time & we find her right back at Yuki's party. With a chance to do things differently Lou is excited to do right this time to get her desired results. But no life experience is perfect & at the end of those 6 months she finds herself wanting to right some wrongs again. life is willing to give her another new shot at a do-over but is she on the right path? Will she win over the man she loves or is love more unexpected than she could ever imagine...
I can't. I don't want to talk about it. I think I need a support group because my heart is bursting and then it's breaking and then it's a soppy gooey mess all over the floor and I don't know what to do with it. So I NEED u to read this book and be here in it with me.
Each & every character in this book was more than just a prop for the main character, more than just a stepping stone for the story. I appreciated every flaw, each of their individual journies, every direction they took or were taken by Lou. And Lou. I felt like I was running through time with her, cheering her on, hugging her, bursting with happiness or crying with her. She was one of those characters I couldn't help but be endeared to. Her earnestness in trying to do right, not only for herself but for everyone she loved in her life. I can't stop thinking about this story
I was deeply affected by the magical, humorous, insightful, authentic & sincere words of @sarahjost_writes & am thankful to have read this
I can count on one hand the number of times I cried real tears over a novel before-1. But nothing like this... and it was worth every word.
#FiveFirstChances is a groundhog day type of story, where we first find Louise at her college friend Yuki's bday party. When she gets an inviting text from her ex she ignores it, not ready to weigh what it would mean to answer it. We experience a few specific days with Lou over 6 months, meet her family, get a feel for the relationships in her life. By the time she decides to respond to the text it's already too late & her ex is with someone else.
As she becomes plagued by what ifs, she's suddenly slipping back in time & we find her right back at Yuki's party. With a chance to do things differently Lou is excited to do right this time to get her desired results. But no life experience is perfect & at the end of those 6 months she finds herself wanting to right some wrongs again. life is willing to give her another new shot at a do-over but is she on the right path? Will she win over the man she loves or is love more unexpected than she could ever imagine...
I can't. I don't want to talk about it. I think I need a support group because my heart is bursting and then it's breaking and then it's a soppy gooey mess all over the floor and I don't know what to do with it. So I NEED u to read this book and be here in it with me.
Each & every character in this book was more than just a prop for the main character, more than just a stepping stone for the story. I appreciated every flaw, each of their individual journies, every direction they took or were taken by Lou. And Lou. I felt like I was running through time with her, cheering her on, hugging her, bursting with happiness or crying with her. She was one of those characters I couldn't help but be endeared to. Her earnestness in trying to do right, not only for herself but for everyone she loved in her life. I can't stop thinking about this story
I was deeply affected by the magical, humorous, insightful, authentic & sincere words of @sarahjost_writes & am thankful to have read this
January 26, 2023
I am honestly so blown away by how beautifully this was written. I felt like I was living this story along with the main characters. I was so invested. I knew pretty quickly this was going to be more of a deep/emotional read and contemplated pausing it. I’m so glad I didn’t wait to finish this though. I loved how each “chance” was not just the exact same path. It really makes you think how one choice or change can affect more than one person’s future. There were many take aways from this book and the author accomplished this by appealing to my emotions rather than being preachy. I like to think of myself as having an ice cold heart but I don’t know anymore because I cried so many times (happy and sad) during this book. This is truly a book that is going to stick with me for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks and Sarah Jost for this e-arc.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks and Sarah Jost for this e-arc.
March 19, 2025
This book is heartfelt, endearing and totally relatable. The story had a sliding door.-esqu thing going on that I was absolutely here for! A time warp meets déjà vu. The FMC enters quite a few different timetables, all the same cast of characters, all with a different and tricky situation. It was so fun to watch how she navigated each situation and gain new inside each time
January 4, 2023
3.5 Stars Upgraded to 4 based on sustained improvement as the book progressed.
I almost gave up on this novel and labeled it a DNF. However, after struggling through a very slow start with an irritatingly self-centered protagonist, I found that the storyline picked up the pace and the afore-mentioned lead character redeemed herself. By the conclusion, I was glad I persevered.
Louise (Lou) flees to London after failing to complete her PhD and being dumped by her boyfriend for being too needy…but nothing seems to be going right. She has just lost her roommate, is in an unsatisfying teaching job, and has strained relationships with the family she left behind. Unexpectedly she finds herself returning to a point in time with the ability to make different decisions with different outcomes. Over four “repeats” of the initial experience, Lou learns more about herself, becomes more sensitive to the needs of others, and emerges as a true friend and loving partner.
The literary device of a time-loop is not new, but this one seems to be missing a bit of the “magic” usually associated with this phenomenon. What made this novel worthwhile was the transformation of the protagonist from a victim of her self-induced circumstances to an admirable woman willing to grow and expand into trusting herself and those she loves. Ultimately, Lou realizes that her love for the well being of others is greater than her fear of the future.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I almost gave up on this novel and labeled it a DNF. However, after struggling through a very slow start with an irritatingly self-centered protagonist, I found that the storyline picked up the pace and the afore-mentioned lead character redeemed herself. By the conclusion, I was glad I persevered.
Louise (Lou) flees to London after failing to complete her PhD and being dumped by her boyfriend for being too needy…but nothing seems to be going right. She has just lost her roommate, is in an unsatisfying teaching job, and has strained relationships with the family she left behind. Unexpectedly she finds herself returning to a point in time with the ability to make different decisions with different outcomes. Over four “repeats” of the initial experience, Lou learns more about herself, becomes more sensitive to the needs of others, and emerges as a true friend and loving partner.
The literary device of a time-loop is not new, but this one seems to be missing a bit of the “magic” usually associated with this phenomenon. What made this novel worthwhile was the transformation of the protagonist from a victim of her self-induced circumstances to an admirable woman willing to grow and expand into trusting herself and those she loves. Ultimately, Lou realizes that her love for the well being of others is greater than her fear of the future.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 21, 2023
I really love these time-bending, Groundhog Day type stories, where the protagonist goes back in time to correct a perceived or actual mistake and ends up learning something about themselves.
This one was unique in that it kept happening and the protagonist vaguely knows it's happening, realizes it more and more with each trip. This was actually a little confusing until explained; I was trying to figure out if she knew or didn't and it came across a little sloppy.
In the end, it was an interesting story but I didn't like it that much. I really wanted to, but it just didn't come together cleanly or clearly enough for me.
This one was unique in that it kept happening and the protagonist vaguely knows it's happening, realizes it more and more with each trip. This was actually a little confusing until explained; I was trying to figure out if she knew or didn't and it came across a little sloppy.
In the end, it was an interesting story but I didn't like it that much. I really wanted to, but it just didn't come together cleanly or clearly enough for me.
April 13, 2023
TITLE: FIRST FIVE CHANCES
AUTHOR: Sarah Jost
PUB DATE: 04.18.2023 Now Available
Sarah Jost beautifully writes about an unforgettable character in Lou - a woman just like many of us, who have made mistakes and just needs a chance to make things right. This time loop love story is such a creative take in telling this story through five chances.
I loved following Lou as she develops into a better version of herself. The writing grabbed at my heart and never let go. Be sure to keep Kleenex handy. I’m still emotional and will definitely have a book hangover.
AUTHOR: Sarah Jost
PUB DATE: 04.18.2023 Now Available
Sarah Jost beautifully writes about an unforgettable character in Lou - a woman just like many of us, who have made mistakes and just needs a chance to make things right. This time loop love story is such a creative take in telling this story through five chances.
I loved following Lou as she develops into a better version of herself. The writing grabbed at my heart and never let go. Be sure to keep Kleenex handy. I’m still emotional and will definitely have a book hangover.
April 6, 2023
I love a good friendship/romance read and this one was on point. I will be honest it had a little bit of everything. Jost has a way of weaving the words to break your heart, but she helps put it back together at the same time.
I highly recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
I highly recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
April 13, 2023
It’s been so long since a book properly made me cry. With this, I was sobbing through the last couple of chapters. So heartbreaking.
This Groundhog Day format can get so tired and cliched, but not here at all - such an interesting take on it, because Louise doesn’t live the same day, or even the exact same time frame over and over, she just begins at the same place. And I loved, truly LOVED, that she isn’t totally aware of it like in other novels that have used this. It starts off as very faint deja vu and we’re just a confused as her for a while. I love that she only realises what is happening to her very gradually. I hoped that Nick would become monumental in her story, but we are kept waiting a fair bit to find out. The first time that she realises she likes him and goes back and has their first romance together is just so lovely. When they realise they love each other, it’s too sweet.
I actually felt like I’d been punched in the stomach on like the third or fourth time around when Louise runs away to Thailand. When she realises she’s back at the start again and thinks that she just can’t meet Nick and that will maybe help everything, but she bumps into him when running away from the pub - it’s just a really powerful moment of fate. And after it all, when she goes on social media for the first time in a long while and there’s a message from him anyway - urgh. And then, THEN, when it turns it Yuki has been with Nick all this time this time around… I couldn’t handle it.
I also loved how subtly the idea that Nick has been going back as well was introduced. I didn’t click on to that until much later and it was satisfying when I realised it. Of course he has been, that’s why he’s drawn to her but he also feels it as a sort of deja vu. Again, that’s a new take on the Groundhog Day set up as the protagonist is usually so isolated.
Another thing that makes this so unique is the ending I suppose. In the Groundhog Day trope the character usually has this epiphanic moment and learns what they were meant to and then proper order can be restored, which usually results in the happy ending. Oh no, not this. It’s heartbreaking, hence the sobbing for the last few chapters. But the realisations for Louise and Nick, while devastating, are still so profound and beautiful ❤️
I just loved this and know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
This Groundhog Day format can get so tired and cliched, but not here at all - such an interesting take on it, because Louise doesn’t live the same day, or even the exact same time frame over and over, she just begins at the same place. And I loved, truly LOVED, that she isn’t totally aware of it like in other novels that have used this. It starts off as very faint deja vu and we’re just a confused as her for a while. I love that she only realises what is happening to her very gradually. I hoped that Nick would become monumental in her story, but we are kept waiting a fair bit to find out. The first time that she realises she likes him and goes back and has their first romance together is just so lovely. When they realise they love each other, it’s too sweet.
I actually felt like I’d been punched in the stomach on like the third or fourth time around when Louise runs away to Thailand. When she realises she’s back at the start again and thinks that she just can’t meet Nick and that will maybe help everything, but she bumps into him when running away from the pub - it’s just a really powerful moment of fate. And after it all, when she goes on social media for the first time in a long while and there’s a message from him anyway - urgh. And then, THEN, when it turns it Yuki has been with Nick all this time this time around… I couldn’t handle it.
I also loved how subtly the idea that Nick has been going back as well was introduced. I didn’t click on to that until much later and it was satisfying when I realised it. Of course he has been, that’s why he’s drawn to her but he also feels it as a sort of deja vu. Again, that’s a new take on the Groundhog Day set up as the protagonist is usually so isolated.
Another thing that makes this so unique is the ending I suppose. In the Groundhog Day trope the character usually has this epiphanic moment and learns what they were meant to and then proper order can be restored, which usually results in the happy ending. Oh no, not this. It’s heartbreaking, hence the sobbing for the last few chapters. But the realisations for Louise and Nick, while devastating, are still so profound and beautiful ❤️
I just loved this and know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
eARC Review
Pub. date: April 17/23
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Do you believe in time travel? Or wish it was real? In Five First Chances author Sarah Jost explores the possibility of changing the future by reliving it over and over again. Louise, a teacher/writer, finds herself in a time loop of the same two years. Providing her the opportunity to make right her relationships with Nick, the love of her life, her family and friends. She learns that doing things over does not always mean you will make them right. Still Louise experiences great love and loss regardless. Will she finally get it ‘right’?
This book surprised me. At first I found it difficult to get into, to follow exactly what was happening. Finally though I began to understand. I believe this was on purpose because my realization coincided with those of the characters. Slowly Louise and Nick began to remember happenings from other ‘times’. Taking Louise time to develop her best life, through trial and error, and with the love and guidance of Nick. This book is filled with tender moments and intense grief where the author drew the same feelings from the reader. This is a well written, engaging, story. I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to review this early release ARC.
Pub. date: April 17/23
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Do you believe in time travel? Or wish it was real? In Five First Chances author Sarah Jost explores the possibility of changing the future by reliving it over and over again. Louise, a teacher/writer, finds herself in a time loop of the same two years. Providing her the opportunity to make right her relationships with Nick, the love of her life, her family and friends. She learns that doing things over does not always mean you will make them right. Still Louise experiences great love and loss regardless. Will she finally get it ‘right’?
This book surprised me. At first I found it difficult to get into, to follow exactly what was happening. Finally though I began to understand. I believe this was on purpose because my realization coincided with those of the characters. Slowly Louise and Nick began to remember happenings from other ‘times’. Taking Louise time to develop her best life, through trial and error, and with the love and guidance of Nick. This book is filled with tender moments and intense grief where the author drew the same feelings from the reader. This is a well written, engaging, story. I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to review this early release ARC.
April 21, 2023
Even though I just read a time travelling book, I really do love them. So I was happy to read another almost back to back.
What would you do if you had one more chance to have the life of your dreams?
This was almost a DNF for me. It took every ounce in me to keep reading…I’m not sure if it was because I was having a hard time trying to keep track of what exactly was happening, or the storyline just wasn’t grabbing me. But it felt like a chore for me to read this.
Although halfway through I was a little more inclined to read, but I just was waiting for the fifth chance to happen already. It felt almost too repetitive.
This book does tug on your heartstrings. I was expecting a different ending though.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a DRC. Five First Chances is available now.
What would you do if you had one more chance to have the life of your dreams?
This was almost a DNF for me. It took every ounce in me to keep reading…I’m not sure if it was because I was having a hard time trying to keep track of what exactly was happening, or the storyline just wasn’t grabbing me. But it felt like a chore for me to read this.
Although halfway through I was a little more inclined to read, but I just was waiting for the fifth chance to happen already. It felt almost too repetitive.
This book does tug on your heartstrings. I was expecting a different ending though.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a DRC. Five First Chances is available now.
January 29, 2023
I loved this story 😭❤ I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I was finished just a few hours later. I loved how beautifully the dynamics between friends, family and lovers flowed. This novel is sort of a Groundhog Day with a little taste of A Walk to Remember. It captures the story of a woman and her young and desperate love and how she outgrew who she thought she wanted to be and became so much more. This story reminds me to make deeper connections with the people I love and to cherish each moment and take none for granted. To be around people who I can be my genuine authentic self, not who I think I should be. I 10,000% recommend this heartwrenching read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
Didn’t connect with the lead, the story or the writing
September 29, 2025
Made me sob 😭 break my heart and it was beautiful. It was amazing, bittersweet, and worth it. ❤️🩹
April 18, 2023
Read it for the:
✨time loops
✨second chances over and over
✨emotional love stories
✨personal growth
✨enduring friendships
“𝙄 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝘼 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝘼 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚, 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 “𝙢𝙚” 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
____
I absolutely love time loops and groundhog day-esque storylines. This beautiful love story was no different even though it was a punch to the gut. The beginning was a little confusing at first because it felt like I was dumped into the middle of Lou’s life and I honestly think that’s on purpose. I think we’re meant to feel as confused about Lou’s life as she is, but then her five chances start and everything starts to fall into place — or does it?
I loved navigating Lou’s life and her five chances. I found myself rooting for different characters with each chance and then feeling completely different about them in another chance. My favorite part of this story though is Lou’s personal growth. She goes through and endures so much and I was so proud of her at the end even though it ripped my heart out. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something different and want to break out of a reading slump!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own!
✨time loops
✨second chances over and over
✨emotional love stories
✨personal growth
✨enduring friendships
“𝙄 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝘼 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝘼 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚, 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 “𝙢𝙚” 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
____
I absolutely love time loops and groundhog day-esque storylines. This beautiful love story was no different even though it was a punch to the gut. The beginning was a little confusing at first because it felt like I was dumped into the middle of Lou’s life and I honestly think that’s on purpose. I think we’re meant to feel as confused about Lou’s life as she is, but then her five chances start and everything starts to fall into place — or does it?
I loved navigating Lou’s life and her five chances. I found myself rooting for different characters with each chance and then feeling completely different about them in another chance. My favorite part of this story though is Lou’s personal growth. She goes through and endures so much and I was so proud of her at the end even though it ripped my heart out. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something different and want to break out of a reading slump!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own!
March 6, 2024
Vous aimez les romans qui abordent les thèmes comme la deuxième chance, les retours dans le temps, l'amitié et l'amour, alors cette histoire est pour vous!
Ce roman m'a un peu rappelé "La bibliothèque de minuit" (que j'avais adoré), par sa formule et son concept. Malgré un début un peu lent, je me suis accrochée et au final, ça en valait amplement le coup!
On y suit donc Lou, qui a l'impression de tourner en rond et que sa vie ne la mène nulle part. Miraculeusement, elle aura cinq chances de revivre une nuit précise et son chemin croisera celui de Nick... mais qui est-il?
Et si? Ses choix avaient été différents ?
Et si? Les choses s'étaient passées autrement?
Et si? Et si?
J'ai beaucoup aimé suivre Lou, elle est douce, sensible et touchante. Un roman feel good qui mérite d'être savouré pour vraiment en apprécier les différentes nuances.
Ce roman m'a un peu rappelé "La bibliothèque de minuit" (que j'avais adoré), par sa formule et son concept. Malgré un début un peu lent, je me suis accrochée et au final, ça en valait amplement le coup!
On y suit donc Lou, qui a l'impression de tourner en rond et que sa vie ne la mène nulle part. Miraculeusement, elle aura cinq chances de revivre une nuit précise et son chemin croisera celui de Nick... mais qui est-il?
Et si? Ses choix avaient été différents ?
Et si? Les choses s'étaient passées autrement?
Et si? Et si?
J'ai beaucoup aimé suivre Lou, elle est douce, sensible et touchante. Un roman feel good qui mérite d'être savouré pour vraiment en apprécier les différentes nuances.
April 13, 2023
Lou is a Swiss national who moved to London to teach after her boyfriend broke up with her. Nothing seems to be going right for Lou, she's single, her flatmate has moved in with another (better) friend, she can't control her class at school, her ex has just announced his engagement, and she's increasingly estranged from her younger sister Marion who is caring for their mother.
We first meet Lou as she accompanies her former flatmate to the funeral of Nick, someone Lou barely knew, having met him only once two years earlier at her flatmate's birthday. Feeling uncomfortable at being at a funeral for close friends and family only, Lou makes a series of awkward faux pas, which culminate in her passing out. But when she comes to, it is two years earlier and she is about to enter the pub for her ex flatmate's birthday drinks. At first Lou isn't aware that she has travelled back in time, but each time she returns things change, both because of Lou's agency and because of other people's actions. One constant in every time hop is that it ends with Nick's funeral.
I found this difficult to get into at first but by the end I loved it and I really couldn't tell how it would end. Initially I thought it was because the author is herself a Swiss national and I imagined that her phraseology was slightly off to a native English-speaker. However, I now realise that it was also partially to demonstrate Lou's social awkwardness, her lack of confidence which too often came across as indifference or self-absorption. In each time hop Lou learns more about her friends and family, about herself, about the way people can hide their feelings and insecurities in different ways, about love, and about heart-breaking loss.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
We first meet Lou as she accompanies her former flatmate to the funeral of Nick, someone Lou barely knew, having met him only once two years earlier at her flatmate's birthday. Feeling uncomfortable at being at a funeral for close friends and family only, Lou makes a series of awkward faux pas, which culminate in her passing out. But when she comes to, it is two years earlier and she is about to enter the pub for her ex flatmate's birthday drinks. At first Lou isn't aware that she has travelled back in time, but each time she returns things change, both because of Lou's agency and because of other people's actions. One constant in every time hop is that it ends with Nick's funeral.
I found this difficult to get into at first but by the end I loved it and I really couldn't tell how it would end. Initially I thought it was because the author is herself a Swiss national and I imagined that her phraseology was slightly off to a native English-speaker. However, I now realise that it was also partially to demonstrate Lou's social awkwardness, her lack of confidence which too often came across as indifference or self-absorption. In each time hop Lou learns more about her friends and family, about herself, about the way people can hide their feelings and insecurities in different ways, about love, and about heart-breaking loss.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 7, 2023
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the premise of this one. I tend to gravitate towards stories with a time loop. The writing was good and the characters were well written.
Overall I found this story to be fairly sad, which I wasn’t prepared for. Regardless I recommend reading this book if you enjoy time loops and books that give you some important life lessons.
I really enjoyed the premise of this one. I tend to gravitate towards stories with a time loop. The writing was good and the characters were well written.
Overall I found this story to be fairly sad, which I wasn’t prepared for. Regardless I recommend reading this book if you enjoy time loops and books that give you some important life lessons.
December 20, 2022
BOOK REVIEW!
Five First Chances by Sarah Jost
Pub date: April 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Five First Chances in exchange for an honest review.
There have been many times in my life when I wished I could have a do over. A few times I even closed my eyes and thought if I squeezed them real tight maybe I could restart. Five First Chances is about what happens when that wish comes true.
The story appealed to me when I read the blurb, however it did not pull me in until about a hundred pages in. It was slow in the beginning and I didn’t particularly care for Louise (Lou), our main character. Then, like a switch being flicked, I was in. I loved how Lou grew and learned from her mistakes with every do over. I loved the romance of Lou and Nick returning to each other, their relationship changing and deepening with every chance. I just wish the first hundred pages hadn’t felt so tedious.
I am so glad I saw this book through because the payoff was so so good. The characters are fleshed out and real. The love is beautiful and heartbreaking. If you want one of those breathtaking, glorious cries, the end will give it to you.
Five First Chances by Sarah Jost
Pub date: April 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Five First Chances in exchange for an honest review.
There have been many times in my life when I wished I could have a do over. A few times I even closed my eyes and thought if I squeezed them real tight maybe I could restart. Five First Chances is about what happens when that wish comes true.
The story appealed to me when I read the blurb, however it did not pull me in until about a hundred pages in. It was slow in the beginning and I didn’t particularly care for Louise (Lou), our main character. Then, like a switch being flicked, I was in. I loved how Lou grew and learned from her mistakes with every do over. I loved the romance of Lou and Nick returning to each other, their relationship changing and deepening with every chance. I just wish the first hundred pages hadn’t felt so tedious.
I am so glad I saw this book through because the payoff was so so good. The characters are fleshed out and real. The love is beautiful and heartbreaking. If you want one of those breathtaking, glorious cries, the end will give it to you.
April 7, 2023
Louisa is reliving the same few months over and over. She gets five chances to re-live her friend's birthday party and the few months following it. In each case she is surrounded by the same handful of people and most of the same events unfold. But she has some awareness of what is happening and can make different choices based on what she has learned from the past. With each pass she is able to face the truths of her life, help her friends and decide who she truly wants to be.
This one is Groundhog Day meets Me Before You and In Five Years with a dash of Sliding Doors. Be prepared for heavy emotion and little explanation of the time slip. It was a 'like' not a 'love' read for me. Something was missing for me in the main Lou relationship that drove the story. It was sad but I was not as bought into it as I wanted to be. Also folks looking for a traditional HEA should be braced for something quite different.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
This one is Groundhog Day meets Me Before You and In Five Years with a dash of Sliding Doors. Be prepared for heavy emotion and little explanation of the time slip. It was a 'like' not a 'love' read for me. Something was missing for me in the main Lou relationship that drove the story. It was sad but I was not as bought into it as I wanted to be. Also folks looking for a traditional HEA should be braced for something quite different.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
January 12, 2023
Lou is unhappy and unfulfilled. Her family dynamic is strained, her work-life is stressful, and her love life is non-existant. Then she gets the chance to go back in time in an attempt to change it all.
I've been devouring many time travel/time loop stories lately. This one is an enjoyable one, but the five chances Lou is given to change her future begin to feel drawn out in the last quarter of this 400 page book. I liked the dynamic between Lou and her love interest, but the rest of the relationships in the book feel a little flat.
That being said, I appreciated the overall sentiment of the book. It's a solid read for anyone who enjoys a little time travel/magical realism in their stories. Those who love a love story will also enjoy the love story Ms. Jost has created.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an Advanced Readers' Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
I've been devouring many time travel/time loop stories lately. This one is an enjoyable one, but the five chances Lou is given to change her future begin to feel drawn out in the last quarter of this 400 page book. I liked the dynamic between Lou and her love interest, but the rest of the relationships in the book feel a little flat.
That being said, I appreciated the overall sentiment of the book. It's a solid read for anyone who enjoys a little time travel/magical realism in their stories. Those who love a love story will also enjoy the love story Ms. Jost has created.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an Advanced Readers' Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
February 15, 2023
I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With a comparison to In Five Years I should have slightly known what I was in for. But there is a major difference between both of those books in my opinion, I actually enjoyed this one and didn't get mad at the plot. The one thing I got so mad about In Five Years was that it was sold as a romance but was not one in the slightest. This book definitely has a romance in it and they are fantastic together and utterly heartbreaking.
I did happen to like this book a lot but it took me a little while to get into it. I was a very confused at the beginning and felt the need to go back and see if I missed something and felt the need to go back and check to see how much time had passed between chapters. Overall, this book was very good but if reading books involving cancer is something you want to avoid then then skip over this book.
With a comparison to In Five Years I should have slightly known what I was in for. But there is a major difference between both of those books in my opinion, I actually enjoyed this one and didn't get mad at the plot. The one thing I got so mad about In Five Years was that it was sold as a romance but was not one in the slightest. This book definitely has a romance in it and they are fantastic together and utterly heartbreaking.
I did happen to like this book a lot but it took me a little while to get into it. I was a very confused at the beginning and felt the need to go back and see if I missed something and felt the need to go back and check to see how much time had passed between chapters. Overall, this book was very good but if reading books involving cancer is something you want to avoid then then skip over this book.
October 6, 2023
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this book. Miscarriage, mental health issues, cancer, death and bereavement. They are all central to the story and are used sensitively and not in a gratuitous way.
The ending has a twist and I did not see it coming and was an “OMG!” moment for SURE.
Once you finish this one, the title hits the heart a little harder.
It took me a bit to wrap my brain around the situation, as there's quite a few characters and individual conflicts. But I became instantly hooked once I had everything straight.
As Lou slowly realizes she's being continually transported back two years to Saturday, July 15th, 2017— repeating the same period of time - it's a story of small moments making monumental rippling effects. It’s a BIG TIME L O O P, but also very well written.
“Every single small decision you make can spoil it all.”
The ending has a twist and I did not see it coming and was an “OMG!” moment for SURE.
Once you finish this one, the title hits the heart a little harder.
It took me a bit to wrap my brain around the situation, as there's quite a few characters and individual conflicts. But I became instantly hooked once I had everything straight.
As Lou slowly realizes she's being continually transported back two years to Saturday, July 15th, 2017— repeating the same period of time - it's a story of small moments making monumental rippling effects. It’s a BIG TIME L O O P, but also very well written.
“Every single small decision you make can spoil it all.”
March 5, 2023
* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.
This book started out a little slow, but I think that could have been just because I wasn’t a fan of the first couple chances. You’re definitely not supposed to be so it makes sense in the end! There were a couple spots throughout the story that I was in tears. I wanted so badly for everything to end perfectly for Louise and Nick but that just wasn’t this book. This book has a good ending for the story, but not a HEA so just a heads up if that’s what you’re looking for.
Would recommend!
This book started out a little slow, but I think that could have been just because I wasn’t a fan of the first couple chances. You’re definitely not supposed to be so it makes sense in the end! There were a couple spots throughout the story that I was in tears. I wanted so badly for everything to end perfectly for Louise and Nick but that just wasn’t this book. This book has a good ending for the story, but not a HEA so just a heads up if that’s what you’re looking for.
Would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
Thank you @bookmarked @netgalley for a copy of this book.
This was a mix of groundhog day and sliding doors. This story is about Lou, a Swiss living in London and reliving the same time frame over 5x. Each time she makes a different decision and how it impacts the outcome of each loop. I love the story between Nick and Lou and their connection. This is a story about relationships with family as well as someone you love. Have tissues ready, I cried so many times.
This was a mix of groundhog day and sliding doors. This story is about Lou, a Swiss living in London and reliving the same time frame over 5x. Each time she makes a different decision and how it impacts the outcome of each loop. I love the story between Nick and Lou and their connection. This is a story about relationships with family as well as someone you love. Have tissues ready, I cried so many times.
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