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Member Reviews

Thanks to Lake Union and Netgalley for this advanced copy!

Mira thinks her life is just fine, her engagement is going great, and her fiance is wonderful, so naturally a solo trip to NYC upends everything. She finds a ring and off she goes on an adventure to find the ring's owner. Naturally there is a good looking journalist along for the ride as well. And while this has all the makings of a good rom com, this book has a lot of drama, as the ring leads Mira on an international quest for understanding. I love Dev's writing. She mixes fun and drama together so easily, having characters grow without beating you over the head with lessons learned. Mira has to come to terms with some trauma and she comes to terms with her life, including facing her strict childhood and her distance from her twin. I wish there had been a bit more fun times for Mira in this, but you know the fun times are just beginning by the end.

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Loved, loved, loved this novel! Dev is an incredibly gifted storyteller, Her characters are well developed, relatable and intriguing. The sense of culture and locations is strong and transportive, And the end result is a book that was as charming and heartwarming as it was interesting and entertaining, This was the first book I’ve read by Dev, and will most definitely not be the last!

Highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

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I thought this was cute! As with many of Sonali Dev’s books there is a story happening in modern times and one from the past. I enjoyed Mira’s personal journey and really loved her brother and his partner. I do wish the story built in a bit more physical longing throughout. There was definitely great emotional connection built - and with a story with these topics that’s definitely key.

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This was a great story of choosing to follow your own path and not the one that that you're on by pleasing everyone! I really enjoyed this heartfelt, slow build romance and everything that happens as Mira learns to be her true self. There are multiple storylines of love and how difficult it sometimes is. Sonali Dev has a wonderful ability of creating fabulous characters and stories that immediately draw you in. Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #SonaliDev

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Thank you Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Sonali Dev.
This is my first novel from this author and I will continue with her work.
I love the characters of Mira and Krish, love the storyline and the crazy antics they went through.
How Mira finds a ring in New York City and what she goes through to find the owner was great, loved it.
Recommend
4 stars

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My thoughts






Narrative and Plot





There's Something About Mira is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and a lifetime of unlearning emotional trauma. The story was strong, and even though we only follow Mira's point of view, we clearly understand where each character is coming from.

The pacing was consistent and kept me turning page after page to find out what happened next. I especially enjoyed reading the letters exchanged between the owners of the ring, as they added layers and depth to the story.






Characters and Conflicts



Mira is quite a strong character with a tremendous arc. After all, it’s her journey of self-discovery. But it’s not some flowery epiphany about life—nope. Mira actually learns to unlearn the toxic traits that have been instilled in her from childhood in the name of culture and values. As someone who grew up in an Indian household, that was quite relatable.

When an Indian woman decides to be assertive and put herself first, it’s not without a fight—both internal and external. The external forces are easier to conquer, but the guilt you carry inside for just being yourself is immense. It takes time to heal and learn that it’s okay to prioritise yourself. Mira’s beautiful journey starts even before she finds the ring, but once she does, her character growth becomes more evident and gradual. It was heartwarming to read.

I loved that the romance between Krish and Mira (and yes, I loved the pun) was subtle and never overshadowed the main story. Mira’s complicated yet fierce relationship with Rumi was well explored. It serves as a reminder that two people growing up in the same household can have completely different childhood experiences.

I would advise checking the trigger warnings for this book, as it addresses some hard-hitting topics. Although the overall story is hopeful and optimistic, it doesn’t shy away from trauma either.

Conclusion




Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, but it’s one of those stories that will stay in my heart for a long time. There’s Something About Mira is a journey of adventure, hope, love, and loss. Despite all that, it will leave you with a smile on your face.

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A wonderful story that surrounds the old world thinking and bringing up their children in the Indian community and tradition. But in this day and age it’s not realistic for the grown children. Mira twin brother is one who doesn’t fit the mold and is disowned. Mira with a wedding in her future desperately wants her brother there, even if her parents disallow it. As she meets up with her brother in New York, she is accidentally knock down on the street and finds an unusual ring with a broken chain. And as fate would have it, the mystery of the ring has Mira discovering her true self.
I truly enjoyed reading this story, the heartbreaks and the strict traditions of the Indian society. The only thing that I wished was for a glossary for many of the words and slang the author used. I do know a little of the culture but not the language. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #TheresSomethingAboutMira

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💍 There’s Something About Mira 💍

“I’ve never questioned that our love was right, that it was powerful, that it made me feel my own humanity more than a single other thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Oh my heart, Sonali Dev has done it again. This was such a beautiful story, my heart is bursting trying to capture the essence of it in a review.

On a trip to NYC, Mira finds a beautiful gold ring on a chain that she finds irresistibly romantic. This leads her on a quest to reunite the ring with its owner, find the matching set to the ring and discover the story between the pair of rings. Along the way, she meets Krish, who has the other ring from his birth mom that he’s never known. What unfolds is a journey about finding yourself, standing up for those you love and embracing loved ones for who they are, as they are.

Mira confronts many truths during their adventures - from her relationship with her twin brother, her parents and her fiancé. Mira learns that “It is hard to do the thing you want when you’ve been taught that doing what others want means loving them.”

However, she also learns that, “The act of growing a spine hurts, but it doesn’t seem reversible.“

I adored Mira’s journey, her growth and the beautiful way she navigates healing from her past and being who she is. I also loved the themes throughout of being true to yourself, despite what others in your family or community will say.

Highly, highly recommend! Especially if you’re looking for:
💍 Multigenerational love stories
💍 Desi romance
💍 LGBTQ+ love and acceptance
💍 Standing up for yourself and your happiness
💍 Beautiful prose

I cannot recommend this book enough! I am grateful for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

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This was decent for what it was, but it's not really my kind of thing. I think when I requested it, I was in a different sort of mood. I didn't have any real issue with it.

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Mira’s perfect life takes an unexpected turn when her solo engagement trip to New York leads her to a lost ring. Her quest to find its owner goes viral, attracting the attention of a cynical journalist. As they reluctantly team up, Mira starts to question her own happily-ever-after.

This is a beautifully written and emotional romance. The character development is strong. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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I have been a fan of Sonali Dev's for some time, so I was delighted to receive an advance copy of There's Something About Mira. There's something about New York City that feels full of possibility and also can make you question your choices, and Mira Salvi experiences that when she finds herself flying solo on her engagement trip. A missing ring and a brooding journalist force her to question if she really had it all or if she knew what she wanted in the first place.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

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It is equally refreshing and riveting to read a story about my culture that doesn't mock or misinterpret it but rather show you all the facets. There’s Something About Mira by Sonali Dev was an epic adventure where Mira didn't only reunite two long lost lovers, she found herself too. The storytelling is phenomenal. The author definitely knows how to tug at all your heart strings with the poetic writing. My heart is aching and splitting but at the end, there is peace and forgiveness.

Mira is the good girl in the family. She consciously walked the line set by her parents after her teenage tragedy that wasn't her fault at all. Like any good Indian family in USA, her parents just wanted a good marriage for her and they found a match for her. The orthopedic surgeon is the height of her achievement to her parents. She was supposed to go to an engagement moon trip to New Yoirk with her fiance but he had to cancel it at the last time and asks her to do the trip alone. She is excited to meet her estranged brother and his boyfriend too. On the very first day, she has a fall after a kid collides with her and she finds half of a ring in a chain. She has to know who the owner is and it sets her on a path that will change her life. Reporter Krish Hale approaches her to help in exchange of her letting him write the story and he is something different.

I see so many parts of myself in Mira and I am so glad that the author didn't play to the stereotypical Desi romance. She didn't just make it sarcastic or mockery or joking. She dived deep into the issues of Indian culture and family values. Mira was paying penance for something she didn't even do. She smothered her wishes and rebellion. She was stretched too thin while being perfect every way. Even her brother misunderstood her. But she isn't perfect in that sense. She has big heart and big feels. She is full of compassion and determination that get shadowed by her compromises. The search of the owner takes them through different parts of New York those have unique history and finally lands them where it all started. India. Mumbai. Pune. She had to make the trip with her mother and future mother in law for wedding shopping but she couldn't forget the tragic story of the ring. It was out of her character or may be it wasn't. May be she wanted to break free and this search was just the catalyst..or may be Krish was. The brooding grumpy stoic man who has his own demons and trauma. The ring is intricately related to his own life and he followed the thread to his very origin. The origin that is full of tragedy and soulmate love and devastating loss. Mira tried to suppress her feelings..this reckless need to do the right thing. But she couldn’t. The ending couldn't have been any more perfect. The author plays with words and emotions so beautifully. She effortlessly weaves in and out of the different plots while meshing them together at the same time. Love is timeless and so are the prejudices and hatred. Love is messy and so is the society with it's so called standard and protocols. Mira was probably waiting for someone like Krish to push her our of her cocoon and make her face her insecurities. A must read of 2025.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

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Mira’s supposed to be on vacation in New York with her fiancé but he had to stay behind for work (he’s a doctor), and encouraged her to go. It’s a good opportunity to reconnect with her brother who’s stayed away from family since coming out. On an excursion in the city, she comes across a ring on the ground, and the fascination with reuniting it with its owner consumes her. Enter the mysterious Krish, a journalist who wants to write a story about this after seeing Mira’s online appeal to find the ring’s owner go viral. What ensues is a heart aching, multi-generational story of love, fear and loss.

I was just as invested in this mission that I read it within hours! Parts of the story are relayed via letters. I liked her slow awakening through this experience as she reconsiders her own life. Maybe her wedding is more about appeasing her immigrant parents and their social standing within the Indian community. The burden to be their dutiful daughter to offset the shame and disappointment of their ‘rebel’ son. There’s trauma involved in both timelines that are disturbing and sad. Dev’s approach to dealing with these issues feels organic and honest. This is also a slow burn romance (no cheating) that builds up beautifully.

Highlights:
💍 Single POV, dual timeline, part epistolary
💍 South Asian, queer rep
💍 Slow burn (no love scenes), adventure
💍 Multi-generational, immigrant perspective
💍 Tradition, culture clash

Be aware of: homophobia, domestic abuse, some violence

Boy did I feel that emotional pull with tears threatening to flow at the end! It’s my favorite novel by Dev thus far. Her writing is so engaging and descriptive. I always find it easy to fall into the world she’s building. I hope you pick this up!

Thank you Lake Union Publishing & @netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮 arrives February 1st!

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Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev!

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Sonali Dev never disappoints. I love the writing and the way she tackles issues, the way her characters tackle big things. This one with Mira coming back around to her brother, finding herself even when she thinks she's already found, and going on this adventure to find the owner of a ring she found in Times Square NYC is captivating and I just couldn't get enough. Mira's journey was so lovely. The end was just perfect and I'm so glad they got there.

#arc
#netgalley
#theressomethingaboutmira

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Mira honey when you end up going on an engagement trip alone that should be a sign to kick the guy to curb. She finds a lost ring and Krish Hale a journalist who acts like he just wants a story agrees to help her find the owner. Technically this one is a love tringle and I generally hate those but I don't consider this one a love tringle cause I'm pretty sure Mira's fiancé has one foot out the door. I found the banter between Mira Krish good and I did enjoy the story.

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There is Something about Mira by Sonali Dev is a modern romance centered around a young Indian-American woman named Mira who is thirty years old and a physical therapist who specializes in pain management. She is engaged to an orthopedic surgeon named Druv. Both sets of parents, well, mothers, really, are thrilled and much more invested in the wedding than are the bride and groom. Druv wanted to introduce her to New York City, but here she was, rescheduling the flight for the last time. The airline would not do it again. Then, he announces he cannot go. She decides to go by herself. Her mother is aghast, but it is not that first time Mira has upset her. First on her list is the Empire State Building. On her way there, she trips and falls, and finds a ring on a chain. She becomes obsessed with finding the owner. She has gone to see her brother, Rumi, and his live-in boyfriend, Sak, which she has been forbidden by her mother to do. Gays is not OK. The boyfriend becomes just as interested; he is a high-end jeweler and introduces her to someone he knows, Khrish, who has already seen Mira’s post on social media, is a newspaper reporter, and all in. Mean while we are monitoring a correspondence between two women friends from thirty years earlier. There is a lot going on.

For Mira, this is a journey of discovery. She had been an old maid when the most handsome man around took and interest in her. Why would she not want that? Her mother did, but then she pretended Rumi was dead because he loved a man. The two women from earlier turned out to be important to the story as Krish and Mira traveled to India to find one of them. Mira was a strong young woman who hadn’t quite settled into her self yet. It was kind of a coming of age story for her. Several sets of eyes were opened throughout the process. It was a saga with a plot. Things changed for everyone during the years or so this story took place and the reader was on the journey. If anything, I would say it was a little wordy. Good book.

I was invited to read There is Something About Mira by Lake Unions Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #UnionLakePublishing #SonaliDev #ThereIs SomethingAboutMira

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What a lovely, well written story. This book was a wonderful surprise and totally not what I thought it would be! I wouldn't call it a rom-com, but there is romance involved, certainly. I appreciated the way this book brought readers into the challenging dynamics of being born into a family structure that doesn't serve you or your true identity, and how to break out of that.

Would recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of this novel.

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This was so different than what I expected. By the cover and the description, I expected a light-hearted RomCom, but it was so much more. This book was filled with adventure, love, social issues, mystery and a dash of drama. It was a little slow at the beginning, but it did pick up. I think Mira’s struggles to be herself and be heard are relatable. The way of parents born in a different country are most times not the way of the world we grew up in. Mira is torn by her duty to her parents, her love for her brother and her need to be herself and do the right thing. You will be cheering for Mira through it all. Many social issues were touched upon, showing how far we’ve come and how much farther we need to go. The characters are all strong, all dealing with their own issues. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading her again.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

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Warm, engaging & tender.
Honestly, I think my favorite yet from the author.
So enjoyed the characters & story.

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon/Atria Publishing for this e-ARC.

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