Mira has a nearly perfect life: she loves her job in pain management, she's about to marry her surgeon fiancé, and her parents are happy with how her life is ending up. She is supposed to go on an engagement-moon to New York City with Druv, but he ends up scheduled in surgeries that week. Rather than waste the trip money, Mira travels alone where she is reunited with Rumi, her estranged twin brother. While in New York, Mira also finds a ring abandoned at Times Square. Her social media post goes viral as she tries to find the owner of the ring and she is introduced to grumpy Krish, a reporter who is interested in the story. The two reluctantly begin to work together to try to unravel the mystery of who the ring belongs to and where it came from. This is a heartwarming story about friendship, family, and finding out who you are.

There were a few hits in this book and quite a few misses for me. There were some letters between two friends from the past that I thought told a really interesting and beautiful story. I also appreciated the way that Mira was able to learn how her behavior had hurt her brother and how she changed so that she could better support him and also stand up for herself. Other than that, I found Mira and Krish to both be really grating characters. Mira grew up sheltered, but she was too naive and eventually reveals a secret about herself that made me feel like she should not have been as naive as she was as an adult. Krish was just an obnoxious character and I didn't find him appealing in the slightest. The conversations were also really stilted and weird. It also felt like Mira was disrespecting Krish's boundaries, especially when it came to his adoption story, in a way that only worked out because they liked each other. If Krish didn't actually like Mira, the way she behaved would have been absolutely disastrous. The pacing of the book was also not my favorite. The beginning felt like it dragged on for a really long time and then there were some action scenes later on that felt really out of place. I think this book will appeal to romance readers who are also fans of Hallmark movies.

This book has a lot of heart and emotion, but was less of a romance than I had thought this was going to be. It was intriguing to see how the author built up the drama around the action of a pre engagement in New York City. If you are looking for a strong story that will introduce you to a new friend, then this is a book you'll want to check out.

This book was not my favorite. I read the synopsis and it sounded good but was not executed the way i thought it would have heen

I loved the journey that Mira took me on. The idea of finding a ring and wanting to reunite it with its owners is so sweet! I also loved that we got a second love story as. Mira and Krish work to find the original owners.

This is first and foremost a novel of self discovery. Mira is in a relationship with a guy that everyone loves but is already married to his job. She also has some family stuff going on as her parents are not talking to her brother (he is gay) and she feels like a go between. This incredible journey takes her to India where she finds out so much more about herself.

Mira Salvi is so very lucky, saved from entering her 30s without a husband, by becoming engaged to Druv, a handsome, caring and successful doctor. She reminds herself of that frequently, parroting what people have told her, and if somehow she should forget how fortunate she is, there’s her mother, her future mother-in-law and all her other relatives and friends reminding her of just that.

Sweet and obliging, Mira is understanding when Druv has to cancel their engagement-moon (yes, there are engagement-moons, which are trips for couples before marriage just like honeymoons are for after) to New York City for the third time because of his partner’s injury in a fall. Since the money is now non-refundable and Mira has never been to New York City, she decides to go on her own. She also has another motive. Her brother Rumi lives in New York with his partner, a wealthy jewelry designer. Mira hopes to convince him to come to her wedding.

But it’s complicated.

When Mira and her brother were young, their parents were poor, working for meager wages in a store owned by a relative after immigrating from India. But after acquiring the store after his death, they’re suddenly catapulted into the top echelon of Indian society in tiny Naperville, Illinois. But they still hold on to some of the traditional standards of a different era, and after Rumi came out, they stopped speaking to him.

And Rumi won’t attend the wedding if he has to pretend his partner is just a friend.

It's while enjoying the tourist attractions of New York that Mira takes a fall and discovers a ring. Deciding it’s important to find the owner, she posts on Facebook (or as her mother calls it, Phase One) to the disapproval of her brother who worries that she’ll attract all sorts of weird and potentially dangerous people.

He’s right about that, she soon realizes. But she also attracts a rather grumpy and remote New York Times reporter who says he wants to help, but only if he can write a story about her quest. Dismissive of him at first, he saves the ring when it is stolen from her by a man who claims it’s his. Changing her mind, the two begin working together to find the owner of what is a century-old ring made in India. As they search, Mira begins to realize that maybe there is a different life path for her than the one she — and others — always envisioned.

“There’s Something About Mira,” is a mystery romance by Chicago author Sonali Dev, whose novel “The Vibrant Years” was selected by Mindy Kaling as the first book published under Mindy’s Book Studio, Kaling’s imprint with Amazon Publishing that was optioned by Amazon Studios to be made into a movie.
“Like all my stories, the inspiration comes from a whole bunch of little seeds that have been flying around and kind of stick somewhere in my head and then all come together, and this was a combination of a few things,” Dev said during a recent phone conversation. “I got one of the ideas for the book when my editor shared an article in the New York Times about a person who found a ring on the New York subway while on vacation there and searched for the owner.”

Though she doesn’t realize it at first, the search is also about Mira discovering what’s best for her.

“I think there are so many expectations on young women,” said Dev, who has a 23-year-old daughter. “And what’s outside of us can impact our choices whether it repels or attracts us. And there are many different ways we can find happiness. But there are ways that will make us unhappy as well. I wanted not only to write a mystery but also to show how Mira finds what is right for her."

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

💍 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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