4.08 AVERAGE


DNF @ 30%

I’m not going to rate this book because I think it would be unfair to do so. It has everything that I should love, but for some reason I just could not connect with the characters. I wasn’t invested in the quest to return the ring to its original owner, nor did I particularly care for Mira, though I do feel for the difficult position she’s in. I was honestly just bored, and I’m trying to be better about DNFing books if they just aren’t working for me instead of struggling through. 

I will say though, I could easily see how someone else could love this book, so this is more of a me problem than an issue with the book itself. 
challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Another amazing, heart-wrenching-in-all-the-best-ways story from one of my favorite authors. 
adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing tense

What I liked about There's Something About Mira:
There's Something About Mira came into my life at exactly the right moment, while I have been navigating my own journey of self-discovery. This made the story resonate with me on a deeply personal level. Sonali Dev’s strength lies in her authentic dialogue and introspective writing, which brings emotional depth and realism to her characters. I loved how Sonali layered the main narrative with mini-stories, adding emotional layers that enriched the larger story. The family and cultural dynamics instantly reminded me of the show Family Karma—messy, beautiful, and complicated in all the best ways.

The character development was one of the novel's strongest elements. Watching Mira grow into her voice was empowering, while Krish’s transformation from a wounded, guarded man to someone deeply caring was both heartbreaking and satisfying. Rumi’s struggle with his parents’ rejection was devastating, and Saket brought much-needed humor and warmth, balancing the heavier moments. Following these characters on their journeys toward self-acceptance and belonging was both moving and rewarding. The alternating structure between present-day chapters and letters from Vasu and Suru added richness and emotional depth, giving the story a multi-generational perspective that enhanced its themes of identity and acceptance.

Sonali doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—exploring trauma, family expectations, and bigotry with honesty and compassion. The story balances romance, mystery, and cultural identity while addressing social issues, acknowledging both the progress we have made and showing how far we still have to go.

What I disliked about There's Something About Mira:
While I was deeply moved by the story and the characters, the book didn’t fully hook me in a way that I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was a little slow in the beginning, and even as it picked up, I didn’t have that “I have to keep reading” urgency. There were moments when I could set it aside and go about my day, which kept it from being a five-star rating.

What I think would have made There's Something About Mira better:
There isn’t much I would change about There's Something About Mira, but if I had the chance, I’d have preferred a stronger hook and quicker pacing in the early chapters. More suspense or tension could have made it harder to put down.

Would I recommend There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev:
Absolutely. Despite my minor critiques, this was a beautifully layered novel that blends romance, mystery, and a powerful exploration of cultural identity, trauma, and courage. It’s a moving story of self-discovery and a must-read for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives that don’t shy away from tough topics.

****

Mira Salvi seems to have it all: her dream job, a picture-perfect fiancé, and a secure future. But when she takes a solo engagement trip to New York and stumbles upon a lost ring, everything starts to shift. A viral post and a reluctant partnership with ambitious journalist Krish Hale lead her on a journey to return the ring and question everything she thought she wanted. As they trace the ring’s origins, Mira begins to wonder if her own story is still waiting to be rewritten.
emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was not what I was expecting, but I absolutely loved it! The book read like it was in two acts and what I would call act 1 had some pacing issues feeling at times both rushed and too slow. I honestly had no idea where the second half of this book was going but loved where it took Mira, Krish and in turn me.

I enjoyed the growth we saw in Mira throughout the book. It felt even more realistic as it was small things here and there leading to a big change versus her all of a sudden becoming a new person. This book explores love in many different facets and does not shy away from showing both the joy and beauty but also the pain and anguish.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I wanted to like this book so much, but I just couldn’t. I wasn’t connected to any of the characters, the plot didn’t hold my attention, and I found myself rolling my eyes so many times. It was labeled as a rom-com and there was no rom and no com. The writing style also started to annoy me. There were just way too many internal rants and paragraphs between dialogue, I couldn’t take it any more. The synopsis sounded exactly like something I would love, but alas, this wasn’t for me. 

2 stars
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Absolutely beautiful 🩵