4.41

2

Dec 30, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I almost liked this book. Almost an added star.

This is my 4th Sparks book. Message in a Bottle (2 stars). The Lucky One (1 star). Three Weeks With My Brother (1 star).

This is the winning book for February 2011 Bestseller Book chosen by The Filipino Group here in Goodreads. I bought this book at regular price. I waited for the mass paperback (cheaper) edition but it is almost a year now since this book came out. February just started and I was about to open the thread (I am one of the moderators I almost liked this book. Almost an added star.

This is my 4th Sparks book. Message in a Bottle (2 stars). The Lucky One (1 star). Three Weeks With My Brother (1 star).

This is the winning book for February 2011 Bestseller Book chosen by The Filipino Group here in Goodreads. I bought this book at regular price. I waited for the mass paperback (cheaper) edition but it is almost a year now since this book came out. February just started and I was about to open the thread (I am one of the moderators of that group) so I grabbed me a copy. I am saying this just to explain that I have to love this book because I spent a fortune for it and I should try to entice members to read by coming up with a fair review.

Which is a roller coaster.

First hundred pages:
Typical Sparks. Reading him is like eating at McDonalds. You know the taste. No surprises. If you want quick fix to your hunger, you pass by an outlet. Quality food at reasonable price. What I am saying is that there is nothing wrong with Nicholas Sparks' novels. You want romance, you get romance. You just read to be entertained, you get entertained. You don't want mind-boggling read, you just read and no need to think. You get what you expect.

Second hundred pages:
So I thought. Because suddenly, Nicholas Sparks made a detour. Unlike the first 3 books, he tried to become something that he hasn't done before. He tried to write a suspense thriller novel. Ala Ken Follett. Sparks caught my attention. He pulled it off as he stole some of my sleeping time. I slept only for only 3 hours that night as I got caught up with the mystery behind Katie (who turns out to be Erin) and how is her life being a battered wife. Totally unexpected. Definitely no hums-hums in the wee hours of the morning!

Last 50 pages:
Unfortunately, this part did not fly for me. It seems too ordinary. Even that revelation about Jo. Seems contrived and I read and saw many of that in this lifetime: The Sixth Sense (movie), The Others (movie), Pedro Paramo (book). Even the battered wife part. I saw or read about it in Sleeping with the Enemy (Julia Robert's novel), Black and Blue (book) and I supposed most of those Oprah books. So when I closed the book and went through the plot in my mind, I just did not like the whole story. Sparks tried to make Kevin's character multilayered and it was a nice try but Sparks did not explain his background. I thought that a page or two of his life as a child could make a lot of difference. Alex and his children seem like not characters at all. They are like stuff toys with what I think are so-typical characterizations. They are like movie starlets trying to win people by smiling a lot and saying all the right things.

But this doesn't mean that I will not drop by a McDonald's outlet anymore. I mean we, once in a while, get hungry and have just enough money (for a burger) to spend, right? ...more

5

Jan 13, 2011

Opening line:“As Katie wound her way among the tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair."

Wow, this is definitely one of the better Sparks books I’ve read, I sure hope he keeps going in this darker, less sappy direction with the next book too. I picked up SAFE HAVEN during a very busy time in my life and still found it unputdownable. Full of twists and turns, mystery and surprise and a HUGE suspense factor throughout. Of course we also get the romance (nicely done) and it again Opening line:“As Katie wound her way among the tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair."

Wow, this is definitely one of the better Sparks books I’ve read, I sure hope he keeps going in this darker, less sappy direction with the next book too. I picked up SAFE HAVEN during a very busy time in my life and still found it unputdownable. Full of twists and turns, mystery and surprise and a HUGE suspense factor throughout. Of course we also get the romance (nicely done) and it again takes place in a small North Carolina town (write what you know) but this was way darker then anything of Sparks’ I’ve read before.

With a slowly and deliciously unravelling story, we don’t ever get a huge background dump with any of the characters multiple POV’s instead their lives, secrets and issues are gradually introduced, which I loved. And the bad guy here, jeez he was horrible, and I mean that in a good way. The kind of character that you love to hate, but I also really enjoyed getting into his head, as he slowly fell apart. Intriguing, creepy and well written. I highly recommended this one even for those non-Nicholas Sparks fans; I think you’ll be surprised.

The story here is somewhat reminiscent of (A Bend in the Road)but way better, it also reminded me very much of that older Julia Roberts movie (Sleeping With the Enemy) but again its better then that too. I won’t give away too much here with the synopsis, its well worth discovering on your own. Cheers.

Katie is on the run, but the good people of Southport don’t know that, they’re too busy wondering what the pretty new waitresses’ story is and why she keeps to herself so much, after all everyone here knows everybody else. For the first time in months Katie is allowing herself to breathe again, she’s found a good paying job, a secluded place to live, and avoiding any personal ties should allow her enough time here to save some real money before she has to move on again.

What she hadn’t counted on was being drawn into the lives of anyone in this small town. First it was her outspoken single neighbour Jo, who only made her realize how much she missed having friends and then it was Alex, the widowed shop owner and his two adorable children. Slowly Katie is letting her guard down, growing attached and falling in love, allowing herself to dream of a future with a man that won’t hurt her. But Kevin is good and he’s on her trail.

I’ve just learned that this is going to be made into a movie, can’t wait. I just got a chill ...more

3

Oct 14, 2010

2.5 rounded up

It's not so much that there is anything bad about this book, it is just that it is.... boring. A very large portion of the story is devoted to describing the day to day life of the characters who live in a small, seaside town. What one does as they get up, what they eat, how they cook, the routine conversations between family members, what they buy at the grocery store, which tablecloth to put out etc. etc., comprises not only most of the book, but each of our own daily lives. 2.5 rounded up

It's not so much that there is anything bad about this book, it is just that it is.... boring. A very large portion of the story is devoted to describing the day to day life of the characters who live in a small, seaside town. What one does as they get up, what they eat, how they cook, the routine conversations between family members, what they buy at the grocery store, which tablecloth to put out etc. etc., comprises not only most of the book, but each of our own daily lives. While familiar, it's NOT what most sit down to read about. We all live it. It does not need to be explained to us. We KNOW already! Most people choose to read for an escape from the workaday life, not to endlessly re-hash it. That, along with the over-the-top climax makes this a rather disappointing attempt by a talented author. ...more

4

Dec 16, 2016

3.5 rounded up.

People hide the truth because they're afraid

My second time reading Safe Haven, the first half was a bit slow. We don't know about Katie's past yet, and we simply follow the beginnings of her settling into the small town of Southport and starting a relationship with Alex - the local general store owner.

As her background is slowly revealed, I began to fear for her. That this new life she made for herself could be taken away at any moment. The final part of the book is drama 3.5 rounded up.

People hide the truth because they're afraid

My second time reading Safe Haven, the first half was a bit slow. We don't know about Katie's past yet, and we simply follow the beginnings of her settling into the small town of Southport and starting a relationship with Alex - the local general store owner.

As her background is slowly revealed, I began to fear for her. That this new life she made for herself could be taken away at any moment. The final part of the book is drama filled (view spoiler)[ Katie's/Erin's psycho abusive ex husband tracks her down and attempts to burn the house and shop down with Alex's kids and Katie inside! He is an awful human being, and the chapters which show us his thought processes are truly frightening. He genuinely doesn't see that his behaviour is wrong, something seriously fucked up in his brain (hide spoiler)]

I also appreciated the twist with her neighbour (view spoiler)[ turns out she isn't actually real - she is Alex's dead wife visiting Katie in spirit form (hide spoiler)] very random and I did not see that coming.

Overall, nothing revolutionary, but it was enjoyable and as Sparks' novels go, it had a nice ending rather than a soul destroying one. :)

I'm not sure anyone's life turns out exactly the way they imagine. All we can do is try to make the best of it. Even when it seems impossible. ...more

5

Jan 16, 2011

This book, in my opinion, was completely different from any other book I've read of Sparks'. And that is a good thing! I would classify this book as a romantic suspense, or even a suspense in general. There were many instances where my heart was racing, and I couldn't find the strength to put the book down. And, as with all of Sparks' book, I found myself tearing up in parts. But not for the normal mushy-gushy reasons. Instead, I was crying because of the traumatic events taking place, and the This book, in my opinion, was completely different from any other book I've read of Sparks'. And that is a good thing! I would classify this book as a romantic suspense, or even a suspense in general. There were many instances where my heart was racing, and I couldn't find the strength to put the book down. And, as with all of Sparks' book, I found myself tearing up in parts. But not for the normal mushy-gushy reasons. Instead, I was crying because of the traumatic events taking place, and the horror I felt for the main character. The pace of this book was an excellent break from the normal, and I think any Sparks fan will love this book, regardless of the fact that it's so different! Sparks is a great writer, and that definitely shows in Safe Haven. ...more

5

Aug 13, 2018

When you don't have any family to turn to and you think your in this world by yourself you still have to keep strength to keep moving on.This woman is treated so badly by her husband that is a detective, so why would anyone give her the time of day and belive her story? The big house, nice clothes, shoes, that should be all we need right? She makes a brake for it but her husband is really good at his job. Little does she know there is another good kind, caring detective out there that can read When you don't have any family to turn to and you think your in this world by yourself you still have to keep strength to keep moving on.This woman is treated so badly by her husband that is a detective, so why would anyone give her the time of day and belive her story? The big house, nice clothes, shoes, that should be all we need right? She makes a brake for it but her husband is really good at his job. Little does she know there is another good kind, caring detective out there that can read all the signs. There are children envolved that makes her get a little relaxed and distracted (comfort is a wonderful sense of calm). This is when the strength and unknown power pours out of her. Never under estimate the power of little women. It was a page turner of action and suspence and love all in one. ...more

5

Jun 22, 2012

That ending! I did not see that coming... Ahhhh I'm literally speechless and my heart is racing!

-------------------------------

I should start off by saying that I already knew I would love this book before actually reading it. I've been a huge Nicholas Sparks fan since high school! Happy to say I loved this and I was captivated from the very beginning. I know his writing style can be a bit difficult to get used to, and some people find it boring. I do not find it boring at all.

Safe Haven follows That ending! I did not see that coming... Ahhhh I'm literally speechless and my heart is racing!

-------------------------------

I should start off by saying that I already knew I would love this book before actually reading it. I've been a huge Nicholas Sparks fan since high school! Happy to say I loved this and I was captivated from the very beginning. I know his writing style can be a bit difficult to get used to, and some people find it boring. I do not find it boring at all.

Safe Haven follows the life of Katie, as she tries to hide from her husband, Kevin. Basically she has been physically abused by her husband for years and she finally decides to run. She arrives at Southport emotionally and physically scarred, and begins to form a new life. There she starts a relationship with Alex, who is a widowed father of two children, and she slowly begins to let her guard down. Not to mention her friendship with Jo!

That’s all I can say about the plot without spoiling anything. But this story… All the feels. All of them!

The characters were really likable, with the exception of Kevin!!! Katie is a very strong woman, she has lived a lonely, difficult life and it is hard not to feel bad for her. I literally cried for her and wanted to take away the pain. Alex was a sweetheart, I loved him! He is the most kindhearted, selfless, perfect man a girl could ask for! Jo is that best friend we all have, or we all want, she was fantastic.

Kevin is another story. That man has serious demons that have driven his mind to insanity. Legit psycho!!! He is that villain that you hate with a passion and seeing inside his head was the most disturbing thing ever! I mean for someone who quotes the bible a lot, the world he lived in was just wrong in every single aspect.

My favorite part about this book was the danger that was added to it. It reminded me a lot of The Guardian and why I loved it so much because of the suspense, (my favorite book by Nicholas Sparks.) It had my heart racing just by sitting here reading it. When a book does that then you know it’s a good book! The twist at the end though… I could barely contain myself! I honestly didn't see that coming at all and I was seriously in pure shock when I read the last page.

Over all, another beautiful love story by Nicholas Sparks.
...more

4

Feb 06, 2018

“I’ve come to believe that in everyone’s life there’s one undeniable moment of change. A set of circumstances that suddenly alters everything.”

Really enjoyed this one. I watched the movie before I read the book and shocking as it is... I preferred the movie over the book, just a little bit. The characters and plot were well developed throughout the story but there were a few parts that either lacked a bit too much or felt out of place...

Overall a great read buuut I don’t think I’d give NS’s “I’ve come to believe that in everyone’s life there’s one undeniable moment of change. A set of circumstances that suddenly alters everything.”

Really enjoyed this one. I watched the movie before I read the book and shocking as it is... I preferred the movie over the book, just a little bit. The characters and plot were well developed throughout the story but there were a few parts that either lacked a bit too much or felt out of place...

Overall a great read buuut I don’t think I’d give NS’s books a reread.

Favorite quote:
“I’m in love with you. If you stay, I promise, there’s no safer place in the world than right here with me.” ...more

1

Jan 28, 2013

I bought this book on a whim. All the ladies at my workplace seem to be reading it and I keep overhearing them rave about it. It's Nicholas Sparks best book yet! When I got up to the register the lady ringing me up said, "Ooh, Nicholas Sparks! I love his books. They're soo good. Oh, and look! It's going to be a movie. Gotta see that one." Mind you I had two other books in the pile, not a word about those.

I didn't have high expectations for this book because it didn't seem like my kind of thing. I bought this book on a whim. All the ladies at my workplace seem to be reading it and I keep overhearing them rave about it. It's Nicholas Sparks best book yet! When I got up to the register the lady ringing me up said, "Ooh, Nicholas Sparks! I love his books. They're soo good. Oh, and look! It's going to be a movie. Gotta see that one." Mind you I had two other books in the pile, not a word about those.

I didn't have high expectations for this book because it didn't seem like my kind of thing. But I figured it's good to expand one's horizons. I shouldn't be so judgmental. Maybe I'd have something to talk to my co-workers about, other than the weather or work.

The story was OK. Definitely not bad. The love interest, Alex, was a nice guy, albeit too good to be true. But this is a Nicholas Sparks novel right? I assumed certain stereotypes would reign. His kids seemed cute and equally too good to be true. Our heroine, Katie, aka Erin, was also OK considering how annoying this character had potential to be and given that she was also a stereotype--blonde and lanky, skinny with big breasts (which is almost verbatim her physical description, as detailed, conveniently, by the bad guy). She's pretty much the mysterious hot chick with the dark past. But when the sh*t hit the fan, she's the one that took the bad guy out. That's cool. The bad guy, Kevin, was a decent enough villain-ignore some "too convenient coincidences" and he'll do in a pinch--and thanks to him the plot hummed along at a good pace. If we didn't have Kevin to hate, surely we'd be left with perfect Alex and perfect big-in-only-the-right-places Katie and there goes the entire plot.

I read this book in one day because I did want to know where the author was going with this. Thus, I admit to taking the bait.

The ending ruined it for me. The ending is dumb, contrived, unnecessary, insulting even. It made me feel stupid for spending the time to read this book. All the way until the end I was debating whether to give this book three stars or four because for all its faults (up until that point) it did keep me reading.

Lesson learned. I'll just continue to make small talk about the weather any time someone wants to talk about a Nicholas Sparks book. Otherwise my opinionated side might rear its head and I'll be mobbed by angry secretaries. ...more

5

Jan 14, 2011

This is a MUST read for anyone in an abusive relationship. It will give you the courage needed to escape. I have a personal friend who did this exact thing and now her life is much better. When I listened to her tell her story it sounded exactly like Safe Haven. Nicholas Sparks is a wonderful writer. You can see truth in his writing.

5

Oct 17, 2011

This was my first time reading Nicholas Sparks. I never even seen any of the movies. I must say I am a new fan, for sure. This story was truly beautiful. I don't know if I can even explain why I loved this book so much. The characters are great, the romance is done well, and the conclusion was deeply satisfying. I am eager to see the film, now!


When I think of NS I think gooshy, sappy romance with a hint of sadness...that's what I always hear his books are like. This one, though, was a bit
This was my first time reading Nicholas Sparks. I never even seen any of the movies. I must say I am a new fan, for sure. This story was truly beautiful. I don't know if I can even explain why I loved this book so much. The characters are great, the romance is done well, and the conclusion was deeply satisfying. I am eager to see the film, now!


When I think of NS I think gooshy, sappy romance with a hint of sadness...that's what I always hear his books are like. This one, though, was a bit different than I expected. The writing style was amazing, because switching between the comforting, safe life Katie has now, and Kevin's search for her makes for an edge of your seat read. Very suspenseful. Very well done. ...more

2

Mar 06, 2013

I don’t see why this book is categorised as romance. There is no love struggle, not really. The movie is actually more romantic, maybe because is not completely loyal to the book.

When I read a romance, I am looking for a love story that grip you and doesn’t let go, for emotional turmoil, I want to feel, to be moved, have your heart beat so fast you have to stop reading to take a deep breath. This novel was too plane.

This is my third Nicholas Sparks novel, and so far I have found all of them I don’t see why this book is categorised as romance. There is no love struggle, not really. The movie is actually more romantic, maybe because is not completely loyal to the book.

When I read a romance, I am looking for a love story that grip you and doesn’t let go, for emotional turmoil, I want to feel, to be moved, have your heart beat so fast you have to stop reading to take a deep breath. This novel was too plane.

This is my third Nicholas Sparks novel, and so far I have found all of them flat.



The Best of Me ...more

5

Dec 04, 2013

5 stars
The emotions attached to them were like sand castles in the tide, slowly washing out to sea.,


What a beautiful, heart wrenching story! I loved Katie’s strength and Alex’s devotion to his kids and the people he cares about. Katie’s journey kept me glued to the page and seeing her open herself up to Alex and his kids was beautiful… I can’t really give away too much and I’m so glad I haven’t seen the movie (which I hope to rectify ASAP) but you just have to dive in and experience each 5 stars
The emotions attached to them were like sand castles in the tide, slowly washing out to sea.,


What a beautiful, heart wrenching story! I loved Katie’s strength and Alex’s devotion to his kids and the people he cares about. Katie’s journey kept me glued to the page and seeing her open herself up to Alex and his kids was beautiful… I can’t really give away too much and I’m so glad I haven’t seen the movie (which I hope to rectify ASAP) but you just have to dive in and experience each moment with them. The only thing that killed me was there was no epilogue, now this is the first ( I know shocking, Nicholas Sparks book I’ve read, so I’m not even sure if this is the norm) but I wanted more, to find out how their HEA turned out.







*Reviewed on 01/01/2014 - after the holiday craziness*
...more

5

Jul 26, 2016

Plot - 20/20 - full of plot twists

Characters - 20/20 - very complex, you'll get emotionally attached

Creativity - 20/20 - with all the plot twist it made this book so creative and unique

Writing - 20/20 - dark, suspenseful, emotional, hopeful, happy, EVERYTHING! All the feels!

Pace - 10/10 - super fast paced

Ending - 10/10 - perfection. the ending was perfect

100/100 = A++
5/5 stars

*Mild Spoilers*

My heart feels like it's been ripped out of my chest and thrust back in. I read started Safe Haven Plot - 20/20 - full of plot twists

Characters - 20/20 - very complex, you'll get emotionally attached

Creativity - 20/20 - with all the plot twist it made this book so creative and unique

Writing - 20/20 - dark, suspenseful, emotional, hopeful, happy, EVERYTHING! All the feels!

Pace - 10/10 - super fast paced

Ending - 10/10 - perfection. the ending was perfect

100/100 = A++
5/5 stars

*Mild Spoilers*

My heart feels like it's been ripped out of my chest and thrust back in. I read started Safe Haven this morning on the drive up to Colorado. I barely stopped listening to it at all. Probably three times at the most. I loved every little thing about Nicholas' story. From the beginning, so gripping I was into the story instantly. To the characters who were each phenomenally written in which I'll be adding details to next:

Kevin, I've never been so scared of a character. I mentally flinch at the way he thought. And how much he believed what he was telling himself. I know that there are most defiantly people like that in the world. So wound up in their lies that they just become one. Not only lying to others but to themselves. Becoming the lies they tell. It breaks my heart, to think of all the people like that and how much they are suffering. Though most don't even know they are having never felt the joy/love to miss it.

Moving on we have Katie. She's so strong. What she's been through and how she has pushed through from her challenges as a child; her dad being a mean drunk, her never inviting anyone home, getting kicked out after graduation, never the helping hands or encouragement to go to college, her parents dying I a car accident and on. The list goes on. What she went through as a child just to jump into abusive marriage after she meets the guy from getting jumped! How?! How can someone go through that and still be able to know how to care for a person? How to know when to stand up, or stay down for the threatening times for survival? Such courage showed her an every given moment just from what she survived and yet she's still completely selfless. The exact opposite of what Kevin was yelling and hitting at her for. Because she "only thought of herself" SHE DID ANYTHING BUT THAT! Oh, it still makes me so angry. She constantly fought to not give up, so full of faith. She was incredible to read about.

Alex, what an example! His situation with his kids is a common one in our real world today and he handled it all so well. His actions and thoughts so humane in everything he did making me love reading his POV. It definitely wasn't my normal fantasy or contemporary YA read. This characters felt real and acted as such. Him Never yelling, lying, yes he wasn't perfect (no one is) but he became the best he could be and always tried to stick to that. I definitely want someone in my future life to be able to treat me with the same kind of respect as he did Katie as well as his children. Oh, I could rant on of how he was protective. Instantly bolting from his store when he took notice that his dear child was thrashing in the water. Worry and love consume his thoughts for him. Okay, okay I'll stop now and move on;)

And lastly Joe. How much this story revolved around her just blew, BLEW my mind away. How much I respected her as Katie quietly read her letter... I don't believe I've felt that for a character before. Joe, Christy, Alex's first wife or whoever you want to call is someone I want to grow up and become like. I want to be selfless and love my husband and children that much that I would do anything and everything for their happiness. This story is perfect. So many messages were brought across from it. So many important morals.

I was totally crying silently in the car with my two brothers and my dad. How embarrassing ha ha. Thankful Kent and Richard were asleep and my dad is driving in front of me, so I don't think he noticed if so he didn't comment. So yes this book was everything. I will most definitely be reading Nicholas Sparks books in the future, I'm so impressed with his writing. It cannot compare. If you haven't read Safe Haven and like thrillers you'll adore this one. Please read, and thank you can thank me later for it ;) ...more

2

Nov 14, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. People don't understand why I dislike Nicholas Sparks' books. Here's what I think... I think he wrote a pretty good novel--The Notebook--out of the gate. And then, because he had a fabulous smile and was a man who seemed to understand true romance and could write about it minus the smut, he got assigned to the best PR person in the history of publishing.

Sparks is a mediocre writer at best. His plots might have a seed of promise, but the writing reads like someone who is taking their first People don't understand why I dislike Nicholas Sparks' books. Here's what I think... I think he wrote a pretty good novel--The Notebook--out of the gate. And then, because he had a fabulous smile and was a man who seemed to understand true romance and could write about it minus the smut, he got assigned to the best PR person in the history of publishing.

Sparks is a mediocre writer at best. His plots might have a seed of promise, but the writing reads like someone who is taking their first creative writing class. Or maybe he's channeling an average writer from the past. His style is flowery yet stilted. All the characters talk the same. The movies made from his novels are much better than the books, so that pretty much says it all.

Now as far as Safe Haven goes... I'm fairly sure he stole the plot from "Sleeping With the Enemy" and changed a few minor details. It made me nuts that he only eluded to the fact Katie's husband beat the shit out of her for w-a-y too long before he said it outright. And I wanted to yell, "Yeah, I get it already! That loser, Kevin, is a lousy, narcissistic, controlling and crazy Bible quoting drunk. He's the quintessential wife beater." I can't even begin to know how many times he repeated the description of this guy. I guess he was trying to allow the reader into Kevin's head. All it did was piss me off.

And then there was Katie. Like I said--"Sleeping With the Enemy." She managed to physically escape her abuser, and then she spent all her days waiting for him to find her. She trusted nobody except she allowed herself to visit with her neighbor. She was determined to make it on her own. Until she met widower Alex. At first she was tentative, but one thing led to another (imagine that) until they had a full-fledged relationship. Alex was directly opposite of Kevin, but Katie couldn't risk getting too close to him. But that's exactly what happened. Finally Kevin found Katie--er--Erin and was enraged to see her with another man. She and that bastard would pay! There were fire and guns and near death experiences before Kevin finally met his maker.

Predictable, but I could handle that. Then Nicholas Sparks couldn't resist taking it to the hokey and totally unbelievable level by making it so Katie's neighbor was really a magical spirit. She was Alex's wife who loved him so much she wanted him to be happy with another wife who would also love her children.

Puhleease.
...more

5

Feb 06, 2013

Well I just finished this book and let me just say that I have never been so happy to have puffs tissues in my house. My eyes are so swollen from crying its crazy. This was defiantly one of the darker books I've read from sparks. However, it still managed to rip me apart and them put me back together again... Sorta. I always lose a part of myself with a good book. I feel this is also the reason why some books stay with me for a while and why these same books stir emotions in me that both amaze Well I just finished this book and let me just say that I have never been so happy to have puffs tissues in my house. My eyes are so swollen from crying its crazy. This was defiantly one of the darker books I've read from sparks. However, it still managed to rip me apart and them put me back together again... Sorta. I always lose a part of myself with a good book. I feel this is also the reason why some books stay with me for a while and why these same books stir emotions in me that both amaze me and scare the shit out of me as well. This book ( damn you sparks) did this to me. It will stay with me for some time and touched me on levels that I have a hard time explaining. This book took you down a topic that I feel so many women and children and maybe even men ( it could happen) have to live with every day. Abuse, physical, emotionally and mentally. This story discussed domestic abuse. While this was one of sparks more darker, twisted plots, he was able to write the story in a way that gave just enough information but still let you to fill in some blanks. Something clever I thought sparks did was wrote some of the book from Kevin's ( the abuser) POV. This was both intriguing and disturbing. Kevin, very obviously had some issues. His rants were fighting and insane and often times jumped around in a disturbing manner. I feel he may of had a mental disorder as well. He's touch on reality was hanging on by a thread, if at all. And then there was Katie's relationship with her friend Jo. The twist at the end dealing with Jo and the friendship was...beautiful. It healed my heart with soothing salve. Sparks has a way of bringing out a reaction in me that often times leaves me to wonder why I put myself through his books time after time. Then I read a part in the book that reminds me. He always reminds me why and puts me back in my place. In most cases these moments come in the form of a letter someone has either left behind or has been given to someone. Say what you want about the author. Love him. Hate him. Tolerate him. But never. Ever underestimate the man when he writes his letters. They are often my favorite and more memorable moments in his books. And for this, Nicholas Sparks, I both love you and hate you. ...more

3

May 03, 2014

Small, close-knit, picturesque town. Check.
Good people with good family values. Check.
A terminal illness or two. Check.
Long paragraphs devoted to describing the view and the weather. Check.
Long, serious conversations. Reminiscing of sob stories. Check. Check.
Tearjerkers. Check.
It's undoubtly Nicholas Sparks'. I'd know even if I hadn't heard about the book and found it with covers ripped off and title and author's name missing.
But for once-and I can't express how much joy I'd felt about this- Small, close-knit, picturesque town. Check.
Good people with good family values. Check.
A terminal illness or two. Check.
Long paragraphs devoted to describing the view and the weather. Check.
Long, serious conversations. Reminiscing of sob stories. Check. Check.
Tearjerkers. Check.
It's undoubtly Nicholas Sparks'. I'd know even if I hadn't heard about the book and found it with covers ripped off and title and author's name missing.
But for once-and I can't express how much joy I'd felt about this- Sparks had let his hair down.
Because. . .
There's a bad, crazy, murderous character. Check.
Fast-paced , action-packed chapters. Check.
And a happy ending *insert fireworks here*. Check and a thumbs up.
I watched the movie twice in 2013 and I know exactly what would happen and how the story will end so before turning the first page I conditioned my mind to forget about it, to not even think about it, to give the book a clean slate that it deserved.
The first part is engaging enough, Katie is a strong character and I liked that. She also had a dark past that she's trying to ran away from. And Alex is,well, good inside out and has family on top of his priority list.

They're clearly meant to be.

I admit there are parts that drag,like when they're talking endlessly at the beach or when Katie is recounting her day with Jo. I mean Jo might not know what Alex and Katie and the kids did but we do. Also the characters are far too mature and serious for me to relate to. Alex worries about kids and parenting. And Katie- she's disciplined enough to look only for items on sale while shopping! But I like them both individually and as a couple, which is why I was almost bored as they took and took and took their time to fall in love on the first part of the book.
Enter Kevin and it became so much more exciting.

Sparks made him sound so confused, and confusing and delightfully disturbed. Reading about him felt like really getting to pick the mind of an actual, real, breathing, living crazy person. His character infuriated me but of course without him this book would've been boring. I would never ever dream of someone even remotely close to him in anyone's real life but in Nicholas Sparks' novel of generally good and normal people, he's everything I could wish for.
And then there's Jo.

Oh, you'd never suspect Jo to be who she turned up to be in the end. She sounded so real, so earthy. She whined about cobwebs and she sweats! She sweats! What ghost sweats? That's why in the end,at the grand reveal ,I almost weep for making the mistake of seeing the movie first before reading the book. Imagine the shock,the wonderment, the fun I would've had at the incredible surprise Sparks had prepared.
Nevertheless I still enjoyed this book a lot, specially the middle to end part. So turned out the guy could write something that has depth, good moral lessons and tearjerker kind of ending but is neither tragic nor boring. He should write more books like this one.
Go ahead Sparks!
...more

4

Jan 17, 2016

There is no doubt that you can rely on Nicholas Sparks to deliver a warm-hearted, well-written piece of contemporary fiction which combines romance with drama and current community issues. In Safe Haven he does not fail to deliver. This is an entertaining story, with just the right mix of elements, that engaged this reader from the opening pages.

Katie is working hard as a waitress at Ivan’s cafe, in coastal Southport, NC, and living in a run-down, low-rent house. She seems very remote and There is no doubt that you can rely on Nicholas Sparks to deliver a warm-hearted, well-written piece of contemporary fiction which combines romance with drama and current community issues. In Safe Haven he does not fail to deliver. This is an entertaining story, with just the right mix of elements, that engaged this reader from the opening pages.

Katie is working hard as a waitress at Ivan’s cafe, in coastal Southport, NC, and living in a run-down, low-rent house. She seems very remote and detached from the other residents, though Alex Wheatley and his two young children, Josh and Kristen take a keen interest. As their friendship grows, Alex and the kids arrange to present the penniless Katie with a bicycle, so she can ride places. She discloses to her neighbour Jo that she has been the victim of domestic violence, and is in fear of being discovered.

Gradually Katie relaxes and comes out of her shell as she socialises with Jo and with Alex and his kids. Eventually she tells large parts of her story, about the abuse and how she ended up in Southport. Her friendship with Alex blossoms, but so too does the trouble with her ex-husband.

As always, Sparks’s prose is polished, fluent and readily accessible. The narrative is very straight-forward, there is a minimum of sub-plots and deviations. The climax is tense, with the fiery, violent showdown at Alex’s store and Katie’s home being well-written and riveting reading. The stuff about Jo was a bit naff for me, but I imagine it would go down a treat with a lot of readers.
3.5 ★s ...more

5

Mar 06, 2019

Oh my gosh! This book. Not many books actually make me cry real tears but, oh man, the ending of this one got me!!

I’m not going into detail about the storyline because most of you have already read it or seen the movie. Just know it is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster that I HIGHLY recommend. Oh my gosh! This book. Not many books actually make me cry real tears but, oh man, the ending of this one got me!!

I’m not going into detail about the storyline because most of you have already read it or seen the movie. Just know it is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster that I HIGHLY recommend. ✨ ...more

1

Aug 07, 2018

Read as part of the ABN Summer Reading Challenge recommended by Sam

About fifteen summers or so ago I was in a real Nicholas Sparks kick. Read everything he had published up to that date because they were just easy to read books and those first couple of books (A Walk to Remember, The Rescue, The Notebook), well they always made me sigh contentedly when I'd finish them. But the more of his books I read the less they appealed to me. I remember angrily hurling A Bend in the Road across the room and Read as part of the ABN Summer Reading Challenge recommended by Sam

About fifteen summers or so ago I was in a real Nicholas Sparks kick. Read everything he had published up to that date because they were just easy to read books and those first couple of books (A Walk to Remember, The Rescue, The Notebook), well they always made me sigh contentedly when I'd finish them. But the more of his books I read the less they appealed to me. I remember angrily hurling A Bend in the Road across the room and actually throwing The Guardian in the bin.... Yeah. I know. I have somewhat of a flair for the dramatic.

So for the most part I stopped reading Nicholas Sparks; I read The Lucky One soon after I watched the Zac Efron film because... Well Zac Efron is hot and he was on the book cover and I'm shallow....
And I DNFd another one... Can't even recall the name of it *shrugs*

Anyway I've had Safe Haven in my possession for a few years waiting on some rainy day to read it when I wanted to switch my brain off and enjoy the fluffy romance and well... Apparently the time came! And switch my brain off I did very much do... But even then this was utter melodramatic trite. Cliché after cliché with zero depth to the characters or originality to the storyline and well... I think I'm officially done with Nicholas Sparks. He's very much a one trick pony and so many of his books copy from each other that they really all bleed together. The same goes for the film adaptations. They all follow that cheesy romantic plot line and while I can watch the films still (for the eye candy purposes!) sadly I think my Nicholas Sparks book reading days are behind me.

Thanks for the memories Nicholas but I guess we are officially through. ...more

2

May 17, 2013

Southport, North Carolina sets the stage for this book. Katie is running from a bad relationship right into the arms of Alex, the local store owner who has two adorable kids and is a widower. As with most predictable love stories by Mr. Sparks the bad relationship catches up to the good one-- this one ending with a massive firestorm and a unrealistic twist that doesn't quite make the heart strings pull. I found this one overly wrought with scenes that would never happen in real life, and the Southport, North Carolina sets the stage for this book. Katie is running from a bad relationship right into the arms of Alex, the local store owner who has two adorable kids and is a widower. As with most predictable love stories by Mr. Sparks the bad relationship catches up to the good one-- this one ending with a massive firestorm and a unrealistic twist that doesn't quite make the heart strings pull. I found this one overly wrought with scenes that would never happen in real life, and the ending made me roll my eyes so hard I almost had to close the book before it was over. ...more

3

Aug 03, 2012

This is my 3rd book from Nicholas Sparks, and just by the 3rd book I already know Sparks' writing formula. The beginning was sort of a drag since I already know what to expect from the way in which the author would set the tone of the story, introduce the characters as to who's the good, the bad, and the one we should watch out for, etc. What caught my attention was the latter half part of the book, and the twist at the end (The Sixth Sense much). In a nutshell, it's a light, familiar and feel This is my 3rd book from Nicholas Sparks, and just by the 3rd book I already know Sparks' writing formula. The beginning was sort of a drag since I already know what to expect from the way in which the author would set the tone of the story, introduce the characters as to who's the good, the bad, and the one we should watch out for, etc. What caught my attention was the latter half part of the book, and the twist at the end (The Sixth Sense much). In a nutshell, it's a light, familiar and feel good read. You pretty much know what to expect from Nicholas Sparks, and he never disappoints. ...more

5

Jul 04, 2012

I am still one of those people that enjoys Nicholas Sparks books and movies. I really prefer to read the book before I watch the movie, so I've owned the movie since it came out but never watched it. This was the first TBR takedown book and I am happy to say this seems to be working well, and now I don't have to unhaul this book.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The story is a typical story for him to write but I still liked it nonetheless, and particularly the letter at the end.
I am still one of those people that enjoys Nicholas Sparks books and movies. I really prefer to read the book before I watch the movie, so I've owned the movie since it came out but never watched it. This was the first TBR takedown book and I am happy to say this seems to be working well, and now I don't have to unhaul this book.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The story is a typical story for him to write but I still liked it nonetheless, and particularly the letter at the end.
Not going to lie I am just excited that I can watch this movie tonight! ...more

3

Nov 04, 2018

Katie arrives in the small American town of Southport with very little money and rents a run down cottage with a cheap rental. She gets a job at Ivan’s café but tends to remain detached from people in the town. Gradually she starts to let down her guard a little to let Alex and his two children Josh and Kristen into her life. And then there is Jo, who moves into the run down place next door to Katie. The two women form a friendship. Over time events from the past Katie is running from come to Katie arrives in the small American town of Southport with very little money and rents a run down cottage with a cheap rental. She gets a job at Ivan’s café but tends to remain detached from people in the town. Gradually she starts to let down her guard a little to let Alex and his two children Josh and Kristen into her life. And then there is Jo, who moves into the run down place next door to Katie. The two women form a friendship. Over time events from the past Katie is running from come to light. But will she ever really be safe? Or will her past catch up with her?
I had seen the movie of this one years ago but had not read the book till now. The book definitely goes into more detail especially of Katie’s past and the horror situation she lived through before escaping. While the story kept me interested it was not a favourite. I found the bible spouting villain unrealistic in his attitudes and behaviour and the situation with Jo just didn’t cut it with me. I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Nicholas Sparks as light and enjoyable reads, but this one not so much for the reasons mentioned. Or maybe it wasn’t such a good choice after my previous read of Jane Harper’s The Dry?
...more

5

Feb 18, 2013

The book is another romantic novel by Nicholas sparks that took place in South Carolina. I loved the fact that this book had an element of suspense added to it. It was difficult for me to put down this book and it took me less time to finish it than I anticipated. I once came home and sat on the couch and stayed there reading every word of the book for three straight hours without noticing the hours that went by. I loved the plot, the choices of words. moreover, the characters seemed real to me The book is another romantic novel by Nicholas sparks that took place in South Carolina. I loved the fact that this book had an element of suspense added to it. It was difficult for me to put down this book and it took me less time to finish it than I anticipated. I once came home and sat on the couch and stayed there reading every word of the book for three straight hours without noticing the hours that went by. I loved the plot, the choices of words. moreover, the characters seemed real to me and convince-able. And the metaphors and descriptions were out of this world. I liked the fact that for each character there is a detailed story or background and that for each setting there is a detailed description. in addition, he captured the emotions clearly and carefully and I truly felt the romantic spark between the two main characters, Alex and Katie. I felt the pain of the abusive husband thanks to the descriptions of the physical and mental pain, the love of a single father thanks to the never ending concerns that were straight forward and the ones that were hidden between the lines and that were apparent to me thanks to the sense of reality and the choice of words and how they blend well together, and Alex's love towards Katie. I loved that there was a surprise ending that no one and I mean no one would have saw it coming. In light of the above, I learned a lot from the way Nicholas Sparks writes and I believe that I could use that in my own personal writings when it comes to writing short stories or even novels. I wish there would be a sequel to this story, because it's still lingering in my mind and I believe that it will always stay with me from how much I've loved and enjoyed it and from how much I've learned from it. The writing was simple, realistic and full of emotions. ...more