Review: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Title: Safe Haven
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Published: Grand Central Publishing, Sept 2010
Number of Pages: 340 pages

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction, Love, Drama, Realistic 

Plot: Love hurts. There is nothing as painful as heartbreak. But in order to learn to love again, you must learn to trust again. 

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.
Personal thoughts: True to form, Nicholas Spark's newest book is about a small town North Carolina romance... but there is a twist to the plot as usual. I was surprised that this book didn't make me tear up or cry - I just felt bad for the main character Katie... I sympathized with her. In the end, the story ends happy, which is not normal for Nicholas Sparks - I was surprised, but I really enjoyed the book. Read it in only 3 days!! It was well written, and the town and characters were well described. I liked that there was a hint of a supernatural twist in the plot as well.

It's well worth a read! Pick it up!
Recommended Age Level: 21+
Rating: 4