
Published by Hachette Digital, Inc.
Publication Date: 2010-09-14
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Literary, Romance, Suspense
Pages: 340
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
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A heartbreaking but hopeful story of domestic abuse and a second chance at love.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
“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.”
My Thoughts:
Another book I could not put down by Nicholas Sparks. Not just another romance on the beach book, although my sappy heart loves those too! Definitely more suspenseful than others by him that I have read, lots of twists in the plot. His telling of the domestic abuse was heartbreaking. I must say though I didn’t enjoy it as much as others. It was a bit predictable, but why mess with his good formula?
I felt that the movie was a good adaptation of the book. I was on the edge of my seat and cried in all the same places watching the movie as when I read the book, even though I knew what was going to happen. The movie was filmed in North Carolina (my home state), set in Southport and filmed in Wilmington. I love these coastal towns for their quiet white sandy beaches, seagulls, shells and parades of boats. See?…the beach is my favorite photography and reading spot!
Disclosure: This review contains my honest opinion of the book. Purchases made from the IndieBound or Barnes & Noble links above will give me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support of my blog should you decide to purchase.
Are you a fan of Nicholas Sparks? Have you seen the Safe Haven movie Happy reading!
Hi Tanya, now I’m visiting YOU from SITS! 🙂 I’ve been meaning to look for the latest from Nicholas Sparks…I haven’t heard of this one, so I must have found my book! Yay, summer read!
Nicholas Sparks are great summer reads, although this isn’t his latest, it’s a good one. I love Diane Chamberlain’s books too. Thanks for visiting me back!