Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Release Date: September 14, 2010
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 340




Summary: 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: It took me quite a while to get to this one on my TBR. I got it soon after it was published but I hadn't read it yet. But I want to see the movie so I had to push it up and read it! I’m so glad I did.

We are introduced to Katie who has just moved to Southport. She doesn't have much money, walks to work, and spends what little money she does have on small items at the grocery store while storing some of the money in a can to save it. She’s always looking over her shoulder and being on the lookout for her husband.

Yep, thats right she has run away from him and is now out on her own. She was sick of the way he treated her and she had to get it away before it was too late. I liked seeing the flashback chapters so we know what she went through.

She meets a friend named Jo. Jo is actually living next to her. She also meets a guy who runs the store along with his two kids. His name is Alex. I really liked him and the kids. The kids were so sweet and innocent. Alex lost his wife a few years ago and he’s still getting over her death. He sees himself as content with things and isn't out looking for women.

But when he and Katie connect, he can’t help but fall for her. Katie starts to feel the same way but she doesn't want to get close because she’s scared she’ll have to run again.

I liked the chapters where we got to see in her husband’s mind and what was going on. But it was also very creepy. I didn't like his thoughts.

I really enjoyed this Sparks novel but I have liked a few others more. It was emotional, and suspenseful though and I’m glad to have read it. I’m also happy now I can go see the movie and compare. LOL

Overall: Enjoyed it. Read it in a day which is pretty fast for a Sparks novel. I loved Katie and Alex together. They were perfect for one another. And the ending was very traumatic and riveting.  Wow. Did not see everything that happened coming. There were a few surprises in there that threw me for a loop. If you like Nicholas Sparks books, don’t forget to read this one.

Cover: Like it. The bicycle makes sense! So cute!

What I’d Give It: