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Safe Haven

by Nicholas Sparks (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 81,734 ratings · 8,762 reviews

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 e...more

Hardcover, 340 pages

Published September 14th 2010 by Grand Central Publishing

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Jul 18, 2011 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ghosts, rom-susp, shelf-11, contemp-rom, good-bad-guy

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...more 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(less)

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Dec 22, 2012 K.D. Oliveros rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to K.D. by: February 2010 Bestseller Author Book for The Filipino Group

Shelves: chick-lit

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...more

119 likes · like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Dianna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read, reviewed

I have just one word for this book: wow. Nicholas Sparks really nailed it at this one. I picked up Safe Haven this last week and even though I was quite busy and tired with school,I couldn't resist but read until late at night. Generally,I'd say I am a fan of Nicholas Sparks. I've read many novels by him — and enjoyed them all — but this book is quite another thing. It's more than a love story in a small,quite town. I'd say it's a romantic suspense. When you pick up a book by Nicholas Sparks you...more I have just one word for this book: wow. Nicholas Sparks really nailed it at this one. I picked up Safe Haven this last week and even though I was quite busy and tired with school,I couldn't resist but read until late at night. Generally,I'd say I am a fan of Nicholas Sparks. I've read many novels by him — and enjoyed them all — but this book is quite another thing. It's more than a love story in a small,quite town. I'd say it's a romantic suspense. When you pick up a book by Nicholas Sparks you know you're in for a love story and we all like love stories,of course, but sometimes they get too cheesy. I am happy to say this book won't be the case.

The story revolves around the life of Katie who moved to a new town to escape her abusive and violent husband. She's very determined to avoid forming close relationship with anyone but then — of course — she meets Alex. Alex is the dad of two kids who had lost his wife. I must say I loved the way their relationship started. So natural and easy and without even understanding Katie's guard was down and she found herself falling for this man who saw her in a way she was never seen before. I also loved reading about her relationship with the kids. A motherly relationship but not trying to be their mom. It was so sweet. Until this moment, Nicholas seems to stick to his usual scenario but then he adds the suspense factor.

The story starts getting so interesting when Kevin — Katie's ex-husband — appears. Looking for her. Kevin is a detective and this helps him a lot to follow Katie's traces. The thing that made me love this book so much is that Nicholas touches a very delicate and hurting topic nowadays. That of the abused women. Kevin is a drunkard who'd lose his control and beat and kick and punch Katie in the most terrible way, even risking her health and life. And even though it's a sad reality that made me think of how many other women are abused in that way. It's just so sad. And I think Nicholas did his best job to built such great characters like Katie and Kevin. Kevin is one of those characters you will hate as if they were real people. I absolutely hated him for who he was,for who he thought he was and for what he did to Katie. He's such a worthless person who has nothing but animal instincts. I like the way the author wrote the story. It comes from two points of view, Katie's and Kevin's. And by the end they meet and the story gets quite intense and absolutely amazing. Everything is described in such an amazing and realistic way, it feels like you're watching a movie.

So overall,this is a must read story. It has it all. The love story,the suspense, and a little bit of a 'wow factor' which is how I like to call it. I'm not going to spoil it but Jo is the wow factor in this story. I absolutely recommend this book. I believe you won't be disappointed. All I can say in the end, is thank you Nicholas for this incredible story.(less)

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Apr 19, 2013 Reem N 240511 rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jan 27, 2011 TJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

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. Whil...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-group-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

9 likes · like · see review

May 26, 2013 Myka Cervania rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Actually, I didn't expect that I'd buy this book. I was at the book store with my dad few weeks ago to buy the book, 'It Happened One Season', but before I do that, I went to check a corner first where 'The Best of Me' by Nicholas Sparks was placed. Then suddenly, I saw this book settled near 'The Best of Me' and I picked it up because the cover felt pleasant in my eyes. I read the summary and I thought I liked it. So instead of buying 'It Happened One Season', I chose this book and told myself...more Actually, I didn't expect that I'd buy this book. I was at the book store with my dad few weeks ago to buy the book, 'It Happened One Season', but before I do that, I went to check a corner first where 'The Best of Me' by Nicholas Sparks was placed. Then suddenly, I saw this book settled near 'The Best of Me' and I picked it up because the cover felt pleasant in my eyes. I read the summary and I thought I liked it. So instead of buying 'It Happened One Season', I chose this book and told myself maybe it was FATE that I saw it.

Now, about the story, I supposed it's an ordinary story from Nicholas Sparks. I know his novels and I've watched some of those which were adapted in movies, and I was amazed. Touched. No wonder how talented Nicholas is, and when he writes, he writes with sincerity. In fact, he DOES it in every novel he writes and whether people like the novel or not, the fact is still there that he LIKED what he did, and he knew what he was going through even before he writes the certain novel, because he had always known that every book is under his name and talent.

With Safe Haven, I won't say I thoroughly like it, but I NEVER forced myself to finish it. I finished reading it because I wanted to, and I was looking forward. There were some parts of it which were predictable and a bit cliche, but the reason why I looked forward was that there's something to look forward--whether some people find it dull. It was a silent read, yes, and not very much alike with Sparks's other novels, but we couldn't always expect to be impressed by a talented author. Whether you like the story or not, the fact that Nicholas Sparks is a talented author never changes. And even though you say you are disappointed because you doesn't like the story much, then I tell you, nobody's perfect, and an author couldn't always feed what we wanted. Sometimes we just have to be content, and to appreciate the author's work, because they're living for a dream. And Nicholas Sparks, the king of romance I say, is a rare talent NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS.

It's true that the book has imperfections, too. Well, every book has. The only 2 things that will keep you going to read is the APPRECIATION and EXPECTING NOTHING. Just read. Katie, the heroine, wasn't very likely relate-able I KNOW, and Alex, the hero always does good things I know too. But nevertheless of those, we still must focus on the message of the story. Which that message is surely beautiful. There are no books who give non-sense things around even after you read them. Every book has worth, and you must look at the worth. Read, understand, and there you go, you see the worth. Don't judge and blame how talented an author is for a ONE novel under his/her name that you don't like. Before you drop a word, put some understanding first.
Safe Haven (less)

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Mar 02, 2013 Dawn ~The Romance Cover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I absolutely loved this book. I read it as I'm going to see the movie. And I hope they do the book justice as it is a beautiful heart warming book. It has you gripped on every page right to the end. Then you say OMG I never thought of that!!
The characters are lovely and very believable you feel lie you are there living the whole thing with them.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all.

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Feb 24, 2013 Sandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, favorites

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...more 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.
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Jan 16, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, favorites

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 h...more

58 likes · like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 Meg ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, 2013-reads

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 differ...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Sultan rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 m...more 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.(less)

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Apr 19, 2013 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

5 million stars! This book touched my heart, it was a truly wonderful read! I really loved Katie, she was so strong, brave, smart, kind and compassionate, and Alex was just perfect; a great dad with a gentle heart. They had both suffered tragedy in their lives and it really tugged on my heart strings. Their chapters together were so heart-warming and touching, (view spoiler)...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever been in a difficult situation and removing yourself to a new state of love and happiness was the only way to escape? Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks displays the fearful journey from an abusive, sickening world to a relationship of love and utter peace. I was left in awe as each page turned was a new heart-wrenching challenge for the characters.
The three main characters that faced life's burdens grew to become close to the readers heart. When Katie, the new mysterious women in town,...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Rita rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Nicholas Sparks, nascido em Omaha, Nebraska, trabalhou durante algum tempo como delegado de informação médica, até ao momento em que Theresa Park, agente literária, decidiu representá-lo, vendendo os direitos do seu primeiro romance, “O Diário da Nossa Paixão”, à Warner Books. A obra foi desde o início um sucesso assombroso, tendo permanecido durante 56 semanas consecutivas nos tops americanos. Considerado como o golden boy da ficção, o autor é adorado internacionalmente.

“Um Refúgio para a Vida”...more Nicholas Sparks, nascido em Omaha, Nebraska, trabalhou durante algum tempo como delegado de informação médica, até ao momento em que Theresa Park, agente literária, decidiu representá-lo, vendendo os direitos do seu primeiro romance, “O Diário da Nossa Paixão”, à Warner Books. A obra foi desde o início um sucesso assombroso, tendo permanecido durante 56 semanas consecutivas nos tops americanos. Considerado como o golden boy da ficção, o autor é adorado internacionalmente.

“Um Refúgio para a Vida” editado inicialmente em 2010, foi adaptado para o cinema no presente ano. Neste volume somos apresentados a Katie que se mudou para a pacata cidade de Southport, na Carolina do Norte. Embora seja bastante bonita, mostra-se bastante reservada, tentando ao máximo não se dar a conhecer aos que a rodeiam. Numa pequena cidade como Southport todos se conhecem e trocam informações entre si e Katie com todo o mistério que engloba os seus actos e passado só se torna para os habitantes locais ainda mais interessante. Quando conhece o viúvo Alex mostra-se relutante em criar laços com o mesmo, contudo à medida que cria amizade com ambos os seus filhos, especialmente com a sua filha mais nova, o amor começa a florescer entre ambos. Contudo, Katie tem um segredo que a persegue e que poderá colocar em causa a sua felicidade junto destas pessoas que aprendeu a amar.

Ainda só tive o prazer de ler duas obras do escritor, “Um Momento Inesquecível” e “As Palavras que Nunca te Direi”, e embora tenha gostado muito de ambas, confesso que começo as suas obras sempre com algum receio de poder não gostar, possivelmente por as opiniões sobre o autor serem bastante dispares. Contudo, neste volume em específico as minhas reticências mostraram-se completamente desnecessárias. O autor tem uma escrita tremendamente cativante, possui personagens que nos tocam tanto pela sua história de vida, como com a sua personalidade forte e a história mostrou-se bastante cativante.

Nestas páginas é abordado o tema da violência doméstica de uma forma que invariavelmente nos toca e revolta. Katie sofreu às mãos do marido, Kevin, diversos abusos físicos, o que a levou a fugir dele e a tentar reconstruir a sua vida naquela pacata cidade. Após ter escapado ao marido, Katie continua a sentir uma enorme impotência e a recear ser descoberta pelo mesmo. Algo que é inerente a qualquer vítima de abuso físico, pois mesmo conseguindo fugir, enquanto souberem que a pessoa continua viva, terão sempre o receio que o agressor as presiga e que as volte a maltratar. É também abordado neste volume o modo como a vítima se sente ferida e como lhe custa voltar a entregar-se a alguém e a confiar, no caso da Katie, no sexo oposto.

Além do tema da violência doméstica, somos também confrontados com o amor paternal, a perda de alguém que amamos e a tentativa de reconstruir as nossas vidas após essa perda. Penso que os momentos passados entre Alex e os seus filhos foram bastante ternurentos, sendo bastante explícito o amor que este pai sentia pelos seus meninos e mais tarde também o amor que Katie passa a sentir por ambos. Alex perdeu a sua mulher e também esse ponto é abordado bastante bem, pois demonstra que parte de nós será sempre de determinada pessoa, mesmo que a mesma faleça, e que nunca é fácil ultrapassar a dor que essa perda nos causa.

No que se refere às personagens, gostei muito de Katie, pela sua perseverança, força e por nunca ter baixado os braços. É preciso muita coragem para fazer frente a alguém que nos agride, de tentar fugir a essa pessoa e conseguir viver noutro local, ainda que sempre com receio do que se poderá passar de seguida. Quanto a Alex mostrou ser um homem bom, sofrido, mas com um sentido de honra e justiça muito vincado. Apesar de ter perdido a sua mulher e de ter tido de criar dois filhos pequenos, tornou-se um óptimo pai e um homem fantástico. Os momentos vivenciados entre ele, os seus meninos e Katie foram dos mais ternurentos da obra. No que se refere à personagem Kevin, é-me difícil descrever o que senti por este personagem. Sparks concebe este personagem de tal forma, que conseguimos sentir inúmeros sentimentos por ele. No final da obra só conseguia pensar que era completamente louco e não conseguia deixar de sentir raiva e tristeza por tudo o que fez a Katie passar. Penso que a concepção das personagens é um dos pontos mais fortes do escritor, conseguindo cada uma tocar-nos de certa forma, deixando-nos, mesmo após o livro terminado, uma recordação sua na nossa memória.

Numa escrita muito fluída, cativante e repleta de suspense, Nicholas Sparks presenteia-nos nesta história com uma temática revoltante como é a violência doméstica, mas também com uma bonita história de amor, que temos a possibilidade de ver florescer. Adicionando a estes ingredientes, somos também presenteados com personagens tremendamente bem estruturadas e um enredo cativante.

Aguardo com alguma expectativa a possibilidade de ver a adaptação cinematográfica e, sem dúvida, que terei de ler mais obras deste escritor.

(http://magia-livros.blogspot.pt/2013/...)(less)

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Jun 13, 2013 Mona rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: drama, family, favorite-authors, favorites, love-story, made-me-cry, movies, nicholas-sparks, novels, romance, best-male-characters, best-female-characters, ebook, 5-stars, american-novels, contemporary-romance, contemporary, must-read, suspense

WOOOW ... this is amazing ... I really loved it ..
It is different from other Nicholas books . Of course there is the amazing love story .. the tears but also there is suspense . In fact a lot of suspense ..
really great book you have to read it :D :D

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Jan 28, 2013 Myonlycookie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I hadn't read a Nicholas Sparks book since high school, after my friends insisted I read The Notebook (and I didn't like it...) So I don't know what possessed me to pick this one up, except that upon reading the description, it was supposed to be different than Sparks' other work. I wanted to give him another try. I'm not disappointed I did, though this book rated only 2 stars for me.

Brief summary is that Katie is a mysterious new woman in town (in Southport), who likes to keep to herself. She s...more I hadn't read a Nicholas Sparks book since high school, after my friends insisted I read The Notebook (and I didn't like it...) So I don't know what possessed me to pick this one up, except that upon reading the description, it was supposed to be different than Sparks' other work. I wanted to give him another try. I'm not disappointed I did, though this book rated only 2 stars for me.

Brief summary is that Katie is a mysterious new woman in town (in Southport), who likes to keep to herself. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with Alex, a widowed general-store owner with 2 young children. The not-so-secret secret is that Katie is a runaway battered wife. The book switches between the povs of Katie, Alex and Kevin (the abusive husband).

I actually did like this book, but there were a few structural things that knocked it down a star for me.

Here are the things I think Sparks does well:

1. Creating likable, yet real, protagonists. Sparks tends to look at the very best of human nature, with many of his main characters being extremely good and kind. However, there is a realness to them, and they react logically and filled with emotion. I feel readers (including myself) naturally connect to his main characters, which Sparks accomplishes within a few short pages. While Katie is nothing like myself (completely different backgrounds, life goals, etc.), I liked her and connected with her fears and dreams.

2. Setting. I guess the south (esp. North Carolina) is prominent in all of Sparks' novels, and this one is no exception. While descriptions of life in Southport aren't exactly thrilling, Sparks makes it seem like a special little world, almost akin to world building in fantasy novels.

Gripes:

1. The first 100 pages is very quiet. It's essential for Katie and Alex to build their relationship, but once I figured out Katie's background (very early on in the novel) it was a little boring. The flashbacks are intriguing though.

2. It does get different after the first 100 pages or so, because we get the point of view of Kevin, the abusive husband. That was interesting, but to be honest, as the novel went on, I think we got too much Kevin. Or at least, we got too much of the same information. If you're going to stick his pov of view in so much, I would've liked new information about his character, background, etc. as opposed to him drinking himself into angry oblivion.

3. I wasn't crazy about the whole Jo resolve. I would've preferred her to be an actual person. Two reasons: A. I think it would've been nice for Katie to make another real friend, who wasn't her romantic partner. B. I think it was a cheat to make everything 100% "okay" that Alex loved another woman after his wife died. That stuff doesn't happen in real life; a person has to just trust their instincts after a loved one dies.

That's about it. I did appreciate Sparks' slight variation in his writing. For the most part, the book was engaging, and I felt the flashbacks were realistic portrayal of an abusive relationship. The resolve was a bit fantasy (getting to kill your abuser, and end up with an incredibly perfect guy), but Katie's strength and ability to overcome and live feeling safe were very real.

Edit: One more gripe. Though I think the abusive relationship that Katie went through was pretty real, I did think her resolve was "too neat." When a person is in an abusive relationship, usually it takes a long time (years) to get over it, and incidents can trigger bad feelings/reactions. I would've appreciated a hint at this kind of struggle, because abuse doesn't just end quickly.(less)

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Mar 27, 2013 Danielle Bucholtz rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the fiction novel, "Safe Haven", Katie is on the run from her abusive husband. She leads him on a long distance chase, and she finally finds herself settling down in a small town called Southport. There, she finds a small house to rent and a job at a local diner. Little did she know that she was about to fall for the town's grocery store owner, Alex. Though she was afraid of what will happen in the near future, she begins to forget her old, terrible life with her husband. Once everything seem...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Elsie rated it 3 of 5 stars

My mother-in-law and I are both big Nicholas Sparks fans. One of us always gets his latest book and loans it to the other to read. It's one of the few common interests we share. So when she handed me this one and said, "This one wasn't my favorite.", it made me kind of nervous. It's been sitting on my bookshelf for several months waiting for me to get up the courage to read it.

I'm not sure what she didn't like about it, whether it was the story line or the way it was written, but I thought it wa...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Mesa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have only watched the movies of Nicholas Sparks books before reading Safe Haven, and I loved them, especially The Note Book and A Walk to Remember. It didn’t occur to me to check out one of his books until I saw this at my library. I read the synopsis and I was sold, it caught my attention right away.

Safe Haven is my first Nicholas Sparks book and it’s an amazing book! It’s funny, captivating and suspenseful. Everything you want from a good book, you will find it in Safe Haven. I couldn’t put...more

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May 17, 2013 Hannah Haertl rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was told to read this book and I wasn't very excited about it since I saw the movie already. Once I started getting into it though, I fell in love. When Katie shows up in a small town of North Carolina, Alex wonders who she is and where she came from. Once things start to get complicated and Katie gets more and more nervous at home, she starts to face extreme dangers. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story, because it is very touching to the heart.

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Jan 18, 2011 Dianna rated it 5 of 5 stars

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.

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Mar 04, 2013 Carla Hanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. But I loved the movie. Why? The book was too dark for me. I didn't want to know the extent to which the psychopathic evil husband hurt his wife. The movie handled it perfectly! We know he's evil without the yucky details that were in the book. Why else? Oh my, Josh is yummy!

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Sep 08, 2012 Kiefer Niñonuevo rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 g...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I could not believe how quickly I was pulled into this story, picking it up as often as I had the chance. s the story progressed I found myself being pulled into the action as I read, welcoming a spoken word beside me to pull me back when things got too intense. Loved it!

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Aug 11, 2012 Maria Miaoulis rated it 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about Nicholas Sparks that hasn’t already been said? This writer knows how to pull at your heart strings, plain and simple. And he manages to do it in such a way that after turning that final page, you can literally feel your spirit bursting with unconditional love, eternal hope and newfound wisdom. Sparks continues to raise the bar with each new publication. He is clearly in his element when it comes to matters of the heart and no one has yet to come close. “Safe Haven” is one of...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Savannah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely gripping. Not a book for tears but more so for a racing heart and a perfect ending. MUST READ. I couldn't put it down.

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Mar 23, 2013 Sara Ison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I did like this book but it was just typical Nicholas Sparks to me. Like my friend, Mitch said, "Someone always dies in NIcholas Sparks book." and...he was right!

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Jan 10, 2013 JC rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned, romance, movie-tie-in

I never knew Sparks can right a book as this suspenseful and as this thrilling. This may be the first book from Sparks that I read and so far, even if it's incomparable to compare books to movies, this one has the best approach. Rated 4 stars though because of the antagonist. =)

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Feb 03, 2013 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A-Mazing!!! A must read, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see the movie next week.

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Favourite Nicholas Sparks book?	23	68	Jun 18, 2013 09:43am
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About Nicholas Sparks

As a child, Nicholas Sparks lived in Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Grand Island, Nebraska, finally settling in Fair Oaks, California at the age of eight. His father was a professor, his mother a homemaker, then optometrist's assistant. He lived in Fair Oaks through high school, graduated valedictorian in 1984, and received a full track scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

After breaking the N...more As a child, Nicholas Sparks lived in Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Grand Island, Nebraska, finally settling in Fair Oaks, California at the age of eight. His father was a professor, his mother a homemaker, then optometrist's assistant. He lived in Fair Oaks through high school, graduated valedictorian in 1984, and received a full track scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

After breaking the Notre Dame school record as part of a relay team in 1985 as a freshman (a record which still stands), he was injured and spent the summer recovering. During that summer, he wrote his first novel, though it was never published. He majored in Business Finance and graduated with high honors in 1988.

He and his wife Catherine, who met on spring break in 1988, were married in July, 1989. While living in Sacramento, he wrote his second novel that same year, though again, it wasn't published. He worked a variety of jobs over the next three years, including real estate appraisal, waiting tables, selling dental products by phone, and started his own small manufacturing business which struggled from the beginning. In 1990, he collaborated on a book with Billy Mills, the Olympic Gold Medalist and it was published by Feather Publishing before later being picked up by Random House. (It was recently re-issued by Hay House Books.) Though it received scant publicity, sales topped 50,000 copies in the first year of release.

He began selling pharmaceuticals and moved from Sacramento, California to North Carolina in 1992. In 1994, at the age of 28, he wrote The Notebook over a period of six months. In October, 1995, rights to The Notebook were sold to Warner Books. It was published in October, 1996, and he followed that with Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), and Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), Three Weeks with my Brother (2004), True Believer (2005) and At First Sight (2005) all with Warner Books. All were domestic and international best sellers and were translated into more than 35 languages. The movie version of Message in a Bottle was released in 1999, A Walk to Remember was released in 2002, and The Notebook was released in 2004. The average domestic box office gross per film was $56 million -- with another $100 million in DVD sales -- making the novels by Nicholas Sparks one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood.

The film rights to Nights in Rodanthe, True Believer and At First Sight have been sold, and Nicholas Sparks has written the screenplay for The Guardian, though he has not offered it for sale at this point.

He now has five children: Miles, Ryan, Landon, Lexie, and Savannah. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and children.

His ancestry is German, Czech, English, and Irish, he's 5'10" and weighs 180 lbs. He is an avid athlete who runs daily, lifts weights regularly, and competes in Tae Kwon Do. He attends church regularly and reads approximately 125 books a year. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually.(less)

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Quotes from Safe Haven

“Every couple needs to argue now and then. Just to prove that the relationship is strong enough to survive. Long-term relationships, the ones that matter, are all about weathering the peaks and the valleys.” — 1,332 people liked it

“She wasnt exactly sure when it happened. Or even when it started. All she knew for sure was that right here and now, she was falling hard and she could only pray that he was feeling the same way.” — 385 people liked it

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