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Opnieuw een prachtige roman van de bestsellerauteur van onder andere The Notebook en Message in a Bottle
Hope Anderson staat op een kruispunt in haar leven: haar relatie is op een dood spoor terechtgekomen en haar vader blijkt te lijden aan de vernietigende ziekte ALS. Om tot rust te komen en alles op een rijtje te kunnen zetten, trekt ze zich voor een tijdje terug in het familiehuis in Sunset Beach.
Daar ontmoet ze Tru Walls, een man die sinds de traumatische dood van zijn moeder in het reine probeert te komen met zijn familieverleden en moet zien te achterhalen wie en waar zijn vader is. Hope en Tru voelen zich onmiddellijk tot elkaar aangetrokken, maar staan al snel voor een onmogelijke, hartverscheurende keuze: die tussen hun familie en hun persoonlijke geluk.
DE PERS OVER DE BOEKEN VAN NICHOLAS SPARKS
‘Nicholas Sparks weet hoe hij de juiste snaar moet raken.’ Daily Mail
‘Sparks heeft een talent om te raken aan wat ons menselijk maakt.’ Irish Independent
‘Zijn verhalen zijn ervoor gemaakt om te worden verteld aan het grote publiek.’ Cultuurbewust.nl
‘Sparks’ boeken zitten vol diepe emoties en onverwachte wendingen. Tranen gegarandeerd.’ People
‘Ontroerend, goed geschreven en extreem romantisch.’ Booklist
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
19279 people are currently reading
99225 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sparks
389 books237k followersNicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.
Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018), The Return (2020), The Wish (2021), and Dreamland (2022), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-fourth novel, Counting Miracles, will be published on September 24, 2024.
Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks lives in North Carolina. 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. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meters, as well as US High School National Records in the 800 Medley and 1600 Medley. Click to watch the Runner’s World video with Nicholas.
The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011, to provide scholarships and fund educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.
Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018), The Return (2020), The Wish (2021), and Dreamland (2022), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-fourth novel, Counting Miracles, will be published on September 24, 2024.
Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks lives in North Carolina. 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. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meters, as well as US High School National Records in the 800 Medley and 1600 Medley. Click to watch the Runner’s World video with Nicholas.
The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011, to provide scholarships and fund educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,291 reviews
October 16, 2018
There are stories that rise from mysterious, unknown places, and others that are discovered, a gift from someone else.
Found near a sandy dune, on an actual stretch of North Carolina beach, sits a community mailbox—owned by no one and everyone. A character in its own right, Kindred Spirit rests atop a driftwood post, waiting to share the hopes and dreams entrusted by past visitors, along with this resounding message: love endures.
Letters and photocopied drawings available for perusal during the time of Nicholas Sparks’ own visit to the box, served as the catalyst, prompting him to track down the couple behind the heartfelt words. Ultimately, it was their journey that provided the inspiration for this story-within-a-story and the author’s mighty return to his roots—the telling of a love so intense, it’s felt with the reader’s every breath and turn of the page. And so it begins, with fate placing Tru and Hope on the same stretch of beach.
The destiny that matters most in anyone’s life is the one concerning love.
A plane ticket and a plea from Tru’s estranged father brings him halfway around the world—from the “the bush” in Zimbabwe to the coast of North Carolina. His time abroad proves to be life-altering; giving him the opportunity to lay eyes on his father for the very first time and the introduction to the one person he never knew his soul yearned for. It’s the misadventures of the rambunctious terrier staying in the beach cottage next door that brings about the meet cute.
Decompressing from the stressors wreaking emotional havoc, Hope’s intention is to spend a few days alone at her family’s beach house to gain some much needed clarity. The furthest thing from her mind, meeting a man like Tru. Pivotal days—including a trip to Kindred Spirit—force Hope and Tru to make hard and fast decisions. What are they willing to sacrifice for the type of love experienced only once in a lifetime?
This is where things get a tad tricky for me. The very place where Nicholas Sparks makes me gnaw on my own words and admit I just might be a bit of hypocrite. I’ve made it clear—loudly, and more than a few times—insta-love doesn’t work for me in any capacity. But, and this is a HUGE but, Nicholas Sparks seems to be the outlier and here’s why. Glossing over the development of those lovey-dovey emotions on the front end of the falling is typical for him, opting instead to sell the reader on the back end. And you know what, it works. Once that declaration of love is released into the fictional universe, it’s game on as the full force, feel it in your bones, your heart wants to explode from all of the giddiness feelings takes over. So, regardless of how few days it takes Hope and Tru to transition from strangers to lovers, the intensity of their connection is undeniable.
As a seasoned Sparks reader, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Every Breath went a long way to piece together the shambles Two By Two left my heart in. Kudos to Sparks for trying something different with his previous two releases, but neither worked well for this love obsessed heart of mine. See Me felt like a detour and Two By Two felt like a completely wrong turn. Both forcing me to ponder, had the king of romance lost his touch? Nope. Leave it to the wonders of Kindred Spirit to inspire a story reminiscent of the author’s greats. I think a trip of my own is imminent.
*THANK YOU to Grand Central for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2018
Spoilers ahead!
I just finished Every Breath this morning and it turned out to be pretty good. Once I got about half way through I was leary with the direction the book was taking, but by the end it came together nicely.
Hope is in a relationship that she isn't exactly content with. Her boyfriend Josh doesn't seem to be committing and after six years she wonders what their future holds. Her dad has been diagnosed with a debilitating health condition and she doesn't know how much time they have left together. She plans a visit to their family cottage on Sunset Beach because her family has decided to sell it and she needs to help prepare. During that week, Hope meets Tru who is on a temporary visit from Africa to meet his father for the first time. Tru's hope is to learn more about his mother while he's there. When Tru and Hope meet, they have a genuine interest in each other. It's love at first sight and they can't stop thinking about one another.
"Through the window, he was able to see into the kitchen as Hope emerged from around the corner, a towel draped over her shoulder, and pulled two cups from the cabinet. She interested him. That she was beautiful there was no doubt, but it wasn't simply that. There was an air of vulnerability and loneliness behind her smile, as if she was wrestling with something troubling. Maybe even a few somethings."
As their time comes to a close, their family circumstances get in the way and they have to make a difficult decision regarding their future together. Will they follow their hearts?
Nicholas Sparks writes beautiful romances. I've been reading his books for as long as I can remember and I'm used to his writing. With that said, the romance in this book felt like insta-love and went way to quick for me. The two meet--they are totally physically attracted to one another--then they are in love in just a matter of a few days. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think two people can have a quick connection like Tru and Hope did, it's just that for me it felt rushed and I wanted more development to their relationship. Another issue I had was that even with the strong connection they feel for each other, they go separate ways and live separate lives, and decades later they still feel the same. It's like this huge piece of their time apart never happened even with zero communication in between. I get that we make decisions in life and we have to take the road that follows, but feeling as strong as these two did and knowing the options that Hope had in her current relationship, their decisions just didn't feel right to me. I wanted them to stay together and it just wasn't going to happen, but regardless, I found it to be a good story. These are just my personal opinions on the story itself based on the characters' backgrounds and choices.
I still enjoyed the book! I loved that even though it's a work of fiction, parts of it were true. I even had a few tears as they read through some of the letters from Kindred Spirit: a mailbox in North Carolina that really exists. The writing is beautiful and detailed. The characters had depth with their own histories. It just really felt good to get back into a Spark's novel.
3.5 stars rounded up.
You can see all my reviews @ www.readrantrockandroll.com
I just finished Every Breath this morning and it turned out to be pretty good. Once I got about half way through I was leary with the direction the book was taking, but by the end it came together nicely.
Hope is in a relationship that she isn't exactly content with. Her boyfriend Josh doesn't seem to be committing and after six years she wonders what their future holds. Her dad has been diagnosed with a debilitating health condition and she doesn't know how much time they have left together. She plans a visit to their family cottage on Sunset Beach because her family has decided to sell it and she needs to help prepare. During that week, Hope meets Tru who is on a temporary visit from Africa to meet his father for the first time. Tru's hope is to learn more about his mother while he's there. When Tru and Hope meet, they have a genuine interest in each other. It's love at first sight and they can't stop thinking about one another.
"Through the window, he was able to see into the kitchen as Hope emerged from around the corner, a towel draped over her shoulder, and pulled two cups from the cabinet. She interested him. That she was beautiful there was no doubt, but it wasn't simply that. There was an air of vulnerability and loneliness behind her smile, as if she was wrestling with something troubling. Maybe even a few somethings."
As their time comes to a close, their family circumstances get in the way and they have to make a difficult decision regarding their future together. Will they follow their hearts?
Nicholas Sparks writes beautiful romances. I've been reading his books for as long as I can remember and I'm used to his writing. With that said, the romance in this book felt like insta-love and went way to quick for me. The two meet--they are totally physically attracted to one another--then they are in love in just a matter of a few days. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think two people can have a quick connection like Tru and Hope did, it's just that for me it felt rushed and I wanted more development to their relationship. Another issue I had was that even with the strong connection they feel for each other, they go separate ways and live separate lives, and decades later they still feel the same. It's like this huge piece of their time apart never happened even with zero communication in between. I get that we make decisions in life and we have to take the road that follows, but feeling as strong as these two did and knowing the options that Hope had in her current relationship, their decisions just didn't feel right to me. I wanted them to stay together and it just wasn't going to happen, but regardless, I found it to be a good story. These are just my personal opinions on the story itself based on the characters' backgrounds and choices.
I still enjoyed the book! I loved that even though it's a work of fiction, parts of it were true. I even had a few tears as they read through some of the letters from Kindred Spirit: a mailbox in North Carolina that really exists. The writing is beautiful and detailed. The characters had depth with their own histories. It just really felt good to get back into a Spark's novel.
3.5 stars rounded up.
You can see all my reviews @ www.readrantrockandroll.com
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May 30, 2021nah
September 24, 2018
I loved this novel. For those that enjoy a timeless, classic, romantic love story....check this one out. From the beginning author’s introduction from Nicholas Sparks to the very end, I was fully enraptured and captivated. As so many important novels do, it had me thinking about life and circumstance throughout reading and left me with similar questioning thoughts once I turned the last page.
This book has all the makings of a love story to remember from the characters’ strength, resilience, and loyalty to the moments that squeeze your heart with heartbreak for situations that no one should have to go through.
This novel was relatable for any age whether young or old and I can only imagine that many (like me) could see themselves in these character’s shoes for different moments of their lives. Whether it be for making that difficult decision that alters a life’s path or dealing with the grief of loss that only comes from living (and loving).
For those that are a fan of Nicholas Sparks novels, you will not be disappointed with this one. It has all the telltale signs of what he is rightfully known for. It’s one of those stories that only he can tell best.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
This book has all the makings of a love story to remember from the characters’ strength, resilience, and loyalty to the moments that squeeze your heart with heartbreak for situations that no one should have to go through.
This novel was relatable for any age whether young or old and I can only imagine that many (like me) could see themselves in these character’s shoes for different moments of their lives. Whether it be for making that difficult decision that alters a life’s path or dealing with the grief of loss that only comes from living (and loving).
For those that are a fan of Nicholas Sparks novels, you will not be disappointed with this one. It has all the telltale signs of what he is rightfully known for. It’s one of those stories that only he can tell best.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
October 29, 2018
I’m not a regular fan of NS’ books but this is true and amazing story of Tru and Hope written so good. It’s so emotional, heart warming and in same way a tear jerker book but it forces you to believe the power of true love, patience and walk the way that your heart guides you.
January 23, 2019
Title: Every Breath
Series: Standalone
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Release date: October 16, 2018
Every Breath had a lot of promise to be a big winner for me, but unfortunately it didn't reach my expectations. Based on the synopsis, it sounded like an emotional ill-fated love story with the potential for a second chance later in life. How long can a dream survive? it poses.
Mistakes were inevitable, and she’d concluded that regrets could impart important lessons in life, if one was willing to learn from them. And in that sense, she realized that her father had been only half-correct about memories. They weren’t, after all, only doorways to the past. She wanted to believe that they could also be doorways to a new and different kind of future.
I knew that a happy ending isn't guaranteed, and while that's preferable, if the message in the story at least leaves me introspective and moved then I'm satisfied. I didn't come away from the book feeling happy with the events that took place, in fact, I was frustrated and left wanting more. There were several things that contributed to that, and I'll get to that in a minute.
Tru Walls is a safari guide from Zimbabwe who is visiting North Carolina for the first time on a life changing trip. He's a man of simple needs who loves his son dearly, but as much as he loved his ex-wife, they couldn't make their marriage work. They wanted different things out of life: she wanted a husband who would be home more, he wanted to continue the career he loved amongst the land and wildlife where he felt most at peace. This is one area where he was unwilling to compromise, and they parted on amicable terms. There isn't much that would tempt him to leave the country and take time away from his son. Except learning more about his biological father and unlocking answers to questions he has about his mother. For that, he agrees to meet with the man who has reached out to him, and the uncertainty of what he will uncover has him more than a little unsettled.
Hope Anderson is staying nearby at her parents' cottage on the beach with her own worries consuming her. Her father has just been diagnosed with ALS, and with that earth shattering news, the future is a scary thing to imagine. Will her parents have enough money for his care as his health deteriorates? How will she deal with seeing her wonderful father slowly waste away before her eyes? And then she has things of a more personal nature plaguing her mind. The relationship with her boyfriend of six years is once again on rocky terms, and she's at a crossroads. Attending her friend's wedding by herself while he parties in Vegas with his friends, she knows something has to give. As much as she doesn't want to believe she's wasting her time with him, she can't help but feel like marriage and a family may never be in the cards. Motherhood has always been something she expected to achieve...but more than that, needed to achieve. Now her biological clock is ticking away as she counts the minutes passing her by.
Both Hope and Tru were dealing with very heavy decisions that would forever alter the course of their life. It was a time for introspection and self-discovery. Then they cross paths and begin a friendship that very quickly evolves into a complication that neither was expecting. When I say very quickly, I'm talking about a matter of one day.
We met on a Wednesday morning, and I’d fallen in love with him by Thursday evening.
This was a major issue for me. Sparks was going for a soulmates/destiny/magical feeling about this couple based on how they instantly felt emotions that couldn't be explained. I'm not necessarily against that in books, but in this case it made their supposed depth of feelings seem artificial and shallow. In short, I just didn't believe it. The actual development of their romance was almost non-existent in the book. Which made the unchanged intensity of their feelings after 25 years to be laughable. On one hand, this was a fairy tale type of romance. On the other, it was bone jarringly realistic in regards to the effects of Hope's rash choices. I don't think you can have it both ways and end up with a cohesive plot.
Part two was a juxtaposition of regrets and hope for both characters. The big question was which one was the end point in it all? We get a long examination of their life stories over the last two and a half decades. Family, successes, failures, and pondering if things could have been better if another path had been chosen. To be frank, I started to skim some of these pages after a while because the story started to lose me. If I had agreed with Hope and liked her more, I might have cared at this point. Unfortunately I got annoyed at her selfishness, and the ignorance of her decision. Yes, she achieved her ultimate goal, but at what cost? She had alternatives that would have given her the same results, but refused to compromise on her needs.
I was just so done with her, I completely disconnected from the outcome of the story. Yes, it was sweet and romantic how they reconnected, and yet I was puzzled as to why Tru would even be interested at that point in his life. It didn't make very much sense to me.
I enjoyed Tru's home of Zimbabwe, and the detail put into the research surrounding that setting. There were parts of the plot that were whimsical and touching, and yet overall the romance was too superficial to actually be believable. The ending left me unexpectedly deflated as the reality of the near future was revealed. I couldn't help but feel that Tru's blind devotion had cheated him out of the happiness he could have had. I'm sure a lot of readers will find this to be achingly bittersweet, but for me this leaned way too far into the bitter with not enough sweet to satisfy.
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October 29, 2018
My least favorite Nicholas Sparks book for sure. The story begins with what you believe is Nicholas Sparks finding a letter at Kindred Spirits in North Carolina. He feels like he must find this person to talk to first get their full story then to them about possibly writing a book on this story. He ends up getting permission, and the story officially begins. This book was insta-love which I really dislike. I felt like the book was incredibly rushed and didn't connect to either of the characters.
The book was 2 stars until you find out in the epilogue that the entire story was made up. Nicholas Sparks never found a letter and searched for the author. That was all part of the "story."
The book was 2 stars until you find out in the epilogue that the entire story was made up. Nicholas Sparks never found a letter and searched for the author. That was all part of the "story."
June 5, 2022
Every Breath by Nicolas Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved every page of this amazing story. Nicolas Sparks is an incredible author who I believe writes from his soul.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved every page of this amazing story. Nicolas Sparks is an incredible author who I believe writes from his soul.
October 27, 2018
I really wanted to give this 5 stars before I read it, because I love Nic Spark books. However, this one had just a little too much unbelievable sap for me. Too far fetched.
I disliked the 20year fast forward as well.
I’m both disappointed and pleased. I liked it in spots and I disliked it 🤷🏽♀️
I disliked the 20year fast forward as well.
I’m both disappointed and pleased. I liked it in spots and I disliked it 🤷🏽♀️
October 15, 2018
MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
In the romantic tradition of The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe Nicholas Sparks brings us EVERY BREATH which Is a full length, stand alone romance novel.
Like previous novels by this author he has such an uncanny knack of weaving a magic spell over his readers Every Breath is no different, unique in every way, it drew me in as soon as I started reading it.
In this we’re introduced to forty two year old Tru, an unconventional man of many layers, a guide on a game reserve in Zimbabwe where he’d worked for the past ten years. Divorced with one child.
Out of the blue a letter arrives for him, inside are two plane tickets, a later accompanied with an old photograph written and sent by his biological father whom he has never met. Within the letter it is stated that he is dying.
Not long on USA soil and settling into his father's house on the beach he’s returning a dog to his neighbour that had been knocked by a car.
When he first laid eyes on Hope She was beautiful, with untamed auburn hair and eyes the colour of turquoise. Almost at once something inside him began to stir, something that made him feel a bit nervous, the way he always felt in the presence of a beautiful woman.
Thirty six year old Hope is packing up her parents cottage which had just recently sold and is preparing attending her friends wedding without her long term boyfriend by her side, she works as a trauma nurse in the ER and at this stage was unmarried and without children.
As soon as these two clap eyes on each other there is an instant feeling of attraction, a feeling of coming home after a long trip away, as though they have known each other for many years.
A heartbreaking journey that hit all the feels, an unpredictable, unique kind of read. Highly recommend.
November 8, 2018
2.5 stars
I'm annoyed by the fact that I don't hate Sparks' books even though they annoy the crap out of me more and more. Yet I keep reading them. Wtf, Kelly? Get your shit together.
My main annoyance with this one was the woman basically stayed with her shitty boyfriend instead of the hot African dude solely because she wanted children and Mr. Africa was sterile. So she gets her kids which end up barely getting mentioned because she's pining for Safari Sir for YEARS even though they had ONE NIGHT TOGETHER after knowing each other for TWENTY-FOUR HOURS because ERMERGERD LERVE.
Second main annoyance was, and I quote, "comfortable strappy heels". Has the author worn strappy heels and found them comfortable? THEY AREN'T COMFORTABLE, NICK.
I'm annoyed by the fact that I don't hate Sparks' books even though they annoy the crap out of me more and more. Yet I keep reading them. Wtf, Kelly? Get your shit together.
My main annoyance with this one was the woman basically stayed with her shitty boyfriend instead of the hot African dude solely because she wanted children and Mr. Africa was sterile. So she gets her kids which end up barely getting mentioned because she's pining for Safari Sir for YEARS even though they had ONE NIGHT TOGETHER after knowing each other for TWENTY-FOUR HOURS because ERMERGERD LERVE.
Second main annoyance was, and I quote, "comfortable strappy heels". Has the author worn strappy heels and found them comfortable? THEY AREN'T COMFORTABLE, NICK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
2.5 stars
Every Breath is the first Nicholas Sparks book I have read. I wanted to love it but, unfortunately, I was underwhelmed.
The author wants us to believe that Tru and Hope fall passionately in love after spending two days together. It is not entirely improbable, but to me it felt more like two strangers forming a wonderful bond of friendship rather than starting a romance. Any sparks are tepid at best, and the declarations of love come out of left field.
The story is rushed, but it also seems to drag in places. Actual conversations with other characters are glossed over in favor of lengthy exposition. The huge time gap also hurt my emotional investment. On the positive side, Sparks does a fantastic job describing the charming North Carolina beach town where the bulk of the story takes place. I felt as though I could taste the salty breeze, feel the brisk air, and see the gorgeous sand dunes from Hope’s deck.
The writing is on the sappy side, and while this should be a moving tale, I failed to connect with the story or the main characters on a meaningful level.
Every Breath is the first Nicholas Sparks book I have read. I wanted to love it but, unfortunately, I was underwhelmed.
The author wants us to believe that Tru and Hope fall passionately in love after spending two days together. It is not entirely improbable, but to me it felt more like two strangers forming a wonderful bond of friendship rather than starting a romance. Any sparks are tepid at best, and the declarations of love come out of left field.
The story is rushed, but it also seems to drag in places. Actual conversations with other characters are glossed over in favor of lengthy exposition. The huge time gap also hurt my emotional investment. On the positive side, Sparks does a fantastic job describing the charming North Carolina beach town where the bulk of the story takes place. I felt as though I could taste the salty breeze, feel the brisk air, and see the gorgeous sand dunes from Hope’s deck.
The writing is on the sappy side, and while this should be a moving tale, I failed to connect with the story or the main characters on a meaningful level.
*I received an early version of this book to voluntarily read.*
October 18, 2018
4.5 Stars ⭐️
November 13, 2018
After six years with her boyfriend Josh, Hope Anderson is not sure what comes next. Far too often the relationship between her and Josh is one that fluctuates between on and off. She needs to decide what she wants and how much she is prepared to invest in a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. The other main character is Tru (short for Truitt) Wallis, a safari guide, who has lived for many years in Zimbabwe, a country he has no intention of leaving. That is, until a letter from a man claiming to be his biological father brings him to America. Both Hope and Tru end up at Sunset Beach at the same time and meet, thanks to a cute but disobedient little terrier called Scottie. This is Nicholas Sparks, so the reader just knows this will lead to further developments. Both Hope and Tru face some tough choices.
I picked this book up because it was written by Nicholas Sparks and I have read and enjoyed most of his books. Starting in Zimbabwe seemed strange at first, though the setting is well described and probably as close to that country as I will ever get. It soon changes to the more familiar American landscape. This is vintage Sparks where people fall in love quickly and deeply. If you can’t accept that premise then you will probably struggle with this book. For those of us happy enough to accept this, it begins a love story that has more than its share of heartache. This is Nicholas Sparks after all!
There are some aspects that are not going to appeal to some people like the Kindred Spirit mail box, and no, I am not going to explain that. Just know it plays a pivotal role in the story. But all in all, this is what Sparks is best known for - a love story. It is also a story of family love as well, of choices and consequences. I struggled with Hope and her choice at one stage. Still, overall it was an enjoyable read with light hearted moments and moments of sadness and struggle. Maybe it helped that I was relaxing near the beach at the time of reading this. It was easy to just drift along with the flow of the story as it unfolded.
I picked this book up because it was written by Nicholas Sparks and I have read and enjoyed most of his books. Starting in Zimbabwe seemed strange at first, though the setting is well described and probably as close to that country as I will ever get. It soon changes to the more familiar American landscape. This is vintage Sparks where people fall in love quickly and deeply. If you can’t accept that premise then you will probably struggle with this book. For those of us happy enough to accept this, it begins a love story that has more than its share of heartache. This is Nicholas Sparks after all!
There are some aspects that are not going to appeal to some people like the Kindred Spirit mail box, and no, I am not going to explain that. Just know it plays a pivotal role in the story. But all in all, this is what Sparks is best known for - a love story. It is also a story of family love as well, of choices and consequences. I struggled with Hope and her choice at one stage. Still, overall it was an enjoyable read with light hearted moments and moments of sadness and struggle. Maybe it helped that I was relaxing near the beach at the time of reading this. It was easy to just drift along with the flow of the story as it unfolded.
November 16, 2018
What a beautiful story. It just shows you how small the world can be at times. Once I started reading it, I didn’t stop. A quick one sitting read.
One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about this one was Nicholas Sparks’ personal words within the book. It really indicated how moved he was by the true story that inspired him in writing this book. It was lovely. There’s really no other way to put it.
My quick and simple overall: devastatingly beautiful ok so many fronts.
One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about this one was Nicholas Sparks’ personal words within the book. It really indicated how moved he was by the true story that inspired him in writing this book. It was lovely. There’s really no other way to put it.
My quick and simple overall: devastatingly beautiful ok so many fronts.
July 17, 2023
Whenever I read a Nicholas Sparks book, it is ALWAYS a 4-5 star book for me so I was excited when my library got this in so fast and I was first on the wait list!! This book is fabulous!! A beautiful love story !! 5 stars!!!
EDIT - I READ THIS A 2nd TIME SINCE ITS BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE I’VE READ IT AND ONCE AGAIN, I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. I PLAN TO GO TO SUNSET BEACH SOON AND WILL WRITE IN ONE OF THE NOTEBOOKS.
EDIT - I READ THIS A 2nd TIME SINCE ITS BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE I’VE READ IT AND ONCE AGAIN, I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. I PLAN TO GO TO SUNSET BEACH SOON AND WILL WRITE IN ONE OF THE NOTEBOOKS.
October 23, 2018
Sparks jest dla mnie fenomenem. Nie mogę się nadziwić, że takimi książkami zdobył tak wielką popularność wśród czytelników. Jego opisy miały chyba być piękne i patetyczne, a za każdym razem wychodzą tak banalnie, że oczy bolą podczas czytania. Dialogi? Nie znam ludzi, którzy tak ze sobą rozmawiają. Zresztą dialogów jest stosunkowo niewiele w porównaniu do rozdmuchanych opisów, które wypełniają znaczną część jego książek. Dla mnie to pisarz, który tworzy historie - wydmuszki, a dopiero reżyser i scenarzysta potrafi wydobyć z nich jakąś głębię. Bo przyznaję, że ekranizacje jego książek bardzo lubię.
November 10, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
The king of contemporary romance fiction returns with a brand new love story titled, Every Breath. This is a love at first sight classic romance, that sees destiny play a huge role in shaping the lives of two individuals, Tru and Hope. Sparks describes his latest novel as ‘a classic story of lovers long denied’. I think this quote perfectly summarises what you can expect when you pick up Every Breath.
The latest novel from Nicholas Sparks begins with Tru, a guide from Zimbabwe, who is called the US on a relatively short trip to connect with his biological father and learn more about his mother before his father passes away. Alongside Tru’s story is Hope Anderson’s journey. Hope is a woman who is unsure of where her life is going. She is in a relationship that doesn’t seem to be progressing, or making her happy. She also is faced with some tough choices in North Carolina, where she is visiting her ill father. Every Breath is the heart pounding story of how these two strangers fall quickly and deeply in love, but they face immense complications. A decision is made and the two go their separate ways, living on opposite sides of the world and inhabiting very different life paths.
It is always a comfort to return to the writing of an author that you have followed for some time. I first began my love affair with the work of Nicholas Sparks back in 2012, where I read book after book of his work. I do suspect that my interest in his work began prior to 2012, when I first read The Notebook, a timeless love story. In Every Breath, the latest novel from Nicholas Sparks, we are reminded why he rules the roost in terms of contemporary romance. I can’t think of another male author that is able to capture to heart, feelings and emotions that Nicholas Sparks seems to so easily convey through the pages of his novel.
So this time around, Every Breath introduces two protagonists who have their own troubles and colourful back stories. For Tru, his life in Zimbabwe really makes this novel stand out. The sequences featuring Tru’s life in Africa had me utterly entranced. Sparks does an excellent job of bringing this country to the pages of his novel. I felt like I had been transported to Zimbabwe in these scenes and many times I imagined myself standing there right beside Tru. This is perhaps an indication of the research Sparks has undertaken on this part of the world and his true passion for Africa. Then we have Hope. I enjoyed Hope’s story and I genuinely liked her as character. There were a few choices that she made that didn’t quite stick well with me, but I feel in the spirit of the book, it did work well. Through Hope, Sparks explores medical issues and an illness (I won’t say much more as I wish to avoid spoilers). I thought this aspect of the novel was handled with sensitivity and insight by Sparks.
Apart from Tru and Hope, the other major character in this novel is the magical mailbox, ‘Kindred Spirit’, which is situated in the North Carolina setting of Every Breath. I have to say, as of fan of letter writing, this was a big drawcard for me. I also loved the fact that it was based on a real life story of a mailbox situated in an isolated location in the US. This letterbox has seen people freely drop letters in to those they cannot write or get a letter to, for reasons unknown. I just wished we had one here in Australia, it is such a touching gesture, especially in a world where the art of letter writing seems to be disappearing at a rapid rate. I loved how Sparks tied this idea into his novel, it worked well and it added another vital layer to the book.
For those expecting a great romance from Nicholas Sparks, I don’t think you will be disappointed. For me personally, Every Breath wasn’t quite up there with my favourite Sparks novel, Dear John, but it was an enjoyable read. I will say that Every Breath is a book that will conjure up a variety of emotions; from happiness, to sadness, joy, frustration and it does leave you with hope. The love that surrounds Tru and Hope is one that is separated by time, life choices, ill-fated decisions and reconnection. It was nice to revisit this couple many decades after their first meeting. However, I would have loved to have gleaned more about their initial relationship spark, those magical five days of instant love on the beach in North Carolina captured my heart.
Fans old and new will appreciate the classic romantic sojourn Every Breath represents, through the capable hands of master storyteller Nicholas Sparks. Every Breath is a really lovely story, with a beautiful set of characters.
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks is published by Hachette Australia. $32.99. Out now.
https://www.hachette.com.au/nicholas-...
* I wish to thank Hachette Australia for providing a copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
The king of contemporary romance fiction returns with a brand new love story titled, Every Breath. This is a love at first sight classic romance, that sees destiny play a huge role in shaping the lives of two individuals, Tru and Hope. Sparks describes his latest novel as ‘a classic story of lovers long denied’. I think this quote perfectly summarises what you can expect when you pick up Every Breath.
The latest novel from Nicholas Sparks begins with Tru, a guide from Zimbabwe, who is called the US on a relatively short trip to connect with his biological father and learn more about his mother before his father passes away. Alongside Tru’s story is Hope Anderson’s journey. Hope is a woman who is unsure of where her life is going. She is in a relationship that doesn’t seem to be progressing, or making her happy. She also is faced with some tough choices in North Carolina, where she is visiting her ill father. Every Breath is the heart pounding story of how these two strangers fall quickly and deeply in love, but they face immense complications. A decision is made and the two go their separate ways, living on opposite sides of the world and inhabiting very different life paths.
It is always a comfort to return to the writing of an author that you have followed for some time. I first began my love affair with the work of Nicholas Sparks back in 2012, where I read book after book of his work. I do suspect that my interest in his work began prior to 2012, when I first read The Notebook, a timeless love story. In Every Breath, the latest novel from Nicholas Sparks, we are reminded why he rules the roost in terms of contemporary romance. I can’t think of another male author that is able to capture to heart, feelings and emotions that Nicholas Sparks seems to so easily convey through the pages of his novel.
So this time around, Every Breath introduces two protagonists who have their own troubles and colourful back stories. For Tru, his life in Zimbabwe really makes this novel stand out. The sequences featuring Tru’s life in Africa had me utterly entranced. Sparks does an excellent job of bringing this country to the pages of his novel. I felt like I had been transported to Zimbabwe in these scenes and many times I imagined myself standing there right beside Tru. This is perhaps an indication of the research Sparks has undertaken on this part of the world and his true passion for Africa. Then we have Hope. I enjoyed Hope’s story and I genuinely liked her as character. There were a few choices that she made that didn’t quite stick well with me, but I feel in the spirit of the book, it did work well. Through Hope, Sparks explores medical issues and an illness (I won’t say much more as I wish to avoid spoilers). I thought this aspect of the novel was handled with sensitivity and insight by Sparks.
Apart from Tru and Hope, the other major character in this novel is the magical mailbox, ‘Kindred Spirit’, which is situated in the North Carolina setting of Every Breath. I have to say, as of fan of letter writing, this was a big drawcard for me. I also loved the fact that it was based on a real life story of a mailbox situated in an isolated location in the US. This letterbox has seen people freely drop letters in to those they cannot write or get a letter to, for reasons unknown. I just wished we had one here in Australia, it is such a touching gesture, especially in a world where the art of letter writing seems to be disappearing at a rapid rate. I loved how Sparks tied this idea into his novel, it worked well and it added another vital layer to the book.
For those expecting a great romance from Nicholas Sparks, I don’t think you will be disappointed. For me personally, Every Breath wasn’t quite up there with my favourite Sparks novel, Dear John, but it was an enjoyable read. I will say that Every Breath is a book that will conjure up a variety of emotions; from happiness, to sadness, joy, frustration and it does leave you with hope. The love that surrounds Tru and Hope is one that is separated by time, life choices, ill-fated decisions and reconnection. It was nice to revisit this couple many decades after their first meeting. However, I would have loved to have gleaned more about their initial relationship spark, those magical five days of instant love on the beach in North Carolina captured my heart.
Fans old and new will appreciate the classic romantic sojourn Every Breath represents, through the capable hands of master storyteller Nicholas Sparks. Every Breath is a really lovely story, with a beautiful set of characters.
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks is published by Hachette Australia. $32.99. Out now.
https://www.hachette.com.au/nicholas-...
* I wish to thank Hachette Australia for providing a copy of this book for review purposes.
April 6, 2019
I'll be the first to admit I'm generally not a Nicholas Sparks fan. "They're all the same," Ive said over and over. To be honest, this one's not that much different - North Carolina, two people fall in love ridiculously fast, oh no something bad happens, it's all good cause something good happens too.
But maybe that predictability was what I was in the mood for cause I actually really enjoyed this one. Still not sure why I picked it up but hey, I it worked out.
But maybe that predictability was what I was in the mood for cause I actually really enjoyed this one. Still not sure why I picked it up but hey, I it worked out.
December 28, 2023
When the two strangers cross paths, their connection is immediate and unforgettable, but, unfortunately, ill timed. A perfectly imperfect story about love, regret, heartbreak, hope, and loyalty.
August 20, 2025
If you're thinking of picking up the book. Please do read Sparks introduction, it will give you a nice base to start off.
🎧 It's been awhile since I've read Nicholas Sparks book. This one wasn't too bad, it has reminded me why I don't mind reading his books. It was very tender, charming, and sometimes emotional. I will say it does have an insta love trope, which I know is not everyone's favorite. I personally didn't mind. The overall book was good and I didn't mind how he chose to conclude there story.
🎧 It's been awhile since I've read Nicholas Sparks book. This one wasn't too bad, it has reminded me why I don't mind reading his books. It was very tender, charming, and sometimes emotional. I will say it does have an insta love trope, which I know is not everyone's favorite. I personally didn't mind. The overall book was good and I didn't mind how he chose to conclude there story.
June 9, 2023
O livro inicia-se com a história de Tru, um homem na casa dos 40 anos que vive no Zimbabué como guia turístico em safaris. Tru não conhece o seu pai, até que um dia aparece uma carta dele no acampamento onde trabalhava, onde este lhe pede que vá até aos Estados Unidos da América para o conhecer, pois encontra-se com uma doença terminal, e Tru, mesmo a medo, vai.
Na América, conhecemos Hope, uma enfermeira que vive uma crise no seu namoro de 6 anos, e que vai até Sunset Beach para o casamento de uma das suas amigas, acompanhada pelo seu cão, aproveitando para ficar na casa de férias que a família tem lá à muitos anos que vai vender. É o cão que faz com que se conheçam, e rapidamente cresce uma amizade entre os dois, mas para Tru é algo mais, pois ela atrai-o desde do primeiro instante em que a viu.
Prometem um ao outro nunca esquecer o que passaram, mas será isso possível?
Dizer que este livro não tem clichés é estar a mentir descaradamente, porque realmente tem. No meu caso, eu não leio estes livros para ter a representação da realidade, mas sim para pensar que o improvável acontece.
Sendo isto baseado numa história real, pelo percebi, e sendo que o que está escrito está próximo da realidade, pergunto-me, como é possível? Será que ainda dá para ter esperança no amor? Talvez sim.
O Tru e a Hope são muito diferentes. Ele é muito calmo, de certa forma resigna-se ao que acontece, talvez pela vida no mato que tem. Tem que se manter calmo por causa dos animais selvagens, e passa imenso tempo sem que nada aconteça, enquanto na cidade é tudo mais dinâmico. Quanto à Hope, eu acho que ela tinha as prioridades trocadas. Os sonhos dela eram legítimos, a questão era: Valia a pena arriscar? Na minha opinião, e visto pelo o que acabou por acontecer, não.
A minha última experiência a ler um livro do Nicholas Sparks, foi maravilhosa. Esta foi boa, mas faltou algo mais para impressionar. Quanto mais lemos mais exigentes ficamos com os livros, e para este me ter atingido faltava mais umas páginas no fim. Eu gosto sempre de saber mais sobre o que acontece nos livros, e neste foi o que aconteceu. Eu sei porquê. Sendo uma história real, não dá para passar o tempo à frente para ver o que vai acontecer.
Em suma, foi uma leitura agradável, fluída e que quase me arrancou uma lágrimazinha. Na minha opinião, este livro vai alimentar o ego de qualquer romântico incurável, porque mostra que quando o sentimento é genuíno, o universo encarrega-se de fazer com que tudo entre nos eixos, e haja um final feliz. Adoro a escrita dele . Portanto recomendo como é óbvio. 🥰✨
Na América, conhecemos Hope, uma enfermeira que vive uma crise no seu namoro de 6 anos, e que vai até Sunset Beach para o casamento de uma das suas amigas, acompanhada pelo seu cão, aproveitando para ficar na casa de férias que a família tem lá à muitos anos que vai vender. É o cão que faz com que se conheçam, e rapidamente cresce uma amizade entre os dois, mas para Tru é algo mais, pois ela atrai-o desde do primeiro instante em que a viu.
Prometem um ao outro nunca esquecer o que passaram, mas será isso possível?
Dizer que este livro não tem clichés é estar a mentir descaradamente, porque realmente tem. No meu caso, eu não leio estes livros para ter a representação da realidade, mas sim para pensar que o improvável acontece.
Sendo isto baseado numa história real, pelo percebi, e sendo que o que está escrito está próximo da realidade, pergunto-me, como é possível? Será que ainda dá para ter esperança no amor? Talvez sim.
O Tru e a Hope são muito diferentes. Ele é muito calmo, de certa forma resigna-se ao que acontece, talvez pela vida no mato que tem. Tem que se manter calmo por causa dos animais selvagens, e passa imenso tempo sem que nada aconteça, enquanto na cidade é tudo mais dinâmico. Quanto à Hope, eu acho que ela tinha as prioridades trocadas. Os sonhos dela eram legítimos, a questão era: Valia a pena arriscar? Na minha opinião, e visto pelo o que acabou por acontecer, não.
A minha última experiência a ler um livro do Nicholas Sparks, foi maravilhosa. Esta foi boa, mas faltou algo mais para impressionar. Quanto mais lemos mais exigentes ficamos com os livros, e para este me ter atingido faltava mais umas páginas no fim. Eu gosto sempre de saber mais sobre o que acontece nos livros, e neste foi o que aconteceu. Eu sei porquê. Sendo uma história real, não dá para passar o tempo à frente para ver o que vai acontecer.
Em suma, foi uma leitura agradável, fluída e que quase me arrancou uma lágrimazinha. Na minha opinião, este livro vai alimentar o ego de qualquer romântico incurável, porque mostra que quando o sentimento é genuíno, o universo encarrega-se de fazer com que tudo entre nos eixos, e haja um final feliz. Adoro a escrita dele . Portanto recomendo como é óbvio. 🥰✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
Aún me cuesta entender por qué me gustó tanto este libro, pero es que los amores imposibles para mi son mi placer culpable y el autor ha escrito un romance que me caló hasta los huesos. Debe ser por que no es una novela juvenil y siento que la historia tiene mucho peso, pero tanto Tru como Hope se van a quedar un buen tiempo en mi mente y en mi corazón!
Reseña completa: https://megarybookss.blogspot.com/201...
Reseña completa: https://megarybookss.blogspot.com/201...
October 8, 2020
Again, I had the honor to read another masterpiece written by Nicholas Sparks. I feel so lucky! The way this man writes is amazing. It always touches my heart and soul. I think his books were the only ones that made me cry like a baby. And this one was no exception. I loved it with all my heart! ❤️
November 6, 2018
“The destiny that matters most in anyone’s life is the one concerning love.”
Every Breath is a tear jerker. You have been warned!
For the longest time, I resisted reading Nicholas Sparks novels. I had seen the movies like A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, Dear John and The Notebook. So I knew his main characters either didn't stay together or one of them died. As a true romantic, this really hurt my heart. Then, I read The Longest Ride, See Me, and Two by Two and I became a fan of his storytelling.
Every Breath took me on a journey full of destiny, hope, heartbreak and true love.
Tru Walls is going to America for the first time. His biological father has sent him a letter and in it, he has asked Tru to meet him. The meeting will take place in North Carolina, in Sunset Beach. In Africa, Tru is a guide in Zimbabwe. Since early in his life, he has spent time in the bush. He was once married but currently divorced. He has one son he adores and he gets along with his ex-wife Kim.
Hope Anderson has many things to think about. Her boyfriend of six years, an orthopedic surgeon is currently in Las Vegas. Over the years, he had a problem with faithfulness and they are currently on a break. Hope decides to go to his family beach home in Sunset Beach for the last time. The beach house is going on sale to save money to pay for his father's care who has recently being diagnosed with ALS. Hope will stay there and will attend the wedding of her best friend over the weekend. She's concerned and has no idea how to explain her boyfriend's absence.
A chance encounter due to Hope's dog will begin a true love affair between these two souls. Hope will show Tru the magic of a place called the Kindred Spirit, and it will connect them forever.
After reading, Every Breath, I'm dying to go to Sunset Beach and Kindred Spirit. Whoever decided to start it, had a great idea in the making.
I can't end my review without thanking Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley and Nicholas Sparks for my copy of Every Breath. The cover alone is gorgeous.
4/5 Fangs
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November 26, 2018
🔹The destiny that matters most in anyone’s life is the one concerning love.🔸
- Nicholas Sparks
“Demasiadas pessoas passavam as suas vidas a desempenhar um papel que pensavam que deviam desempenhar, em vez de serem simplesmente quem eram.”
*
“Too many people spent their lives performing a role they thought they were supposed to play, as opposed to simply being who they were.”
- Hope Anderson
* * *
“Gostaria que as coisas tivessem sido diferentes para nós, mas parece que o destino fez outros planos. No entanto, tens de saber isto: o amor que sinto por ti é verdadeiro e toda a tristeza que vem agora com ele é um preço que pagaria mil vezes. Porque conhecer-te, e amar-te, mesmo por pouco tempo, deu um significado diferente à minha vida, e sei que será sempre assim.”
*
“I wish that things could have been different for us, but fate seems to have had other plans. Still, you need to know this: The love I feel for you is real, and all the sadness that now comes with it is a price I would pay a thousand times over. For knowing you, and loving you, even for a short while, has given my life a different kind of meaning, and I know it always will.”
- Tru Walls
* * *
“É por causa de ti que agora acredito em milagres. Connosco, quero acreditar que tudo será sempre possível.”
*
“It’s because of you, after all, that I now believe in miracles. With us, I want to believe that anything will always be possible.”
- Tru Walls
* * *
“Dava por si a recordar coisas que gostaria de poder mudar, discussões que deviam ter sido evitadas, palavras de perdão que tinham ficado por dizer. Uma parte de si desejava poder voltar atrás e tomar decisões diferentes, mas quando era honesta consigo mesma tinha dúvidas sobre o que teria mudado. Os erros eram inevitáveis, e concluíra que os arrependimentos podiam ser importantes lições de vida, se as pessoas quisessem aprender com eles.”
*
“She wished she could change, arguments that should have been avoided, words of forgiveness that had been left unspoken. Part of her wished she could turn back the clock and make different decisions, but when she was honest with herself, she questioned what she really could have changed. Mistakes were inevitable, and she’d concluded that regrets could impart important lessons in life, if one was willing to learn from them.”
- Hope Anderson
* * *
Muitas vezes o amor está à espreita, pronto para desabrochar quando menos se espera.”
*
“Love often lies in wait, ready to bloom when least expected.”
- Hope Anderson
- Nicholas Sparks
“Demasiadas pessoas passavam as suas vidas a desempenhar um papel que pensavam que deviam desempenhar, em vez de serem simplesmente quem eram.”
*
“Too many people spent their lives performing a role they thought they were supposed to play, as opposed to simply being who they were.”
- Hope Anderson
* * *
“Gostaria que as coisas tivessem sido diferentes para nós, mas parece que o destino fez outros planos. No entanto, tens de saber isto: o amor que sinto por ti é verdadeiro e toda a tristeza que vem agora com ele é um preço que pagaria mil vezes. Porque conhecer-te, e amar-te, mesmo por pouco tempo, deu um significado diferente à minha vida, e sei que será sempre assim.”
*
“I wish that things could have been different for us, but fate seems to have had other plans. Still, you need to know this: The love I feel for you is real, and all the sadness that now comes with it is a price I would pay a thousand times over. For knowing you, and loving you, even for a short while, has given my life a different kind of meaning, and I know it always will.”
- Tru Walls
* * *
“É por causa de ti que agora acredito em milagres. Connosco, quero acreditar que tudo será sempre possível.”
*
“It’s because of you, after all, that I now believe in miracles. With us, I want to believe that anything will always be possible.”
- Tru Walls
* * *
“Dava por si a recordar coisas que gostaria de poder mudar, discussões que deviam ter sido evitadas, palavras de perdão que tinham ficado por dizer. Uma parte de si desejava poder voltar atrás e tomar decisões diferentes, mas quando era honesta consigo mesma tinha dúvidas sobre o que teria mudado. Os erros eram inevitáveis, e concluíra que os arrependimentos podiam ser importantes lições de vida, se as pessoas quisessem aprender com eles.”
*
“She wished she could change, arguments that should have been avoided, words of forgiveness that had been left unspoken. Part of her wished she could turn back the clock and make different decisions, but when she was honest with herself, she questioned what she really could have changed. Mistakes were inevitable, and she’d concluded that regrets could impart important lessons in life, if one was willing to learn from them.”
- Hope Anderson
* * *
Muitas vezes o amor está à espreita, pronto para desabrochar quando menos se espera.”
*
“Love often lies in wait, ready to bloom when least expected.”
- Hope Anderson
May 4, 2023
2.5 Stars
Not the kind I was hoping for from Nicholas Sparks, but it was still a beautiful sappy love story. Albeit one that was also too farfetched. I mean, isn’t that the case with this author though?? His books seem to always have some kind of tragic irony and a touch of miracle happening inside that sometimes come off a little contrived and overdramatic.
While this author has successfully made falling in love with someone after only being in their company for a short period of time (a couple of days) sounds magnetic and magical, it’s also kind of unrealistic.
Add to that, the fact that they eventually go their separate ways because fate has other plans for them and never meet each other again until they’re both in their fifties (already married and have families of their own), all the while they are also still holding on to that ‘great love’ feeling for one another, is profound and beautiful but also really baffling.
Idk I’m young and have never been in love with someone to the point I could never really completely move on from them. So excuse me if I’m feeling skeptical and I sound bitter.
Also, reading this book felt like reading an autobiography. I mean, I don’t remember ever reading an autobiography to really pinpoint the difference, but with all the “20 years fast forward” and how the story is narrated, the book did to me more telling than showing.
While it was sad and heartbreaking to see that fate seemed to always work against these two characters, it was also very frustrating. What’s the point of putting myself through all these melancholy if they are never going to end up together in the first place??
I mean, maybe it’s supposed to put emphasize on their undying love despite what life throws at them and blah blah. But even I didn’t really feel their ‘electrifying connection’ because like I said the book did more telling than showing. I admit though that the not-so-happy-ending makes much more sense than if they were to end up happily ever after.
(Note: Originally Read as an Audiobook in 2019, but Shelved on the “2018 Reading Challenge”)
June 10, 2019
Every Breath
Nicholas Sparks
EVERY BREATH absolutely shredded my heart! Nicholas Sparks speaks to my heart with each and every novel he has written and EVERY BREATH is no exception. What a beautiful story of second chances, love, guilt and fate. Hope Anderson has been dealing with some tough issues and decides to head to the beach to clear her mind before her friends wedding. There she meets Tru Walls and feels an instant connection to him. She is also in an on again off again relationship with her fiancé Josh. That has been going on for six years.
Tru has never been to North Carolina until he gets a letter from his father whom he has never met. Tru lives in Zimbabwe and at first he is very uncomfortable in North Carolina. But then he meets Hope on the beach and is instantly taken with her. They spend the next week together, telling each other everything and before the week ends they confess to being in love. Here is where my heart starts breaking. Hope can't leave North Carolina as her parents are here and her dad is sick and they don't know how much longer he will be around. Tru needs to go back to Zimbabwe as he has a young son and he only knows bush living. When they get to Kindered Spirit, a mailbox on the beach, and read the letters, grab the tissues! You won't be able to hold back the tears!
EVERY BREATH will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won't be able to stop until you know what happens to Hope and Tru. What would you do if God finally brought you your soulmate and then took him away? Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. EVERY BREATH is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Tru and Hope as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Nicholas Sparks will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! How a man can write such emotional and heart tugging contemporary romance is beyond me, but I have loved all of his books and he is forever one of my auto buy authors!
Nicholas Sparks
EVERY BREATH absolutely shredded my heart! Nicholas Sparks speaks to my heart with each and every novel he has written and EVERY BREATH is no exception. What a beautiful story of second chances, love, guilt and fate. Hope Anderson has been dealing with some tough issues and decides to head to the beach to clear her mind before her friends wedding. There she meets Tru Walls and feels an instant connection to him. She is also in an on again off again relationship with her fiancé Josh. That has been going on for six years.
Tru has never been to North Carolina until he gets a letter from his father whom he has never met. Tru lives in Zimbabwe and at first he is very uncomfortable in North Carolina. But then he meets Hope on the beach and is instantly taken with her. They spend the next week together, telling each other everything and before the week ends they confess to being in love. Here is where my heart starts breaking. Hope can't leave North Carolina as her parents are here and her dad is sick and they don't know how much longer he will be around. Tru needs to go back to Zimbabwe as he has a young son and he only knows bush living. When they get to Kindered Spirit, a mailbox on the beach, and read the letters, grab the tissues! You won't be able to hold back the tears!
EVERY BREATH will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won't be able to stop until you know what happens to Hope and Tru. What would you do if God finally brought you your soulmate and then took him away? Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. EVERY BREATH is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Tru and Hope as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Nicholas Sparks will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! How a man can write such emotional and heart tugging contemporary romance is beyond me, but I have loved all of his books and he is forever one of my auto buy authors!
Read
July 4, 2020Tru from South Africa meets Hope in North Carolina. Unfortunately, their lives are too different, but their love remains, even without contact. As chance would have it, Tru finds out about a letter from Hope and travels to North Carolina and twenty-four years later the love is still just as strong.
January 16, 2019
If you want a good love story, set in recent times, then you reach for Nicholas Sparks. This book will probably be considered one of his best books. It is obvious to this reader that tremendous time was invested in its researching and composing this story. The characters are interesting and their story is intriguing. Sparks excels at creating atmosphere as well. This story has movie potential and I would not be surprised if the sales are high that sharp producers may consider this a slam dunk!
For me, this story is on par with "A Message in a Bottle" and my all time favorite by Sparks, "A Walk to Remember".
I would not be surprised if those who embrace the love story genre give it 5 stars, in the past that would have been the case for me as well. So, the 4 stars reflects my connection to the book and may not be the best barometer. If you read one love story this year, this is definitely one for consideration.
For me, this story is on par with "A Message in a Bottle" and my all time favorite by Sparks, "A Walk to Remember".
I would not be surprised if those who embrace the love story genre give it 5 stars, in the past that would have been the case for me as well. So, the 4 stars reflects my connection to the book and may not be the best barometer. If you read one love story this year, this is definitely one for consideration.
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