BOOK REVIEW

SAFE HAVEN

A must read over summer.

A must read book for this summer is, ‘Safe Haven’ by the one and only Nicholas Sparks. If you’re looking for the ultimate romance author, look no further. Safe Haven however has more to offer than your average love story. Sparks surprisingly introduces a darker side to this novel which I think will intrigue readers. Full of plot twists and mystery this book is a hard one to put down; making it an easy read round the pool.

Katie is on the run, and after a long journey she finally stops off at a little seaside town of Southport in North Carolina. The location is pretty, the people seem friendly, so she decides to stay. After landing a job as a waitress and buying a little house in the woodlands, things appear to be looking up. Katie is also pleasantly surprised to discover she has a neighbor named ‘Jo’ and the pair become great friends.

The character of widowed father Alex is soon introduced, as well as his adorable young children, Josh and Kristen. Katie and Kristen share a beautiful friendship after meeting at the local store where Kristen helps out her father while he works. After losing his wife to cancer two years ago it’s safe to say Alex has had a troubled past himself; which Katie can relate to. Alex soon plucks up the courage to ask Katie out on a date. Before you know it, an alluring romance is born, that will melt your hearts.

While the sun shines and waves crash in Southport. Back in Katie’s original home town a police officer named Kevin is on the lookout for her, doing anything in his power to find her. Kevin has demons of his own, suffering with a major alcohol problem. All he wants to do is find her, but are all of his intentions as innocent as they appear to be?

Alex understands that Katie is gradually letting her guard down, although he can’t help but feel as though she is hiding secrets from him. If their relationship is to move any further Katie can’t hide the truth any longer. When Alex discovers Katie’s real name is Erin, her heart breaking background is unraveled. The truth about Katie’s distressing background only brings the couple closer together.

One evening when Katie is looking after the children, Josh and Kristen, at Alex’s house, a deliberate fire is started; in the hopes that Alex and Katie will both die. Scared and panicked Katie saves the children from the flames. However, the children’s only memories of their beloved mother is burnt to the ground. Who is to blame for this intentional fire? Perhaps Katie’s past has come back to haunt her.

There is no doubt that the ending of this book will have you gasping ‘no way!’. This romance novel with a thriller element to it is a must read. If you’re a little skeptical of Sparks’ book’s and feel as though they’re a little too ‘soppy’, give this one a go; you won’t be disappointed.

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