Ok, so I caved and downloaded a highly recommended Nicholas Sparks novel. I’m not a huge fan of his sappy, young-adult writings, but according to the Mayans, it’s quite possibly the last summer before the end of the world so I’m throwing caution to the wind. Besides, I was on a beach vacation and the story is set in a beach town. Can you tell I’m justifying this book selection? Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it’s a love story. Yes, someone has died. Nicholas Sparks, remember? However, the main character is not a teenager and there are a couple of storyline twists and suspenseful moments I didn’t see coming. It’s starting to sound like a real novel, huh?

This book is about starting over and, in this case, in a new town with a new name. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations shaking our head and asking, how did I end up here? Healing comes when we have the strength to change our circumstances. That’s really all I can say without spoiling the deep, thought-provoking plot (insert sarcasm).

With Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough starring in the big screen version of this book, I’m certain Sparks has another hit on his hands. Safe Haven is a 2-day read if you’re sitting on the beach, which by the way, is the only place you’re allowed to read a Nicholas Sparks novel. Since my beach vacation was longer than two days, I proceeded to read The Lucky One.