Counting Miracles

I haven't read a Nicholas Sparks in ages and this really felt nice. It had all the hallmarks of a classic Sparks novel, tragedy, second chances, lost love, and hope. Sleepy, Asheboro, North Carolina is home to a cast of unforgettable characters. Jasper is a sad old man with a tragic past. The scars on his body always draws stares so he doesn't go out much and besides his doctor and a young boy in his neighborhood he doesn't really talk to anyone (besides his dog, Arlo). When a handsome miliary veteran comes to town searching for answers he meets Dr. Kaitlyn Cooper and her two children. Little do they know that their lives, Jasper's life and this stranger's life are all about to change. Heartbreaking and hopeful. I liked all the characters. a little sappy, bult ultimately a great read. Gotta love Nicholas Sparks!

The Lucky One

Pretty typical Nicholas Sparks romance - I am glad I did not see the movie first because when I finished the book I looked up the trailer and I did not love the casting. I would have been sad if I read the book with those actors in mind. While serving overseas after 9/11 - Logan uncovers a laminated picture of a beautiful girl. He keeps it on him and suddenly his luck starts changing. He starts winning at card games - he makes it through numerous battles that his military brethren don't. He stays alive over there BECAUSE of that picture. When he makes it back stateside he is determined to find the woman in the photo. All he has is some geographical markers in the photo and her initials, but that doesn't deter him. He walks from Colorado to the East coast with his dog - to clear his mind and to escape his demons. He doesn't expect that he'll actually find her, but when he does he is blown away by her beauty and charm. He even starts falling for her little boy too. What he doesn't take into consideration is her conniving ex-husband. How can he get her to trust him and how on earth can he ever tell her the truth? Cute, sappy, and a little over the top. Memorable characters make it a fun read.

The Notebook

I will admit that I only vaguely remember seeing the movie when I was in high school, at a sleepover, and hopped up on Jolt Cola. I remember the kiss, the rain, and the end (which is different in the book!). With that limited knowledge in mind I picked up this quick read (I finished it in less than two hours) and had virtually no expectations. I'm not the biggest Nicholas Sparks fan but this book wasn't awful. Was it great? No. Was it way too good of a romance to be true?  Yes. But overall, it wasn't a horrible way to pass the time. An old man in a nursing home reads out of a notebook to an elderly woman every day, the middle of the book is the story contained in the notebook and it's book ended by the "present day" story of the old man. The story he reads to her is about ill fated romance and the rekindling of youthful love. It's emotional, slightly unbelievable, and good fluff. I think I prefer the movie (Ryan Reynolds, hubba hubba) but I won't know until I actually rewatch it.

A Walk to Remember

Admittedly not as good as the first time I read it in sixth grade, but this teenage sick-lit romance (spoiler!) still kinda holds up. I honestly almost like the movie better than I do the book. Which is blasphemous I know. But the modern day version of it is more intriguing than the 50's version that takes place in the book. Long before John Green there was Lurlene McDaniels and Nicholas Sparks writing "sick-lit" romances that made teenagers cry, this is a prime example. The bad boy falls for the good girl, and he later finds out (spoiler!) that she's dying. A sappy tear jerker that will always be popular.

Safe Haven

This was a breeze to get through. One lazy Sunday and BAM it's down. Occasionally, I like to read a fast, no brainer, romantic book and this fit the bill. Nicholas Sparks has the ability to suck you in with his too good to be true romances and this is no exception.

Katie is a girl running from a haunted past (aka abusive husband) and she lands in, Southport, a sleepy town thousands of miles away from her husband.  She tries to stay inconspicuous and under the radar but soon she attracts the attention of Alex, an attractive widower with two small children. Of course Alex is the most perfect of men and she succumbs to his good looks and manners, but what happens if her past catches up to her?

Read to find out more. This is a perfect beach read, although not my favorite Nicholas Sparks novel (I do however plan on seeing the movie next month!)