Not every book fanatic loves Nicholas Sparks but I certainly do. I find his books written well enough to earn 5 out of 5 stars in most cases. His books are page-turners for me and once I start one I have a hard time putting it down until I get to the end. Most of his stories focus on love, or loss of love, and other familial bonds.

A Bend in the Road

In Nicholas Sparks’ A Bend in the Road we meet Sarah who is mourning the end of her marriage. Sarah learned that she was not able to have children and upon losing this hope, also lost her husband. After moving to New Bern, Sarah meets Jonah, a student in her class, who is seriously behind academically. Miles, Jonah’s father, explains that he and Jonah are still mourning the loss of Missy, wife and mother, killed in a hit-and-run accident two years prior. Sarah agrees to tutor Jonah, both to busy her mind and to help this young boy, and soon begins finding herself thinking more about Miles and her feelings for him. Both Sarah and Miles become involved and while falling in love find out a horrible truth that will shock them both and possibly put an end to their relationship.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 five stars as it is a beautifully written love story with true to life characters and a plot line that moves along quickly once all the characters are introduced.

Two by Two

In Nicholas Sparks’ Two by Two, Russ and Vivian seem to have it all including a beautiful daughter, London. After a career change it appears that Vivian must become the source of their main income, leaving Russ to care for his small daughter, a job not well practiced by this previously over-worked father. Soon after, Vivian announces she is leaving Russ and has all intentions of having full custody of London. Amidst these difficult times we come to meet Russ’s sister Marge and Emily, the mother of London’s best friend. Between Marge and Emily, Russ finds the strength to fight for his daughter.

This is a tear-jerker and well written. The story is believable and the characters relatable. I gave this story 5 out of 5 stars.

The Best of Me

In The Best of Me, Dawson and Amanda fall in love but part ways when Amanda’s family threatens to take away her college tuition if she continues her relationship with this young man, a man who comes from a questionable family. But despite Dawson’s family members’ unlawful activities, Dawson goes by the book, and finds work and respect from Tuck, the town mechanic. Many years later the two are brought back together and learn that it may not have been true fate and more of a set up planned by Tuck while he was still alive. Dawson and Amanda are now in a position to rethink their relationship and all that they gave up many years ago.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. The story lines are all believable and the way that Sparks weaves them all together to bring a beautiful love story makes this an enjoyable read.

True Believer

When Jeremy receives a letter about mysterious lights in a cemetery in a small town in North Carolina, he is drawn out of the city to find out if these lights truly do exist and who it is that is producing these supernatural auras. Within his investigation he meets Lexie, the town librarian, who knows all about the lights and is willing to find out the mystery with Jeremy. Falling for each other was not in the plan and now Jeremy must decide if this ghost trip is worth leaving the big city behind.

I gave this story 5 out of 5 stars as I find the way he weaves together the past and the present so well to create a compelling love story.