Safe Haven

Title:Safe Haven
Author:Nicholas Sparks
Genre:Novel
Pages:340 (Hardback)
Copyright:2010
Main Characters:Katie, Alex, Kevin
Supporting Characters:Josh, Kristen, Jo







Katie is on the run from her past.  When she's lead to the town of Southport, North Carolina, she's afraid to settle down. She's constantly weary of her past(in the form of her husband) catching up with her.  Although she tries her hardest to blend in and keep to herself she can't help but be drawn to shop owner Alex and his children Josh and Kristen.

Alex knows Katie is hiding something, years as an Army detective has taught him the signs, and although he knows Katie is unwilling to share he secrets, Alex informs her he's not going anywhere. When the truth finally comes out and Alex knows Katie isn't her name and she's hiding from a controlling husband, Alex stands by her side.

With a little push from Katie's neighbor, Jo, their relationship blossoms regardless of both of their pasts. Now they have to prove they can make it work forever, and weather any disaster that comes their way.

Although Nicholas Sparks is generally one of my favorite authors, I've found myself having to actually make myself read his past several novels.  After reading "At First Sight" a couple years ago I decided I needed a break. Nick Sparks has said himself that his books aren't actually romances, but tragedies, and I can't remember a single title of his I haven't cried at one point or another. "Safe Haven" is different, considering as soon as I read what the book was about I knew it was going to be different and a definite must read...quickly.  Though many of his books have encompassed the subject of loss, whether it be death, war or distance, "Safe Haven" breeches the subject of abuse as well. Mr. Sparks is an excellent story teller, and he writes characters that you can't help but love...or in this instance hate. He truly makes you feel a part of he story where you don't want to put the book down.

I can honestly say this is probably my favorite Nicholas Sparks book since "A Walk To Remember", and although my copy is tear stained I shut the cover smiling.

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Simply Irresistible

Title:Simply Irresistible

Author:Jill Shalvis

Genre:Contemporary Romance

Pages:311

Copyright:2010

Main Characters:Maddie Moore & Jax Cullen

Supporting Characters:Tara, Chloe, Ford, Sawyer



First book in Jill Shalvis' new Lucky Harbor series.




Maddie Moore is leaving the 'mousy' lifestyle behind. After losing a boyfriend and job in one fell swoop, Maddie packs up her Honda and heads to Lucky Harbor, Washington looking for a new start. Maddie along with her sisters Chloe and Tara have inherited their mothers seaside inn...unfortunately with it comes a whole heck of a lot of debt and even more problems. Maddie is willing to make a go of the place, now she has to convince her sisters it's worth the effort.

After having nearly been ran off the road by Maddie, Jax Cullen is immediately taken with her unruly hair and soft smile.  Kissing her on the pier was not his plan, but now that everyone in town knows, why shouldn't he do it again.  Although Jax is a retired lawyer and current mayor, he finds being a contractor the more enjoyable profession. When Maddie calls looking for a 'Master' he can't resist taking the job. Together they decide to make a go of the dilapidated business.

Much to Maddie's discomfort, there is much more then meets the eye with Jax...and we're not talking about the tattoos. Maddie has to decide whether she can leave the past behind and move to a future with her sisters and Jax, or if she's stuck being the timid mouse forever.

I always forget how much I love reading Ms. Shalvis' books until another one comes out. Her style is total contemporary and she hasn't written a character yet that I dislike.  If you read like I do you'll finish "Simply Irresistible" in a few hours, I couldn't put it down. Normally a new series first book takes a bit to get into, as the author has to introduce the plot and characters. This series, and most others by Jill Shalvis, don't have that problem. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire story. I can't wait until Tara's story "The Sweetest Thing" hits the shelves.

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