Book Review: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I have enjoyed many of Nicholas Sparks' books. Although I get tired of the sexual scenes often found in his novels, they are mostly sweet and romantic. And the movies made from them are often satisfying if at times a little racy.

Safe Haven was a little bit of a departure for Sparks. The main plot included his usual romance, but there was also a good suspense that made the book even more of a satisfying read. Since I like books with suspense, I became quite engrossed.

Here is the description of the book from the author's website:

"When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven."

Yes, I believe Mr. Sparks is as talented with suspense as he is with romance. And I think this book would make a very exciting movie. I recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of novel.

I give Safe Haven 5 out of 5 stars.

(Sorry, FTC, this one was also a library checkout!)

Updates - What I've Been Reading/Reviewing

Today I updated three of my pages (the tabs on the top of the main page of the blog):

TBR list - I removed all the books I have read. So now I need to add more. :)

Library Reading Challenge - I added more titles to this list. My goal is to read at least 50 library books this year. I have read 32 so far.

Books Read in 2010 - This list includes the previous list. I added titles to this list. I read 13 books in July, 12 books in August, and a total of 91 books so far in 2010.

I also added something to the Books Read page. I went through and put links to all the reviews I have posted for the books read. I hope you will take the time to look at those reviews you may have missed.

If you'd like to see all 71 reviews I have posted this year, go here.

I'd love to know what you have been reading. Have you read any books from the library this year? As a librarian, I highly encourage use of the library. It is one of a community's greatest resources.

Also, how many books have you read this year? Do you keep a list? That is something I love to do. It is like a "to do" list where each item is crossed out after you do it. When you look at it, it gives you such a sense of accomplishment. If you don't have such a list, I hope you'll consider starting one today.

What have been your favorite books of the year? I'm planning on posting my favorites soon.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I love to hear from you!

Support Your Local Library!

Since I work in a library, and I practically grew up in one (my mom would take my sister and me to the library every week), I think it's only natural I would join a challenge to read more library books. I came across this challenge yesterday and I decided to join. Of course, I already read lots of library books, but this way I can keep track of just how many I do read over the course of one year. You can follow my progress on the challenge page (tab at the top of the blog). And, if you want to join us, click here to sign up.

Next week is National Library Week! In order to celebrate (and to add even more titles to my library reading challenge), I am going to read ONLY library books next week. I have way too many checked out right now, and my stack keeps getting higher and higher!

Are you celebrating National Library Week? Is your library planning anything special? What can you do to support your local library next week (and the weeks, months, etc. to follow)?

Join me in celebrating! After all, where would we be without libraries?