Safe Haven

By: Nicholas Sparks

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2010 Nicolas Sparks (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Partially predictable ending

This was a well written book with anticipated events in the end, but also some twist. Nicholas Sparks blended the present with the past story line well, going back and forth to explain Katie's history and why her character is hesitant to put down roots. While I was able to anticipate part of the ending, there was a twist at the very end which was a nice surprise.

predictable but great

had it figured out before halfway through, but it was still great. amazing story and they did a good job on the movie too. (which is rare)

Narrator

Best narrator I have ever heard read a book!!!
This was a true delight to listen to. Thank you much

Always a surprise ending

Just when you think it was over a second ending occurs! Ended with tears in my eyes.

Underwhelmed

This is my first Spark’s book, and I surely believe he has better books than this. There’s no way someone can get this famous from writing books if this is all there is. To be fair, it wasn’t bad by any means, it just wasn’t ... good.

I personally loved the movie (I’m not a movie critic , clearly). So I thought I would love the book. I came in expecting there to be some differences - but the details in the book isn’t for the better . I couldn’t exactly “feel” for the characters.

As for the narrator, I think she did a fantastic job

A NS favorite

I read the book years ago, and seen the movie. I bought the Audible book for my 88 yr old mom and she loved it!

Safe Heaven

I have seen the movie but the book has so much more. This is definitely a page turner.
I recommend it highly.

Well written and narrated.

This was a beautifully written story. The subject of abuse was realistic and gave a suspenseful storyline.

Touching

Touching with a twist or two and some suspense to boot. I am sure the movie version will be terrific

This Was My First Nicolas Sparks Novel

I am not much into sappy love stories and this is what I expected when I decided to buy Safe Haven. I thought something easy on the ears would be a good choice to do housework by. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters had depth and substance and it wasn't pages and pages of verbal and physical love making. The twist at the end was enough to make me consider trying another Sparks novel. Recommended for the love story lovers as well as someone just interested in a good listen sans much sap.