Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels - first love, love between parents and children - that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.
©2009 Nicholas Sparks; (P)2009 Hachette
"Um... WOW!"
I've never been able to dig into a Nicholas Sparks book as much as I could with this one!
I LOOOOVED this book! Couldn't stop listening to it! Incredible writing! And the Narration/Voices were perfect!
"Nicholas Sparks at his best"
Loved the readers, the teenage view was right on, the story told so well, I was camping on the beach along with the characters. A box of tissues (we know Sparks after all!) a cup of your preference and you are good to go.
Pedro Paulo
"Don't think it's a teenager story"
In the beginning it seems like a teenager book, and you may think you bought some trash as Twilight series, however as the history develops you may be surprised on how powerful the author describes the mind of a father, a daughter and some surrounding teenagers. The narration is awesome, fantastic!
"soft and sweet just like the cover shows"
If you liked his other books then I am sure you will like this one too. The people reading have nice voices and I like that this is available in unabridged and abridged(I just hate when they leave out parts). I think you will really get into the characters and how it winds around.
"My Favorite Nicholas Sparks Audio"
I've been on a Nicholas Sparks kick lately and I would have to say this one is a better story and listen than even "Dear John." As in Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper" format, the story is told from a variety of character viewpoints and I really enjoyed the work of the male and female narrators in this audio. The characters come to life and the ending was perhaps a little sappy and predictible, but the kind of happy, satisfying ending I prefer! Can't wait to see the movie.
"Easy, good listen!"
Very easy, but very good book. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would in the beginning. As pointed out previously, it is pretty predictable, but still worth it. I enjoyed watching the characters grow up and become adults while the adults remember what life is really about.
Love scary stories and thrillers.
"True Nic Styleholas Sparks"
Awesome. To watch Ronnie grow and see values normally not seen in a teenager. Listened twice and now for the third time.
"Sweet and Beautiful"
As usual Nicholas Sparks has created a beautiful family drama. I really liked the characters and loved seeing them evolve. It was touching and tender; Tears did flow. The readers were great. I think this is one of his greater books. I hope he continues the story into another book.
"A light read, but I was hooked"
This is a sweet story. I was not disturbed by the religious overtones--I thought they fit the character and setting. I had not seen the movie and also tried to not think of Miley Cyrus as the main character, even though I knew she played her in the film.
I would listen to another Sparks novel. It was entertaining, and I found myself looking forward to my exercise time. I also find this book appropriate for young readers, who would enjoy it as well and benefit from the message.