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

Really enjoyed this!

I love Nicholas Sparks' books, so I knew I would enjoy this one. Rebecca Lowman does a fantastic job as narrator--just the right tone and pace. At points, the story seemed to get a little bogged down, and I found myself skipping over parts. At the end, though, I had to think--wait, wait, I have to go back. All those parts that seemed so slow and that seemed to have little to do with the love story that was unfolding were clues that I nearly missed--so don't be tempted to skip over anything. The ending really caught me off guard!

Safe Haven

A story of a man who abuses his wife to the point where she finally leaves him to start a new life into where he can't find her. Unfortunately he finds her and trays get her back, but that's not to be

Safe Haven

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Not my place.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Big magic by elizabeth gilbert

What didn’t you like about Rebecca Lowman’s performance?

She was not the best narrator...but not the worst.

Do you think Safe Haven needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, it was a good closing. (it needed to end)

Any additional comments?

Although I loved the additional "love" moments between Alex and Katie in the book, the movie is actually better in my preference. The story was very draggy and lacked creativity. And the Kelvin parts...I know that Nicholas Sparks tries to explain his "state" but it drags on so bad...it definitely bore me to death and it was so repetitive. Listening to this audiobook made me realized why I didn't read the real actual book that is just collecting dust in my room.

Sparks with a few unexpected aspects

I've "read" all of Nicholas Sparks' books as Audible downloads. Yes, there is some predictabiity, but I appreciate that in recent books, Sparks has included characters dealing with complex experiences without pat handling of those experiences. You can read Safe Haven as simply a romance novel. Or you can read it as a more nuanced story of a woman rebuilding her life after years of abuse. I enjoyed the book, the narrator was excellent, and I was reminded once again that there is nothing one dimensional in being "a widower", "an abuse victim (or survivor)", or even "an abuser." Looking forward to the next Sparks novel . . .

Great Listen!!

Once again, Sparks has the uncanny ability to weave a tale that sucks you right in & shoots you toward an ending you didn't expect. The concepts are well paced so you have time to digest the emotions. The narrator does an excellent job with voice. Great story, great performance.

Must Read!

Absolutely loved it. Once I started I couldn’t stop! 10 out of 10 recommend!! You wont be disappointed.

Great Performance

The performance was superb. The editing left a lot to be desired and the book is predictable.

this was great book - not a five but a great book

this one pulls at the heart like all of his books but the development of the characters wasn't as deep as I expected. the connection to the characters was a bit light. all in all a solid 4 and came with an unexpected twist. you won't be sorry reading this one!

Awesome!

Great story! Kept me going the whole time. I didn't want to stop listening. Narrator does the characters well, not cheesy.

Great listen

So I usually for a a bit 'heavier' plot but wanted something just for pure entertainment. I admit - I loved this book! I wanted to listen to it all the time - every short car ride, while cleaning house, and it definitely got me out the door for more walks with my iPod. Story hooks you right away and when I thought it was fairly predictable, it had a little twist at the end. Highly recommend if you want some wonderful brain candy.