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Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died - a puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years later, 29-year-old Julie is far too young to have given up on love. She may be ready to risk caring for someone again. But who?
Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.
Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him.
When the Lusitania sank, more than one 1,000 people died. One passenger, however, survived to become a changed man, giving up his life as a petty thief but keeping a small silver statue that would become a family heirloom to future generations. Now, nearly a century later, that heirloom, one of a priceless, long-separated set of three, has been snatched away from the Sullivans.
At 32 Russell Green has it all: a stunning wife, a lovable six-year-old daughter, a successful career as an advertising executive, and an expansive home in Charlotte. He is living the dream, and his marriage to the bewitching Vivian is the center of that. But underneath the shiny surface of this perfect existence, fault lines are beginning to appear, and no one is more surprised than Russ when he finds every aspect of the life he took for granted turned upside down.
In the fall of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.
Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died - a puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years later, 29-year-old Julie is far too young to have given up on love. She may be ready to risk caring for someone again. But who?
Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.
Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him.
When the Lusitania sank, more than one 1,000 people died. One passenger, however, survived to become a changed man, giving up his life as a petty thief but keeping a small silver statue that would become a family heirloom to future generations. Now, nearly a century later, that heirloom, one of a priceless, long-separated set of three, has been snatched away from the Sullivans.
At 32 Russell Green has it all: a stunning wife, a lovable six-year-old daughter, a successful career as an advertising executive, and an expansive home in Charlotte. He is living the dream, and his marriage to the bewitching Vivian is the center of that. But underneath the shiny surface of this perfect existence, fault lines are beginning to appear, and no one is more surprised than Russ when he finds every aspect of the life he took for granted turned upside down.
In the fall of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.
Ginny Carter was once a rising star in TV news, married to a top anchorman, with a three-year-old son and a full and happy life in Beverly Hills - until her whole world dissolved in a single instant on the freeway two days before Christmas. In the aftermath, she pieces her life back together and tries to find meaning in her existence as a human rights worker in the worst areas around the globe.
When confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, volunteer fireman Taylor McAden feels compelled to take terrifying risks to save lives. But there is one leap of faith Taylor can't bring himself to make: He can't fall in love...
Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot. At 28, he's focused only on walking a straight line - getting his teaching degree, working out at the gym religiously, and avoiding all the places and people that proved so destructive in his earlier life. The last thing he's looking for is a serious relationship. But when Maria Sanchez crosses paths with him on a rainswept night in North Carolina, his plans are upended in a way that will rattle the foundations of his carefully structured life.
When 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 begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community..
Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life, including boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies, he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.
Recently selected Best Author by readers of Entertainment Weekly, Nicholas Sparks is one of America's preeminent storytellers. Now, Sparks spins a tale about a man, a woman, and the devastating secret that threatens to keep them apart.
At 31, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At 29, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tragedy into triumph, and may even have the power to create a miracle.
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life - until he meets Savannah, the girl of his dreams. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who has captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist.
Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit - and experiencing levels of anxiety she's never faced before. She knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan's Crossing.
Emily Callaghan never expected to spend another summer on Wenniway Island. Yet here she is, back in her quaint northern Michigan hometown of Trillium Bay, divorced, flat broke, and dragging along her precocious 12-year-old. It's a simple arrangement: Emily, a house flipper, will renovate one of her grandmother's rental properties in exchange for a much-needed loan. Once a wild child, the reformed Emily also hopes to remodel her reputation and show her family she's all grown up.
Marshal Shay McQuillan has a lot on his hands - stagecoach robbers to hunt down, a murdered fiancée to avenge. He certainly doesn't need an identical twin brother he never knew existed turning up out of the blue and telling him what to do. Even less does he want pretty Aislinn Lethaby trying to rescue him from danger. Because, to tell the truth, Aislinn is a sweet distraction from duty whom Shay just can't resist.
Sterling is an ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens - until the day its complacency is shattered by an act of violence. Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge sitting on the case, should be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened before her very own eyes - or can she? As the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show - destroying the closest of friendships and families.
Audie Award Winner, Romance, 2014
Ira Levinson is in trouble. At 91 years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together - how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can't possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.
A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior's life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward - even life and death - loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans - a future that Luke has the power to rewrite... if the secret he's keeping doesn't destroy it first.
Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.
This was such a great listen...it started a bit slow for me...but I was soon taken in by Ira. And then Ruth, and then their relationship. I LOVED this story. It brought out emotions in me that were different than other books...I think its because of the relationships....what a great turn of events... the narration of Ira and Ruths voices were so convincing to me. I loved how they were projected....it could be a very good movie.....
I highly recommend this book to others....
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
The LONGEST RIDE is a work of ART in which Nicholas Sparks magically brings together two stories. The story makes a perfect circle. The narrators in the audio version is extremely well done. This is one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books to date. I read only nonfiction unless the author is Nicholas Sparks. He is not only gifted as an author but also has depth in showing what is truly important in our lives-- family, values and our spirituality.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
The author had two different stories playing in his mind and by telling both of them in one book made for a better book.
This book was much better than watching TV. The different narrators make each story their own as the one is telling their story. My wife would sew and I would work on the crossword puzzle while listening. Sometimes, the story got so compelling at our bedtime we brought it with and kept listening for over an hour more. We seldom do that but the story is that nicely written and narrated thus compelling.
I don't want to mislead. By Nicholas Sparks standards this story was only okay, but even a so so Sparks' novel is better than 90% of everything else (Sturgeon's Law as applied to novels with the Nicholas Sparks exception).
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
There is not enough words for me to describe this book. Once again, Nickolas Sparks has done it again. This book is about 3 live coming together in 1 single moment. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. How can 1 person love another so much? Read the book and you'll find out and be hooked just like I was. I hope they don't make this 1 into a movie :)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Nicholas Sparks does it again. A heart warming story unlike most of his previous works, but still all about people, and the unexpected juncture at which they meet. At this stage of my life, this book reminded me again to appreciate the wonderful wife I have also been blessed to share a life with. It reminded me to treasure the time we still have together, and to make the most of every moment. I even had the privilege to listen to the audiobook with her as we worked our farm and prepare produce for the market. Without giving away anything specific, rest assured, this is one of Nicholas' feel-good stories!
32 of 35 people found this review helpful
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Definitely. You won't be able to put it down because you are constantly wondering how the pieces will fit together. A fantastic, heart-warming story that proves our lives constantly touch one another regardless of whether we know one another or if we are complete strangers.
Who was your favorite character and why?
They were all my favourite. Ira did stand out because of the story he had to tell.
What does Ron McLarty and January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
They bring the characters to life. You begin to feel as if you are a part of the characters lives and they are sitting with you telling you about their lives.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Yes, I was brought to tears near the end and don't want to spoil anything for anyone. I became so emotional that I had to stop my audiobook for a few minutes. This is one of Nicholas Sparks unique qualities though. His stories could be real life experiences which in turn elicits strong emotions from readers.
Any additional comments?
I can't wait for the next book, even though I know it will be awhile in it's making, I will be waiting anxiously. Another fantastic storyline! Thanks!
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes!!! The performance was excellent - I vision everything!
What other book might you compare The Longest Ride to and why?
I'm thinking the Notebook, how it took you back in time. But, the storyline is different.
What does Ron McLarty and January LaVoy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
They brought the story to life!!
If you could take any character from The Longest Ride out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Ruth - I would like to learn more of her history. Trying to adopt to the new culture living in the US.
Any additional comments?
I loved the fact, their were 2 stories and how they were combined together at the end. Beware - you will cry in this book, but don't we always with Nicholas Sparks books.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This was my first Sparks story. Beautifully written, the story is very well developed with characters who have remarkable depth of character. Although most of the story follows the day to day life of a sorority girl and a bull riding guy (highly unlikely but warmly developed), the story alternates with sections devoted to Ira, a very old man in a fight for his life whose life becomes forever intertwined with the improbable lovers. Overall a very good story.
McLarty did an excellent job as Ira. LaVoy is outstanding as well but she struggles to effectively speak for male voices.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of The Longest Ride to be better than the print version?
A great production.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Longest Ride?
The final letter and the great twist at the end
Any additional comments?
He captures how love is the greatest gift to each other.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What did you like best about The Longest Ride? What did you like least?
I have always purchased Nicholas Sparks books the first day they became available. Somehow in my busy life I missed one. So as soon as I saw it on Audible I grabbed it. It took several weeks to get through it. I restarted from the beginning several times. It was almost torturous. I can't decide if it was the reader trying to sound like the male and female characters that ruined it for me or the storyline. I am so very sad. Oh well. All of them can't be great all of them time.
How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
A better storyline. The good part took so long to get to. It was hard to hang on long enough for it to get interesting enough to want to continue.
What three words best describe Ron McLarty and January LaVoy ’s performance?
Oh! Ron's was good but January had a bit more than she could handle well with both the male and female characters.
Do you think The Longest Ride needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
Nah
Any additional comments?
I look forward to the next one. Please don't have a girl read the guy parts though.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful