Book Synopsis
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.
Review
I just loved the way this was written! From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the story.
Safe Haven is a story about newcomer Katie arriving in the town of Southport in North Carolina where she aims to keep a low profile. Katie is clearly running from something and her reserved nature only makes her stand out more to the local store owner Alex who is widowed with two young kids; Josh and Kristen. Taken away by her beauty, Alex realises he has feelings for the mysterious Katie. The more the two get to know each other, the more obvious it is that something special exists between them. But you can’t run from your past forever and soon the ghost Katie’s been running from discovers her whereabouts and it turns into a fight between life and death.
What I loved about Safe Haven was the determination of Katie to start her life over and the courage it took her to run from her past. I also loved how she bonded with Alex’s children; she made for a really natural mother despite not having her own children. And of course, the romance between Alex and Katie was adorable although about 143 pages in and after two weeks of dating he told her she loved him. Personally, I was like eh, how can you say I love you so fast. But Nicholas Sparks has a way with making you believe in love so fast that you fall in love with his characters. The man is amazing.