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Safe Haven Audiobook
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(4.00) - 73,269 listener ratings
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Plot Summary
Best-selling and much acclaimed writer Nicholas Sparks brings to life yet another compelling story in his novel, "Safe Haven." Making brief visits to New England, New York and Philadelphia, the novel's action ultimately settles in the picturesque North Carolina destination of Southport. This small historic town is located about 30 miles south of Wilmington, where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
A lovely young woman named Katie finds herself knowing no one, with few resources and in dire need of a job, food and shelter as she determines to start a new life. For reasons of her own, she has resigned herself to remaining alone, aloof even, in a town notorious for its Southern hospitality.
Just as she is begins to make headway into rebuilding her life, the walls she has put up around herself are threatened. A young, silver-haired grocery store owner, recently widowed, named Alex Wheatley, and his two children, Josh and Kristen, have interrupted her thoughts, reminding her that life is meant to be lived, not escaped from.
In true Nicholas Sparks style, a love story appears promising -- but turns impossible, for Katie is a woman who must always be looking over her shoulder. Romance, children, friendships and any semblance of a normal life are things she cannot even dream about, let alone turn into reality.
Nicholas Sparks is a North Carolina writer whose novels have sold over 77 million copies. Sixteen of his works have appeared on the New York Times and international bestseller lists. They have been translated into over 47 languages. Joining seven novels already turned into major motion pictures, "Safe Haven," the movie, opens in box offices Valentine's Day, 2013, featuring actors Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel. Other books by Nicholas Sparks include "Dear John," "The Notebook," "A Walk to Remember," and "The Last Song."
All of Sparks' novels are available in audiobook format and promise hours of listening pleasure. His plots are fast-moving, with plenty of unpredictable twists and turns. His characters could be the girl next door or the couple down the street. Each and every one will pull at your heartstrings and the "Safe Haven" audiobook is no exception.
"This book had me intrigued from the getgo. It did take me a while to get into enough that I couldnt put it down. Once I hit about page 60 I.couldnt stop. I feel kevins story was a little drug on with i.sufficient details. I would have liked to know more about him and maybe why he was the way he was. Whether it stemmed from child hood or maybe more. I also would have enjoyed knowing if Katie ever want back to visit her elderly neighbor. The book like I said was good. I gave 4 stars because it was kinda drug on. If the author was going to go so in depth with details I would have liked it being more relevant things. I would have also like to see Kevins outcome a little different. It seemed too easy, he felt like he was playing God I would have liked him to get what he deserved. He got it too easy for what he put katie through. I also would have liked to see him get a littke more than a slap on the wrist from his captain. Seriously nobody had any suspicion about erins whereabout to actually look into?"
— Courtney (4 out of 5 stars)
Publisher Summary
In a small North Carolina town, a mysterious and beautiful woman running from her past slowly falls for a kind-hearted store owner . . . until dark secrets begin to threaten her new life.
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 empathetic 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.
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Quotes
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“Narrator Rebecca Lowman captures the essence of Sparks’ novel and creates numerous voices and dialects for his characters, including the smooth Southern drawl of Katie’s mysterious neighbor and sisterly confidant Jo, as well as the New England accent of Katie’s estranged husband Kevin.”
— Publishers Weekly (audio review) -
“A captivating, trademark Nicholas Sparks novel.”
— Barnes & Noble editorial review -
“Rebecca Lowman’s narration of this suspenseful story will keep listeners on the edge of their seats as she adds an intensity that draws out and heightens the tension as the story evolves. Listening to this production is like watching the movie in your head as Lowman creates a heart-felt, believable visual through her narration. The recently released film of the same name, based on the book, will please the same crowds as the book and may draw listeners to this audiobook.”
— SoundCommentary.com -
“Fans know what to expect from Nicholas Sparks: a compelling love story centered on two appealing individuals. In Safe Haven…Sparks expertly amps up the suspense, turning what has been a pleasant romance into a riveting ‘read all night’ page-turner.”
— BookReporter.com
Awards
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
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A #1 USA Today bestseller
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A Los Angeles Times bestseller
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A Library Journal bestseller
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A San Francisco Chronicle bestseller
Safe Haven Listener Reviews
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" What can I say. It's Nicholas sparks. You know what you're gonna get and there's something to be said for that. "
— Jody, 2/20/2014 -
" The characters in this book were shallow and uninteresting. Very disappointing! Seemed like a rush job from Nicholas Sparks. "
— Brigitt, 2/18/2014 -
" A quick read and oh how much I liked the twist/surprise at the end of the book. "
— Nittima, 2/18/2014 -
" Good book with a great ending! "
— Doni, 2/16/2014 -
" I did like this book. It seemed to drag a bit about three-quarters of the way through. At that point I was ready for things to wrap up. Nicholas Sparks does tell a good story. "
— Betsy, 2/8/2014 -
" This book really kept me interested and on my toes. I read it all on an off day! I could not put it down. I am not a huge Nicholas Sparks fan but this book was not like the rest. Safe Haven was more about life than love. The ending gives a huge twist! "
— Lauren, 2/6/2014 -
" This book was a good read. It brought many memories for me. "
— Cindy, 1/19/2014 -
" Definitely my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. When I finished reading it I was begging friends to read it because I wanted to talk about the book with someone and didnt want to give away the ending. It started slow but was worth it to keep reading. Highly recommend this one! "
— Brittany, 1/15/2014 -
" holy crap guys. this book is very good, it's pretty crazy but very good. it made me have a lot of different emotions. It was kind of similar to The Lucky one but different it it's own way. im excited to go watch the movie! "
— averylee, 11/29/2013 -
" Typical Nicholas Sparks book with damaged characters, marginalized by life. A fairly good, quick read, though. "
— John, 11/22/2013 -
" Unfortunately, I saw the movie before I read the book so I knew the twist at the end. As always, the book was a lot better than the movie and even though I knew what would happen next, I still couldn't put the book down! Definitely one of the best romance books I've ever read. "
— Haley, 11/10/2013 -
" I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would when I started reading it. "
— Cindy, 10/30/2013 -
" Not as deep as I'd hoped it would be. Rather disappointed in the ending, though there were some surprises. "
— Joanne, 10/25/2013 -
" I'd give it 3.5, if I could. "
— Alicia, 10/5/2013 -
" I'm a big fan of most of Sparks's books and this one was no exception. It's an easy read and a good love story. "
— April, 6/9/2013 -
" pg-13. had to ff in parts not for kids. it was good. suspensful a little disturbing. needed a few more pages telling about her after the climax of the book "
— Pam, 1/1/2013 -
" A lot like the movie "Sleeping with the Enemy" "
— Mary, 8/12/2012 -
" My first NS read. Loved "
— Angela, 8/1/2012 -
" Loved the book, movie was good but nothing like the book! "
— Meredith, 6/21/2012 -
" Beautiful story! Loved the ending!!' "
— Sharon, 6/20/2012 -
" Pretty predictable until the end. "
— Celia, 5/16/2012 -
" SO SAD BUT BEST BOOK!!! "
— Tessa, 4/30/2012 -
" I usually don't like romance books but I make an exception for this one. Loved it! "
— Sadie, 4/23/2012 -
" I love the twist at the end of the book. Nichlas Sparks is my favorite author now. "
— Maheen, 8/1/2011 -
" Some love will make you crazy and possessive... "
— Cheryl, 7/14/2011 -
" Good intriguing story with a twist at the end. Hard to surprise me, but this author did it to me. I recommend it. "
— Bekah, 6/20/2011 -
" It is an easy read and quick read. Excellent! "
— Karen, 5/23/2011 -
" I enjoyed the way this book describes how we sometimes run away from other places and we can find our little "safe haven" in unexpected places.<br/> "
— Arily, 5/23/2011 -
" good not great...expecting a little more from the guy who wrote the notebook...still entertaining/interesting enough....a little after school special-ish "
— Mimi, 5/20/2011 -
" Favorite Nicholas Sparks book yet! "
— Sharon, 5/20/2011 -
" I think I'm over my Nicholas Sparks demand of needing to read his books. I found this book predicable and the characters a little bland. I believe a break is needed. "
— Sara, 5/20/2011 -
" This was a good story, pretty clean which is always nice.<br/> "
— Deana, 5/20/2011 -
" This was a very entertaining read, and was less of a love story than most of Nicholas's Sparks novels- it was actually more of a thriller! If you have read The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks, it runs along the same vain. Perfect beach or plane read :). "
— Kitty, 5/19/2011 -
" Opened up not like a normal Sparks novel but did get back into his usual groove. I felt the ending could have had a lot more added and didn't like the way it finished but still a good read. "
— Morgan, 5/18/2011 -
" What's not to like about a Nicolas Sparks book. I will say that I was pleased with the ending. Too many times he kills off my favorite character and I end up in a puddle of tears. Enough said. "
— Laurie, 5/18/2011 -
" I love it! It made me think of what many women suffer on a daily basis and how unfair it is. I cried when I found out Katie's secret. I will most certainly be reading this book again and again! "
— Ana, 5/17/2011 -
" I loved it. Suspenseful and classic love story. "
— Taylor, 5/17/2011 -
" I was worried that Nicholas Sparks books were getting too boring since they all seem to follow the same formula but this one kept my attention and made me feel like I did way back when I read The Notebook for the first time. MUCH BETTER than The Last Song! "
— Stephanie, 5/17/2011 -
" Katie is new to the town and slowly begins to fall in love with a local with 2 kids. Her history is spellbinding, and sad. Will Kevin find Katie/Erin or can she live a normal life? <br/> <br/>I love Nicholas Sparks and he proved once again his talent! <br/> "
— Amber, 5/17/2011 -
" Fun read. Predictable at times but well written and an interesting story. Worth the read. "
— JD, 5/17/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book. It had a slightly different feel from other Sparks novels I have read, which I really liked! "
— Kelly, 5/16/2011
About Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is the author of twenty-five books, all of which have been New York Times bestsellers. His books have been published across more than fifty languages with over 150 million copies sold worldwide, and eleven have been adapted into films. He is also the founder of the Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving cultural and international understanding through global education experiences.
About Rebecca Lowman
Rebecca Lowman is an actress and audiobook narrator who has won numerous Earphones Awards. She has starred in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, Big Love, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy, among many others. She earned her MFA from Columbia University.