The Choice

The story took hold of me. I recommend it to those that believe in True love.

Nicholas Sparks always delivers characters rich in quality. This book is no exception, it keeps you enthralled.

Having read True Believer and Message in a Bottle and watched the film version of The Notebook, it is safe to say that I have become a big fan of Nicholas Sparks. He writes the sort of tear-jerking love stories I love, and he writes them with a great deal of passion, creating wonderful characters that feel real. The Choice is his newest effort, and my favorite from the ones I've read so far. The story sort of reminds me of The Notebook, which is definitely not a bad thing, but more on that later. At thirty-two, Travis Parker is a confirmed bachelor. All three of his best friends are married with kids, and their wives have fixed him up with every single woman they encounter, no matter how much he wished they wouldn't. Why would he want to get married? He has it all -- a great job, a full life and a beautiful house in a small town in North Carolina with a gorgeous river view. Nothing is missing in his life, or so he thinks until Gabby Holland moves in next door. The beautiful redhead, though standoffish and downright rude at first, intrigues him from the very beginning, and he doesn't let a small detail like a boyfriend stand in the way of getting to know her better. I don't want to tell too much (though I'm certain that many reviewers have done so already), but this seemingly simple (at first) love story is heart wrenching and memorable... And the aforementioned qualities make this novel not only a must-read but also an absolute keeper. The Choice is a gorgeous read, perfect for this holiday season (not a holiday-themed book though). The four-hour train ride from Manchester to London was a breeze because I couldn't put this book down. Travis faces a difficult choice, and those crucial chapters pulled me at the heartstrings, making me want to know what would happen next. I am glad the book ended the way it did. My breath caught in my chest as I read the epilogue. I loved it. The love story is wonderful and Travis and Gabby will remind many people of Noah and Allie from The Notebook. A friend of mine who has read both books said that reading this book was like getting reacquainted with those old characters again. Sparks loves his native North Carolina. His passion for the place shines through in the writing. I love the way he describes the surroundings. At times, I felt I was there, feeling the breeze stir in the air as I gazed at the ocean along with the main characters. The Choice is a fine read and I cannot recommend it enough. I look forward to reading Sparks's backlist.

I just finished reading "The Choice" and I waited awhile when I saw a new book out by Nicholas Sparks to read it. Most of his books are so tragic (he believes true love and tragedy go hand in had-h-m-m-m)that I wasn't sure I wanted another tragic ending. So much in life can be tragic so why would I want to spend hours reading something that is going to depress me. I like his style of writing otherwise so thought I would chance it once more. There is a lot of humor in the first part and though I might have mixed feelings that 2 people who are total strangers fall so deeply in love over a week-end, it's still a fun read. The Second Part there is tragedy as everyone knows by now but it didn't even move me to tears. I found it more a study in how Travis handles and deals with the tragedy and returns to living life again by being a Dad to his girls and returning to his job and life in general. Travis in the first part played a lot and though I liked his character I thought he put too much effort in to having a good time and travel and etc. (I kept wondering how he afforded all he did and had-he only worked 4 days a week and though Vets make good money, he had to spend a lot of money-oh just one of those things I wondered about) I think the second part helped Travis grow up and add some dimension to his character. I'm not sure if that is what NS was trying to convey but that is how I saw it. IT was a relief to me that the book was not totally tragic. Okay, I dislike totally tragic endings. I had quit reading his books just because of that. I appreciate the fact that NS doesn't feel the need for a lot of profanity in his books and even the sexual scenes are not graphic. NS is a good writer weaving his story line and the relationships of people but would like more happy endings. I don't mind shedding a tear over something happy but hate it when a main character is killed off time and time again. then I leave the book depressed and won't reccomend it to my friends. However, I would reccomend this one. You won't come away totally depressed.

This is yet again another great book. In part one i enjoyed the characters very much. They were real and you got swept into the story with them. You felt like you were one of them. I even laughed quite a bit. In part two i still enjoyed the story and the honesty of the story. i couldn't put this book down. It is an enjoyable read and i would recommend it.

This is a book which could be spoiled for the reader if too many details of the plot are given. Suffice it to say that it is a beautiful love story with several emotional ups and downs. It also illustrates the importance of choices and the effect that our choices have on our life. Nicholas Sparks is one author who consistantly touches my emotions, and I was really weeping at the end of this one. Read and enjoy!

Well darn it Nicholas Sparks did it again. He made me cry at the end of another of his books. This one, as in all his others, is funny, tender, sweet and even a bit frustrating. Travis I absolutely loved and his laid-back attitude was very appealing. Gabby I had a little bit more trouble with because I thought she was a bit more tense and not quite as personable. But there I was wrong and they ended up having a wonderful, fulfilling marriage and family. Even with the near tragedy there was always hope and love. This is yet another winner for Nicholas Sparks. I'd give it two thumbs up.