“As Katie wound her way among the tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair.”

From Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven.

Katie shows up in the small coastal town of Southport, North Carolina, she clings to the simple lifestyle and anonymity that the culture provides.  Working as a waitress, she is able to save money and rent a small dilapidated hunting cabin in the woods with one lone neighbor (Jo) who encourages her to give the town and the people a chance.  Jo also strangely encourages Katie to get to know Alex, a widowed store owner with two small children (Josh and Kristen); while Katie is very reluctant to build any deep connections, especially romantic, a random series of events seems to draw Katie and Alex together anyways.  While Alex knows that Katie is hiding something in her past, he is also uncontrollably drawn to the woman who cares deeply and honestly for him and his children.  As each day goes by, Katie grows more and more attached to her life here in Southport, but she also knows that the demons of her past could catch up with her at any time, and would instantly put Alex and the kids in harm’s way.  Katie struggles with her past and present, and she will ultimately have to choose between staying with the love she’s found or leaving it behind for her safety.

Sparks has built a career by combining southern coastal life with romance and this book is no exception, but it is well-written, despite being one of Spark’s almost-mass-produced romance novels.  While the original story differs slightly from the 2013 movie adaptation, both blend the mystery of the unknown with the innocence of love to create an intriguing story.  As the narration bounces back and forth between main characters, the story is also able to develop at a steady, but enjoyable pace.  Safe Haven is a quick, easy read that will keep readers engaged until the very end.