drey's library

Katie is a newcomer to the small town of Southport, North Carolina. She waits tables at Ivan’s and keeps to herself, partly because she walks everywhere and mostly because she likes it that way.Then she meets a new neighbor, Jo, whose friendliness opens Katie up — a little bit, at least. Maybe even enough to be receptive to conversation with Alex, who owns the general store where Katie picks out her groceries. It doesn’t hurt that he’s yummy, and his kids are adorable. But Katie can’t get close to anyone, because she never knows when she has to leave. Again.Yup, Katie has a past that she’s hiding from — and it doesn’t take long for you to figure that out. But by then you’re invested in her and in her well-being. And when you find out what she’s lived through, you’re horrified, but hopeful that things will somehow work out.Nicholas Sparks tugs on all your emotions in this one, but not so much that you’re too teary-eyed to turn the page so you can keep reading. Alex and Katie are totally adorable as a couple, and you’ll love watching them fall in love. The only thing I can nitpick on, is Alex is supposed to be gray-haired and Katie a brunette — neither of which is reflected on the cover. But hey, it’s Josh Duhamel, so I’m not going to complain too loudly. drey’s rating: Pick it up!