An Old Book | The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

I have posted a couple of posts in this "An Old Book" series but definitely need to be contributing to it more often. This series aims to make sure I'm talking about books I read before I started my blog because so many books I read over three years ago are still a massive part of my heart. Today I want to talk about The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks.

The Rescue is about Denise, her son and Taylor the volunteer fireman. Despite being fearless when it comes to tackling fires and saving peoples' lives, it's falling in love that Taylor finds terrifying. He just won't do it. So when he finds Denise unconscious after she skids her car off of the road, he doesn't think twice to save her life. Their bond takes place easily but Taylor can't jump into Denise's open arms.

I think I read this book in a summer holiday a few years ago and, as usual, Nicholas Sparks had me turning each page quicker than the last. Due to Taylor being a fireman there is that spectacular dash of Sparks Tension he builds up so wonderfully. Denise often worries for Taylor and we do too. His lack of commitment occasionally irritated me because I so longed for their relationship to become as sweet as I knew it could be. I adored Taylor for his easy way with Kyle and for how much he obviously respected and admired Denise.

Denise's son, Kyle, has a rare impediment that restricts his language acquisition. He is sweet and is Denise's world. She moves in order to focus on helping him and it's beautiful to read about their relationship- especially when Taylor is added to it all and a lovely team is made. Denise is very intelligent and we adore her for so many reasons. One being how concerned she is about Taylor's struggle with his past. We want him to open up so he can move on and we spend the novel hoping he will for the sake of his and Denise's relationship.

This novel is very gripping and we ache for everything to turn out for the better. We want Taylor to forgive himself and for there to be the lovely happy ending we're never sure of when it comes to a Nicholas Sparks novel.

I rate this novel 4.5/5!

A Past & A Future,

The Girl in the Moonlight.



My 5 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Romances

I adore Nicholas Sparks's writing, and because of this, I adore talking about his writing. I want to write about my adoration for my five favourite romances out of all of the incredible Nicholas Sparks novels that make my heart glow with love for the written word.

♡ Gabby and Travis ♡

I love this romance because it's the core of my favourite Nicholas Sparks book- The Choice. It's naturally one of the main reasons I adore the book. Travis, an outgoing man with a life he adores and no want for a girlfriend meets Gabby, a woman who seems more than irritated by his presence. Their chemistry is refreshing because we watch (read) them getting to know each other.

♡ Ronnie and Will ♡

From The Last Song, Ronnie and Will are from different "paths" in life. Angry and mysterious, Ronnie meets Will who is popular and rich. The whole "don't judge a book by the cover" thing applies here, and I couldn't be more grateful. Despite this, these attributes I have assigned to the characters make the characters incredibly endearing.

♡ Dawson and Amanda ♡

I am a sucker for a "met when they were younger and fell in love and something tragic got in the way but something in the future brings them together to an extent" kind of story. Dawson and Amanda come from The Best of Me and I adore the way they think of each other- it's dreamlike. I adore the aspect that they ache in what is lost along the way: the time; the two of them together. It's the heartache that does make it somewhat beautiful.

♡ Jeremy and Lexie ♡

True Believer and At First Sight are the stories that let us get to know Jeremy and Lexie, and how their two different views made an endearing partnership- one of the ones where their relationship makes a book a page-turner. It's beautiful to read about their getting to know each other; how different their lives have been, and why it all just makes sense.

♡ Landon and Jamie ♡ 

A Walk to Remember brings us Landon and Jamie. Landon is quiet and studious whereas Landon is loud and on the "wrong track in life" according to those around him. When he opens his eyes to Jamie and goodness and Jamie is the kind and accepting girl we adore, the sweetest and most genuine 

I have written one of my "favourite Nicholas Sparks" posts in too long and I had this idea last year, so here we are!

Beautiful Romances & Beautiful Books,

The Girl in the Moonlight. 

The Best of Me

The works of Nicholas Sparks have always been a feature of my blog and after writing THIS post almost two years ago about Safe Haven, I couldn't wait to write a similar post. This time I will be reviewing the book and the film of The Best of Me!

Before seeing the film

I was so excited to read The Best of Me, and boy, it didn't disappoint. Nicholas Sparks has this way of making me so invested in his characters' lives and feelings and adventures, whilst simultaneously making me cry and feel every sad emotion on their behalf. Yet, I always go back; always read the next beautifully warming - even if it is sad - novel written by him. 

The Best of Me is about Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole and their love that lasted- about their high school romance and how their lives had been affected since. Living different kind of family backgrounds, their beautiful love ignored the expectations; created something very valuable. And then comes the heartbreak.

I adored this novel because I adored their everlasting love. I adored their relationship with Tuck, a father-like figure to them both. After not seeing each other for years, Amanda and Dawson are re-united and sparks fly with the song of memories, heartache and true love. I remember really admiring Amanda for her strength and passion, and Dawson for his gentle nature and want to be good.

The film

A Nicholas Sparks being released is one of those awesome occurrences in life. And The Best of Me was no exception.

Watching the film really brought back - not affected by the differences in the film - the emotion of the story- the ache and longing and sadness; the sweetness and the innocence and the strength. My eyes were fixed to the story as I watched it; fixed to the emotions I was feeling. It is incredibly sad, but incredibly sweet and beautiful.

The film includes stories told in present time, but also stories from when Amanda and Dawson were younger. Seeing the romance and honesty involved at the start of their relationship was awesome; young Amanda was stunningly played by Liana Liberato and Luke Bracey brought out the truthfulness of young Dawson brilliantly. And then of course, Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden portray the older Amanda and Dawson; re-creating the love that existed when they were younger perfectly- and with more raw emotion. Regret. Sorrow. Pain. Honesty.

The Best of Me

The story of The Best of Me gave me chills in the book and the film. In both, it broke my heart and taught me sacrifice and the beauty of raw love. The story touched my heart a few years ago and the story onscreen portrayed the feelings I read very well. 

Honest & Raw Love,

The Girl in the Moonlight. 

An Old Book | A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

I started this "An Old Book" series a while ago to make sure I am including books I read a long time ago on my blog. Seen as I am a quality book keeper (the type that buys too many books and keeps them for ever), it seems only right to reminisce over them, as they stay in my heart as much as they do in my bedroom.


























I adore this novel (italic-worthy and everything), and it is a tale that taught me a lot, and had me engrossed with its company for a lot less than a day.

Jamie Sullivan is quiet; Landon Carter is not. Jamie Sullivan is synonymous, to people around her, with Christianity; Landon Carter is not. Walking on completely different paths through life, the two teenagers become closer and closer, spending time together in a far from predictable way; learning about each other slowly; beautifully. Growing with each other; sharing memories that can't be forgotten.

It's a relatively short story, packed with emotion, which is most certainly helped by the perspective. Landon is looking back at his and Jamie's story. In this way, the story is soaked with solemnly happy reminiscing; with memories, and words-that-were-said, and thoughtful sighs. There's nothing like a bit of hindsight to make me teary. It's heart-breaking, though. It's one of Nicholas Sparks's treasures that breaks my heart while teaching it something valuable.

A Walk to Remember is a lesson of leading an honest life while doing the things we love, opening our hearts and believing in something. It teaches how two people (even if hidden) can have and learn to have similar values, despite being completely different. This book glows heart and warmth, and happiness beyond the sadness.

I've given this book as a present for a few of my friends. One isn't a big reader but told me this is their favourite book. It really is a stunning read.

Walks & Stars,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

My 3 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Heroines

When I think about what's synonymous with my blog, it must be said that Nicholas Sparks's works are one thing that are! I adore reading his words and I adore writing about them too! With this in mind, I love a good list and, today, is another one of my "favourite" Nicholas Sparks posts. I've wanted to talk about my favourite females in his novels for a long time and, trying to put aside too much that isn't the female's personality, I will name my favourite Sparks ladies and what it is about them that I love!

*Contains traces of spoiler.*

♡ Ronnie from The Last Song

A little "off of the path she should be on", Ronnie is a character that is fuelled by fire. Although it is sometimes anger that is the result of this fire, it is often passion too, and this becomes more and more prominent throughout the novel. It makes Ronnie incredibly endearing because she opens her heart, and she's honest and she forgives and she learns. I love that she's completely okay with who she is, and that her uniqueness brings out the best in Will.

♡ Katie from Safe Haven

Katie is incredibly heroic to me. She faces her fears and moves on, making a new life for herself to bring herself happiness. She's looking out for herself and it's so admirable. I love that she is guarded in order to protect herself but finds herself opening up her world to one she wouldn't have imagined when she first found her haven.

♡ Jamie from A Walk to Remember

Jamie is quiet and passionate, and I can't help but adore her. She knows who she is and makes no apologies for it. She struggles and still finds a way to be incredibly positive. Although I'd never blame someone for not having her positivity in her position, Jamie is nothing but heroic to me. Her attitude, in turn, changes Landon, and creates a love that makes my heart so happy.

It must be said that one thing all three of these characters share is their absolute strength and willingness to sacrifice. In their situations, Nicholas Sparks makes them such admirable characters in this way, and these ladies make my heart glow with smiles.

Beaches & Sandcastles,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

My 5 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Moments

So I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. I, in turn, love incorporating he and his writing into my blog and today is another day for Sparks to sprinkle his magic. So, now, with my Nicholas Sparks books soaking my emotions, spread around me like beautiful statues, I will write a post on my top five favourite moments in his novels. This will undoubtedly cause me a lot of stress as I will go from one decision to another because his books are like my babies, but for the sake of a good list, I will troop on through. Side note: These moments, if you haven't read the novels, may seem pointless to you without other knowledge and is likely to ruin the novel for you.

*Contains deadly traces of spoiler.*

1) My absolute favourite Nicholas Sparks moment belongs to the letter from Carly Jo to Katie in Safe Haven. Carly Jo addresses the letter "To the woman my husband loves" and it's because of how much I love Carly Jo and Alex's relationship - despite never experiencing it narratively - that I, as the reader, need her blessing, because I also adore Alex and Katie's relationship and it's this line that rips my heart in two a little. This is so as it shows Carly Jo's selflessness and right to have my respect. Yet I also need her to be okay with Katie and Alex being together. So that's why, when she tells Katie to "love [Alex] forever", that Alex and his kids are "[Katie's] family now" and that Katie is her "friend" and has her "everlasting gratitude", I can't hold the tears back. This is my favourite Nicholas Sparks moment because even though not everything is perfect in the lives of the characters, in that moment, nothing could be more perfect.

                                                                                                                                  - Safe Haven

2) I have re-read this next favourite moment so many times. It's the performance of the play Landon and Jamie are in and Landon turns to see Jamie looking "exactly like an angel". I have tears in my eyes as I write this as the sincerity of Landon's thoughts, the depicting of the feeling he's experiencing and the witness of him opening his eyes to Jamie is simply beautiful. A little of the emotion I feel is down to the words Landon utters: "You're beautiful." The rest of it is in this: "I'd nailed that line for the very first time."  

                                                                                                                  - A Walk to Remember

3) Gabby's return to consciousness after a car crush was questionable. After a long, long time of sadness for Travis, Gabby's wife, and the reader, the wonderfully ominous feeling Travis was witnessing as he approached the phone, with a doctor on the other side, sends shivers through my spine. While we wait to find out Gabby's fate, I can still feel my heart hoping for the ending the two of them deserve. It's in these words that I feel complete: "She's awake."

                                                                                                                                  - The Choice

4) I can't explain the serenity I feel when I re-read the end of this novel. As Jeremy still vows his life to logic and science and explanation, dismissing "miracles", Lexie slowly breaks the news that, much to Jeremy's logical mind's disbelief, she is pregnant. Jeremy couldn't have children and yet, with the woman he loved beside him and his belief in biology wavering, there the two of them are; the future of their family as real as ever.

                                                                                                                              - True Believer

5) Forgiveness is the reason why The Best of Me finds itself on this list. Throughout the novel Dawson is tortured by an accident where Dr. Bonner is killed, accidentally by him. He blames himself and so does Dr. Bonner's wife, Marilyn. When Marilyn tells Dawson, "you don't need my forgiveness anymore" and that he should "let this go", I feel a wave of relief. I hated the guilt he feels throughout the novel and I am for ever grateful for Marilyn Bonner's forgiveness and recognition that Dawson is a good person.

                                                                                                                            - The Best of Me

It should be noted that the end of The Last Song would be in the top five but I've already written about that HERE. I simply love this moment.

Writing about novels written by Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite things! It was awesome flicking through his novels and remembering parts and re-living my favourite moments. Have you read any Nicholas Sparks novels? Do you have a favourite moment from any other novels? Let me know in the comments!

Paintings & Turtles,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

P.S. I love Nicholas Sparks.

The Longest Ride - Nicholas Sparks

I read The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks last year and am excited to finally be posting a review of the stunningly breath-taking seventeenth novel of Nicholas Sparks. Despite the fact I mention Nicholas Sparks all of the time on my blog and write other posts about his works, this is actually my first conventional review of a Nicholas Sparks novel and I'm typing fangirlily (most definitely should be an adverb) at the thought of it.

Ira and Ruth were in love for many years; Sophia and Luke are becoming more and more a part of each other's lives after meeting unexpectedly one night. Narratively speaking, months after this night, Ira is in danger and being comforted by the ghost of his beloved wife.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks (just in case you hadn't caught his name throughout this post!) is the most charming gem.

Synonymous with Nicholas Sparks novels are wonderfully constructed characters. Sophia is strong, smart and endearing; Luke is considerate and hard-working (and handsome!); Ira is romantic, thoughtful and completely unaware of his impact on other people's lives; Ruth (despite her presence not technically being there, I understood her character and saw her all the same) is passionate and although she's not as good with words as Ira clearly is, her love is still felt.

This novel is very country-orientated and I absolutely loved that about The Longest Ride. With every novel of his I learn something about a trade or interest I'd never thought too deeply about and in this novel, I learnt about looking after a ranch, bull riding and collecting art. The Longest Ride is so much more than an endearing love story; it's a battle with every aspect of life and the idea of morals and integrity too.

I fell in love with the relationships in the novel easily. One that particularly captured my heart was the relationship between Luke and his mother, Linda. You know when you meet someone and their parent and you can easily see something they have in common? With Luke and his mother, their hard-working attitude as well as their love of working hard because their ranch is important to them made them so similar. In turn, the way Luke protects her and the way Linda worries for him made their mother-son relationship lovely.

The Longest Ride is two love stories in one. With charm, sweetness and laughter, it is Nicholas Sparks, as usual, writing his at his best. As always in a Nicholas Sparks novel, there is a twist; something that makes you wonder how the novel is going to end.

So, as always, Nicholas Sparks left me feeling emotionally drained and happy as I cried. Have you read any Nicholas Sparks novel before?

Cowboy Hats & Country Music,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

My 3 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Films

It has definitely been too long since my last post about Nicholas Sparks and his wonderful stories and so today is the day to talk about the products of the author that makes me smile, cry and understand all in one ending. The films that have been made from Nicholas Sparks novels are some of my absolute favourites and will always leave me feeling content, for whatever reason. As much as it feels like what a mother would feel like having to pick her favourite child, I will break my heart for the sake of a list - I love a good list!


























The Lucky One

Gorgeously romantic and based in a dreamily perfect setting (as Nicholas Sparks does so well), The Lucky One is the story of Sergeant Logan Thibault and Beth, a woman who, without her knowledge, may have just saved Logan's life in Iraq. Logan is strong but tortured by his time in Iraq and Beth is brave but also scarred by the loss of someone close. It's a film that has captured my heart with the sweetness of the relationship between Logan and Beth as well as the two of them and Beth's son, Ben.

Safe Haven

After reading the novel, I couldn't wait for the adaptation of Safe Haven. It's tense and raw but sweet and romantic. Safe Haven is about widower, Alex and Katie, a woman with a past. In the beautiful setting of Southport, Alex and Katie become closer, with Katie winning the hearts of his children. Yet, her secrets are closely shadowing her which builds a wonderfully I'm-sat-on-the-edge-of-my-seat kind of feeling.

The Notebook

Noah and Allie are, of course, very iconic. It's a tale of young lovers and the complications of class and family. Noah and Allie fall in love despite odds stacked against them. Only, it soon has its problems. Touching, heart-breaking and heart-warming, it's no wonder it's one of the classics. It's a film that I want to cry at and do so every single time.

Have you watched any of these films?

Books & Films,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

P.S. Nicholas Sparks tweeted me last night and I am so super happy! If you have seen some of my other posts, you may know that he is my favourite author. I thought I'd link my other Nicholas Sparks posts here: Safe Haven, My 7 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Novels, Noah, I could Be Your Allie, Dear John: The Ending, The Last Song: The Ending and My Favourite Books: 2013.

The Last Song: The Ending

*Contains traces of spoiler*

Reading the end of The Last Song has got to have been one of the most heart-warming experiences of my life. I remember crying for many reasons: for Steve Miller; the lessons that were learnt; the love that triumphed. If I have a spare moment or am in a mood that needs happiness, I reach for my dog-eared version of The Last Song and savour the last few pages, allowing the happiness that produces tears to take over, the words of Nicholas Sparks never failing to make me to smile.

'She felt his absence with a knife-edged sharpness she couldn't retain.' This line is undeniably heart-breaking and it makes me miss the memories Steve Miller would have made but it outlines the sadness of the situation. One of my favourite things about the end of The Last Song is how Ronnie's father is helping her beyond his death. The fact that Ronnie auditions for Juilliard makes my heart warm and happy and the comfort Ronnie seeks in the light is overwhelmingly beautiful.

Ronnie's admittance of how much she misses Will is lovely and makes the ending oh-too-sweet. I remember reading Will calling for the first time and feeling utter helplessness, willing for him to say the words to Ronnie that I, like she, needed to hear. Reading the words where Will is behind Ronnie is such a vivid scene in my head and it makes my heart flutter. It's lovely. "I never stopped loving you, Ronnie. And I never stopped thinking about you. Even if summers do come to an end." Ranking my favourite men created by Nicholas Sparks is something I don't like to think about as it would cause me such stress but Will... He is one charming fella and his love for Ronnie is clear as day, in his words and in everything he does. He just treats her like a princess.

I love the epilogue of The Last Song because the change in Ronnie since the beginning of the novel is beautiful. In the ending of The Last Song tears become my best friend, helping me grieve with the Ronnie, helping me find happiness in her comfort and joy. Ronnie's bitterness for the people around her has gone and is replaced with a new lens that is brighter than before; reason underlines her movements, knowing that despite her dad's death she will be ok; she allows herself to have a happy ending.

Volleyball & Pianos,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Dear John: The Ending

*Contains traces of spoilers.*

 

I love the novel and the film of Dear John, both causing my emotions to self-destruct into a puddle of tears, however, the ending of the novel is very different to the film.

 

Closing the novel in the summer of '09, I was confused. Once again, Nicholas Sparks had left me in a daze; he made me think, made me wonder. They weren't together. Two of my favourite fictional characters did not end up with the ending that I wanted. Why was that? I was sad and emotional, but I simultaneously knew that Nicholas Sparks was teaching me a cruel but beautiful (and alright, in hindsight, necessary!) lesson.

 

After my mum read the novel, she comforted me, told me to stop crying and see the rainbow of a moral, the sunshine after a storm, the stars lighting the darkness: John was a good man. "It would be what he wanted," my mum said. I continued to wallow in self-pity before I found myself happier one Sunday evening. I saw the silver lining.

 

"I wanted them to be happy. I wanted her to be happy." It look me a long time to read this without crying but once I was enlightened by this silver lining, I smiled. The character of John Tyree touched me a lot and his ending opened my eyes. Even re-reading that Epilogue now makes me slightly nostalgic: longing for John and Savannah to have their story continue beyond the pages of the novel, but also feeling a comfort deep down in John's actions. In my eyes, the moon to John was Savannah and stood for everything good and everything sweet and innocent and pure. John watched as Savannah, too, relaxed in the moon's presence and to me, that is everything. That let me feel at peace and realise the beauty of that ending.

 

After reading the novel, I thought John had no future without Savannah. That's not true: John had memories and love in his heart and the knowledge that Savannah had that love too. John had the reminder that Savannah had made him a better man, a more caring man. Savannah gave John his future.

My book may be tear-stained, but my heart is smiling from the solemn, yet comforting ending to this novel.

 

Happy Endings & Beginnings,

 

The Girl in the Moonlight.

 

P.s. I may have exaggerated slightly about my reaction to the end of the novel, however any description of how I outwardly acted was what I was bottling up inside.



My 7 Favourite Nicholas Sparks Novels

Picking my top seven favourite Nicholas Sparks novels was literally one of the hardest things I have ever done. It should be known that the novels not mentioned were obviously all close to being in my top seven as I often changed my mind! There may be what you consider spoilers in this so do not read on if you haven't read the magic of these novels. I seriously spent time scratching my head and wanting to cry but here you go!

1. The Lucky One is based around Logan and his search for a girl that he believes saved his life as well as his life when he found her. I love The Lucky One because Logan is probably my joint favourite Nicholas Sparks male character. He is so caring and sweet and when I finished the novel I had to remind my self he's not real. Yes he's perfect, but he's not real. Beth is so strong but vulnerable, that these two together made my favourite novel that I return to if I have nothing to read. It is the perfect love story.

2. Safe Haven, a very gripping novel about the beautiful Katie overcoming her ex and finding peace with the lovely Alex never fails to have me up throughout a night reading. I have already raved about before: http://thegirlinthemoonlight.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/safe-haven.html and I just love Alex (my joint first favourite).

3. A Walk To Remember, I read in a night because I was so gripped with the characters of Jamie and Landon. The fact that they were polar opposites and yet their relationship was so fairy-tale-like gave me those goosebumps that can only be produced from books. I love how, when reading it, you see Landon change in front of you and how his love is so big for the lovely and selfless Jamie. "You have to promise you won't fall in love with me." When I first read Jamie saying this, I knew Nicholas Sparks was going to make my heart weep, and I thank him for it because this novel is just fantastic.

4. The Choice has to be in my top seven because I love the development of the characters in this novel. I fall in love with each male character in Nicholas Sparks novels too quickly, but I love Travis for different reasons. I love him for how he is with his friends as well as how lovely he is to Gabby, his neighbour who didn't return it straight away but yet he was still somewhat besotted with her, at first not knowing why. Reading the change in Gabby was incredibly sweet as, in her eyes Travis went from being someone who "knew" he was "really good-looking" from her being able to "imagine spending the rest of [her] life with [him]" and that's what makes this novel perfect to me.

5. Best of Me is heart-breakingly beautiful, not only because two teenage sweethearts regretfully went their separate ways, but because of the moral, yet incredibly needed ending. I loved the book so much that I wrote a song about it because, out of all of Nicholas Sparks' novels, Best of Me touched me in a really different and solemn way.

6. Message in a Bottle is based around Theresa Osborne, a journalist who becomes interested in a charming, but heart-breaking love story from a letter that washed up onto a beach in a bottle. I love this novel because I feel like the two main characters, Theresa and the lovely Garrett find some kind of calmness after overcoming events that happened before in their lives. Garrett, to me is charming and sweet and his troubles with moving on from Catherine make it all the more tragically beautiful.

7. True Believer really is joint sixth because I could not choose between this and Message in a Bottle. This novel is just an endearing and lovely story about a seemingly "cynical" man, Jeremy and one of my favourite of Nicholas Sparks' female characters, Lexie. She is so seemingly strong and independent that when her walls break down - so to speak - she becomes even more awesome. There's something about the way Nicholas Sparks presents small towns and even how some of his characters resent characteristics of them that makes me want to live in one all the more and this novel certainly captures why I do so much! The ending to this novel is my favourite ending ever...I genuinely was in tears for an hour.

Dear Nicholas Sparks,

Please can you write me my story?

x

Books & Hot Chocolate,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Safe Haven

BEFORE SEEING THE FILM AT THE CINEMA.

I love Nicholas Sparks novels for so many reasons: the perfect characters; the beautiful feelings and actions of the characters; the obstacles the characters overcome; the moral and sometimes maybe-not-what-everyone-stereotypically-wanted endings. Safe Haven, I love for the perfect characters and heart-breaking pasts that still haunt them but I also adore the novel for the thrill.

At parts, the pace of the novel literally made my heart pound faster, fearing for the characters that I love oh so much; so lost in the plot that I may as well be alongside them. Like every other Nicholas Sparks novel, "I could not put it down" and with Safe Haven, it was definitely because of the thriller aspect of it - and, of course the perfect characters of Katie and Alex.

I fall for the male love interests in Nicholas Sparks novels every time; there'd be no point trying not to. Alex, the man in Safe Haven, I love for the way he loves Katie as well as his late wife, Carly. His deep love for his children, however is what made me fall deeply and unconditionally for Alex. It's just too sweet for my heart to take. The main characters that are fathers in Nicholas Sparks novels are always perfect and I always note, after reading a charmingly constructed part of the character's view and love of their children that it must exist due to it reflecting how much of an awesome dad Nicholas Sparks is. I genuinely don't doubt that.

I have been raving about this novel since I read it over two years ago and, like every time a Nicholas Sparks novel is adapted into a film, I have rosy cheeks and the thought of seeing the film.

Love hurts. There is nothing as painful as heartbreak. But in order to learn to love again you must learn to trust again.

AFTER WATCHING THE FILM. 03:57 IN THE MORNING.

The cast, as it is for every Nicholas Sparks adapted film, I knew would be perfect, and sat, popcorn and sweets spread before me, I knew my love for Josh Duhamel would cause me to comfort eat to the max and oh my, it did.

The film was sweet but bitter, calming yet heart-pounding. You get the oxymoron-based picture I'm painting for you, right? My emotions were on that "roller-coaster ride" you often hear about during those two hours and I haven't yet stepped off of it.

Another thing that I adore about books written by the brilliant Nicholas Sparks is that way he sets the scene: "Lilies sprouted amid the wild grass in what once was a flower bed..." and the film adaption of Safe Haven gave me chills with the beautiful beach and the area surrounding Katie's home. Even the roads in the neighbourhood had something so homely-small-town about them. Absolutely stunning. Do you know what made the scenery even more perfect? Josh Duhamel.

The characters matched my imagination when reading the novel and this makes me incredibly happy. Alex was passionate and sweet and Katie was damaged yet, at the same time that female hero that made me be full of that strong-woman mentality. Cobie Smulders? She was just incredible.

Like the novel, I was lost in the film and the romance as well as the tension beneath the love and beauty that ended with explosions in my eyes.

HERE is the trailer for the film.

Bikes & Photos

The Girl in the Moonlight.

A Hopeless Romantic Who Doesn't Believe in Love

The title of this post explains it all to me, but I am very aware it is an oxymoron which could make one wonder what the hay I'm talking about: "a hopeless romantic who doesn't believe in love" and it's been my way of thinking from whatever age I first considered the strange concept of "love".

I shall explain:

I have always been a sucker for romantic films, books and songs; I adore fairy-tale, Disney relationships and fall for every charming fictional character I've ever had the joy of delving into their worlds: Dave-the-Laugh, Wes, Logan, Kian, Peeta, Gale, Romeo, and trust me the list goes on. My tummy is inhabited with butterflies whenever I read the most beautifully-crafted words of Nicholas Sparks, producing delicate feelings in which a character feels for another. There are songs that send me to another world completely. A world where "the grass is green" and happiness is not - as One Tree Hill phrases - a "destination"; where evil does not exist and would not ever be inflicted on another: the perfect world.

But - (and I apologise to a previous English teacher who would be having a right old tizz if she were to witness me using "but" at the beginning of a sentence) and the only way I can think of putting it is - I am a cynic. A boy cannot, in my eyes, produce the most thoughtful gesture without influence and a girl sees faults that should not exist. "Love" lasts only as long as the mind wishes to endure, and the small things vanish when the heart refuses to play any more. The concept of "love", to me is simply a commercial-scam to keep the economy existing, to keep some kind of happiness on the surface, to keep people disillusioned when times are darker than those with power wish to portray.

"Love" can neither be pinpointed by those whose voice is louder, nor can it be explained by a blogger who can - all in the same day - cry at the heart-wrenching film Titanic and cringe at her best friend for claiming to be in the full-swing process of the motion of, yes, "love".

If this were an essay, I'd conclude with facts and figures supporting an assured view without contradictions. Yet, I can't. Wherever I see true heart being spoken in words, I feel my eyes sting with excited tears but I also see an inevitable, eventual disease, and where I see roses produced by the modern-day-Romeo, I both "aw" outwardly and see a woman who intends to make this man happy until the next season's Gucci arrives.

Sunshine & Sandcastles,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

(Plot twist: all of the above does not mean that I do not see that love does exist...)