Safe Haven

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


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 empathic 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.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Nicholas Sparks' novel, Safe Haven, is an emotionally moving story that inspires faith and hope in even the darkest of situations. When Erin escapes from her abusive husband she must learn how to survive, how to trust, and how to love without fear. 

Erin is the main character, who goes by Katie most of the novel, and she is a true inspiration to readers. She has been controlled, manipulated, and beaten most of her adult life by a husband who claims to love her. When she finally realizes that he will never change, no matter how many promises he makes, she decides to save her own life by running away. Erin is full of life, incredibly courageous, and braver than most. Readers will connect with her through these traits but also because she's good-hearted and sweet natured. The story of her past will pull readers in and the hope for her future will keep them reading until the bittersweet end. 

The plot of the story combines love and mystery. As it unfolds, readers learn that her husband hasn't given up on Erin and will do anything it takes to find her. Throughout the course of the novel, we see Erin reaching for her new life and opening herself up to new possibilities. But the horror of Erin's life isn't over yet as her husband and her past both come unbidden. 

Rating 3.5/5

Safe Haven