Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I did it again...I went to Costco to buy food and checked out with two books in my cart. One of them was Nicholas Sparks' new book, Safe Haven. Now, now, don't judge me...I like sappy love stories sometimes. Courtesy of Amazon, here is a summary of the book:

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.

Now for my thoughts. I was really enjoying the book and I really loved the story. BUT, I feel like I needed another chapter at the end. Also, there were parts of the ending that I didn't really like and left me a bit on the confused side. These thoughts propelled me to give the book 3 stars on Goodreads. All in all, a great Nicholas Sparks read that took very little time to finish and left me with the satisfaction of a sappy love story. Mission accomplished.

In A Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy

This book was a positive beacon in my book pile this week. I had 9 books checked out from the library that I had accumulated and only 1 week to read. So, I did what any red-blooded English major would do. I read the first 10 pages, and if the book didn't grab me, I took it back. Suffice it to say, by the time I closed this one, I had read 54 pages. And naptime was over.

I have been on a "finding more happiness" kick in my reading recently, and this book really caught the essence of how serving and helping and giving will teach you to be happy. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the authors of the book have an incredible legacy of giving (think The Blind Side...) and being recognized for it.

I loved the occasional snarky writing, loved the down-to-earth personality of the authors, and just loved the message that you can ALWAYS find someone who needs what you have to offer, whether it be money, time or love.

"Insignifcant Moments" by Jeremy Asher

Insignificant Moments by Jeremy Asher is a book telling the story of three characters over a five year period. Jaye is a 27 year old librarian that is overly cautious in his life and is struggling with a quarter life crisis. Julie is a young woman trying to figure out how much compromise is too much in her marriage and when she will get the chance to have a say in her life. Anna is a young widow with two children who is searching for stability after her life fell apart following her husband's death.

The three characters, each in their own way, find strength in those small and seemingly insignificant moments. The book is predictable yet very charming. It was a feel good book that was a quick read for a day you want to be reminded to enjoy the moment. I suggest this for one of those rainy fall days when all you want to do is read a book and eat delicious fall soups!