The Guardian

Spoiler alert! Do not read this review if you’ve not read the book! I thought it was okay. But I admit I’m very different in my likes in comparison with most people. I like animals more than people so that skews my opinions. I can’t even watch a Disney movie because it seems inevitable that an animal will die. . .even if it supports the meaning of the book. . .I just can’t handle it. So I was very ticked at the ending of this book. . .but I have to say in the back of my mind I figured it’s how it would end, but was hoping the point could be made without that happening. I was more disappointed that the humans didn’t die, if the dog had to die. Harsh I know, but it’s just the way I feel. So I’m sure most readers would be fine with this book, but for those of us who are especially sensitive toward animals, I’d skip this book. I’ve had animal lover friends who adored this book but they don’t share the same sensitivity I have towards animals.

This story was not written by Nicholas Sparks. Its too bad when a fairly good writer has to resort to deception in order to continue to publish. This book was poorly edited and was written by someone other than Nicholas Sparks. How do I know? Ive not only read all his books, but Ive edited professionally for decades. Go ahead and read it, but dont be fooled by the writers name.

This is a book every dog lover will like. Julie Barenson becomes a widow at twenty five when her husband dies from a brain tumor. That first Christmas she receives a gift: a great dane puppy purchased for her by her husband with a letter written before he died that the dog will be there to comfort and protect her, that he (her husband) will always be watching out for her from wherever he is, and that she should be on the lookout for that person who will be her love for the rest of her life. Still it takes four years for her to be ready to move on, but in that four years the puppy, who she names Singer, becomes the protector that makes her feel safe, going everywhere with her, even to work at the beauty salon. After dating several men, she discovers her husband’s best friend is the man she falls for. But somewhere along the way she acquires a stalker. Now her life will never be the same.

I’m a dog lover and could identify with Julie’s feelings for her beloved dog. That is the only part of the book that evoked tears from me. I am a fan of Nicholas Sparks’ books since The Notebook, the best one he ever wrote as far as I’m concerned because none of the others have outdone it. I also loved Safe Haven, but The Notebook is still my favorite and probably always will be. This book did not draw me in as quickly as the others. It took me a while to get into it and want to keep reading it. That is not usual for his books. The small town was realistic for me, as I was reared in one. Some of the characters were more developed than others. I thought Julie and Mike were well developed and so was the beauty shop owner. I don’t expect minor characters to be as well developed as the major ones. The villain was well developed. The saddest part of the book for me was about the poor, loyal dog. I can’t say more without giving away the story. My favorite part was how Jennifer, the rookie cop, showed her partner that she didn’t need him to teach her the ropes. I also enjoyed the beauty shop owner and found her realistic. I will continue to read his books, but this one did not evoke my emotions as much as The Notebook and Safe Haven. This book seemed to drag in the beginning, not the middle as some do. It was predictable as well. I did not like the ending to this one as much as I have others, because of my real favorite character, the dog. Author BJ Robinson, author of Azalea Plantation series and others

Romance and thriller all in one. Julie is a young widow having recently started dating. Mike was her late husband’s best friend who has patiently been waiting for Julie to see him as something other than a friend. Richard is the charming newcomer, an engineer consulting on a bridge project nearby. Doesn’t take long to realize Richard is not quite what he seems. Of the supporting characters, Jennifer, the rookie cop, is my favorite. And of course Singer, the Great Dane. But don’t read the last third of the book just before going to bed.

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