A Bend in the Road

A most eye-opening reading experience. Sparks takes the reader on a really twisting and turning ride on this "Bend" in his "Road" ! This novel really makes you want to keep reading on into the night, just to see 'what is Around the Bend in the Road.' For Me... the novel really made me think about my own life, as well as those loved ones with whom I live with, as well as those who are no longer sharing their life still on this earth. In my case-- both my parents--- THEY have found Their Own "Bend In The Road" !! Very enjoyable as well as RECOMMENDED novel ! ! !

• Spoiler Alert* : The story, like other Sparks' novels is endearing and heartwarming especially when there is a child involved. I like it and recommend it for everyone to read. I have two concerns, however, that considering her recent heartbreaking divorce Sarah seems to be attracted to Miles much too early after their 1st meeting, even before Miles himself is sure of his feelings for her. The second more serious concern is the abrupt ending. Their relationship becomes strained when they discover who has "killed" Mile's wife. Though he says he loves Sarah Miles needs time away to think while Sarah thinks that could well be the end of their relationship. By this time there are only about 2 pages left in the book, most of it describing another character. Then suddenly on the last half page Sarah, on coming home, sees signals on her window sill that tells Miles has decided to be back with her. End of story. I was stunned.

3.75 Stars

October Book Club Book Review

I have mixed emotions about this book, I liked it but I didn't love it. Since reading "Dear John" I have stayed away from Nicholas Sparks books. I enjoy watching the movies but the books just aren't for me. However, I didn't have a choice with this one, since it was a book club read. I'm glad I read it though it was a quick and easy read. It won't be at the top of my recommendation list but as a Nicholas Sparks book goes I would chose this one over others.

One thing I found interesting was the writing style. Sparks starts the novel off with the narrator recalling how events of his life intertwine with those of the hero and heroine. By doing this the reader is able to feel sympathy for the narrator while he retells the story of how Miles and Sarah learn to love again after tragic events uproot both of their lives.

Miles Ryan is a small town county sheriff with a 7 year old son, Jonah. Miles and Jonah's lives were turned upside down 2 years prior when tragedy strikes and Miles and Jonah bury a wife and mother. Miles is left with no answers and no one to charge for the crime that was committed. After years of obsession he finds himself looking ahead and wanting to rebuild a life. One with love, and happiness, one with a wife.

Sarah Andrews has just moved to New Bern after leaving her hometown of Baltimore to be closer to her parents after a nasty divorce. She isn't looking for love considering she had been burned deeply by her ex-husband. But when a student in her class is in need of extra help she meets Deputy Ryan and sparks fly.

Neither one of them expected for their feelings to come so fast and so hard, and when a secret is revealed that could rip apart the very love story they created, forgiveness and understanding may be their only hope.

I just started reading Nicholas Sparks novels, and I love his books so far. I will also keep reading them despite the fact that “A Bend In The Road” left me feeling disappointed and with a bit of dismay . The disappointment stems from holding out hope for character redemption which never comes and only gets shockingly worse paired with the other main character as fully accepting of the toxic behavior. I understand the trauma and ghosts the protagonist is struggling with, but I expected much more grace and maturity in his character which left me feeling disappointed rather than hopeful and fulfilled (which I’m a simple reader who hopes for this every time). The protagonist’s shortcomings are not even mentioned in the discussion topics at the end of the story which surprised me as that was the main question left in my mind. It just left me with an “eh” feeling after the dismay fizzled out. Anywho, on to the next Nicholas Sparks novel with hope and enthusiasm!