I find myself eager for Sparks next book! I feel I am somewhat behind the curve, as I read "The Notebook" about the time the "Message in a Bottle" was released in hardback. I bought "Message" in the airport on my way out of town. When I read a Sparks book, I become totally consumed! I am a romantic - I admit that and this author knows how to touch my heart. If only my husband could write letters like Garrett!! I was disappointed that Theresa published his letters, but more disappointed that she did not tell him up front! Regardless, it is truly a wonderful story. Perhaps a little impossible, but what's wrong with that? Garrett's dream (if you've read the book, you know the one I mean) made me cry out loud!!! I finished the book at midnight (against the advice of my friend!) and had to watch HGTV in order to get it off my mind! I will be Sparks fan from this point on.

Nicholas Sparks has written many wonderful novels that I have read and enjoyed, but this has to be one of his best. I think he does a very nice job of letting you know who the characters are and bringing them to life. You can actually understand what the characters are going through, and you can relate to them throughout the book. Another reason I love Nicholas's novels so much is because they are all unpredictable. Everytime you think you know what is going to happen next, the complete opposite happens. Charachters make choices you never thought they would make, and you never know how the story will end. Message in a Bottle will make you laugh, but you will also shed a few tears. It is an amazing love story that doesn't have a happily ever after ending. I give this book five stars because it kept me turning the pages and never wanting to stop. The only thing that I think could have been done differently is the way he starts the book at the end and has the main character, Theresa is looking back on what had happened. This was very confusing for me because by the time I had gotten to the end I had forgotten how the story had began because the middle was so interesting. I definetly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Nicholas Sparks, or anyone who wouldn't mind shedding a few tears in a good love story.

I was given this book to read after my best friend had read it. She was wiping tears from her eyes as she finished the last chapter, ironically - we were driving home from a visit in Boston. I finished the book in 3 days - I couldn't put it down because it held my interest so strongly. It was a beautiful, yet disheartening love story; a lot like real life. I did not see the movie and I really don't want to. I still sit and think of Garrett; the way I pictured him and how he must have looked out on the boat that very first night him and Theresa sailed. I think Nicholas Sparks is a kind, sensitive, and talented author with concern for the feminine spirit - he sure knows how to touch a woman's heart. - even in The Notebook - another great book. I really enjoyed the book, and I encourage people to try and read it - I feel it's a good one.

As a huge Nicholas Sparks fan, I pre-ordered this book so I could read it immediately following its release. I was very disappointed! Not only was it lacking in passion and surprise, but it is nearly the same story I read in "Message in a Bottle". If you're thinking of reading a Nicholas Sparks book, I would definitely recommend skipping this one. "A Bend in the Road" and "The Rescue" are far better books, with deeper plots and well-rounded characters. "Nights in Rodanthe" is very one-dimensional and predictable. It was a big disappointment for this fan.

This is a typical Sparks read. I outgrew the bodice ripping romance novels years ago and have a distaste for romance in my mystery novels. But with this author I make an exception, "The Notebook and A Walk to remember" evoke strong emotions that a book normally wouldn't force to the surface. "Message in a Bottle
and Bend in the Road" were more modern stories that didn't move me as much. This novel hints on the emotions of his earlier works. Adrienne is looking for a way to reach her down Amanda who is drowning in grief over the death of her husband. She tells her daughter the story of one magical week spent at a bed and breakfast inn on the coast of the ocean. A man arrives looking for forgiveness on a death he caused while performing surgery on a patient. Adrienne is just looking to find meaning in her life after a bitter divorce. These two souls come together and pledge to make a life together. after he returns from Peru. This is a
typical Sparks story and I knew the ending long before we got there kept this book from being a 10. It is just the kind of books I need between mysteries and to keep hope alive in this world we live in.

After reading a few books of Nicholas Sparks, you think this one is going to be the same kind of "love story".
This is an encouraging novel for grown-ups who have lost the hope of falling in love once again.