“Safe Haven” a Satisfying Read

Nicholas Sparks has proven himself to be an amazing writer who never fails to grab his reader. His new book, entitled “Safe Haven,” continues this tradition.

The novel centers on Erin, a young woman who is living with her abusive husband in Dorchester. She has made attempts before to run away, but she has yet to summon the strength to keep going and never return.

But, after being controlled and beaten by Kevin for so long, she finally devises a foolproof plan to leave.  She concocts a plan that gives her enough time to make a safe departure before he realizes she is gone.

Erin makes her way down south and manages to get enough money for a small cottage by working at the local diner. In order to maintain her safety, she changes her name to Katie. The first person she meets is Jo, her neighbor and new best friend.  Jo convinces Erin to befriend Alex, a widowed man who lives nearby.

No one is aware of Katie’s past, and even as her relationship with Alex grows, she tries her best to keep it a secret out of fear that he will leave her.

For a while, Erin’s whereabouts remain a mystery to Kevin, but he eventually tracks her down. Drunk and disoriented, he makes his way to Alex’s home and sees Katie in the upstairs window. Instead of shooting her with his gun, he decides to set the store on fire. It does not take him long to coat the walls in gasoline and set it ablaze.

Miraculously, Katie manages to escape along with Alex’s two small children, but only to fall into the wrath of her estranged husband. While the kids run to safety, Kevin grabs Katie and holds a gun to her head.

The rest transpires in typical Nicholas Sparks fashion, but you will have to read it for yourself. 

“Safe Haven” is a wonderful story with a fantastic ending that can only be understood by reading the entire novel. Although I would consider the book to be a tear jerker, “Safe Haven” is also filled with love, perseverance, and determination.