Title: Every Breath
Author: Nicholas Sparks
First published October 16, 2018
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.05
Overview
can love truly conquer all?
Nicholas Sparks returns with a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and destiny in his latest novel, Every Breath. Hope Anderson has hit a rough patch in her life.
With her father’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis and her long-term boyfriend’s reluctance to commit, she heads to Sunset Beach, North Carolina to sell her family’s cottage and sort through her future. Tru Walls, a safari guide from Zimbabwe, arrives in Sunset Beach following a letter from a man claiming to be his father.
As the two strangers meet, their lives become intertwined in ways they never could have imagined. Every Breath is a poignant reminder that true love knows no bounds and can overcome even the most impossible obstacles.
About the Author
Nicholas Sparks is a beloved storyteller whose books have sold over 105 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 50 languages. He wrote his most famous book, The Notebook, at the age of 28 over a six-month period.
Since then, he has written many other novels, including The Last Song, Safe Haven, and The Return.
Sparks’ novels have been adapted into films, such as The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Dear John, with a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The musical adaptation of The Notebook featured music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
Sparks is also a philanthropist who contributes to various local and national charities. He is a major supporter of the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, providing scholarships, internships, and fellowships annually.
In 2006, he co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina. Sparks also coached track and field athletes at the local public high school, where the team he coached set a World Junior Indoor Record and US High School National Records.
In 2011, Sparks founded The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides scholarships and funds educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. The foundation, along with the Sparks family’s personal gifts, has distributed over $15 million to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects.
Thanks to the Sparks family covering all operational expenses, 100% of donations go towards programs.
Editoral Review
Every Breath, the latest novel by bestselling author Nicholas Sparks, is a poignant and heartwarming tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set in the idyllic seaside town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the novel follows the intersecting paths of Tru Walls, a safari guide from Zimbabwe, and Hope Anderson, a successful travel writer from North Carolina.
Sparks, a prolific writer known for his romantic dramas such as The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, delivers another emotional rollercoaster with Every Breath. The novel explores themes of family, fate, and the power of human connection against the backdrop of a picturesque oceanfront community, making it a perfect beach read.
Without revealing any major twists, the plot of Every Breath centers on the chance encounter between Tru and Hope, who meet by accident while on separate journeys of self-discovery. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, readers learn about the personal struggles, heartaches, and triumphs of both characters as they navigate their feelings and reconcile their pasts.
One of the strengths of Every Breath is Sparks’ vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural beauty of Sunset Beach, which serves as a metaphor for the characters’ internal journeys. His prose is lush and poetic, and readers will feel transported to the sandy shores and sunsets that frame Tru and Hope’s tale.
The character development in Every Breath is also commendable, with protagonist Tru Walls being a standout. Readers will root for him as he grapples with issues of identity, belonging, and familial ties.
The chemistry between Tru and Hope is electric and authentic, a testament to Sparks’ ability to create relatable and multifaceted characters. However, the pacing of the novel may be a tad slow for some readers, as Sparks takes his time in building up the emotional tension and the backstory of the characters.
Some of the plot twists may also be predictable for those familiar with Sparks’ previous works. Overall, Every Breath is a solid addition to Sparks’ oeuvre, showcasing his ability to write compelling romantic dramas with a touch of melancholy.
It may not break new ground in terms of genre conventions, but it does offer a satisfying and satisfyingly cathartic read for those seeking a poignant beachside romance. Readers who enjoy Sparks’ previous works, as well as fans of other romantic dramas like The Time Traveler’s Wife or One Day, will find much to love in Every Breath.
Its themes of fate, love, and the intricacies of human relationships will resonate with a wide audience, making it a perfect choice for book clubs, beach vacations, or solo indulgences. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
