In time for Valentine's Day - Nicholas Sparks' Dear John

I haven't read all of Nicholas Sparks' books, but I've read a lot of his early ones (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle) and some newer ones (Nights in Rodanthe). Even though he writes just about the saddest stories one can imagine sometimes, he writes them about these characters that you cannot help but love. Sometimes one of the characters is lost in life and finds his way after finding love . . . but the character was essentially a good person anyway, if they are able to make a turn around like that. And yes, you usually cry your eyes out at the end because something so tragic happens, you can't fathom it.

Dear John begins with John, a soldier, finding love with a sweet college girl named Savannah. Without giving the plot of Dear John away, I feel like Nicholas Sparks veered from the formula. I was pissed at the book's end. He had a gorgeous story, full of hope and love, and then . . . the ending. Instead of crying, I wanted to rip the book up! Read this book if you think love is a crock, and you'll feel much better on Valentine's Day.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it . . . and I plan on seeing the movie. This is the first time I've ever hoped that a movie will not be exactly like the book!

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Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin loves to tackle awkward situations. Her debut novel, Something Borrowed explores what happens when your best friend falls in love with the love of your life, they get engaged, then her new fiancee falls in love with you. It's the same story with her latest novel, Love the One You're With. I knew I had to read it, regardless of the fact that the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song of the same name was a "theme" for a spring break once spent in the Bahamas.

Giffin does not disappoint. Her main character, Ellen, has just recently married the greatest guy ever, Andy. Good-looking, successful and a true Southern gent, the two are starting their lives together in NYC, when out of the blue, Ellen runs into her ex, Leo. Leo, "the one that got away," is the exact opposite of Andy - a hipster writer with dark hair and dark moods. To say their relationship ended badly is an understatement. Leo contacts Ellen after their run-in about a possible photo shoot, as Ellen has become a well-known photographer. Ellen is torn between her past and her present when all of a sudden she is presented with a life-changing decision. What will she do?

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Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

Looking for something light and fun to read? But maybe a little suspense, too? Check out Mary Kay Andrew's Savannah Blues. The laughs begin when we learn that the protagonist, Weezie Foley, is living in the carriage house of her former home, while her ex-husband lives in the big house with his new fiancee. Weezie is trying to make it on her own as an antiques dealer, and finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery when she decides to get a sneak peek at the biggest estate sale to hit Savannah.

When Weezie's boyfriend from high school, Daniel, shows up as the new chef at her best friend BeBe's restaurant, Weezie's life takes an interesting turn . . . officially hooking the reader in! Andrews has created some very likeable characters, and I'll guarantee you'll be planning a trip to Savannah after you finish! This fun southern novel is an easy and fun read - perfect for February!

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