This is the second Nicholas Sparks book that I have read; the first being The Notebook. This is a follow up to that book focusing on one of Noah's daughters. It was a decent read but not quite as engaging as The Notebook. It could be the "male perspective" that comes across so clearly to me. However, that being said, I suppose as a married woman, I should be glad to have a closer look at the "male perspective." I am getting used to Sparks' style of writing which I wouldn't say is quite chic lit.The story was a bit slow in the beginning but I really enjoyed the ending which turned out quite romantic. The book offers hope that marriages can be turned around for the better if a positive effort is put forth and both parties aren't quite ready to let go.

Okay so nobody died. Yay! Still, it was boring.It was basically this guy who was making calls the whole year to get things in order. I was waiting for a conflict but there was none whatsoever. That's a lot coming from someone who doesn't like conflict very much. It also got predictable halfway through the book. As in I knew, somehow, who the wedding was for. I think it was because she said her daughter would regret it if she didn't have a "proper wedding" ... but that's just me.The book was well written as in it was easy to read so it was okay. My major issue is in the story. I see why most women would love this book (that may sound stereotypical but, hey ...). I mean, who wouldn't want to feel like a queen and have her husband court her again ... and over and over again? I'd love that too but I feel for a guy who is faithful to his wife and did his best to provide for his family but, apparently, is still "majorly" flawed because ... I dunno, he couldn't say "I love you" all the time because it wasn't in his nature. It seems a bit petty. If, for example, he brought her perfume for their anniversary, one that he let his secretary pick, would he have known that she felt that way? Would she have cried? Would she go to NY to be away on her own? Also, I'm not an expert on being a parent and in marital affairs but would a mother go to her kids about marital issues? Would a mother burden her children about it? Hey why don't I make my son the shock absorber, never mind that he'll surely pick my side and hate his father afterwards. Again, I'm no expert but I think I'd go to my friends. Or my siblings, even. There's another side to this so why lay blame? Maybe she was too busy tending to the kids too that when they left, she, herself, didn't know what to do with the two of them being alone. She did bury and busy herself in redecorating the house after their kids left, right? And they didn't say in the book that she asked him to go away on vacation or anything. Men can be dense. Don't get me wrong. I loved that they made the marriage work in the end. Or I should say HE did something to make it work in the end. But people say a relationship is always a two-way street ...

This book was different in two ways. First, it was written in one person's point of view, the male character. Second, it is not a story about two people meeting and falling in love. No. These couple met and married each other. And the story starts off thirty years later. This book was so adorable. I thought it was realistic and it had zero percent cheesiness. I learned a lot about marriage from Wilson, the husband. I learned that marriage is a battle everyday where you have to fight to keep the romance alive. I also learned that in order to keep your marriage strong, you have to appreciate, compliment and listen to your spouse. And always be there and make them know that you'll always be there for them. What else can I say about this book? I loved the surprise ending of course! Nicholas always writes the best conclusions. And I am proud to say that i knew what would happen even though it wasn't obvious. Still, i was totally surprised! I also learned that if you want to get your spouse the perfect present, you don't need to worry about the details because it'll come from the heart and you'll know what to get him/her. I thought the present Wilson got was perfectly thoughtful and romantic. All in all, it was good to read something different for a change. I would really love to see this turn into a movie though.Side note:I just opened my very own blog! I'd be so happy to see people reading my reviews and telling me what they think of them. Join me and let's talk books ;) Here's the link:reemalomari.wix.com/literature-blogMy social media:Instagram: @reemobooksTwitter: @ReemoAlomariEmail: reem.alomari@gmail.comYoutube: reemobooks

Some of my friends here know how I feel about Mr. Sparks, and may wonder, "why the hell is she trying another of his books?" Well I ask myself the same question! However, I saw it on my shelf and the swans on the cover drew me. (Yes, sometimes I am easy). I blew off the dust (I've had it forever), and peeked at page one... 10 mins and 20 pages later I realized, "Well, I 'spose I'm giving Ole Sparks a chance again".If you are a fan of The Notebook, you may enjoy this sequel. Having been married for double digit years myself, I identified with Jane and Wilson's feelings. After a period of time, you settle into a routine, and may start to realize, what happened?Towards the end, I kept thinking "Ok, whos going to die? Who are you killing Sparks?". But no! He got me this time. I was totally surprised at the twist at the end, and found I actually enjoyed it! Whatever, Mr. Sparks. Whatever, indeed.

It's been a really long time since I've read this (probably about 12 years ago) and I thought since this is my wedding year it would be a good time for me to read it again! Although I remembered what happened, I loved reading this in a whole new light! I could definitely use some help from Wilson to finish planning my own wedding!