Alex Wheatley was acquiring grey hair by the age of 32. Following his release from the Army in the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), he married the love of his life and produced two beautiful children. Kristin, just beginning school, and Josh, in grade school, lost their mother several years ago. Alex and the children now struggle to cope with their devastating loss. The devoted father he is keeps Alex on the go with operating the small town store in Southport, North Carolina, that was purchased from his in-laws at the time he and his wife were married.

Having no wish to involve himself with anyone other than his children, Alex is surprised at his spark of interest in the new waitress at the restaurant who seems very withdrawn and sad. Katie is a runaway wife from an abusive husband. Escaping from Boston after much planning, Katie finds her way to Southport and rents a small deserted cabin. She finally befriends her new neighbor, Jo, and is able to share some of her story. The children draw Alex and Katie together and over a period of time they desperately fall in love.

But Kevin Tierney, Katie's husband, after much searching, has finally located her. Drunk, furious and insane, Kevin sets in motion a plan to eliminate her forever. Will Alex be able to save her and his children in time?

SAFE HAVEN is a wonderful story portraying the life of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Katie is a tender soul who was terrified every minute her husband was around. Her friend Jo is a wonderful and emotional surprise. I loved the thrill and mystery in the story, which is woven together with nostalgia and devotion. I never miss a story by Nicholas Sparks!!

Book Summary

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self- effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.