A Bend in the Road

Although not one of his better stories, this book is both gripping and melancholy, with sprouts of joy. Usually, I have a few moments of torrential tears during a Sparks novel reading. But reading A Bend in the Road was more like a who-done-it (even though I figured it out pretty early on) with bits of romance interspersed. Until I read the last two sentences of the book, which had my face raining as expected. If you love Nicholas Sparks books, you'll enjoy Bend. If you're looking for a thriller, I'd recommend another of his novels, See Me (my favorite to date). But if romance and heartbreak is your thing (a-la Notebook) then this is a great substitute, even if it's not quite as good. 4/5 stars from me!

In all honesty, I read 60 pages in and had enough of dull images, plotlines you can see coming from the coast of California to the banal, small-town south--the kind that exists only in Hallmark movies. And then it occurred to me: Haven't I seen or read this before? It was so familiar, and so boring, that I just didn't bother to track down the source (if there was one). Maybe I've read too many mediocre novels for this one to hold my attention.

Another great romance with a twist of mystery from Nicholas Sparks. I could immerse myself in the characters and really feel their pain and joy and they traveled though both tragedy and new love. I gave this five stars, because I love Spark's consistent, flowing style of writing as well as great characters and story line.

Miles, a county deputy sheriff, lived in a small southern town. Married to his high school sweetheart, Missy, they lived a typical small town life. Missy was a stay-at-home Mom to their son Jonah. Missy was an avid runner and one evening finishing her run after dark, she was hit and killed by a hit-and-run driver. A thorough investigation turned up no leads. Miles had to assume both Mom and Dad roles for young Jonah who was tormented by recurring nightmares. The towns people felt much pity for their beloved deputy and his motherless son. so much so, that his teachers didn't press Jonah to fully learn his grade level but just promoted him to the next grade. Enter Miss Sarah Andrews, a new teacher who hailed from Baltimore, who was escaping from the heartache of a unexpected divorce. Miss Andrews was appalled that Jonah couldn't do the grade work and sent a note home to Miles requesting he come to talk with her. Miss Andrews having little to do said that she would tutor Jonah and help him get current with his work. A good relationship formed between Miss Andrews and Jonah, and eventually included Miles who became interested in dating her. They became a couple, Sarah inviting Miles to her parents home for Thanksgiving. Her parents lived in the same area and her college freshman brother was there also. During the months leading up to Thanksgiving, Miles had been still trying to locate Missy's killer, and was seriously hounding a hard drinking, kinda trouble maker. Miles was always taking the investigation to levels unheard of and not with the blessing of Charlie, the Sheriff and his boss. There are numerous twists and turns and unexpected events occurring to put suspense in the story. This is a good read.

Definitely not fave Nick Sparks book. Not even close. Parts of it, I felt were written by a child. Mostly the dialogue. The storyline wasn’t bad but not believable. It didn’t seem to get interesting until close to the end and at the point it felt rushed. If you skip this one, you won’t be missing much

I gave four stars instead of five because I figured out the secret person half way into the book. I thought some of that part of the story was a bit far fetched. Miles certainly needed some anger management counseling. I see it being made into a movie but think they'll have to tread gently in some of the police areas or it could go very bad in these 2016 times. I wanted more of the story and more in the ending, but I usually feel this way about a N.S. book. Still I know it will be a satisfying read and sometimes it doesn't have to be a deep read just one that makes you feel satisfied. I recommend.

This is one of the best books I have ever read.. Nicholas Sparks' books always have so much depth to them that you feel you have learned more about life after reading one of his books.. I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a heartwarming story.

* Spoiler Alert* : The story, like other Sparks' novels is endearing and heartwarming especially when there is a child involved. I like it and recommend it for everyone to read. I have two concerns, however, that considering her recent heartbreaking divorce Sarah seems to be attracted to Miles much too early after their 1st meeting, even before Miles himself is sure of his feelings for her. The second more serious concern is the abrupt ending. Their relationship becomes strained when they discover who has "killed" Mile's wife. Though he says he loves Sarah Miles needs time away to think while Sarah thinks that could well be the end of their relationship. By this time there are only about 2 pages left in the book, most of it describing another character. Then suddenly on the last half page Sarah, on coming home, sees signals on her window sill that tells Miles has decided to be back with her. End of story. I was stunned.

Nicholas Sparks seems to have carved a corner in the market for well written romance novels. I was surprised to learn how many have been made into films.This story is about a widow (US Sheriff) coming to terms with the loss of his wife while raising their young son. Meeting his son's teacher to discuss educational issues eventually leads to romance. Meanwhile the Sheriff continues to investigate his wife's death by a hit and run driver. There are a few unexpected twists and turns as the story progresses and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book.I would describe this book as ideal holiday reading. Plenty to keep you interested but not a heavy taxing read.

Love all of Sparks books and this is just as good as the others, they all follow the same formula but easy to read and engage with the characters

Lovely book, great story line. Little twist was great kept me wanting to keep reading. And of course a happy ending.

Whilst I enjoyed this book, I found it a little bit slow at the beginning. It was a good read, but not one of Sparks 's best books.

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