Page Count:  322

Author:  Nicholas Sparks

Publisher:  Warner Books

ISBN:  0-446-53243-6

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Drama

Dove's (Personal) Review:  A great love story; but since this is a Sparks novel, could you expect anything less?
     There are some fascinating characters in this one. Jeremy Marsh, a writer from New York, travels down to Boone Creek, NC to investigate the mysterious lights that keep appearing in a local cemetery. He's famous for explaining the unexplained, and cracking unsolved mysteries.
     Lexie Darnell, the local librarian, was raised by her grandmother after her parents were killed. Her library becomes Jeremy's research center.
     Doris, Lexie's grandmother, is also known around town as a "Diviner." She can find water when/where other people can't. She's also famous for being able to predict the sex of unborn babies. Women come from miles away to have Doris touch their expectant tummies. She's also "the boss" at Herbs, the diner in town.
     Tom Gherkin, Mayor of Boone Creek: a very bad dresser (and ridiculed daily because of his yellow pants/purple shirts combinations), and overly friendly. He befriends Jerermy instantly, hoping that Jeremy will write an article about Boone Creek which will put the town "on the map" so to speak. He's your run-of-the-mill "busy body," always involved in other people's affairs.
      And "Jed," the town's Taxidermist; also the proprietor at Greenleaf Cottages (the only lodging in town). He terrifies Jeremy with his "dead animal skills."
     Obviously, when Jeremy and Lexie meet, it's practically love at first sight. But, how's this gonna work? He lives in New York City, and she's a native of Boone Creek, North Carolina. They come from two totally different backgrounds, with two totally different futures ahead of them. Is love enough?
     Nicholas Sparks has the uncanny ability of bringing love to life on the page. The only way to experience it, is to read it. And as far as the "lights in the cemetery" are concerned, Sparks will make a True Believer out of you too!
     The relationship that blossoms is highly predictable, but the ending will leave you breathless.
     GOLD-STAR, TWO THUMBS UP!!!