Carole's Sunday review: The Choice - Nicholas Sparks

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Title: The Choice

Genre: Romance & Fiction

Pages: 272

First Published: September 2007

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given as a gift)

Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life -- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies -- he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him...and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heartwrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

It has been SOOOO long since I have sat down with a Nicholas Sparks book. Yes, yes, he is known for his cheesy romances that pull at the heart. I am a romantic by nature, so I can't help but adore his books. For some reason, I have had a hard time picking this one up. It has been on my shelf for eons. But I finally decided enough was enough and to give a read.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO MY HEART MR SPARKS?! Ugh. 

This book is divided into two parts. 

Part 1: Goes over the beginning and how the two lovebirds found each other. 

Part 2: It has been years of happiness and love. However, Travis is face with a terrible choice to make. I will not spoil that, but it is a decision that would break the heart of even the most strong-willed person. I can't even imagine making this decision. Nope. 

The beginning was a little slow. I wanted to smack Gabby. She was so annoying and so unnecessarily bitchy to Travis. I liked Travis a lot. I felt bad for Kevin though....I was hoping he would end up with Stephanie in the end. 

I want to know more about Travis' friends and how they met their spouses. Honestly, I just wanted to know more about them and their stories. Maybe a short story some day?? *waggles brows*

The ending was good. I wasn't sure what to expect honestly. I had my hopes, but I had my doubts. There was a point I did cry. DAMMIT FEELS! It ripped my heart in two. SO SAD!!!!!!!! But the ending made the whole journey with it.

In the end, this was pretty good. The beginning was a touch slow and it took a while for me to like Gabby. I could hardly put down the rest of the book. So good, so much feels. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars. 

I now kinda want to re-read some the books I have already read. Mhmmmm....