YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK…..YOU WILL LOVE IT Nicholas Sparks has written a moving and heart-felt story about two young people whose love covers a lifetime. Be forewarned, if you don’t have a lot of time and a full box of tissues, don’t start because once you do, you won’t stop. This book was so wonderful. To be loved like Allie was would be absolutely wonderful. With so much out there to read, it was such a pleasure to read something that is so “real life” and truly wonderful. I cried much through-out the book.

It begins with Allie, young debutant from the city who has come with her parents to their summer home. Soon, she meets Noah, a local boy who lives near Allie’s parents’ house and works at the local lumber mill. After a while, the two begin going steady and they develop very deep feelings for each other. However, Allie’s mother informs her that the family will be leaving to go back to their regular home. Allie is crushed by the news, and she sadly goes to tell Noah. A fight ensues between the two, and both say things they really don’t mean. Allie enrolls in college, and Noah enlists in the Army and serves in Europe.

After the war, Noah returns home and buys a local plantation home that is very run-down. But he restores it to immaculate condition over time. The story of the house soon reaches the local press, and Noah’s handy work appears on the front page of many papers. Meanwhile, Allie served as a volunteer nurse during the war. She met a young officer named Lon, who she’s fallen madly in love with. However, she sees the story of Noah’s house and she realizes that she must see it for herself. Soon, she’s back with Noah, and all of the earlier feelings they shared come rolling back like a tidal wave. Now, Allie must choose between Noah, her first love, and Lon, the successful lawyer and the man that cares very deeply for her now. She agonizes over her decision, but in the end, she makes the decision that she believes is best for her. Who will she choose?

I found this book a very fast read. This is my second Nicholas Sparks book, and as with MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, I also enjoyed THE NOTEBOOK very much. Both were tear jerkers. I really can’t say which book I enjoyed better, but I intend to read ALL his other books. This book is a definite MUST READ for all those who love a good romance, as I do.