The Guardian
By Nicholas Sparks  

     At the young age of 25, Julie Bareson had been forced to accept the fact that her husband Jim's life was slowly slipping away as a result of a terminal illness. In his last days, he promised her that she would never be alone-for his spirit would forever be a part of her daily existence. In addition, he arranged for her to receive an unexpected Christmas present after his death in the form of a Great Dane named Singer. He hoped this loyal companion would help ease some of the heartache that was sure to come with his passing.

     It has been four years since Julie watched helplessly as her beloved husband took his last breath. The devastation and grief she had experienced had been overwhelming. If it hadn't been for the support of Jim's best friend, Mike Harris, she didn't know if she could have withstood the emptiness that engulfed her heart. His help and support had gotten her through one of the darkest times in her life. She rebuilt her life by becoming a beautician. She enjoys her job and the various people it allows her to meet. She finds herself wanting to find out more about one of her clients: Richard Franklin. Richard's sophisticated charm makes her feel as though she is in a class by herself.

     Richard Franklin is an engineer who had just recently moved to Swansboro, Maryland to oversee a project for his company. The last thing he had expected was to fall for Julie Barenson. Could fate have led him to find the true love of his life?

     Mike Harris provided Julie the shoulder she needed when her husband died. Unexpectedly, he finds himself falling in love with this strong, courageous woman. He keeps his feelings a secret and hopes one day she will return his affections. He didn't count on being in competition with newcomer Richard Franklin. Will he be able to hide his jealously?

     Nicholas Sparks is an author who is in a league all by himself. With every book he creates he gains millions more worldwide fans. I was highly impressed with his ability to add just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to enhance his trademark emotional- depth writing style. The characters in this book create a love triangle that will not soon be forgotten. A writer such as this one is sure to go down in history as one of the greatest authors of all time. Very highly recommended.