I’ve been a huge Nicholas Sparks fan for years now and have read everything he’s written so of course I had to read this one too. The Lucky One was a good read, maybe not as good as some of his earlier ones but I still really enjoyed it.
This novel centres mainly on Logan, Elizabeth, and Keith-Elizabeth’s ex-husband; it is told to us from their points of view.
Logan was a soldier who had served in Iraq. While there he finds this photo with a beautiful woman in it and after finding nobody to claim it, he keeps it with him all the time. It ends up becoming his good luck charm. He and his friend Victor believe it’s what brings him through the war alive.
After he leaves the war, he takes his friend Victor’s advice and sets out to search for and find Elizabeth who is the lady in the photo although he doesn’t know this at the time. He has some clues from the picture itself on which direction to head and he sets out to walk hundreds and hundreds of miles to get there with his dog in tow. He doesn’t know what to think. Does he owe this woman something for keeping him alive during the war? The power of a thought and belief can be a lifesaver when trying to survive the daily nightmare of the war. Victor believes that it is Logan and Elizabeth’s destiny to be brought together.
Logan finds Elizabeth. She lives with her Nana and her son Ben. Elizabeth is a teacher but Nana runs a dog kennel/training business and Logan manaages to secure himself a job there. From this point the story takes off and we’re drawn into Logan and Elizabeth’s relationship and its developments, along with a lot more on her not so nice ex, Keith. He is a cop and comes from a very influential family in the area and doesn’t hesitate to use his control over anybody and everybody if it suits his advantage.
I really enjoyed the story although the flashbacks to the war I found boring and I really don’t think they added anything to the story. My favorite character was Elizabeth although I really liked Nana’s spunkiness too. As usual Sparks managed to draw me completely into the characters and the story. I liked that this one had the romantic aspect with a touch of suspense too. It started out slowly for me but when it took off I had a hard time putting it down. I had to know how it was going to end. I think fans of Nicholas Sparks will enjoy this new novel of his and as a true fan, I look forward to whatever he offers up next.
Many thanks to Miriam at Hachette for sending me yet another good book to enjoy!
I love Nicholas Sparks but I found that this book was lacking something. It wasn’t one of his better ones.
I enjoyed this one, too, – it was typical Nicholas Sparks to me.
I’m not the biggest Sparks fan, but your review is compelling. I might just give in. 😉
Oh, and I’m tagging you for the Butterfly Award!
love love love nicholas sparks.
i did enjoy this book!
there’s a review on my blog if you’re interested.
have a great week!
I enjoyed most of his books, especially the earlier ones. I might have to try this one too. Thanks for the great review, Dar! 🙂
I still havent read Nicolas Sparks.
Great review, it does sound good.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I’ve only read a couple of Sparks novels, but The Notebook is one of the few books that I’ve re-read several times. Sounds like an interesting premise and I’m always in the mood for a good love story. Glad you enjoyed this one, Dar!
I used to run out and buy Nicholas Sparks’ books the day they came out but I have not read his last several books. I think I had a little burnout on him.
Your review makes me want to pick up one of his books again.
I have never read a Nicholas Sparks book. I am hoping to get this one to read as my first. 🙂 Nice Review Dar.
Nely, I didn’t think it was one of his better ones either. I really miss what some of his earlier work had.
Kathy, yes, typical Sparks for sure.
Michele, thanks for the award. I appreciate it.
Sheri, I’ll have to check out your review.
Melody, Naida, thanks 🙂
Trish, I really enjoyed The Notebook too. It’s one of his best ones.
Jeanette, you can sometimes get too much of an author after a while. I think too when their later books don’t seem to have the same spark as earlier ones people tend to drift off. I still like to read his new ones though.
Toni, thanks. I’d be anxious to see what you’d think of it.
Agreed. I totally loved this book. It’s nice to kick back and enjoy a book like this.
I’ve read a few by Nicholas Sparks and would like to read this one eventually. The Notebook is on my all time favorite reads list 🙂
J.Kaye, I think so too. It’s an easy read. You don’t really have to think, just read. I like that once in a while.
Sam, I’ll be having a giveaway for my copy one day soon here. I loved The Notebook as well.
This is in my TBR pile, and I can’t wait to read it. I typically enjoy Nicholas Sparks books and feel they’re good, light reads for in between those heavier books.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
My mom is a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and recently read this one. She really liked it. I’ve only read one of his books so far, The Notebook, which I loved.
Hello Dar,
I see you don't have contact info, and I am sorry to post under Sparks, but do you consider ARCs for review? You can research me at Ara13.com and on Amazon for Drawers & Booths. If you are interested, please reply via ara13c@yahoo.com. Thanks. Ara
my mom has read all of his books too. her fave was prob the wedding, because she was SOO surprised by the ending. his most recent books have lacked some spark..she hasn’t read this one yet though. she really disliked the choice (the 2nd most recent book).
I liked it too, and at least the ending didn’t make me sad/mad like most of his books do!
Anna, I agree. Sparks books are an easy read for me, that’s why I like them.
Wendy, the Notebook was one of my favorite books of his.
Bandit, I do agree on liking his earlier books better. I did too but I’m still a fan and I keep reading.
Mo, his books do tend to end sad sometimes don’t they. I liked the ending on this one.
I added the link to the ARC Challenge post.
this book is waiting for me to read, after I finish the one I am on I will start this one… great review! I too am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan!
Tena, thanks. I hope you’ll enjoy it. I’ll be watching for your review.
I just love all Nicholas Sparks book – and I enjoyed this one as well. My favourite is the notebook though!