Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks (Audio Book)

Book Description:
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her ... a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards ... and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

My Thoughts:
This was a great book! Katie is running from her abusive husband and lands in Southport. There she does her best to be unnoticed by everyone, but since it is a small town where everyone knows everyone else, she is noticed by EVERYONE. She takes a job as a waitress and is doing well staying under the radar and making no friends until Jo moves in next door. Jo becomes a friend and confidant. Then Katie meets Alex and his kids. That is when her life starts to get tricky....especially because her husband is still looking for her.
I was amazed at how the author used the overtone of abuse through the whole book, but made it to where it wasn't ALL the book was about. It is a very sensitive subject and was handled wonderfully. Katie, Alex, Jo and wonderful characters. Well developed and very believable. I love how the author wrote about Katie's husband, it was a realistic mindset for someone who is abusive. You almost feel sorry for the guy, Kevin, even though you completely despise him! This was my first Nicholas Sparks book but it won't be my last. The narrator did a wonderful job and I very much enjoyed the voices!
Rated a 5/5 for me. It is a romance with suspense and a twist at the end. Wonderful book!

Thank you to Hachette for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.