Helpful Score: 6
a man believes an unknown woman's photograph is his lucky charm and so he felt like it's his responsibility/ destiny/ calling to find her, meet her, thank her and tell her how she "saved" his life when he was at war. of course he found her and that's where it all begins.
a very easy read from nicholas sparks. i liked the beginning and middle of the story as it gives you this "omg-there's-trouble-up-ahead" kinda feeling of excitement but unfortunately it failed to deliver in the end. i felt the ending was too abrupt and it lacked a satisfying finish. there really wasn't anything special for me in this book. but what the heck, it's a love story from a popular author who gave us The Notebook and Dear John and made us all lovesick and mushy. give it a try, maybe it's the story for you.
a very easy read from nicholas sparks. i liked the beginning and middle of the story as it gives you this "omg-there's-trouble-up-ahead" kinda feeling of excitement but unfortunately it failed to deliver in the end. i felt the ending was too abrupt and it lacked a satisfying finish. there really wasn't anything special for me in this book. but what the heck, it's a love story from a popular author who gave us The Notebook and Dear John and made us all lovesick and mushy. give it a try, maybe it's the story for you.
Helpful Score: 5
I feel like all of my ratings are four or five stars, but truth be told if I don't enjoy a book I won't finish it. So, I won't be able to review or rate it. I have started many of Nicholas Sparks books and haven't quite finished all of them. I know I am a seriously disturbed person to not be enthralled with this writer, sorry. I have to say though, I did read this one cover to cover and didn't want to put it down. The story was wonderful. It's a very interesting concept. A marine in Iraq finds a picture of a young woman during his tour of duty and afterwards experiences luck at every turn. He starts winning poker games (before he never won any) and even survives deadly combat. When he returns to the US he can't get the woman from the photo out of his mind, so he searches her out and goes to find her, romance ensues and the secret he keeps about why he came to North Carolina could destroy them. It's a beautiful story.
Helpful Score: 4
I really loved this book! It's destiny, bringing two strangers together by way of a lost picture! Can Nickolas ever really go wrong? His books capture the struggles and sometimes tragedies of life, add touches of humor and love, and keep me turning pages in anticipation of a heartful triumph!
Helpful Score: 4
This is the second book read I've read by Sparks, the first one recently was True Believer, both books were so good. Sparks does seem to keep repeating the same elements, e.g. the lonely stranger; Logan in The Lucky One and Jeremy in True Believer. It is not something that gets old both books while have some of the same elements are fresh and orignal in the classic love story that they both tell. The Lucky One as well is filled with some twists and I found myself stopping a couple of times in surprise at whatever detail came about. The ending specificially had my heart racing.
A great read for any lazy day!
A great read for any lazy day!
Helpful Score: 3
Another book by Nicholas Sparks that does not dissappoint. Read it in a day. My favorite so far. The characters come alive & you feel everything the writer writes about. Was dissappointed when I was done reading it as I did not want it to end. This will be a great movie too. Don't pass this one up. A great story by one of the best. Now I know why I buy all his books!
Helpful Score: 2
I am a big Nicholas sparks fan. I found this book a little slow and I was surprised.
It can not compare to his other books.
It can not compare to his other books.
Helpful Score: 2
I really liked this book... I dont think it was one of his very best but up there... My favorite of his has to be the choice... but i loved this one all the same... Plenty of romance, heartbreak, and suspense to keep you rapidly turning the pages until the end!!
Helpful Score: 2
I am an avid Nicholas Sparks fan and this was another one of his books I really enjoyed. This book was hard to put down as it had several "twists" in it and it was exciting to see what would happen next. It is easy to fall in love with at least one of the main characters in his books and this one definatly had a couple of great main characters. It ended on such a great note and in a way that was unexpected. I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 2
This was a sweet little book that was an easy read. I did like the book as well as the characters but found it very predictable. It is full of Vietnam flashbacks as well as love of dogs and children. If your looking for a present day love story you will enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 2
This was an amazing book. Great for any style reader. Very well written.
Helpful Score: 1
The book was a real page turner. This is one of Nicholas Sparks' best along with "The Notebook" and "Dear John". Great ending. After reading the end the epiloge was a real surprise.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked the book, it moved a little slow and the characters did not quite live up to hype about the author. All in all a good read but not up there as one of my favorites of all time.
Helpful Score: 1
There has never been a Nicholas Sparks book that I didn't like. This one just ended great!
Helpful Score: 1
I have read several of Nicholas Sparks' books, but not more than three or four. I was impressed by the characterization in The Lucky One, as well as the rather odd theme, thrust, momentum, whatever you want to call it. The story line is boy meets girl, the the method in which they meet is unique. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book, I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and really enjoyed this particular one. I could hardly put it down. Would highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great book by Nicholas Sparks. Other than the Notebook by this Author this is my second favorite book by him. I hope you will enjoy it as much as well.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great book from Nicholas Sparks. Interesting storyline with a few extra twists. Kept my attention and it was hard to put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was absolutely amazing, just like all the other Nicholas Sparks books I've read. Much better then the movie in my opinion, the last few pages had me in tears, what an awesome story!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was ok....very slow, took almost more than half of the book for something to happen. I keep giving Nicholas Sparks the benefit of the doubt, always to be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book it was hard to get past the 1st chapter but after that it was great.
Helpful Score: 1
Such a well-written story, and, as usual, better than the movie. Nicholas Sparks knows how to make me cry at just the right moments. I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Nicholas Sparks has been captivating readers with unforgettable love stories for over a decade. His new release, The Lucky One, comes next after Nights in Rodanthe, an earlier Spark's novel adapted into a screen play that is currently showing and starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.
The hero of this story is Logan Thibault, a United States Marine, who served three tours of duty in Iraq. On his last tour in Iraq, he finds a photo of a beautiful young lady in the sand. He displays the picture on the base bulletin board, but no one claims it. Since there was no claimant for the picture, he carries it in his pocket.
Victor, his best Marine buddy, insists the photo is Logan's lucky charm that will bring him good luck and he should carry it always. After winning poker games, surviving deadly battles, and then losing his closest friends, he returns home to Colorado with his lucky photo intact. Later, Logan cannot get the photo out of his mind and with his dog Zeus; he embarks on a adventurous cross country trek on foot to discover his destiny.
During his travels he analyzes the photo and notices three extremely large pine trees in the background which lead him to Hampton, North Carolina where he meets Elizabeth Clayton and her son Ben. Elizabeth is the woman in the picture. Logan's secret of the photo stays with him during the beginnings of their relationship.
Logan obtains work as a dog trainer for Elizabeth and her mother. He befriends Ben and replaces the father-son relationship which formerly had been with his real dad. This bond waned because Ben did not live up to the father's expectations of a jock, as he liked to play chess and the violin.
As Thibault' s relationship turns to love, Elizabeth's ex-husband, Keith Clayton, the Sheriff of Hampton, interferes and manipulates their lives to his benefit. Conflict abounds in this love story with an exciting conclusion for these three main characters that invigorate the human heart. The Lucky One is a meaningful novel for the romantic in all of us which would make an inspiring movie.
The hero of this story is Logan Thibault, a United States Marine, who served three tours of duty in Iraq. On his last tour in Iraq, he finds a photo of a beautiful young lady in the sand. He displays the picture on the base bulletin board, but no one claims it. Since there was no claimant for the picture, he carries it in his pocket.
Victor, his best Marine buddy, insists the photo is Logan's lucky charm that will bring him good luck and he should carry it always. After winning poker games, surviving deadly battles, and then losing his closest friends, he returns home to Colorado with his lucky photo intact. Later, Logan cannot get the photo out of his mind and with his dog Zeus; he embarks on a adventurous cross country trek on foot to discover his destiny.
During his travels he analyzes the photo and notices three extremely large pine trees in the background which lead him to Hampton, North Carolina where he meets Elizabeth Clayton and her son Ben. Elizabeth is the woman in the picture. Logan's secret of the photo stays with him during the beginnings of their relationship.
Logan obtains work as a dog trainer for Elizabeth and her mother. He befriends Ben and replaces the father-son relationship which formerly had been with his real dad. This bond waned because Ben did not live up to the father's expectations of a jock, as he liked to play chess and the violin.
As Thibault' s relationship turns to love, Elizabeth's ex-husband, Keith Clayton, the Sheriff of Hampton, interferes and manipulates their lives to his benefit. Conflict abounds in this love story with an exciting conclusion for these three main characters that invigorate the human heart. The Lucky One is a meaningful novel for the romantic in all of us which would make an inspiring movie.
Helpful Score: 1
This one just bored me to tears. I never got past the second chapter
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! From the first page, I was hooked into the story. I thought it was believeable and had a great storyline. I am sad that I've already finished this book and would gladly order another Nicholas Sparks book - and hope to find the continuation of this story down the road! LOVED it!!
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not a fan of Nicholas Sparks but this was a fairly good book.
I don't usually read a lot of Nicholas Sparks books or other books like them, but I saw the preview for the movie and decided to read this one. I really enjoyed it. It is a wonderful romance story with well developed characters. One of the few books that actually had me in tears as I read it.
Another good Nicholas Sparks. A very fast read, finished it in about 2 days.
This book is what I consider an "easy read". The book had a problem, but it was solved without stressing the reader. There was a villain, but not too evil. There was a child, but not too cute. There was a grandma, but not too sugary sweet. It was a story that could really happen. It would be easy to identify with any character of this book. This story was as realistic as realistic fiction is intended to be. A typical Nicholas Sparks book: setting, characters, and plot.
I enjoyed this book. It ended differently than I thought it would.
Good romance and suspense
This is another one of those excellent stories like "The Notebook". Loved this love story!!!
The story was very moving and kept you interested through the book. It was remarkable how he found the girl in the picture with very few clues. He and his dog had a long walk to go over his past and to look forward to a good future.
I would recommend it.
I would recommend it.
Loved this love story. It was suspenseful at times and that was a nice change of pace. So much better than the movie!
Very good story line. Minimum violence and language.
The author totally lost me when referring to the main character being in burke county 2-days prior(184 miles away). Shortly after that he stated he averaged 20 miles per day walking. I was under the impression that this author was a NC author and seemed to be all the rage for good NC non-fiction based on factual geographical details ... I must be missing something.
I'm not normally a romantic novel type of gal, but when I was put in a situation to sit for hours with no means of entertainment I resorted to buying a book to pass the time, that book was this one. It surprised me, and after a few pages I didn't want to put it down. The book has more to it then the movie. I even cried a few times.
As always a great Nicholas Sparks book, thoughtful, meaningful, sad, funny and a great ending.
One of my favorite by Nicholas Sparks!
This book does not disappoint! I hope the movie is half as good!
The first chapter seemed to be promising, but a few chapters later I found that I was bored. Yet another disappointing Nicholas Sparks book. The Lucky One should have been named The Yucky One. I know many people love his books, but he has only written a couple books that have made me say "Wow!"
This one, however, just put me to sleep.
This one, however, just put me to sleep.
Starts off very slow and couldn't keep my attention, never even finished the book.
This is the second book I have read by Nicholas Sparks, and I have loved them both. I don't normally read books like this so I don't ever know if I will enjoy them when I do, but this book did not disappoint. We decided to read this as a group read because of the movie coming out. I can say that I may not have read it otherwise, but I am really glad that I did.
The main character is Logan Thibault. He is a former Marine who served more than his fair share in the war. He finds a picture in the sand one morning and posts it on a board thinking that someone will claim it, but no one does. He decides to take it back and carries it with him everywhere. His friend Victor tells him that it is his good luck charm, but he doesn't believe in that type of stuff. He begins to wonder though when he lives through ordeals that others don't. His fellow soldiers start looking at him like he made a deal with the devil. Once out and back home in Colorado he struggles to get past it all. Victor tells him that he must find the woman in the picture, that he owes her. One day he just starts walking and ends up in North Carolina. There he finds her and their lives both change.
This book is not overly exciting or suspenseful, but it is good. It is a nice love story. The whole story is interesting. I will say that there are parts that are very sad and there are parts that will have you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this book and I actually want to watch the movie now.
The main character is Logan Thibault. He is a former Marine who served more than his fair share in the war. He finds a picture in the sand one morning and posts it on a board thinking that someone will claim it, but no one does. He decides to take it back and carries it with him everywhere. His friend Victor tells him that it is his good luck charm, but he doesn't believe in that type of stuff. He begins to wonder though when he lives through ordeals that others don't. His fellow soldiers start looking at him like he made a deal with the devil. Once out and back home in Colorado he struggles to get past it all. Victor tells him that he must find the woman in the picture, that he owes her. One day he just starts walking and ends up in North Carolina. There he finds her and their lives both change.
This book is not overly exciting or suspenseful, but it is good. It is a nice love story. The whole story is interesting. I will say that there are parts that are very sad and there are parts that will have you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this book and I actually want to watch the movie now.
Nicholas Sparks lives up to his high standard of intriguing material in this book.
When asked to list my favorite authors...he is in the top 5. Highly recommend any of his writings.
When asked to list my favorite authors...he is in the top 5. Highly recommend any of his writings.
great book
This book is awesome! I like the story line, as well as the way the writer writes it. Many people can tell a story, but it takes a certain author to make it intruiging!
One of my favorites from the amazing Nicholas Sparks!!!
It was a really good book.
Must read for all Nicholas Sparks fans and anyone who is dating someone in the service! You will love it!
This is my first Nicholas Sparks book and looked forward to an inspiring love story after his notorious reputation. However, this story was slow, predictable, and rather dry. His remarkable craft for writing however did draw me into the book. I will not give up hope though.... I hear his true authorship is dearly found in his earlier works.
While you can say it is a predictable read, it was a nice story to read while relaxing on vacation on the beach.
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was very in depth.
Good story, it kept my attention and I finished it pretty quickly! The ending realllyyy had me pulled in, I didn't want to put it down!! I've only had a few of Sparks' books, and I'm really glad I got this one!
Another good read by Nicholas Sparks!
However, it was not my favorite.
Good story, but the ending is a bit choppy. Maybe a sequel is in the works???
Still worth the read, though!
However, it was not my favorite.
Good story, but the ending is a bit choppy. Maybe a sequel is in the works???
Still worth the read, though!
I tried to read this book but I just couldn't get into it. I have read a few of his other books and this one didn't seem to flow like his earlier work. I was bored with in the first chapter.
The storyline was interesting and kept my interest throughout the whole book and all the characters (except one) are very likeable. The very ending left me unsatisfied though. The final outcome just was not what I was hoping for. All in all this was a good book--quick and easy to read. I would recommend it.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are enjoyable and it is a great story.
Karee
Karee
This was a good book. I actually enjoyed it a little more than some of Sparks' more recent books. At times it was a little slow, but once the love interest is established the plot starts moving along. The ending is good, but a little sad. a good book overall. Recommended.
Could not put this one down!!!! The N.S. book ranks up there with the Notebook and Walk to Remember. LOVED IT!
I found the story slow and tough to get into. I had to start it twice before sitting down a third time and just reading the whole thing. While it was an enjoyable story, I have other Sparks favorites. It reminded me of something I've read before, though I can't put my finger on it. It just seemed familiar- nothing special.
Good book, but not his best.
I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and while I am certainly glad I read this book, it was not one of my favorites by him.
The first few chapters are interesting but then the plot just goes flat. I think the relationship between the characters could have been developed a whole lot better.
The ending was not what I expected and you are almost not even sure how it ends until you read the epilogue.
IMO - Worth the read but one I will be passing along.
The first few chapters are interesting but then the plot just goes flat. I think the relationship between the characters could have been developed a whole lot better.
The ending was not what I expected and you are almost not even sure how it ends until you read the epilogue.
IMO - Worth the read but one I will be passing along.
Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing for you. I have read most of his books, and they are a bit cookie-cutter and predictable, but sometimes I like a fairy-tale ending! A fast read, and would be a good beach or vacation book.
i loved it. if you like nicholas sparks, you will not be let down by this one.
As always, Nicholas Sparks keeps my interest in such a way, that it's hard to put the book down. I loaned the book out and they read it in one day.
When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault is on his third Iraq duty, he finds the picture of a smiling girl in the dirt. On the back is a simple message "Keep Safe! E.". Thibault decides to pick it up and try to give it back to it's owner. He puts the picture on a board at the entrance of the computer center, where he's sure the owner will see it and claim it. After a about a week, Thibault notices that the picture is still there. On a whim, he decides to pick up the picture and keep it. It's not until a few things happen and his life is spared, that his friend, Victor, points out that Thibault's luck has improved since he has gotten the picture. Thibault decides to keep the picture for good luck.
After Thibault returns home, he decides to go and search for the girl in the picture. There are very few clues in the picture, but he eventually finds her. Not telling her about the picture, he applies for a job with Elizabeth, who is not only a teacher, but she also helps her grandmother with their dog kennel. Thibault also learns that not only has she been married before, but she also has a son. Will Thibault be able to tell Elizabeth about the picture or will he even be able to deal with all that Elizabeth has on her plate?
The Lucky One is a breezy book, to say the least. I've read a few of Nicholas Sparks' novels before, because my sister is a huge fan. To me, his books are too predictable, and that makes them boring to me. This one had such potential going in to it, but I could guess just about everything that happened. Now, I'm not saying this is a bad book, because it's not and it did have me drawn it, I just like books that have twists that you can't predict. Although, if you're a Nicholas Sparks fan, than I'm sure you'll love this one.
reposted http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com
After Thibault returns home, he decides to go and search for the girl in the picture. There are very few clues in the picture, but he eventually finds her. Not telling her about the picture, he applies for a job with Elizabeth, who is not only a teacher, but she also helps her grandmother with their dog kennel. Thibault also learns that not only has she been married before, but she also has a son. Will Thibault be able to tell Elizabeth about the picture or will he even be able to deal with all that Elizabeth has on her plate?
The Lucky One is a breezy book, to say the least. I've read a few of Nicholas Sparks' novels before, because my sister is a huge fan. To me, his books are too predictable, and that makes them boring to me. This one had such potential going in to it, but I could guess just about everything that happened. Now, I'm not saying this is a bad book, because it's not and it did have me drawn it, I just like books that have twists that you can't predict. Although, if you're a Nicholas Sparks fan, than I'm sure you'll love this one.
reposted http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com
This is a very good book about a marine vet looking for his good luck person.
True to Nicholas Sparks' style, it left you wondering, smiling, angry and then smiling again.
This book was overall pretty good. A quick read.
It had quite a different ending than Sparks usually gives his stories....so it was a bit unexpected. It was a bit vague, and it felt like it was thrown together at the last minute.
It had quite a different ending than Sparks usually gives his stories....so it was a bit unexpected. It was a bit vague, and it felt like it was thrown together at the last minute.
Another great love story by Nicholas Sparks.
Interesting and exciting!
This book had a good story line with a twist for the ending. I have a copy of this posted here, but it is under a different ISBN# if you want a copy.
Great book! Easy to read of course, and has a surprisingly happy ending (sometimes Sparks can get all dark on ya). Looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes to DVD
A very touching story. I really enjoyed this book.
This book is good, just like the rest of his books. It kept my interest with good characters.
No wonder this was a New York Times bestseller ~ Mr. Sparks is a master story teller. This is the first time I've read anything written by him, but I am hoping to find other masterpieces by him.
One of the greatest love stories ever written! Sparks does not disappoint!
Loved this book... it was so sweet and tender. Very quick read, good for beach or before bed.
Typical Nicholas Sparks ,but I quite enjoyed it! Felt at times like I was reading a movie script...funny I shold mention that as it is being made into a motion picture with Zac Efron
After the first 2 chapters, i was confused as to how these characters were related, and once I realized what was going on, that was a fun surprise. Other than that, the book is predictable, safe, and heartwarming. There's nothing to dislike about the characters, with the exception of 1 unlikely detail: When Elizabeth and Logan are cooking tacos together, she says Ben will eat 2 and she eats 1. I laughed out loud. Who eats ONE taco as a MEAL?? Yeah right.
I thought some of the detail was unnecessary (all the cooking details read like a recipe cookbook...which was not what i'm here for). But really, overall, it was a fun, light snack.
I thought some of the detail was unnecessary (all the cooking details read like a recipe cookbook...which was not what i'm here for). But really, overall, it was a fun, light snack.
The story was good, but I thought the ending kind of fell flat.
Took me a while to really get into this nicholas sparks book! But once he got me hooked i couldnt put it down
I read this in 2 days..it was a really good heart-felt read. I think this may be one of my favorites by him!
I could not put this book down, a must read.
another great Sparks novel.......really enjoyed this one!
I didnt like this book..it didnt have a climax until the end and left me unsatisfied.I had heard many things about the author and his movies but was clearly dissatisfied with my first read of his acclaimed novels..
Very slow moving and boring, couldnt get into it.
Very good.
This was a great story of the journey of healing for an ex-marine with a picture he got out of the sand in the mid-east and kept for years. The journey ended for him in finding a place and love to call his own. As always, Nicholas Sparks at his best.
Good read
A soldier in Iraq finds a picture of a girl and carries that picture with him during his tour. After he gets home his desire is to find that girl and tell her just what that picture did for him. Nicholas Sparks was at his best again with this book.
Love Nicholas Sparks. Always has an ending that is bittersweet and not always predictable. Would recommend this book.
Great book, the ending will keep you guessing.
Another great Nicholas Sparks book but the death of the antagonist could have has more detail... its like he just gave up writing at that point and left us wanting more... but not in a good way. That said the rest of the book is amazingly wonderful, a true page turner, and a book that I, for one, didn't want to put down for even a moment.
Nichlos Sparks never falls short in any of his books and this one is one of his best. Highly recommend
Yet another fabulous one by Nicholas Sparks. He never disappoints! Keep 'em coming Nicholas!
You can't go wrong with Nicholas. Loved this book - great story
I really liked this story up until the very end. I haven't read any other Nicholas Sparks books, so I don't know if this is his usual approach, but he uses what I consider a cheap author trick at the ending. The book *ends* with you thinking a main character has died. It's only by the 3rd page of the 4 page long epilogue that you realize in a very oblique way that the character actually survived. If an author wants to pull emotionally manipulative crap like that, they should do it earlier in the story. You just do NOT have the last sentence of the story end on a lie. The epilogue can be used to tie things together, sure, but it shouldn't be used to introduce completely new information. The *only* reason for an author to use this method is emotional manipulation beyond the story itself - in other words, the story isn't strong enough on its own, so let's add in a lie to make it stronger. Cheap. Author. Trick.
I thought this was a great read. I really like Nicholas Sparks' books and this was one of his best. It kept me guessing until the very end. A great story that I did not want to put down. I highly recommend this book.
I really like the Nicolas Sparks books because they could all be true. I like real stuff. Not every story ends with"and they lived happily ever after".
Another great book by Nicholas Sparks!
I guess I don't know what you want me to do
