I began this Throwback Thursday meme as a way to share some of my old favorites as well as sharing books that I’m FINALLY getting around to reading that were published months or years ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on my TBR list while I continue to pile more titles on top of them:)! I like that these older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere.
My PICK this week is…
Published April 2005 by Grand Central Publishing
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Julie Barenson’s young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died: a Great Dane puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years have passed. Still living in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, 29-year-old Julie is emotionally ready to make a commitment to someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the handsome, sophisticated engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband’s best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she’s had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire
******
Well here’s an author I haven’t yet featured on my TBT! I’ll admit, I haven’t read many Nicholas Sparks books but I really liked this one and The Notebook. The Guardian is completely different from The Notebook with a darker tone and an underlying mystery/sinister feel. I actually have this one in hardcover on my bookshelf at home and it caught my eye the other day because I can’t remember anything about the story except that it kept me on the edge of my seat and I remember thinking that this didn’t seem like a Nicholas Sparks book. Even the blurb hasn’t triggered my memory…I now really want to know who ended up being the bad guy/good guy! Maybe it’s time for a re-read of this one. I do remember loving the dog so that’s a big plus in my book. So if, like me, you haven’t read many Nicholas Sparks’ books, give this one a try, I think you’ll be surprised at how good it is.
HAPPY READING!
More Throwback Thursday Picks Around the Blogosphere…
Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe
Deanna at DeesRadReads and Reviews
Amanda at Literary Weaponry
Susan at Susan Loves Books
Cathy at What Cathy Read Next
Lynne at Fictionophile
Annie at The Misstery
Mischenko at Read Rant Rock and Roll
Laurie at Cozy Nook Books
Laura at Snazzy Books
Holly at Dressed to Read
Sam at Clues and Reviews
Diana at A Haven for Book Lovers
itsbooktalkcom.wordpress.com 
I have this one, but have never read it! I seriously need to pick it up! Glad it was a 4 star.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you should give it a try Holly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I read this book but I can’t remember how it ended either. His other book, Safe Haven is also a bit difference. Its more like this one in terms of suspense. I love the Notebook movie but yet to read the book. I should do so soon. Great pick!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana, you’re right, Safe Haven and this book stand out as being completely different than his others
LikeLike
Unlike a lot of people, i didn’t care for The Notebook and ever since have been turned off to Nicholas Sparks books. It very well could be that I have made assumptions about his writing that are incorrect, so I probably should give Sparks another try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do feel that too many of his books that came after The Notebook followed the same trope of somewhat sappy love and over the top tragicness. This one and Save Haven are completely different. I really enjoyed this one but not so much Safe Haven
LikeLike
I’ve read so many of his novels, and have enjoyed most of them, but not this one! In fact, I don’t even remember this title!
LikeLiked by 1 person
One to try Tara!! It’s probably my favorite of his even though I don’t remember the plot:)
LikeLike
I haven’t read a single one of his books. I’m always afraid they will be too romance-y for me. This one looks pretty good though. And if there’s a dog, it can’t be all bad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dog was probably my favorite character for sure because I do think he played a big part in the book. His books have often been too romance-y and over the top tragic but this one was VERY different
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds really good! I’m adding it. Great choice! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Deanna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure if I have this one. I went through a huge Nicholas Sparks period many, many moons ago – even went and stayed on the North Carolina coast because he describes it so beautifully (we’ve been back once, and it will always be a favorite place for me – he doesn’t do it justice!). It might be time for another dip in the world of Nicholas Sparks. Thanks for the inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome and this would be a good one to jump back in with because it’s so different from all his others!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this week’s throw back!! So, I used to be a die hard Nicholas Sparks fan. Years ago. I own all of his books in hardcover, except the ones he’s released in the past few years. I eventually got sick of the same formula with his books and stopped reading them all together. BUT, The Guardian is my favorite of his books! I LOVED that book. It was so different, and like you said, the suspenseful feel of the book made it even better. It is still one of my favorite books of all time. And I had him sign it when I got to meet him years ago at an event Akron University had him speak at. I was still a student and got to go for free and listen to him speak – he was really fun and interesting to listen to! It was before the days of smartphones and I didn’t even think to take a camera and get a picture with him. I wish I had! He’s the only author I’ve met in person. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re completely on the same page about his books over the years Brandie! This one is my favorite of his but then I gave up reading several years ago because they were all the exact same formula which is pretty unfair to readers imo! This one was so out of the box that I wish he’d try something like this again. How awesome you got to meet him. It’s the best when we get to see a favorite author in person, I met Dennis Lehane a few years ago and I didn’t get a picture either:(
LikeLiked by 1 person
Confession: I’ve yet to read one of his books! Something tells me they probably are not for me… Although I do want to try one some time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re not for everyone that’s for sure and I’ve not read any the last few years
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hm. I remember liking this book as well, but honestly I only remember reading it because of the dog! I’m not even sure I remembered the suspense element…just that dog ☺️ It is starting to come back to me though, after reading your summary. It was good to read a Sparks book that veered from his standard formula. Good pick!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Allison and yes, the dog is tops in both our memories:)
LikeLike
I’ve read three or four Nicholas Sparks but I’m not in the mood anymore, he’s too sentimental hahaha I haven’t read this one though and it looks mysterious!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, his book the last few years sounded too over the top tragic for me. This one stands out as different yet really good imo
LikeLike
I think this (and his newest book) might be the only Nicholas Spark book that I haven’t read. I went through a Spark’s phase for the longest time but got tired of him like I did Nora Roberts. But I own it! It sounds really good with the suspenseful element. I may have to read it soon! 🙂
LikeLike
Must admit, any book with a dog on the cover has to be good.
LikeLiked by 1 person