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Sheriff Miles Ryan felt he died the night his wife Missy was fatally struck, but was determined to find her killer and spent the next two years focused on investigating every lead.While Miles immersed himself with his search, seven-year-old Jonah suffered. Because this man is on parole, knowing he'll be sent back to jail, he tells Miles he knows who killed Missy, but won't impart that information unless Miles lets him off. Sparks grabs the reader's emotions, enabling them to feel his characters' pain. What does a man do when the love of his life is killed by a hit and run driver while jogging. He writes with such tenacity and aplomb that the reader is pulled in from page one until the end. One night while on patrol, Miles arrests a local for drunk driving. This is a story that sticks long after the last page.
Sarah Andrews, Jonah's teacher, decided to step in to set things right by suggesting Jonah needed tutoring and to her astonishment offered to help him after school, which she wouldn't normally do. Sick at heart, she does the right thing, and Miles, feeling betrayed lashes out terminating their relationship.Mr. While Miles is seeking vengeance, Sarah learns the truth and realizes she must tell him, but knows that by doing so would kill any chance for them. She develops a fondness for Jonah and feels an attraction to the handsome sheriff, whom she starts dating. Only thing, the information is wrong and Miles goes after the wrong man--a man who has been a thorn in his side for years.
And this love of his life is not only his childhood sweetheart, but also his wife and mother of his son, Jonah. Though it was wrong, but needing to know the truth about Missy's death, Miles goes against the rules to get this information. But Miles is surprised to find himself falling for Sarah and plans to spend the rest of his life with her. He missed not only his mother, but also his father's attention, causing his school work to suffer. Before long she realizes she is falling in love with Miles, though she knows a relationship is unlikely for he is still in love with his dead wife.
I definately recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic fast paced read. A Bend in the Road is one of his better books. I enjoyed it more than The Notebook. The ending was a little "awkward" but still it was my favorite book by Nicholas Sparks. The characters have so much depth to them that I felt as though I knew them personally. I eventually got so into the book that I could not put it down.it was so interesting.
Really. Good grief. Awful. If this hadn't been a selection by my book club, I'd never have read past page two. Just.
As for Sarah. I found the "narrator" disconcerting (especially at first), and I wonder if the information he imparts could have been worked into the story some other way. If you like what I call "intelligent romance" -- believable characters with real flaws, real insecurities, and some living under their belt -- you'll like this book. if I were her, I would have done more angry yelling at Miles when he treats her the way he does. But I think the ending was great. At first, Miles is almost too good to be true (think "attractive, dedicated single dad") but as the story unfolds he starts to unravel. Sparks does an excellent job of showing this downward spiral (although the way Miles and his boss jump to conclusions doesn't say much for experienced law enforcement).
The Notebook was a little better, but I was definitely reccommend it. It was definiely a good read.
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