Not a big fan of romance novels, but I make exception for Nicholas Sparks. I've read most of his novels and this one is my favorite. ( )

I think this is one of the better books by Nicholas Sparks. I found the story interesting and compelling with characters that were easy to relate to and care about. There was the requisite amount of drama and emotion as well as a plot that fit together nicely. ( )

I've enjoyed all of Nicholas Sparks' books, they're perfect for escaping the real world. ( )

Love the small-town stories of Eastern North Carolina! ( )

By most people’s standards, Taylor McAden is an amazing man. He always gives it his all on his volunteer firefighting/lifesaving job, often risking his life in the process. He always helps out with his best friend Mitch, his wife Melissa, and their four sons.

Denise Holton certainly thinks he is great. After all, Taylor was the one who rescued her from a car accident one stormy night, then found her son Kyle, who had wandered off into the swamp afterward. But it is more than that. It’s the way Taylor treats Kyle just like a normal boy in the days that follow the accident. Kyle, whose learning disability causes him to speak far below the normal level for kids his age, whose disability was the reason Denise gave up her teaching job and devoted herself full-time to helping Kyle learn. And it’s also the way Taylor McAden looks at her like no one has looked at her before.

But after a few blissful months, things seem to go sour. Taylor has childhood demons that haunt him and prevent him from making a real commitment to relationships. And it is only through more tragedy that Taylor can learn to let go of his guilt and take the next step forward with Denise and Kyle.

THE RESCUE is beautiful and made me cry numerous times, every time I read it. If you’re looking for a book that will stir your emotions and cause you to appreciate romance more, this is it. ( )