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Nicholas Sparks
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The Guardian Hardcover – April 8, 2003

by Nicholas Sparks (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 12,178 ratings
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Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died - a puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years later, twenty-nine-year-old Julie is far too young to have given up on love. She may be ready to risk caring for someone again. But who?
Should it be Richard Franklin, the sophisticated, handsome 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.
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Warner Books
  4. Publication date
    April 8, 2003
  5. Dimensions
    5.88 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0446527793
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0446527798
  8. See all details
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  1. It was funny that you could know someone for years but still discover something you never noticed before.
    Highlighted by 353 Kindle readers
  2. In the instant their lips first met, there was a flicker of something almost electrical that made him believe the feeling would last forever.
    Highlighted by 284 Kindle readers
  3. “You always have a choice. It’s just that some people make the wrong one.”
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On Christmas Eve, Julie Barenson, 25 years old and newly widowed, finds an unexpected present-a Great Dane pup that her late husband, Jim, had arranged for her to receive after he died from a brain tumor. On that melodramatic note, bestselling author Sparks (Nights in Rodanthe) begins his latest love story, one in which he combines elements of romance with those of a thriller. Julie's new dog, Singer, turns out to be a better judge of character than she, which is unfortunate because the dog nearly gives away the book's ending when he growls warily at Richard Franklin, the new man in Julie's life. On the other hand, the pooch loves to be around Mike Harris, Jim's best friend, who has grown to love Julie. Richard's increasingly bizarre behavior causes Julie to break up with him, and his subsequent stalker tactics make for compelling action, especially when he plots to destroy the budding romance between Julie and Mike. But the writing is lax at best, with multiple point-of-view shifts in the course of one page or even one paragraph. Secondary characters are two-dimensional, such as Pete, the dumb cop who is taken in by the scheming Richard, and Andrea, Julie's co-worker at the local hair salon, a low-class broad from the wrong side of the tracks who might as well have "next victim" tattooed on her forehead. Yet Sparks fans clamor for his brand of love story, and, with the added punch of suspense, this one will be another bestseller.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In his newest, the ever-popular Sparks, known for his romantic tales, combines an involving love story with the creepiness of an unpredictable thriller. Julie Barenson survived a negligent mother and is now trying to survive the loss of a loving husband. The man who rescued her by offering her in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, died far too young, leaving Julie with a Great Dane puppy she names Singer and a promise to look out for her. Now 29, Julie is starting to date again after four years of mourning and Singer is acting very strangely. He becomes possessive, and especially dislikes her new beau, Richard Franklin. Richard is the perfect gentleman, bringing gifts and always being thoughtful, but something isn't quite right and after three dates, each more lavish and exciting than the last, Julie reaches a decision about her dream man. In the background is Mike Harris, her late husband's best friend. Good old Mike has always been there for her, but she has to decide to risk a great friendship for the possibility of more. After Julie makes her decision, she finds true love and happiness, but ominous things start to happen and she soon realizes that she's being stalked by a deranged sociopath. Sparks' tricky tale of romantic suspense starts off slowly but builds steadily to an edge-of-your-seat conclusion that is well worth the wait. Patty Engelmann
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Warner Books (April 8, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446527793
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0446527798
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.88 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 12,178 ratings

About the author

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Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks

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Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.

Eleven of Nicholas Sparks's novels—The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven, The Lucky One, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle—have been adapted into major motion pictures. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
12,178 global ratings

Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's entertaining and suspenseful storyline. They found the characters well-developed and believable. Many described the story as heartwarming and tear-jerking. However, some felt the pacing was slow in the beginning.

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ReadabilitySuspenseful storyCharacter developmentHeartwarmingDifficulty to put downPacingBoredom
837 customers mention "Readability"791 positive46 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it entertaining and a quick read. The writing is smart and engaging, keeping the reader hooked until the end. The book keeps the emotional complexity without being incoherent.

"...He develops several layers of emotional complexity, without being incoherent, and retaining the reader's interest...." Read more

"I gave this book a five because of both the writing and storytelling. The characters just kept growing as the story did - hand in hand...." Read more

"The book was really good and exciting during the second half , the beginning kind of sluggish and I took longer to read this book because of that...." Read more

"This book was good at times but it bounced around too much. I have read other books by Nicholas Sparks that were much better." Read more

756 customers mention "Suspenseful story"648 positive108 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story. They find it engaging and a great read with many twists and unexpected turns. The book provides good information about stalking and keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the end.

"...What makes THE GUARDIAN different is the element of suspense and peril in which the major and minor characters (including a dog) are placed in life..." Read more

"The book was really good and exciting during the second half , the beginning kind of sluggish and I took longer to read this book because of that...." Read more

"This is a very important story that everyone should read. Their are a lot of lessons to be learned by reading this...." Read more

"This story had many twist and unexpected turns. If you love a good love story, this is it. It has many different layers of love." Read more

108 customers mention "Character development"90 positive18 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and engaging storyline. They find Richard charming, handsome, and perfect. The author does a good job portraying a psychotic sociopath. The love story, villain, heroine, and even a hero dog are mentioned.

"...Interesting relationship with Singer, the dog I would love to have, and several of the characters. Once again, Nicholas Sparks does not disappoint." Read more

"...The heroine is likable, the townsfolk are likable and the villain is suave and perfect. A little too perfect to be true...." Read more

"...The villain was well developed. The saddest part of the book for me was about the poor, loyal dog. I can't say more without giving away the story...." Read more

"...Richard is charming, charismatic, handsome and seemingly perfect...." Read more

80 customers mention "Heartwarming"75 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional depth and complexity. They find it engaging, bringing tears to their eyes. The story draws them in with its twists and suspenseful ending. Overall, readers describe the book as heartwarming, sad, and thrilling.

"...He develops several layers of emotional complexity, without being incoherent, and retaining the reader's interest...." Read more

"...Very emotional." Read more

"With a sentimental start, Nicholas Sparks crafts a heartfelt, suspenseful story. Julie Barenson is a young widowed woman...." Read more

"This book kept me very entertained and brought out all sorts of emotions...." Read more

51 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"32 positive19 negative

Customers have different views on the book's difficulty to put down. Some find it engaging and easy to read, while others find it a bit slow and tedious to get into. The ending is exciting for some readers, but getting there can be frustrating.

"...make a much better read had I waited to read it at the beach - it's easy, light and fast paced...." Read more

"...However once I was hooked, it was difficult to put down!!!" Read more

"...The book is then hard to put down because you want to find out what happens next...." Read more

"...The story is full and rich in detail while not being cumbersome. This is a real page turner." Read more

64 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive58 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book slow in the beginning. They say the story drags at times and seems to drag in the beginning, not the middle.

"...was really good and exciting during the second half , the beginning kind of sluggish and I took longer to read this book because of that...." Read more

"...This book seemed to drag in the beginning, not the middle as some do. It was predictable as well...." Read more

"It was slow going for me at first, a lot of reading the internal thoughts of the characters...." Read more

"...It is a very easy to read book, but it did start off very slow. Midway through the book I could not put it down...." Read more

26 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive26 negative

Customers find the book boring at times and not exciting enough. They say it's an average, not intense page-turner with predictable and trivial plot elements. Some readers find the story slow to capture their interest and difficult to enjoy.

"...characters in this book, or Julie's talking to her dog are trivial, banal, commonplace and PREDICTABLE...." Read more

"...Also, the characters seemed under-developed and boring and they made impulsive decisions too often..." Read more

"...I found this book difficult to enjoy. The love story was lost in the threatening atmosphere...." Read more

"...My only criticism... the first half of the book lacked some motion in the story line, however it gave an opportunity to paint a good picture of..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Stephen M. Marson
5.0 out of 5 stars His best to date
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2003
Verified Purchase
I have read the following novels written by Nicholas Sparks in this order: THE NOTEBOOK, MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, A WALK TO REMEMBER, THE RESCUE, BEND IN THE ROAD, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, and finally THE GUARDIAN. In contrast to his previous work, Sparks significantly changed his overarching theme for this most recent novel. THE GUARDIAN has a very different tone. Sparks was wise to institute such a change in his storyline. I think such an effort challenged his mind and made a superb reading experience.
Sparks is well-known for writing love stories that have a degree of realism but also pushes the envelop of mushiness. In THE GUARDIAN, Sparks writes a story of the affections between a man and a woman. As common in his other novels, we witness several emotional triangles. Sparks is quite skilled in painting a picture with words that illustrates the emotional trauma when a third party is thrown into an emotional tie between two others. What makes THE GUARDIAN different is the element of suspense and peril in which the major and minor characters (including a dog) are placed in life threatening situations.
More than any other other of his novels, THE GUARDIAN illustrates Sparks' talent for writing. He develops several layers of emotional complexity, without being incoherent, and retaining the reader's interest. In many respects, THE GUARDIAN maintains the same level of complexity as Raymond Chandler's THE BIG SLEEP. However, Sparks is able to do a much better job than Chandler in keeping the reader focused. In many ways, it is quite amazing that Sparks was able to hold this storyline together.
Frankly, I think that THE GUARDIAN is Sparks' best work.
12 people found this helpful
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C. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars My heart, my heart
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2024
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I gave this book a five because of both the writing and storytelling. The characters just kept growing as the story did - hand in hand. Interesting relationship with Singer, the dog I would love to have, and several of the characters. Once again, Nicholas Sparks does not disappoint.
One person found this helpful
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Thomas Harrington
4.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, endearing read
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
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The book was really good and exciting during the second half , the beginning kind of sluggish and I took longer to read this book because of that. It usually takes me 2 days to read a book but this one I struggled to finish it. Yet, it was a nail-biter in the end. Being a Nicholas Spark’s book I knew someone was going to die but the recovery of the sheriff was a bit of a stretch as was Mike’s assault! (Really?) too much to recover at all. I’m not a Nicholas Sparks by any means, he’s the expert, just voicing my humble opinion. Thank you NS.
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Kathleen Wogen
5.0 out of 5 stars Very well done
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024
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This is a very important story that everyone should read. Their are a lot of lessons to be learned by reading this. And the idea of passing them along to others is imperative! Do not miss this opportunity.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
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Another good book from Nicholas Sparks!
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San Diego Mama
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
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This story had many twist and unexpected turns. If you love a good love story, this is it. It has many different layers of love.
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Jess
3.0 out of 5 stars OK
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
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This book was good at times but it bounced around too much. I have read other books by Nicholas Sparks that were much better.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2022
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I lost my Jack Russell about this time last year after he was my best friend and buddy for over 17 years and it still hurts. I was given a very sweet girl dog only about six months old that right now I wish I still had but it was chewing up everything I had! I really loved the story of Singer in this book and am still crying as I write this. Sparks did a great job with the story of Julie's boy friend problem after her husband died, and I was really into that, but the death of Singer by the evil hand of Julie's newest, evil man friend just tore me up!
It was a book very hard to put away!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Nancy M
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2020
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This was a great romance with just enough suspense to keep it interesting. I loved the small town compassion for all the residents. The way they support each other through good times and bad. I am a dog lover, so that of course was what caught my eye on the cover and made me choose this book. I will definately read more of Nicholas Sparks books!
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Alane Xalega
1.0 out of 5 stars chato
Reviewed in Brazil on April 17, 2019
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o unico personagem bom, morre.
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Florence B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in France on June 11, 2019
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As always everything went well.
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars touching story
Reviewed in Italy on November 13, 2018
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Very touching story( i've cried at the end),like all the novels of this author,i just love ALL of his books,and always look forward to the new arrivals.
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Sophie Klein
5.0 out of 5 stars Spannende Liebesgeschichte mit vielen Überraschungen
Reviewed in Germany on December 17, 2017
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Dieses Buch ist, wie alle Bücher von Nicholas Sparks, die ich bisher kenne, sehr empfehlenswert. Es herrscht ein Gleichgewicht von Spannung, Überraschung und einer schönen Liebesgeschichte. Wenn man einmal angefangen hat zu lesen, möchte man es nicht mehr weglegen.
Auch das Format des Taschenbuchs ist sehr gut, da es relativ klein ist, somit also sehr handlich und auch praktisch für Reisen.
Außerdem ist das Englisch auch leicht verständlich und gut zu verfolgen. Klare Empfehlung!
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