Friday, October 15, 2010

ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY: SAFE HAVEN AUDIO BOOK- REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

WELCOME TO
BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S
"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"
I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS FRIDAY'S
"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"
AUDIO BOOK CHOICE IS.....
GIVEAWAY ENDED
SAFE HAVEN
BY NICHOLAS SPARKS
READ BY REBECCA LOWMAN

ABOUT THE AUDIO BOOK:

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family. But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicholas Sparks is the author of 15 books. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and children. You can visit the author's web site at www. nicholassparks.com. Listen to Nicholas Sparks answer your questions HERE.

 

LISTEN TO AN EXCERPT: 
LISTEN TO AN EXCERPT FROM SAFE HAVEN HERE

ABOUT MY REVIEW:

Rejoice fans of Nicholas Sparks! Now you can hear his newest novel on this fabulous audio book. The part on the audio book that is a little different then the book is that with someone reading it aloud, the suspense seems to build more and the romance seems more romantic than ever! For readers seeking more excitement who may have shied away from Nicholas Sparks‘ work before, being known for his enduring love stories, SAFE HAVEN may be the book they were looking for with its slight change of pace. SAFE HAVEN is a love story but also is edgier, suspenseful, and not all hearts and flowers. It still possesses the author’s trademark setting in North Carolina and the power of love and all that entails, but it also includes a gripping tale of a darker side to relationships and love.

Centered around Katie, a woman of mystery to the townsfolk where she has come to live, readers will find an attractive, unassumingly quiet young woman who seems to just want to live her own life without any connections or attention. Taking on a job as a waitress, nobody realizes how happy she is to have a job around food after going without for several days. This pretty, short haired brunette does draw attention, however, as she is new, easy on the eyes, and has an air of mystery about her as she keeps to herself. Katie slowly slips into life in Southport and fixes up a rental on the outskirts of town that she feels somewhat secure in located at the end of the somewhat isolated rocky road. Katie isn’t alone for long as a neighbor returns to a nearby bungalow nearby. Jo comes by to introduce herself and although Katie can’t afford to trust anyone she finds herself becoming friends with this woman. It feels good to have someone to feel close to. Later on, Katie will discover how important this friendship will be to her.

As with all Nichols Sparks books, there is the love interest and this comes in the form of Alex, who owns the local shop where Katie shops. Alex is a widower of a year now, having lost his beloved Carly, and has no interest in romantic ties as he runs his shop and raises his two young children. Nonetheless, Alex is intrigued by this quiet, new stranger to town and he likes that when she is in the store his daughter gravitates to Katie. When a dangerous incident occurs that could have been quite serious, Katie is there and involved and it brings the two together. Katie find herself weakening as her attraction to Alex builds and her barriers slowly give way a little as she begins to trust a man again. But what keeps this Nicholas Sparks book from being like his others is wrapped up in the reason for Katie’s secrecy and reluctance to open up. What horrible thing has happened to her in the past and, we find out, is it still a threat to her? 

Little by little, Sparks reveals the horror of what Katie had endured and why she has disguised herself and tried to run away to a SAFE HAVEN. Katie’s terrifying, abusive past is never out of her mind or far behind her, especially as Kevin enters the picture. Reminiscent of the thrilling Julia Roberts movie, “Sleeping with the Enemy”, the chilling tension mounts and Sparks successfully brings suspense and sheer terror to SAFE HAVEN. The story builds nicely from the start as the sense of foreboding builds, and is a real page-turner once readers discover the secret past that Katie is hiding from. The twist at the end will surprise readers somewhat and I think for Sparks’ first foray into this genre, he does a fine job and will certainly please his many followers and add several new fans as well.

 
GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO ANNA AND FRIENDS 
AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I 
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
WONDERFUL NEW NICHOLAS
SPARKS
AUDIO BOOK TO GIVE AWAY!


THE RULES:

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY



HOW TO ENTER 
 
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU ENJOY AUDIO BOOKS AND WHAT YOU DO WHILE LISTENING, AND WHEN YOU LISTEN TO THEM

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: READ MY REVIEW OF SAFE HAVEN  ABOVE AND COMMENT ON IT

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAY OF MINE YOU HAVE ENTERED. JUST ONE THIS TIME, PLEASE
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 30!

GOOD LUCK!

60 comments:

PoCoKat said...

Audiobooks are good for relaxing with your eyes closed and hearing a wonderful story.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

Your review makes it sounds like it's a real page turner!

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Anonymous said...

I love to listen to audio books while on the treadmill. I can't run, just walk on the treadmill. The story keeps me going sometimes after the amount of time that planned on.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:


Carolee888 Enter for an audio book, Safe Haven, see link below. http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

+ Swag

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Your review convinces me to listen to the story. I love suspense!!!!


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'The Good Sister'.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

chey said...

I enjoy audiobooks because I can listen to a book while doing something else.
I listen to audiobooks while I'm on the computer

chey127 at hotmail dot com

chey said...

Your review makes me want to listen to Safe Haven.
chey127 at hotmail dot com

holdenj said...

I really like audiobooks for the car. I listen sometimes at home, but sometimes get more distracted as I go to different parts of the house!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I'm glad Safe Haven sounds like such a good book and a slight departure from what I would think it his norm.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Dead Head giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Steve Capell said...

I am always reading a paper book and listening to audio book; however, not at the same time. LOL I go for walks everyday and that is the perfect time to listen to a audio book. I usually find time to read my paper book in the evenings or early morning. I agree with PoCoKat that audiobook are relaxing when you can close your eyes and take in the entire story with no other noise or visual ques getting in the way. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

My favorite place to use an audiobook is on a road trip. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

A review which peaked my interest. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered The Good Sister. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

gcpeach17 said...

I enjoy listening to audio books on my way to & from work. It relaxes me and makes the long comute a little more enjoyable.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

gcpeach17 said...

I loved you review. It is only the 2nd book of his, I believe, that has a mystery/suspense part in it. Not that I would ever get tired of reading his books, but, it may be a welcome change.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

gcpeach17 said...

I entered the "Dead Head" giveaway.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

Denny, Alaska said...

My daughter absolutely loves Nicholas Sparks' books! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win.

denny(dot)gill(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love listening to audiobooks in the car on the way to work. They relax me before I get to work and I get to hear a very good story. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Edna said...

I am a follower and Audio books are great to listen to at book, and in the car.

mamat2730 at charter dot new

grannyvon said...

I love audiobooks because my eyes are not as good as they once was. They grow blurry after reading a few hours. This is the most restful way to 'read' ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I like to read or 'listen' at almost anytime. I get in my recliner and layback. Turn on the audiobook and listen. Most of the time to the entire book. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

The title sounds familiar but the book reveiw tells me I have not read this one, The lady in the book just wants to be left alone. I can tell you by experience that is not going to happen, ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I also entered the Rosmary Harris giveaway for the first two books in a series. Pushing up the Daises and The Big Nap. ybutler@opcatv.com

justpeachy36 said...

I love audio books. I like to listen to them when I am doing the housework... or walking the dog or riding in the car....

Especially, Nicholas Sparks, my favorite author....

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

justpeachy36 said...

I entered the Rosemary Harris giveaway....

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

Pamela Keener said...

I drive a lot and audiobooks help pass the time. I also love the nuances brought forth that may have escaped me if I was reading the book.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I live books with suspense and I love to read your reviews. You say that this is an atypical Nicholas Sparks book and I am ready for that.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered The National Adopt a Dog giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Unknown said...

I like audiobooks for when I go on long walks because it makes my walks more interesting!

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I think your review was awesome it sounds really good and I like that its not all lovely dovey like most of his novels, this one has a bit more spice to it!

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Laura H. said...

I enjoy listening to audio books because I can be mentally entertained while my hands are free to do other things. I listen to them in the car on the way to and from work, while doing housework (anything to make THAT job more enjoyable!) and while cross-stitching.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27793384912

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Your review piqued my interest even more with the comment (this book has a) "twist at the end".

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

I entered the "The Search of WondLa" giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

g.g. said...

I like to rest my eyes while I listen but also listen in the car and when folding laundry

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I was interested when your review said this had some mystery involved which is a little different than his usual love stories

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for the Room giveaway

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

Jolee said...

Love to listen to audio books in the car. ;-) joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

Love the description of the sense of foreboding. Looking forward to it. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

Also entered the Room giveaway. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

hendy said...

I have to admit, it's taken me awhile to warm up to audio books but I mostly listen to them in my car during my 30 min. drive to and from work. I like that a voice is reading to me.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Kids Halloween Book Set giveaway
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/28577046577
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Well after reading your review I think I would prefer to listen to this book-I'm dying to know what her secret is and it's good to see Mr. Sparks add some "edginess" to his romance.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

minishoes1 said...

I have never listened to an audiobook,but I know if I did I would just sat in my chair with a cup of coffee. I bet its so relaxing. jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com

minishoes1 said...

After reading your review, I really, really want to listen to this audiobook since it has a dark side to it. jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com

minishoes1 said...

I entered for the Jon Stewart giveaway. I hope I win because I know this book is going to be so funny! jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

I like to listen to audio books while I am driving or riding as a passenger in the car.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Oogy giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Annmarie Weeks said...

My favorite place & time to listen to audiobooks is in the tub! I can just close my eyes and listen to the story, while relaxing at the end of a busy day!

Annmarie Weeks said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/amweeks/status/29099593110

Annmarie Weeks said...

Great review! I like how you said "SAFE HAVEN is a love story but also is edgier, suspenseful, and not all hearts and flowers." That definitely makes me want to take a listen!

Annmarie Weeks said...

I'm also entering your ROSEMARY HARRIS DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY BOOK SET GIVEAWAY!

Nancye said...

I like audio books because I can listen to them in the car. They are perfect for long trips because I get carsick if I read in the car. Yuck!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/29220568098

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I just entered the giveaway for the Safe Haven print edition.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Cackleberry Homestead said...

I love audiobooks because it means I can listen to a book on my 20 minute commute each morning and evening. I also love listening to them when out for a walk.

I do occasionally listen to them while preparing breakfast in the morning when my house is quiet, it's usually too chaotic in the evening to concentrate on one.

crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com

CLICK HERE TO
SEE MY POLICY