It has been years since I read a novel by Nicholas Sparks.  After the Notebook I read the Guardian and then basically called it quits.  I enjoy his novels but they become predictable and are very formulaic.  The main reason I read the book was because a student of mine read it and highly recommended it to me.  Winter break was approaching so I figured I would need some light reading.  On the way to my in-laws for Christmas I started... and finished... the book.  Honestly, I liked it.  I guessed the end before I got to it, but that was actually not a problem for me because I was still curious to see how exactly everything played out.  The characters were likable - all of them.  The love story was sweet and the story line was current and realistic (for the most part).  In the end - which I can't mention too much about because I do not want to give it away - but in the end you find yourself letdown by the outcome but not by any of the characters and you realize there really isn't any other way.
Overall, it was a nice, sweet, sad, good quick read.  I am glad I read it and think others would enjoy it.  Is not going to change anyone's world but not every book does and thank goodness that isn't the only criteria for a worthwhile read.