"Exhilarating dark romantic suspense"

In Swansboro, North Carolina four months after her cherished husband Jim passed away, Julie Barenson receives the puppy and note from beyond. Knowing he was dying, Jim's only regret was how lonely his beloved Jules would be, as she had no one to turn to for solace. Jim arranged for Jules to have the puppy and vows to watch over her. Because she knows that Jim would want her to sing Christmas carols she names her puppy Singer.

Four year later, Julie nearing her thirtieth birthday feels ready to start dating. Two men court Julie. Richard Franklin seems perfect, yet Singer detests him and Julie has doubts though the dates have been quite extravagant. Jim's best friend, Mike Harris, has been there especially since her beloved died and Singer adores him. Julie is much more comfortable with Mike than Richard, but should she risk her best friendship for a second chance at love or should she go for the more exciting Richard? As Julie decides her future, a stalker threatens her.

THE GUARDIAN starts slowly as Nicholas Sparks purposely enables the reader to fully comprehend what makes Julie tick before the story line switches into full speed whether it is a romantic scene or a stalking moment. Her two beaus are fully developed along with Singer and through memories of others insight into Jim is provided. Still, Julie, as the center of the plot, is a fabulous lead protagonist who will gain much empathy from an audience that will appreciate Mr. Sparks' exhilarating dark romantic suspense.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 13, 2003

Summary

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Nights in Rodanthe explores a darker realm of the heart in an explosive and emotional tale of love and obsession. At 29, Julie Barenson is too young to give up on love. Four years after her husband's tragic death, she is finally ready to risk giving her heart to someone again. But to whom? Should it be Richard Franklin, who is handsome and sophisticated and treats her like a queen, or Mike Harris, who is Julie's best friend in the world, though not as debonair? Now, with a decision that should bring her more happiness than she's had in years, Julie's life is about to become a living nightmare, as one man's jealousy spins into a deadly obsession.