Dawson gave her the best of him, but when she left, nothing was ever the same. A captivating novel of two people who were never meant to be but somehow find their way again, Best of Me is by far one of Nicholas Sparks’ most passionate pieces.

Dawson Cole returns to his hometown for the first time after twenty years to fulfill the last wishes requested by his surrogate father, Tuck Hostetler. Upon his arrival, Dawson is shocked to find his high school girlfriend there to help with Tuck’s final plans. Amanda and Dawson have a history that is so intense, you can’t help but wonder if fate brought them together again.

As the story unwinds, we learn of Dawson’s dark past, of his felonious family, and of Amanda’s life since they broke up all those years ago. We see Amanda’s pain and Dawson’s will to make amends, and we become attached to these characters whose love is deep but forbidden.

Sparks’ book  teaches that family isn’t always blood, how to forgive and let go, and most importantly what it means to love and be loved in the midst of life’s obstacles.

Written by Angel Watkins’18