I think that setting a novel in a small town taps into a sense of nostalgia among readers. People tend to believe life is different in small towns, and frankly, it is different.

and all I could think was that I would like to spend every morning for the rest of my life waking up beside her

Some things were beyond understanding.

I fell in love with her when we were together, then fell deeper in love with her in the years we were apart.

Denial is an ugly thing.

Quote of the day: The most difficult journeys often take us where we were meant to go... By: Nicholas Sparks

I don't want to lose you.' His voice almost a whisper. Seeing his haggard expression, she took his hand and squeezed it, then reluctantly let it go. She could feel the tears again, and she fought them back. 'But you don't want to keep me, either, do you?' To that, he had no response.