Every Breath, a novel by Nicholas Sparks is a memorable love story that I enjoyed for the African scenes, North Carolina’s Sunset Beach visits, and also for the gentle love between two people of vastly different backgrounds.
When Tru Walls goes to America, he has some misgivings. He has been invited by his biological father to meet for the first time. His father has made arrangements for Tru to stay at a beach house in North Carolina. Tru leaves his job as safari guide in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Single, but still close to his young son, and on congenial speaking terms with his former wife, Tru is not looking forward to the trip, but feels obligated to go.
He arrives in Wilmington and makes himself at home in the modern, well-furnished beach house. While walking the beach, he meets Hope, an attractive woman whose family vacation house happens to be right next door. Hope is single, but has a steady boyfriend, an orthopedic surgeon who seems to avoid long-term commitments.
As Tru and Hope become more acquainted, they develop a strong kinship. But Tru’s life is in Africa and Hope, anxious to have a family, is unsure about her boyfriend’s intentions.
As they explore the charms of Sunset Beach, Hope shows Tru a magical place called the Kindred Spirit, (an actual real-life place) which is a mailbox where people from all walks of life have penned heartfelt notes and left them for others to read.
The story continues, following Hope’s life, then swings around full circle, back to Sunset Beach and the magical draw of Kindred Spirit.
I very much enjoyed Every Breath, especially the international aspect of the story. I’ve spent time in Africa and loved the revisit.
