"Remain: A Supernatural Love Story" by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan

Remain: A Supernatural Love Story (Oct. 14, 2025) by Nicholas Sparks.

   With M. Night Shyamalan.

<This is a standalone novel.>

New York architect Tate Donovan is in Heatherington, a [fictional] town on Cape Cod, meeting with his best friend, Oscar, and his wife Lorena. He’s designing their summer home and picking up Paulie, his cat. Tate’s aiming for a new start since losing his sister, Sylvia, to illness, then spiraling downward and being recently discharged from a swanky psychiatric facility. It’s said that Sylvia could see spirits trapped on this plane of existence, but he’s skeptical of her “gift” until he encounters a captivating woman doing yoga in the living room. After he speaks with Louise and Reece Gaston, the property’s caretakers, Tate learns that the woman is Wren Tobin ... and she’s been dead almost two years. Reece is Wren’s last-remaining blood relative. Tate comes to learn that there’s a Daytime Wren – who doesn’t realize she’s dead – and Nighttime Wren – who is terrifying and sometimes grotesque. Her death wasn’t gentle, and when Nighttime Wren finally communicates that she was murdered, Tate can’t help but do his own civilian investigation with Oscar’s help. He’s fallen in love with a ghost. Was it Griffin, Wren’s estranged, alcoholic husband whom she wanted to divorce? Or Nash, the business partner who was stealing money from her, and she was preparing a civil suit against him? What about Dax, the substance abuse counselor and Wren’s friend who wanted to be more than friends despite both being married? Tate will try to free Wren from what still tethers her here, knowing that that will mean the end of their strong, yet tenuous, relationship.

            A collaboration between romance author Nicholas Sparks and supernatural genre filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan? Talk about a plot twist! A collab such as this one I couldn’t pass by. Yes, I did find the paranormal love story to be a little weird sometimes, but the relationship remains a moving one. I did enjoy the supernatural element, and the contrast between Daytime Wren and Nighttime Wren is as different as a warm, sunny beach and a blizzardy winter night. There is strength in loving others, as this adult fiction standalone showcases. I’m pleased that I read this haunting and emotional love story. For those who startle easily, there are small sparks of horror. But worry not, for “Remain” is a reminder to “live well and love deeply. Look for reasons to be grateful. Treasure your friends. Embark on wonderful adventures.”

"Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer

Does this story deserve its own solo post? No. There are plenty other YA stories that should’ve easily been solo posts in my own personal arsenal alone, but I decided that it’s not always fair that I only choose books I really enjoy and love.

Midnight Sun (Aug. 4, 2020) by Stephenie Meyer.

Although this story likely needs no explanation, I’ll touch ever-briefly on the simplest of basics. There are beautiful, sparkling, immortal vampires. Fortunately, the core group doesn’t drink human blood. Unfortunately for Edward Cullen, who’s usually maintained such control over any human blood, he encounters Bella Swan. She is human and blushes easily, is self-deprecating, but also thoughtfully stubborn and annoyingly obsessed with Edward, not that he can hear her  thoughts. The Twilight tetralogy follow Bella’s point-of-view (POV) in a very long, but iconic, love story. In “Midnight Sun,” it’s Edward’s turn. Welcome back to Forks, Washington.

            Like ripping off a Band-Aid, I’ll state right away that I struggled with this story. I was once one of those women who sailed through the four books of the Twilight series, but my interest has waned since those years. I read the partial draft that Meyer had on her website back in the day (that was 2008 or 2009) multiple times, which she’d posted after it had been leaked by someone I’m assuming she thought she could trust. I was never Team Edward or Team Jacob (I was not an ardent fan, I’ll admit, though I did see all of the movies in the theater), but I expect that Team Edward has sighed (or squealed?) in content over Edward’s POV. I will say that “Midnight Sun” is more complex than the Twilight series, giving readers deeper characterization. Meyer doesn’t shy away from Edward’s often less-than-sympathetic views toward Bella, at least before he lets himself fall for her, and I did appreciate that darkness. It took away some of the innocence. I also actually liked the well of detail surrounding James’ storyline, when he’s made Bella his fixation and the chase is on. That strategizing felt fresh, and even though one knows how it’ll end, it still felt climactic when James’ end came. Edward’s internal struggles are convincing, despite my own struggle to get through the book. This novel is a love letter to fans, and even though I never chose a Team or redecorated an entire room in a Twilight theme, I still wrote my name on the line and gave myself a high five.

            If you read this post, you should give yourself a high five and leave a comment below!

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 4

This compilation is all about the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. Not included in this compilation is her companion novel to the series, “Fallen in Love.” If I ever read it, I will add it to this post. For anyone concerned, I have NOT included spoilers.

Fallen (Dec. 8, 2009).

Have you ever been inexplicably drawn to someone? If you have, then you can relate to Lucinda “Luce” Price. She is attracted to Daniel Grigori from day one at Sword & Cross (a “boarding” school) and even feels like she recognizes him. But Daniel is difficult to decipher. When he’s not completely ignoring her, he’s downright rude. Other times he’s nice, tender even. At least Cameron “Cam” Briel is easy to figure out. He isn’t shy about showing his interest in Luce. Too bad she’s so strongly drawn to Daniel, like a moth is drawn to a flame. But Daniel is keeping secrets, because he’s afraid that if he reveals too much, he will lose Luce for good.

            If you enjoy YA fantasy romance novels, you’ll likely enjoy this one. Luce’s obsession with Daniel can border on the annoying (and possibly unhealthy), but every character’s gotta have flaws! “Fallen” is fascinating, and the story’s premise is interesting. I look forward to progressing through the series. Will Luce be with Daniel? Will Daniel fight for her? They say that love is a battlefield, and in “Fallen,” it really is!

Torment(Sept. 28, 2010).*

After the events in “Fallen,” Luce is sent to Shoreline, a posh, scenic school that’s the opposite of Sword & Cross. She’s told that she’s there for her own safety, but she feels smothered and frustrated because others tell her to stay, yet never explain why. She keeps fighting with Daniel, but how about Miles Fisher? He’s a “diluted” Nephilim, but he’s kind, easygoing and good-looking. He’s not at all the aloof, brooding worrywart that Daniel is right now. Luce makes new friends while missing her old friends, deals with homesickness, meshes with Announcers (“shadows”) and finds out a rogue group of immortals (the Outcasts) want to kill her, along with the Elders of Zhsmaelim -- you know, normal teenager stuff!

            “Torment” introduces the reader to new characters and incorporates many of those we were introduced to in “Fallen.” There are still many questions left unanswered, including how hard it can be, really, to choose the “good” side. But no matter what, Luce loves Daniel … Right? For sure, their love knows torment. But is theirs a blessed torment? Or a cursed one?

* If you click on the book title it will take you to the extended summary/review that I originally posted on Aug. 13, 2012. I don’t promise that the extended version doesn’t contain spoilers.

Passion (June 14, 2011).

Let me just say that Luce and Daniel do a lot of traveling in this book. And by traveling, I don’t mean to California or Italy or even Antarctica. And I don’t mean by train, plane or automobile. Each time, Daniel seems to just miss Luce. Meanwhile, Luce has found herself a travel buddy named Bill and discovered cleaving. Bill’s not your usual travel companion, but he’s a very knowledgeable one. Luce is seeking proof of her love for Daniel and his for her. Will she find her proof? Will Daniel catch up with her before the end? For awhile now, Luce has convinced herself that Cam is the bad guy. What if he’s not? Then who is?

            I thought the travel destinations were interesting. Luce’s obsession with Daniel (and proof of their love) is still annoying and possibly unhealthy, but at least she’s consistent. There is definitely a heavier tone of “higher powers” at certain points in the book, especially near the end, but “Passion” is still, first and foremost, a YA fantasy romance novel. The passion of the book doesn’t refer to anything hot or steamy; it’s the passion of obsession and (re)discovering the passion of true love. Is it real? Or is it there out of habit?

Rapture (June 12, 2012).

Things aren’t often easily (and truthfully) described as wholly good or fully evil. Sometimes love and adoration come from the same source as hatred and loathing. Luce will discover this as she gains more knowledge about herself. To say she has a lot of catching up to do regarding herself is an understatement. Together with Daniel, angel allies and enemies-turned-allies, Luce will set out to find three specific relics. Their expected whereabouts are Venice, Vienna and Avalon. They gain much, but lose much, too. The group must locate the relics and get them to an unknown location to stop a highly unsavory character. Is he fully evil? Was he always? Can Luce figure out who she is in time to make an impact?

            From the first page, the storyline scoots right along. It shouldn’t surprise any reader of the series that the storyline does include occasional Christian connotations, but by no means does Kate write in terms of overwhelming religious allegory. This book – this series – is a YA fantasy romance first, and other pieces of the story are there to help the story, not overshadow it. The book took a couple turns that I wasn’t expecting, but I enjoyed reading them. Kate’s concluding novel struck a lovely chord and is a nice ending to the series.

            Overall, I liked this series. It is imaginative and different from other YA fantasy stories I’ve read, which is always a plus. Should a movie adaptation of the series come to the big screen, I’d go watch them. True, I found Luce to be quite noisome at times, but hey, she’s a teenager. I guess one whiny teen isn’t unusual! I suppose we whine as adults, but we don’t call it whining; we call it venting! Ha!

"Endlessly"

YAY! I am pleased to say that I am FINALLY getting around to summaries/reviews of books I've read this year! Well, one, anyway, to start off. This is the most recent book I've finished reading. Enjoy!

            Are your days full of normal? Would you like a little paranormal in your day? If so, I encourage you to check out the Paranormalcy trilogy by Kiersten White. All three books are now available for purchase. The trilogy begins with “Paranormalcy” (Aug. 31, 2010), which is followed by “Supernaturally” (July 26, 2011), and concludes with “Endlessly” (July 24, 2012). This summary and review focuses on the final book.

            In “Endlessly,” Evie wants nothing more than to lead a normal life – or as normal a life as a paranormal Empty One can. Her normal plans involve hanging out with her [paranormal] boyfriend, Lend, her human friend, Carlee, and pushing to make pink the “neutral” color for the winter formal as opposed to navy. But whose plans ever tend to go exactly according to plan? … Exactly. She encounters scores of other paranormals, including a rather temperamental dragon, the new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA), who doesn’t play nice, and the Dark Faerie Queen, who is all sunshine and rainbows. Ha. Or most definitely not.

            What is the new IPCA director all about? Does the Dark Faerie Queen aim to harness whatever power Evie has or simply do her harm? Will Evie finally find herself on the wrong end of a Taser? And why are there so many paranormals, many of which she’s never encountered before, congregating at the lake? Because it surely can’t be for a neighborhood block party.

            I found “Endlessly” to be a swiftly-moving conclusion to this trilogy. This trilogy is perfectly paranormal and is geared for the teen set, so beware if you’re not a fan of one, the other, or both. Evie is faced with much turmoil and a lot is placed on her shoulders, which seems so totally unfair to her, to be thrust into it all and have such expectation upon her, but also seems to be necessary for the safety of others. Friends and loved ones may be lost, and she has to grapple with a very tough decision, near the end, about what to do. Can Evie do what’s best for the whole and do it selflessly and by her own choice? Or, in the end, will it come down to further manipulation?

            Will she have to say good-bye?

"Torment: A Fallen Novel" Review

The second book in a planned tetralogy, “Torment” (Sept. 28, 2010) is a Fallen novel by Lauren Kate. It is a young adult fantasy novel involving angels, demons and, particularly, a mortal 17-year-old girl who is definitely not a usual teenager by anyone’s definition.

            Growing up, Lucinda “Luce” Price saw what she referred to as “Shadows” from a young age. She is informed that they are actually called Announcers, but she coins them Shadows because she would normally see them hiding in actual shadows. They are wet and cold and damp. They often have a musty or other unattractive smell. Oh. And they have messages to tell her, pieces of her past, whether a recent past or a longer ago past.

            By the way, Luce is on her umpteenth reincarnation. The trouble is, she cannot remember her past lives, but they are extremely important. Here is where the angels come in. Actually, one specific angel. Daniel Grigori is a fallen angel on the angel side. He has loved Luce for eons and has watched her leave him – rather dramatically – time after time, generation upon generation, always in her seventeenth year. There must be a beginning to their story, a very first time that Daniel saw Luce, but when was it? Where can Luce find the answers she so desperately seeks and feels she needs to know? And why did Daniel choose her, a mortal?

            No pressure, but she also has factions who would like to harm her. One group is known as the Elders, though not much is explained about them, except one – Miss Sophia from the first novel – tried to kill her. Luce does not understand why they are out for her. Then there are the Outcasts, mentioned in the book as “spineless, waffling angels” who have been shunned by both gates. The Outcasts’ one great strength is a starshot. What is a starshot?

            A truce is going on between angels and demons. Thanks to an Announcer, she sees that Daniel and Cam Briel are working together (it is understood that Cam was a major antagonist in the first book). Cam is a fallen angel on the demon side. Utterly baffling to Luce. And what is this about a truce timeline?

            Whatever it is, Luce is in danger. She is shuffled from one school near her parents in Georgia to a school for gifted students called Shoreline, though its main purpose is to house Nephilim, half angels or half humans, depending on how you look at it, in California. Her roommate, Shelby, is one. She puts up a tough front, but she’s got a kind-hearted side. Yoga enthusiast. Miles is also one. He becomes a friend to Luce: he’s also the easygoing, laidback guy that Daniel, the love of her many lives, is definitely not.

            Luce thinks Daniel is way overprotective about staying on campus. She even eventually gets grounded all in the name of her protection. She doesn’t get it for most of the book, going out anyway, but Daniel is determined to protect her. Can he keep her safe always?

            If you enjoy reading fantasy and paranormal novels, this series may be up your alley. Instead of wizards and dark wizards or vampires and werewolves, there are angels and demons (and there always seem to be humans in there somewhere). I do advise, though, that you start at the beginning of the series. Context clues may help in figuring out parts of the characters and back story, but I definitely felt like I was missing bits and pieces. It wasn’t like other stories I’ve read where I can simply get by starting at the third book, or even the seventeenth book, in.

            Avoid this book if you’re disinterested in saving-the-pretty-girl-who’s-super-important-to-the-world-in-a-possible-love-triangle stories. Otherwise … enjoy!

Note: The final book in this tetralogy, Rapture, was released in June 2012. I now have the four books so that I can read them from the series’ beginning to its end, though I haven’t yet. Don’t be surprised if I some day review the final book or the tetralogy as a whole!