Saturday, April 27, 2019

Two By Two – A Book Review

Two by Two book cover
Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks
by Nicholas Sparks

I have been a fan of the books by Nicholas Sparks for many years. His romantic novels are wonderful.

I think what makes them especially interesting is that they focus on real-life situations.  There is romance and love, but love is not always perfect. Sparks' books describe times of absolute joy, as well as the daily love, disappointment, life journey changes and adjustments we all experience in our own lives. There is also always a touch of sadness just as we all experience from time to time. In other words, his love stories are realistic. Two By Two is no exception. 


Synopsis


Two By Two, published in 2016,  is about an ordinary guy – Russell Green – who has everything a man could want ~ a successful career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife (Vivian) and an adorable six-year-old daughter, London. They live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Russ is living the Dream, or so he thought. Suddenly he finds that the life he took for granted has turned upside down. In just a few months Russ finds himself without a job, his wife leaves him for a new job and exciting life with a real estate billionaire,  and he has become a single dad to daughter London. 

The story takes place over the space of a year which shows Russ struggling to adapt to a baffling new reality.  Trying to launch his own business while coping with the demise of his marriage, his days revolve around his daughter whom he tries to shelter from the consequences of these changes. His close relationship with his wise older sister, Marge and her partner, Liz, and his loving parents help sustain him during the emotional roller-coaster he finds himself on.


Little girl walking down a country lane holding a large teddy bear
Source: Pixabay


“Friendship isn’t about how long you know someone. It’s about who walks into your life, says ‘I’m here for you,’ and then proves it.”
  ~Nicholas Sparks, Two By Two


Throughout the story are short sections of memories of Russ' childhood and his close friendship with his sister, plus memories from collage days when a foolish one-night stand costs him the girl (Emily) he was in love with. 

When a chance encounter with an old flame tempts him to take a second chance on love he finally learns that unconditional love is a treasure to be bestowed, never earned. 


Happiness Comes From Within pillow
Pillow Cover by pure_soul on Zazzle


“Happiness isn’t something someone can deliver. It comes from within.”
~Nicholas Sparks, Two By Two



Author Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks, Author
Nicholas Sparks, Author

Nicholas Sparks is a romance novelist with 20 (to date) novels to his credit and two non-fiction books. He is also a screen writer. Several of his novels have become international best sellers and 11 of these stories have become films.  Probably his best known are “Message in a Bottle” and “The Notebook”. Almost all his stories are placed in a North Carolina setting, many of them along the coastal areas. Nicholas lives in North Carolina. 

His latest book just published in 2018 is Every Breath



Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks book cover
Available on Amazon



For more book reviews, go to 




(c) Wednesday Elf 4/27/2019




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


13 comments:

  1. Nicholas Sparks is a wonderful writer! I have read several of his books, as well as seen several of the related movies. I think "The Notebook" was my first introduction to Sparks. Such an awesome love story that spanned a lifetime. Two By Two sounds like another great novel. Most of us realize that life can change quickly and without warning. Adjustment to unexpected changes are rarely easy. "It takes time to heal" is a phrase I grew up hearing. While I have learned the truth of that statement, going though that time is often the hardest part of living. However, I trust Sparks to deliver a great book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've always enjoyed the Nicholas Sparks books. I've read most of them, so decided it was time to write a review of one of them. Thanks for the visit, Mouse.

      Delete
  2. I haven’t read any of Nicholas Sparks’ works, but your review makes me think I’d enjoy his books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do think you'd enjoy the Nicholas Sparks Books, Margaret. Thanks for visiting my book review.

      Delete
  3. I do love Nicholas Sparks. Thanks for the interesting review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knew you liked author Nicholas Sparks too, Mary Beth. Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  4. This book sounds intriguing. Romance is normally not my thing in books, but as you stated here, this isn't about romance as much as it is about surviving a break up. And when I read that his wife ran off with a billionaire I already started disliking his ex! lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, ha, Barbara. I disliked Vanessa from the beginning because of the way she treated Russ. He was always trying to 'please' her and it was a wasted effort. He finally finds someone who loves him for who he is, just a downright decent guy trying to do the best he can for his family. :)

      Delete
  5. I've lost counts of how many Nicholas Sparks books I've read, but I do remember that I loved them all. I'm sure I'd also like this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you will, Barb. Once a fan, always a fan. :)

      Delete
  6. One of my favorite authors as well. He really knows how to tell a story that makes it easy to relate to the characters. I have read this book and enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for the reminder of this book! I sometimes forget what I have read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your visit, Olivia. I'm glad you enjoyed "Two By Two" as much as I did.

      Delete
  7. The thing that makes me so curious about Nicholas Sparks is what shaped him into such a hugely successful romance writer. Did he grow up with true romantics in his household? How was his great sense of people and their love lives nurtured or nourished? I am fascinated by male authors who are so in tune with the nature of relationships.

    ReplyDelete

Most Recent Reviews on Review This Reviews






Search for Reviews by Subject, Author or Title

The Review This Reviews Contributors



SylvestermouseSylvestermouseDawn Rae BDawn Rae BMbgPhotoMbgPhotoBrite-IdeasBrite-IdeasWednesday ElfWednesday ElfOlivia MorrisOlivia MorrisTreasures by BrendaTreasures by BrendaThe Savvy AgeThe Savvy AgeMargaret SchindelMargaret SchindelRaintree AnnieRaintree AnnieLou16Lou16Sam MonacoSam MonacoTracey BoyerTracey BoyerRenaissance WomanRenaissance WomanBarbRadBarbRadBev OwensBev OwensBuckHawkBuckHawkDecorating for EventsDecorating for EventsHeather426Heather426Coletta TeskeColetta TeskeMissMerFaeryMissMerFaeryMickie_GMickie_G

 


Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





“As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and or Etsy (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from purchases.” Disclosure Statement

X