Given my love for Sparks’ compelling narratives, I thought it would be fitting to share a complete list of Nicholas Sparks books in chronological order. This is for all the Sparks’ aficionados who want to experience his literary journey as it unfolded, and for the newcomers keen on delving into the heart-stirring world that Sparks so masterfully crafts.
In this blog post, my hope is to assist fellow readers in finding those perfect books that leave you breathless, those stories that linger, those tales that, much like Sparks’ novels, remain etched in your heart long after the final page has been turned
[Related: 15 best fantasy books to read]
Nicholas Sparks Books in Order
Here is the full list of Nicholas Sparks books in Order
1. The Wish, by Nicholas Sparks
The Wish, by Nicholas Sparks, is an inspiring tale of love and hope in the face of adversity. In this poignant novel, readers join renowned travel photographer Maggie as she faces her own mortality with a sobering medical diagnosis.
As she spends her unexpected Christmas at home, Maggie finds solace in a young assistant who becomes a confidante for the story of another lifetime’s love. With vivid descriptions that draw readers into Maggie’s life and her journey to understanding love and destiny, The Wish transports readers to a place of empowerment and resilience.
An unforgettable story by one of the greatest authors of our time, The Wish is perfect for holiday reading or anytime you need a reminder that miracles can happen if you just wish upon them.
2. A Bend in the Road, by Nicholas Sparks
Miles Ryan, a small-town deputy sheriff, is still grieving the loss of his wife, Missy, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident. As he tries to bring her killer to justice, he meets Sarah Andrews, a recently divorced teacher new to the town.
As their relationship blossoms, they both confront the pain of their pasts and find healing. However, their happiness is threatened when they uncover the shocking truth behind Missy’s death, which forces them to make difficult decisions about their future.
3. Rescue, by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks’ latest work, Rescue, is a heart-wrenching journey of love and perseverance that will keep you glued to the page. When Denise Holton’s car skids off the road during a raging storm, she and her four-year-old son Kyle, who has severe learning disabilities, are left to face the elements.
Taylor McAden finds Denise unconscious but does not find Kyle. Upon waking, it is revealed that Kyle has gone missing and an intense search ensues. As tension builds in finding Kyle, a connection between Taylor and Denise takes root.
This is not just any other rescue mission – in Saving Kyle, love must be the ultimate savior of their life-altering dilemma. Rescue by Nicholas Sparks offers readers an emotional whirlwind of raw emotions and true love that will leave you wanting more from this amazing author.
4. The Return, by Nicholas Sparks
Trevor Benson, an orthopedic surgeon, returns to his late grandfather’s house in New Bern, North Carolina, to recover from physical and emotional wounds sustained during his deployment in Afghanistan.
During his stay, he meets two women: Natalie, a local deputy sheriff with whom he falls in love, and Callie, a mysterious teenager who holds a dark secret about his grandfather’s past. As Trevor navigates his way through these relationships, he uncovers truths about his family’s history and must come to terms with his own past and future.
5. A Walk to Remember, by Nicholas Sparks
Set in the 1950s, this novel tells the story of Landon Carter, a popular high school student who unexpectedly falls in love with Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a local Baptist minister. Despite their differences, the two form a deep connection.
Jamie, however, reveals that she has leukemia and is not expected to live for long. In the time they have left together, Landon and Jamie embark on a transformative journey, during which Landon learns the power of love, faith, and selflessness. The story is narrated by an older Landon, reflecting on the impact Jamie had on his life.
6. The Guardian, by Nicholas Sparks
After the sudden death of her husband, Jim, Julie Barenson receives a Great Dane named Singer as a gift from Jim to help her cope with her loss.
Four years later, Julie begins dating again and becomes involved with two very different men: Richard Franklin, a handsome and wealthy engineer, and Mike Harris, a kind and easygoing mechanic who was Jim’s best friend. As a dangerous love triangle develops, Julie must rely on Singer’s instincts to protect her from an increasingly obsessive and threatening Richard.
7. Two by Two, Nicholas Sparks
Russell Green seemingly has it all: a beautiful wife, Vivian, a successful career, and a charming daughter, London. However, his world turns upside down when Vivian decides to leave him, and he is suddenly faced with the challenges of single parenthood.
As he navigates this new life, Russell learns the importance of family and the power of love. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth as Russell comes to terms with his new reality and reevaluates his priorities.
8. Safe Haven, by Nicholas Sparks
Katie Feldman arrives in the small town of Southport, North Carolina, looking to start a new life and escape her dark past. She begins to form relationships with the locals, particularly with Alex, a widower with two young children, and Jo, a supportive neighbor.
As Katie and Alex’s love story unfolds, Katie’s past comes back to haunt her, and she must confront her fears and secrets to protect herself and those she loves. The novel delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the strength found in love.
9. See Me, by Nicholas Sparks
Maria Sanchez, a young lawyer, and Colin Hancock, a former troublemaker turned aspiring teacher, cross paths one rainy night in Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite their differences, the two fall in love and begin to build a future together.
However, as they grow closer, Maria’s past resurfaces and threatens their happiness. The couple must learn to trust and rely on each other as they face the challenges ahead, navigating the complex terrain of love, secrets, and the power of forgiveness.
10. Message in a Bottle, by Nicholas Sparks
When Theresa Osborne, a divorced and single mother, discovers a love letter in a bottle while jogging on the beach, she becomes obsessed with finding the writer, Garret Blake.
As the two eventually meet and fall in love, they must confront the emotional baggage of their pasts, including Garret’s unresolved grief over his deceased wife, Catherine. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they learn about the healing power of love and the importance of letting go.
11. The Longest Ride, by Nicholas Sparks
The novel intertwines the lives of two couples: Ira Levinson, a 91-year-old widower, and his late wife Ruth; and Sophia Danko, a college student, and her boyfriend, Luke Collins, a professional bull rider. As Ira becomes stranded after a car accident, he reflects on his life with Ruth, while Sophia and Luke face challenges in their own relationship.
The two storylines eventually converge, revealing a connection between the couples that leads to an unexpected outcome. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of enduring relationships.
12. The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks
In this iconic love story, elderly Noah Calhoun reads from his notebook to fellow nursing home resident Allie Nelson, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The notebook tells the story of their own love affair, which began in the 1940s and was interrupted by World War II.
Despite the obstacles they faced, including Allie’s engagement to another man, their love endured. The novel is a testament to the power of love and its ability to withstand the test of time, even in the face of illness and separation.
13. The Lucky One, by Nicholas Sparks
Logan Thibault, a U.S. Marine, finds a photograph of a woman while serving in Iraq and credits it with saving his life on numerous occasions. Determined to find and thank the woman, he eventually tracks down Elizabeth Green, a single mother living in North Carolina.
As Logan and Elizabeth’s relationship develops, they must confront the challenges posed by their pasts and the secrets they carry. The novel explores themes of fate, destiny, and the power of love to heal and transform.
14. Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks
While on leave from the military, John Tyree falls in love with Savannah Curtis, a college student visiting her hometown. Despite their intense connection, they are separated by John’s duty to serve his country.
Their love is tested through a series of letters exchanged during John’s deployments, as they struggle to maintain their relationship despite the distance and time apart. The novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the difficult choices that life often presents.
15. The Choice, by Nicholas Sparks
Travis Parker, a small-town veterinarian, enjoys a fulfilling life with good friends and a variety of hobbies. His world changes when he meets Gabby Holland, his new neighbor who is in a committed relationship with another man.
Despite this, they are drawn to each other and eventually fall in love. Years later, they face a life-altering decision that tests the strength of their love and commitment to each other. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the choices that shape our lives.
16. True Believer, by Nicholas Sparks
Jeremy Marsh, a skeptical New York City-based journalist known for debunking supernatural phenomena, travels to the small town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, to investigate mysterious lights in the local cemetery.
There, he meets Lexie Darnell, the town’s librarian, who helps him with his research. As they grow closer, Jeremy finds himself questioning his own beliefs and priorities. This novel delves into themes of love, destiny, and the power of faith in the face of skepticism.
17. Nights in Rodanthe, by Nicholas Sparks
Adrienne Willis, a divorced mother, agrees to look after a coastal inn in Rodanthe, North Carolina, for a weekend to escape her daily struggles. During her stay, she meets Dr. Paul Flanner, a guest at the inn, who is in town to confront his own personal demons. As a storm approaches, Adrienne and Paul find solace in each other’s company and form a deep bond. The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and the power of second chances in life.
18. The Wedding, by Nicholas Sparks
A sequel to “The Notebook,” this novel follows the story of Noah and Allie’s daughter, Jane, and her husband, Wilson Lewis. After forgetting their 29th wedding anniversary, Wilson fears he has lost the love and passion that once defined his marriage.
With Noah’s guidance, he embarks on a journey to rekindle the spark in his relationship with Jane. The novel is a heartwarming exploration of love, commitment, and the importance of nurturing relationships throughout life.
Final thoughts
In this lovingly curated blog post, you’ll find a complete catalog of Nicholas Sparks’ books in order, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to journey through his evocative storytelling. From the hopeful narratives of “The Wish” to the complex, intertwining relationships in “The Longest Ride,” each book offers a unique exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.
