Remain, Nicholas Sparks

Remain by Nicholas Sparks was my first real encounter with the author — unless we count the film adaptations of The Notebook and A Walk to Remember. But every reader should expand their horizons — and this time, Sparks found his way to mine.

A brief look at the story, without spoilers — as always.

Architect Tate Donovan arrives in the small town of Hetherington after being discharged from a specialized clinic. Having lost his sister, he is trying to rebuild his mental stability and find his way back to a normal life. He checks into a small hotel that has been closed for two years following the death of its owner.

That is where he meets the mysterious Wren — and the attraction between them is immediate.

She becomes the first person in front of whom Tate lowers his guard. With her, he finds the courage to speak openly about his fears, doubts, and grief. What they build is fragile… and doomed.

The first thing that truly impressed me was Sparks’ writing style (I read it in the original). Rich language, immersive storytelling — something many romance novels struggle with. Characters often lack depth, but Sparks… well, Sparks knows exactly what he’s doing.

There is nothing superficial here. On the contrary — the reader is invited deep inside the characters, to experience everything alongside them. Perhaps this is the true magic of Sparks: revealing the inner world of his characters so vividly that they begin to live inside the reader.

The way he captures Tate’s grief, vulnerability, and longing for connection — this is where Sparks is at his best.

The next part inevitably brushes against spoiler territory, so feel free to skip it — though it won’t ruin your reading experience.

The story moves into the realm of romance between a human and a ghost. If you’ve read Layla by Colleen Hoover and didn’t enjoy it, this won’t disappoint you in the same way. And if you did enjoy it — you might understand why it doesn’t quite reach the same level as Remain.

What makes this novel truly stand out — and places it, for me, alongside films like Ghost — is the sense of inevitability surrounding Tate and Wren’s relationship.

How do you love when you know your love has no body… but has a soul?

That question echoes throughout the novel.

Tate knows exactly what Wren is. And yet, instead of protecting himself, instead of running away, he chooses to stay — to understand her, to uncover the truth behind her death, and to hold onto something that cannot fully exist.

In the dedication, Sparks mentions his long-standing fascination with the supernatural — and it shows. He successfully raises the bar by blending paranormal elements with romance.

The mystery aspect, however… not quite on the same level.

Still, we won’t reveal the killer.

Booklovers Rating: 4/5

There are connections that don’t belong to this world — but teach us how to live in it.

And that is exactly why Remain is a novel that will stay with you.