The Guardian

What would you do if your loved one passed away and left for you a dog and a promise to always watch over you? Would that be enough?

For Julie Barenson in The Guardian, it can be. Before her husband passed away he left her with that same promise and Singer, a Great Dane puppy. Singer follows his master very obediently, just like a good dog should. He's always there for her, protects her, and loves her unconditionally. Maybe he's even a reincarnation of Julie's husband, watching over her in the form of a dog.

After four tough years, Julie is finally ready to make a romantic commitment again. While she has been dating Richard Franklin, the wealthy engineer who treats her to the most extravagant, glamorous dates, Julie just doesn't feel that click with him. Richard is kind, extremely generous, and treats her like a queen, but those things don't phase Singer. This dog smells that something just isn't quite right with Richard.

Soon she discovers that Mike Harris, her husband's best friend, is interested in her. They have become quite close over the years since her husband passed away. Other than Singer, Mike was the only person who was really there for her and helped her through everything.

Julie decides it's best if Richard becomes just a friend, as her interest in Mike becomes mutual. This, however, doesn't suit well with Richard.

As Julie and Mike begin dating, with much approval from Singer, Richard seems to pop up everywhere. They may live in a small town, but he "bumps" into Julie an awful lot. From Mike and Julie's dates to a walk in the woods with Singer, Richard really is everywhere.

The more he comes into contact with Julie, however that may be, the more uncomfortable and uneasy she feels about him. Not to mention the fact that Singer is becoming more alert as th nights progress at the Barenson house. Could Richard actually be stalking her?

The Guardian is another great novel by Nicholas Sparks. Although the tradionally love story is still at hand, The Guardian is a much more suspenseful, hair-raising, edge-of-your-seat type of romance novel. It's full of jealousy, newfound love, and shocking twists. With an ending you'll never forget, this book will thrill, chill, and leave its readers knowing that late loved ones are never really gone.