Shallotte, NC (October 9, 2018) Romance loves can rejoice as Nicholas Sparks has announced his highly anticipated novel, “Every Breath” will be released to stores on October 16.
Named one of USA Today’s “Top 20 Books of the Fall,” Sparks’ newest novel explores the whirlwind love story between North Carolinian, Hope Anderson and Tru Walls, a safari guide from Zimbabwe through the decades, continents and fate that follow a chance meeting in Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands N.C.
Sparks has stated that setting is a major aspect of his work, both in terms of natural and cultural environments and atmosphere. Every novel he has written since “The Notebook” has been set in North Carolina. He has claimed that this charming Southern state is the inspiration for his passionate, whirlwind romance novels as many of his books are set within the most picturesque towns and landmarks.
Sparks latest novel is no different, it was inspired by his fascination with a Brunswick Islands hidden treasure, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Sparks like many others visited Sunset Beach, one of the 5 barrier island beaches in the area, seeking inspiration at a local receptacle for the hopes, dreams and innermost thoughts of those lucky enough to come across it. Located near the dunes, about a mile from the nearest public beach access point, lies the Kindred Spirit mailbox filled with journals to read and write whatever one’s heart desires; next to the mailbox is a bench for self-reflection. Planted by a Sunset Beach couple over 30 years ago, the mailbox belongs to both no one and everyone and encourages thousands of visitors to anonymously share their story with the universe each year. Readers of his new novel will come to find that this quirky mailbox is the center of the storyline in Every Breath.
In preparation for his new novel, Sparks’ fanatics can enjoy a “Safe Haven” of their own by taking a “Walk to Remember” to Kindred Spirit and the other iconic landmarks in the Brunswick Islands and surrounding North Carolina coastal communities that were made famous by Sparks’ novels and films.
Check out our list of some of the can’t miss stops on the Nicholas Sparks Tour of the Coast:
Brunswick Islands, NC:
With 45+ miles of pristine beaches and charming coastal communities it is easy to see why a few of his novels have been set or filmed in the Brunswick Islands. Sunset Beach and Southport have both served the book or filming backdrop for “Every Breath” (2018), “Safe Haven” (2010) “A Walk To Remember” (1999) and “The Longest Ride” (2013).
Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands: Featured in “Every Breath.”
- Send a message to a higher power at the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, the central location in the novel and the destination that Nicholas Sparks’ character in the novel finds the manila envelope detailing the “The Most Amazing Story Ever” of Tru Wallace and Hope Anderson’s romance
- Visit the charming town of Sunset Beach where Hope Anderson goes to spend time at her family’s cottage.
Southport, Brunswick Islands: Featured in the film adaptions of “Safe Haven” & “A Walk To Remember”
Featured in “Safe Haven”:
- Have a drink on the dock at Old American Fish Co restaurant, which transformed into Ivan’s Fish Shack where Katie Feldman worked as a waitress.
- Walk through Downtown Southport to see some of the storefronts and restaurants that made their way into the film as well as housed the crew
- Explore West Moore and Bay Streets where the dramatic NC 4th of July Festival was recreated in Fall for filming of the iconic Fourth of July scenes
- Fans will recognize the W Brunswick Street house where Alex Wheatley lived with his children in the film.
- Enjoy a meal at Ports of Call restaurant—where Katie and Alex shared their first romantic dinner.
- See where Alex kept his boat at the Southport Marina.
Featured in “A Walk to Remember”:
- Stop by the beautiful church where Jamie Sullivan’s dad was a pastor.
- Dry your tears at the Old Smithville Burying Ground where Jamie was buried in the movie.
- Watch the sunset over the water at the Riverwalk Gazebo where Jamie and Landon shared a kiss.
- Orton Plantation Chapel (no longer open to the public) where Jamie and Landon Carter (Shane West) got married.
Caswell Beach, Brunswick Islands: Featured in the film adaption of “The Longest Ride.”
- Visit the delightful seaside town of Caswell Beach where Ruth’s family spent the summer.
About North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
In the southernmost corner of North Carolina, stretching from the Cape Fear River to the South Carolina border, lie North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Five barrier islands provide secluded spots on six pristine beaches for families and nature-lovers, while quaint island and mainland towns beckon with family-owned B&Bs, restaurants and shops. Forts, lighthouses, historic architecture, boating, fishing and 35 golf courses offer plenty to do and see on a trip that harkens back to a simpler time. For more information, visit www.ncbrunswick.com.
Media contacts:
Mitzi York, NC’s Brunswick Islands, myork@ncbrunswick.com 910-755-5517
Rachel Holt, Pineapple Public Relations, rholt@pineapple-pr.com 404-237-3761