A deeply emotional coming-of-age romance by Nicholas Sparks. The novel follows Veronica "Ronnie" Miller, a rebellious seventeen-year-old who is sent to spend the summer with her estranged father in a small coastal town in North Carolina. Initially resentful, Ronnie gradually reconnects with her father through their shared love of music while also experiencing first love with Will Blakelee. As family secrets emerge and life-changing events unfold, Ronnie learns about forgiveness, love, loss, and the importance of family.