The Longest Ride

I jumped on the wagon of reading this book before I watched the movie, which is what I usually do for any Nicholas Sparks book. 

I immediately fell in love with the book. The characters were amazing. I'm still trying to decide if I fell more for Ira or Luke. It's pretty hard to decide. 

Ira, the Veteran who had so much love for Ruth. The one that was patient and shy and loving. The one that bid his time into courting Ruth. The one that was so likable, that his military companions loved hanging out with him. The man that was so smart. But then, there is Ira, the soft man. The one who was willing to give up a future that he could offer Ruth because he didn't think that he was worthy of her. He loved her so much that he was willing to let her go. There is also Ira the people-pleaser. I say this, because it seemed to me like he lived to please Ruth in every aspect of her life. 

Luke. Such a strong character. I loved him from the very first moment that I met him. I loved how he handled the situation with Brian, and he didn't over-do it. He was such a level headed person and so calm about everything. The man that took care of his mother, the ranch and all of his other responsibilities. Once I got to know more of his back story, I fell even more for him. I felt so bad for everything that he had gone through. Such a rough and hard life for someone so young. I do believe that he was a well written character though. 

I really enjoyed that we got multiple POV (and by this, I mean Luke, Ira & Sophia). That was pretty awesome. I like to know what each character is going through or what they are thinking at the exact moment. It definitely help tie in the two stories together. I kept wondering what the relation would be between Ira/Ruth and Luke/Sophia and how each would benefit from the other. 

The romance that was offered was very sweet. I like what we got and from whom we got it. Not too much, not too little. Just right. 

That ending. Can I just say WOW. I was shocked. Totally Shocked. 

I do have to say that like with any other Nicholas Sparks book, I cried. I felt my heart break several times. I got mad at some points. But then I was totally giggling/laughing at others.The emotions that he evoked from me as a reader are those that I expect a good book to get from me. I was definitely not disappointed. 

Oh, did I mention that I went the old fashion way with this book? I read the paper book for this one. I felt like I would be able to get more out of it than in my Kindle. Which I believe I did.