Nicholas Sparks Books in Order (Plus Where to Start)
If you’re wondering what order to read Nicholas Sparks books, you’re in the right place.
His stories are known for emotional love stories, unforgettable endings, and characters that stay with you long after you finish the book, but with so many titles, it can be hard to know where to start.
Below, I’ve listed all Nicholas Sparks boks in order of publication, plus a few suggestions on where to begin depending on what kind of romance you’re in the mood for.
If you love emotional romance like his stories, you might also want to check out my list of the best small town romance books.
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Where to Start with Nicholas Sparks
If you’re new to Nicholas Sparks, I wouldn’t necessarily start at the very beginning. Instead, I’d start with one of his most loved (and most addictive) books:
👉 Start with The Notebook
It’s his most iconic story for a reason, and still one of my favorite romance books of all time. It’s emotional, romantic, and completely unforgettable.
If you want something a bit more modern with a mix of romance and suspense, go with:
And if you already love second chance romance and want a story that I know will tug on all your heartstrings:
👉 The Best of Me is a must.
My Favorite Nicholas Sparks Books (Ranked)
If you’re just looking for his best, these are the ones I always recommend first:
1. The Notebook
It is the love story and one of my favorite romance books of all time. It is the one that made him a household name and one that I still talk about as it’s one of the most emotional romances out there. Just be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby!
2. The Wedding
This is his follow-up to The Notebook that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s quieter, but incredibly meaningful and romantic in a more mature way. It keeps you glued to the page to the very end.
3. Safe Haven
This book shows how he can blend romance with a touch of suspense, and it’s one of his most bingeable reads.
4. The Best of Me
This is a second chance romance that will absolutely pull at your heart. I love how it brings two people from the opposite sides of the track togethe and blends a past and present timeline.
5. The Lucky One
This is a heartfelt story about fate, love, and finding the person you didn’t expect. It gives the feel of soulmates finally finding each other which I adore.
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Nicholas Sparks Books in Order
Below is the complete list of Nicholas Sparks books in publication order so you can easily read them in the order they were released.
- Wokini (1995)
- The Notebook (1996)
- Message in a Bottle (1998)
- A Walk to Remember (1999)
- The Rescue (2000)
- A Bend in the Road (2001)
- Nights in Rodanthe (2002)
- The Guardian (2003)
- The Wedding (2003)
- True Believer (2005)
- At First Sight (2005)
- Dear John (2006)
- The Choice (2007)
- The Lucky One (2008)
- The Last Song (2009)
- Safe Haven (2010)
- The Best of Me (2011)
- The Longest Ride (2013)
- See Me (2015)
- Two by Two (2016)
- Every Breath (2018)
- The Return (2020)
- The Wish (2021)
- Dreamland (2022)
- Counting Miracles (2024)
- Remain (2025)
If You Like Nicholas Sparks, Try These Authors
If you love emotional, heartfelt romance with strong character-driven stories, these authors give a similar reading experience:
- Colleen Hoover – for emotional, addictive reads that stay with you
- Kristin Hannah – for deeply emotional, character-driven stories
- Taylor Jenkins Reid – for layered love stories with strong emotional arcs
- Jojo Moyes – for heartfelt romance with unforgettable characters
Want More Books Like Nicholas Sparks? Start Here
If you’re looking for more romance books with that small town feel, emotional depth and strong characterization, check out these book lists:
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