A new Sparks' novel always promises a good read."The Last Song," is no exception. At first I didn't think a story about a rebellious teenaged girl would be of interest, but because Sparks wrote it, I gave it a read. Much to my surprise, it was not just interesting, it proved to be one of Sparks' very best efforts.

Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life went upside down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later as Ronnie neared her eighteenth birthday she still feels alienated from her parents, particularly her father who she blames for the family's breakup. To make matters worse her mother suddenly decides Ronnie and her ten-year-old brother, Jonah, must spend the summer with their father.

Ronnie's father once taught piano at Juillard. Then he quit and went on the road as a concert pianist. His long absences from home may have caused the eventual destruction of the family, at least that's what Ronnie thinks.Today, Steve Miller is living a quiet life in a beach town where he was raised as a child. He is a man whose life has not turned out as he'd expected. Steve plays the piano only for himself, sometimes for hours each day. When he's not at his piano, he devotes himself to creating a work of stained-glass art that will be the centerpiece of a local church.

Steve, raised as an only child by undemonstrative parents, learned to keep his feelings and opinions to himself. This makes him appear indecisive, weak, able to express himself only through his music. He's looking forward to having his children with him for the summer but hasn't a clue that his life is about to be in chaos.

When Ronnie and Jonah arrive in North Carolina, Ronnie is full of teenage angst and hate. Jonah, on the other hand loves his father and is elated to spend quality time with his dad. Ronnie soon connects with Blaze, a young girl gone wrong, and Marcus, a local bad boy who is into drugs, alcohol, and vandalism. Nothing good can come from such alliances and without the support of Will, another local boy, Ronnie's life would continue a downward spiral.

The story that unfolds is a remarkable tale of love on many levels. First love, love between parents and children, as well as a story of redemption.

The Last Song once again proves Sparks is the master of the modern love story. His beautifully crafted characters and his ability to evoke emotion in his readers are unique. If you enjoyed A Walk to Remember and A Message in a Bottle, you will certainly love The Last Song.