Remain, a review by Shelley

💡💡💡1/2
Remain
Nicholas Sparks; M. Night Shyamalan

Publication Date: October 14th, 2025
Random House
352 Pages
Amazon | Goodreads | Bookshop.org

Genre: Women’s Fiction | Romance | Paranormal

This is a story about grief, romance, and the paranormal. Tate is an architect in New York who spent time in a psychiatric ward. He heads to Cape Cod to try to start over after the death of his sister. Before his sister died, she claimed to be able to see spirits that cling to the living, but Tate didn’t believe in such nonsense. While Tate is staying at an old bed and breakfast, he meets Wren, who makes him re-evaluate his beliefs.

This was a unique read that seamlessly blends emotion, suspense, and mystery. Sparks’ talent for writing about love, grief, and the human condition shines and pairs well with Shyamalan’s creepy storytelling, which creates a story that comes off as both romantic and spooky. The Cape Cod setting is beautifully described, adding to the sense of place. The examination of life, death, and the spirits present among us gives the story an interesting depth. The relationship between Tate and Wren is sweet and realistic, which makes the supernatural elements come across as heartwarming.

Overall, Remain is a moving, thought-provoking story that surprised me in the best way possible. I do want to note that I am rounding up (which I rarely do) because I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.