Cross Currents

Yes, this book does have the feel of a saccharine Nicholas Sparks novel (albeit with some international flavor), but I will admit I really enjoyed it.   What made me enjoy it and overlook some of the obvious plot points and eye-rolling romantic dialogue was the setting.  The author depicts the island of Ko Phi Phi so vividly that you are truly absorbed into the story.  The tsunami that hit that area in 2004 provides the climax of the book and I will admit, I got a little misty-eyed. Even though the book jacket blatantly states that the tsunami will be the climax of the book, when it hits you have come to really care for the characters. There is a lot of beauty in the narrative. For that reason alone, I would recommend it.