In Savannah’s first "Dear John" letter, she writes, “If you come back, I’ll marry you. If you break your promise, you’ll break my heart.” Narrated by John, this is his story of loving Savannah.

John realizes that the army has changed his life for the better. After being raised by an unreceptive father he couldn’t relate to (except through coins), John barely graduated from high school. Following a string of jobs and girlfriends, John decides to enlist in the military and do something with his life. While home on leave, he meets Savannah. He does find her beautiful from the start, but he says “it had less to do with the way she looked than the way she was.”

John’s leave goes by fast as they get to know each other. On their second date, Savannah meets John’s dad. In their first rainstorm together, John tells Savannah he loves her. On their last day together, he says he’s going to marry her one day. With promises to write and call, they say goodbye until John’s next army leave.

Holding onto his hopes for their future, John's days and nights pass. While counting down the days to his discharge, the date turns to September 11, 2001. The events of that infamous day changes John and Savannah’s life. After spending some time in combat, John receives another "Dear John" letter from Savannah.

Nicholas Sparks, the bestselling author of A Walk to Remember and The Notebook, writes about love that aches sometimes but that continues to exist. Each time John goes back to visit Savannah, he learns more about love - he sees love around him, he feels love, he wants love, and he ultimately gives love.