A movie can never hold a true expectation from it's book. However, I still though it was an adorable romance and wasn't awkward at all!!! There were a few differences that I wish would have just been left alone (i.e. some events to the storyline, and the little boys behavior). They did change the little girls name, which honestly isn't a bad idea. When I read the book the main character and the little girl both started with the letter "K." I'm sure they did this to help the viewers keep the names straight. I also thought the husband wasn't crazy enough, but it wasn't my favorite aspect in the movie anyway, so I'm not that concerned. I do think as well that some people might have been confused in the first 30 minutes if they hadn't read the book. But then again, when is Nicholas Sparks story lines ever clean cut from the beginning? They aren't! :) I loved it! 5 stars, only a few typical complaints, but I don't care. I'm going to end up buying the movie anyway.