Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author of 17 romantic novels, including The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, has announced that he and his wife, Cathy, are divorcing after 25 years of marriage. For many of his fans, the master of love stories’ failure to have a happy ending is a sign that love is dead. Many have taken to Twitter to express their shock and dismay.

The couple was married in 1989. Seven years later Sparks wrote The Notebook, making him a literary star. Sparks often referred to Cathy as his muse. They have three sons and twin daughters that range in age from 12 to 23 years.

“This is, of course, not a decision we’ve made lightly,” Sparks told People. “We remain close friends with deep respect for each other and love for our children. For our children’s sake, we regard this as a private matter.”

Sparks other well-known novels include Message in a Bottle and The Wedding. He and his wife also established the Epiphany School through the Nicholas Sparks Foundation.

Sparks, whose other novels include Message in a Bottle and The Wedding, also created the progressive, North Carolina-based Epiphany School of Global Studeis with his wife through the Nicholas Sparks Foundation.

Men often find it difficult to find a divorce attorney who understands the unique male perspective on family law matters. If you are facing divorce or you have other family law needs, our legal team is here to help. Contact the Men’s Divorce Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a caring professional, and aggressive advocate for men’s rights in divorce, child timesharing (custody), and paternity matters.