Love Lessons From Nicholas Sparks Books and Movies

The romance: When Theresa finds a love letter in a bottle on the beach, she decides to track down whoever wrote the heartfelt words. Alas, she discovers Garret — a studly shipbuilder who lost his wife tragically early — and although the two fall in love, he has a hard time moving past his experiences.

The lesson: It's important to let go of your past so that you can enjoy your present. Struggling to get over an ex? Tie up emotional loose ends and create the closure you need so that you can find happiness in another person.