Gemma LaMana/Relativity
The film, starring James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, brought in $10.2 million, marking Sparks' lowest-grossing opening weekend at theaters.
Sparks is best known for 2004 adaptation, "The Notebook," which helped propel Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling to stardom.
Previously, the best-selling author's lowest opening was one of his early adaptations, 2002's "A Walk to Remember," with Mandy Moore.
| Movie | Opening Weekend | Worldwide Gross |
| "Dear John" (2010) | $30.5 million | $115 million |
| "The Lucky One" (2012) | $22.5 million | $99.4 million |
| "Safe Haven" (2013) | $21.4 million | $97.6 million |
| "Message in a Bottle" (1999) | $16.8 million | $118.9 million |
| "The Last Song" (2010) | $16 million | $89 million |
| "The Notebook" (2004) | $13.5 million | $115.6 million |
| "Nights in Rodanthe" (2008) | $13.4 million | $84.4 million |
| "A Walk to Remember" (2002) | $12.2 million | $47.5 million |
| "The Best of Me" (2014) | $10.2 million |
Exhibitor Relations vice-president and senior analyst Jeff Bock said the success of the movie depended on "how much excitement the cast and marketing were able to generate ... and it wasn't enough," according to The Wrap.
Sparks has never had a movie adaptation released in October. His romance movies usually come out in the spring or early summer.
Three of films have been released around Valentine's Day, "Message in a Bottle," "Safe Haven," and "Dear John." Two of those made more than $100 million at the box office.
Brad Pitt's World War II film "Fury" commanded the weekend with $23.5 million. It beat out competition from "Gone Girl" which has now made $201 million worldwide. Fox's animated picture "The Book of Life" also performed well over the weekend taking in $17 million.