Member Reviews

This is classic Nicholas Sparks—a small-town setting, intertwined lives, and the promise of emotional highs and lows. Tanner’s search for identity, Kaitlyn’s strength as a single mom, and Jasper’s quiet grief all come together beautifully. While it treads familiar ground, the story’s charm lies in its heartfelt exploration of love, family, and second chances. A satisfying read.

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Nicolas Sparks always delivers a solid realistic fiction book and this one doesn't disappoint. There are two stories occurring simultaneously. One is of elderly widow Jasper, living alone in the woods, trying to confront the realities of his lost family while protecting the land, and the nature it holds, of his North Carolina community. The other is of the blossoming friendship of Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn's children. The stories intersect, but not in a forced way. If you're already a fan of Sparks, you'll enjoy this one as well. If Sparks is new to you and you enjoy realistic fiction with subtle romance, you'll become a fan after Counting Miracles.

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I've taken a break from reading Sparks' books for awhile now, they began to feel/read like a formula for me. Does this follow his tried and true set up? Yes it does but it also pulls at the right heart strings and almost refreshes what you THINK you know about a Sparks novel. I found the characters to be relatable and likable, something I've missed in other Sparks novels as of late, and I found myself connecting to them and almost rooting for them. A great read.

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It’s a heart tugging with lot of sad parts but it was a very slow read.  The story is too long with way too many back stories. I liked the ending when all the dots started connecting. 
It was an okay read for me.

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I have been a fan of Nicholas Sparks since I was a teenager… so being an ARC reader for this book, I was on cloud nine! I love how this book had Bible verses in it (I actually saved them and added them to my daily devotionals). I loved all the the references of the white deer in this story. Although it is not a great love story like ‘the notebook’, or ‘a walk to remember’, this is definitely in my top five of Nicholas Sparks books!

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Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is nothing short of breathtaking. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would in a heartbeat! From the Note From The Author page, I was completely captivated and couldn’t put it down—I devoured it in one day.

Sparks’ writing is, as always, exquisite. I can truly say that each book just keeps getting better and better. Reading his books as a teenager and now as an adult and still fall in love and get emotional, is truly full circle!

His ability to weave raw emotion into every scene is true talent. The characters felt so real, their struggles were very very relatable, and their triumphs were so inspiring and will bring tears to your eyes.

This story is such a beautiful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected blessings that can change our lives. That no matter how far you stray from God he is always working miracles behind the scenes.

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Nicholas Sparks is known for his sensitive novels which highlight everyday people overcoming deep emotional pain and life-altering hardships. COUNTING MIRACLES is yet another such tale, and many count among his best. Tanner Hughes, after the death of his grandmother, is officially alone. Battle worn from multiple tours of duty overseas, followed by years of private international security work, Tanner plans to visit former military friends and to dig into a mystery his grandmother shared just before she died. Kaitlyn Cooper has no life, or so her teenage daughter tells her. Kaitlyn, on the other hand, thinks her job as a community-based doctor and single motherhood fills her life to the max, with no time left for fun or relationships. And her care of elderly neighbor Jasper shows just how dedicated she is. Disfigured by a decades prior fire, Jasper is a recluse who almost never leaves his cabin. But when Kaitlyn's young son shows an interest in Jasper's carvings (whittling), the old man opens his heart just wide enough to show the boy how to handle a whittling knife. Only a story teller as masterful as Sparks could bring this trio together into a story that can't be put down. Oh, I must mention Arlo, for he is really a hero in this tale, but that is all I will tell you.

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Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it. The story is full of heart and reminds you to appreciate the little moments in life that we often take for granted. Sparks has a way of creating characters that feel so real, you can’t help but root for them through every twist and turn. It’s emotional, uplifting, and honestly just a beautiful read. If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on what really matters, this book is a must.

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Nicholas Sparks does it again! I don't think he could ever write a bad book.

This is the most amazing story and to show the bond between family when tragedy strikes. When the accident happens and it leads to what is supposed to be all along but you don't see it. When you are reading sometimes it takes a while to figure out what is going on but as always his books are always worth the read. Just phenomenal.

I will always recommend his books. Just an awesome good read!
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

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Counting Miracles delivers what readers have come to expect from Nicholas Sparks: a heartfelt, sentimental story about love, loss, and hope. While the novel carries the familiar emotional depth and charm that Sparks is known for, it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet this time.

The characters are well-drawn and their relationships feel authentic, which is where Sparks truly shines. There are touching moments that tug at your heartstrings, and the theme of finding miracles in unexpected places resonates beautifully. However, the plot felt a bit predictable, with some familiar beats that didn’t offer much surprise. While I appreciated the emotional payoff, it lacked the spark (no pun intended) that makes some of his earlier works unforgettable.

That said, Sparks’ writing remains as fluid and comforting as ever, and fans of his style will still find plenty to enjoy here. Counting Miracles is a solid, feel-good read, but it didn’t quite elevate itself beyond the familiar formula. A 3.5-star read for those looking for a tender, uplifting story—even if it doesn’t break new ground.

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I definitely enjoyed this book. It’s my first of Nicholas Sparks after watching the movies based off his books. I can see how his books became movies. This was definitely interesting and hit home being a military brat & now spouse.

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A sweet story of faith and family. It is amazing how a minor vehicle accident leads you to what you have been looking for all along. You definitely have to keep reading to figure out the big picture, but it was worth it! My favorite character in this story was Jasper. I found myself hoping everything worked out for him. A lot of Sparks books are predictable early on, but no this one! I will be recommending it to my reader friends.

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Nicholas Sparks has long been one of my favorite authors. He's the first adult author that I ever remember reading, after buying one of his books at Sam's Club for a trip I was about to take. Needless to say, I've been hooked ever since that purchase. After not totally loving the last book that he wrote, I was a little worried to pick this one up. And I'm happy to report it's one of my favorites! This book was full of heart and emotion. Tanner, Jasper and Kaitlyn are characters that you'll love. And Arlo, Jasper's dog is just the best.

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I have been a fan of Nicholas Sparks since Message in a Bottle. I’ve read every single book at least once and sometimes twice. This book was pretty much the standard N.S. story line. Boy/girl returns to a small town with a background story to tell and you find out who they fall in love with within the first ten minutes of reading. They are always very predictable but it never stops me from reading them. :). Bottom line-I enjoyed it-as I do all of his books. Will I read it twice-nope.

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I have been reading Nicholas Sparks books for well over 20 years. I'm always so happy to read a new book by him.
Counting Miracles was a good read, though I did find it a bit too predictable. The characters are lovable, the ending was satisfactory, and I'll definitely keep reading his books.
Overall rating of 4 stars for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

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This is the first Nicholas Sparks book I have read in over a year. As always, this book drew me in, in the very beginning. I had to keep reading to find out what happens with Tanner and Kaitlyn. Tanner is ex-military, and Kaitlyn is a small-town physician and a single mom. Counting Miracles was an easy and quick read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

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I couldn't even finish this book? Is this actually written by Nicholas Sparks? Or any human for that matter? I don't know how this could be written by the same person who gave us The Notebook. The writing is completely soulless and devoid of any character or feeling. After a 2 page advertisement for USAID that read like a low budget PSA I gave up. I really hope this was ghost written or AI generated because if Sparks really did write it I'm sorry for being so harsh but it wasnt good.

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Beautiful, heart-warming story by Nicholas Sparks. It was a little slow at times, and I wished we could've seen a little more the relationship between Jasper and Tanner at the end, but overall, I would recommend this book.

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I enjoyed this book from Nicholas Sparks. I feel like it was a good return to his previous books, where multiple plots come together and the ending just warms your heart and makes you happy. The characters in this book were easy to fall in love with. While the book was a bit predictable, I really enjoyed it. I received this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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A solid read from Nicholas Sparks. Great pacing and storyline. Kept me intrigued, Not entirely groundbreaking, and also not as impactful as his earlier works, but a decent read nevertheless.

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