Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks
emotional medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0

Nicholas Sparks is an auto buy author for me and this one wasn’t a favorite but it didn’t disappoint either. I enjoyed the Kaitlyn and Tanner chapters but the Jasper ones were a struggle for me. Eventually it all clicks and I loved his character. Something unexpected for me was the amount of scripture, I didn’t hate it just not typically what I see in his books.

This was a typical Nicholas Sparks book with a bit more of a religious/inspirational feel than I seem to recall from others. If you are a fan of his writing, you will enjoy this one. I haven’t picked up the last few books by Sparks, but I was in the mood for something like this and it came at the right time. I have been going through some struggles of my own and reading an inspirational story is just what I needed. Parts of this were a tough read, but that’s what makes these books so good. This is the story of Tanner, Kaitlyn (and her family), and Jasper, and how their lives all intertwine. I came to love all the characters in different ways, but grew especially attached to Jasper and his story. It was one of those instances where I wanted to keep reading about him. I will be recommending this to friends and family.

3.5 stars — While the story leaned a bit more religious than I typically prefer, it was still an enjoyable, slower-paced read. The three intertwined characters had rich, emotional backstories, and the character development was well done. One thing that really stood out to me was the opening, where the grandparents arrived in Pensacola—it reminded me of my own family’s experience and made it feel more personal.

However, if you’re expecting the signature heart-melting romance Nicholas Sparks is known for, this one didn’t quite hit that mark for me.

I'll be honest and say I haven't read Nicholas Sparks for a long time simply because I don't like sobbing hysterically. I'm happy to report that this one didn't do that. It still tugged at my heart, but the superb writing of this book told a great story of life, living, death and everything in between.

The character that pulled at me the most was Jasper. The extreme joy he had in his life, followed by the extreme pain and grief should have made him a bitter person, but it didn't. He was protective and willing to go to extremes to protect the vulnerable.

Kaitlyn is a single mom of a young boy and a teenage girl. She is pulled multiple ways with her job, her children and trying to be her own person. Tanner shows up in town and starts to show her that she can still be a woman with all the feelings. Tanner was a great character, even if he was kind of lost. He was in-between jobs that sounded more like missions. He was flailing around and really needed to ground himself.

I loved the kids in the book. The teenage girl was a real trip. She had all the teenage angst, but with a level of maturity thrown in sometimes that was surprising. Her little brother is very caring. He really had a heart of gold. He has become friends with Jasper when most people stay away from him.

This was a very emotionally satisfying book. I'm back on the Nicholas Sparks bandwagon.

Thanks to Random House Publishing--Balantine and NetGalley for the e-book. All thoughts are my own.

This book was heartwarming and really reminded me of earlier works from Sparks that ignited my passion for reading books about family and love.

You will fall in love with old man, Jasper, and his dog Arlo. Jasper’s story is captivating, heartfelt, and heartbreaking. I truly enjoyed that we were given snippets about his life throughout the entire book.

We all know that Sparks enjoys building characters and Tanner’s tale is one that is so interesting. He finds himself in Asheboro looking for family he never knew and encounters Kaitlyn and her children. They are drawn to each other. Tanner has always led a nomadic life, without attachments, but he feels himself being pulled towards his connection to Kaitlyn.

I loved how connected I felt to all the characters and how pulled into the story I became as I read. I devoured this read in a few hours and could not walk away from it. That is the power of amazing writing and strong character connection!

I will note that this book explores many biblical verses and references to God. I mention this in case you need the notice prior to reading.

Counting Miracles is a beautiful and emotional story. To me Jasper is the main character and his tragic past had my heart breaking. His story, with his dog Arlo, and the white deer held most of my attention. Sweet Arlo - I am all about a loyal canine character. The love story was more of a side story but I enjoyed Tanner, Kaitlyn and her children. It was slow paced for me but picked up in the last quarter as the stories, somewhat predictably, came together. It is heavy on scripture but connects with discussions on miracles as the title suggests. Yes, tears were shed…it’s Nicholas Sparks after all!

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖:
❖ Character driven stories
❖ Multiple POV
❖ Single parent
❖ Military veteran
❖ Significant dog character
❖ Biblical references
❖ Bit of mystery

Thank you Random House, NetGalley and Nicholas Sparks for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Counting Miracles, as with all of the books written by Nicholas Sparks will get you right in the feels.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents. His mom died shortly after giving birth and he has never met his biological dad. Tanner took care of his grandmother in her final days. She left him a note telling him to find where he belongs, the name, and town where he might find his biological dad. As a former caretaker of my grandmother, this was definitely a soft spot in this story for me.

Soon after Tanner makes it to town - CRASH! This begins unique relationships between Kaitlyn, Casey, and Mitch.

Kaitlyn is a doctor, and she makes house calls, including Jasper Johnson. He has many medical conditions that need monitoring. Casey and Mitch are Kaityln's children.

Oh Jasper!! Jasper will steal your heart. His story is absolutely gut wrenching. Jasper will forever hold a place in my heart!

I'm not going to say anything else, because as with all books by Nicholas Sparks, you need to just go on the journey and feel all the things.

Nicholas Sparks is an automatic author for me. I will read anything he writes. I absolutely recommend Counting Miracles.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

P.S. THERE IS A WHITE DEER!!!!

I felt like this was a very average Nicholas Sparks book. Some of his books I would give all the stars to, and some just fall a bit flat. Tanner and Kaitlyn were very likable, and her daughter’s involvement was a nice touch. Kaitlyn’s neighbor Jasper is a big part of the story and it’s told in dual POV.

I was definitely drawn to Jasper’s story and thought it was heartbreaking at times. However, this really took away from the time spent with Tanner and Kaitlyn. They may have felt an immediate connection, but then it just kind of sat there and nothing progressed. I have a few more Nicholas Sparks books to read before I have read them all 😊

Read if you like:
- Dual POV
- Nature
- Military storylines

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m truly baffled this book isn’t categorized as Christian because it is VERY heavy-handed. The Christian themes are not mentioned in the description or genres, and if I had realized, I wouldn’t have chosen this book to review.

While I admit this style of book isn't for me, I can say that I wouldn't recommend it for the romance element. The couple in the book was entirely unbelievable and extremely rushed. I rolled my eyes on multiple occasions at this relationship we're apparently supposed to be rooting for. The female main character was two-dimensional at best and I found myself unable to connect with her and the male main character.

I’ve enjoyed many of Nicholas Sparks books in the past, but this one didn’t do it for me.

It’s been a few years since I’ve picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. Unlike all of the others of his that I have read, this one fell a little flat. I enjoyed the characters - especially Kaitlyn and her family. I enjoyed the love story - although it ended up being such a small part of the book. Jasper’s parts felt long and drawn out. I wasn’t expecting his character to become the main character based on the description of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book!

It has been a long time since I have read a Nicholas Sparks, but I used to devour his books growing up. This was a good one, but not his best. The chapters are a bit too long for my liking these days, so maybe that was part of it. I did enjoy the book despite that though! I love how his books always tug at your heart strings. I would recommend this one to all - not just Nicholas Sparks fans!

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents following his grandfather’s military footsteps. His whole life has been spent abroad, zero desire to settle down. When his grandmother dies she writes down the name of the father he never knew and where he might be found. He sets out to Asheboro, North Carolina to ask around. There he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mother. Nearby 83 year old Jasper lives with his dog Arlo in a cabin bordering a forest and haunted by a tragic accident. When he hears rumors of a white deer spotted in the forest he wants to protect it from poachers.
The story is told from points of view of Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper. Each one is dealing with something’ from the past. We see 3 people whose lives are connected.
It is a touching, emotional, heartbreaking, uplifting story of tragedy, heartache, loss, love, family, healing. The book has a lot of biblical references and questions of faith and God.
Thank you #netgalley, #randomhouse, #nicholassparks

I think this is my favorite Nicholas Sparks book so far. When I finished I cried because this book was just so amazing and so beautifully written.

There were parts that had my heart breaking but then it was put back together. This book is truly about the power of love, hope, and strength. Once I started I could barely put it down.

Counting Miracles is just overall a great book and I loved everything about it.

Nicholas Sparks is the master at writing completely relatable stories that always find a way to tug at your heartstrings. Counting Miracles, his latest novel does just that. Several strong characters are carefully woven together through the book and are all ultimately connected in the town of Asheboro, NC. My heart hurt for all of the characters (Tanner, Jasper and Kaitlyn) as their stories unfolded, however, I found the ending very satisfying! I did surmise how things would ultimately play out, however I still enjoyed watching it all come together.
Will Tanner find somewhere to call home? Will Kaitlyn find love again following her divorce? Will Jasper continue to question his faith and the reason for his immeasurable suffering or will the find the peace he is seeking?
I enjoyed all of the characters but Jasper and his loyal companion, Arlo, were my favorite parts of this story!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up!

“As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.”

This is a story of Job. It was so well done. I loved the story within a story. We meet Jasper, Kaitlyn and her kids, and tanner. I loved this story! I think it was classic Nicholas sparks style, and of course it taking place in NC.

I especially loved Kaitlynn’s kids and how she warmed up to tanner. I think Kaitlynn and tanners story is cute and a fun read. Sad though. But I rate it as a 4, not the best book overall ever but kept my interest, but I love Nicholas sparks books. 💛 he will always remain one of my top
Favorite writers! Very love 🌶️ which was fine.

This book was a true Nichols sparks book. You have different stories going and the way that they connect at the end is what we love about his writing style.this book tugged at my heart and got me thinking. Absolute masterpiece. If you are a true fan of Nicholas Sparks and his writing this book will be no exception. A great little read.

This was a journey about a man trying to find his father. He was raised by his grandparents since his mom died during childbirth. Then when his grandmother dies and leaves him a clue he finally decides to go look for the father he never knew. He ends up in Asheboro, North Carolina, where he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mom and doctor, and they spark an instant connection. Then we meet 83-year-old Jasper, who suffered a terrible family tragedy. Nicholas Sparks then takes us on a journey of love, loss and an unexpected miracle. It was such a beautiful read that brings laughter, tears and endless joy. I have never missed reading any of his books and this one, once again was such a great read. I would recommend it to all my friends and family. I hope this one makes it to the big screen as it would be such a beautiful movie.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book will be released 9/24/24.

I have read a few of Nicholas Sparks books but this I found a little different. To me it seemed to have three stories going on at the same time. The man coming in to town to find his father, a single mom with two children and the older reclusive man. All of their stories came together in a wonderful read for me. Of course as the plot devolved I needed to now more about their lives and I did shed some tears.
Counting Miracles shows us that we should be counting our blessings and maybe miracles can happen.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Random House for my advanced reader’s copy.

What a fun read! I found myself getting hooked about halfway through and so curious how all the characters would link together in the end. Some parts of the book seemed a little unrealistic. Nicholas Sparks is always so great at nurturing a new relationship and making it seem authentic, but this one seemed a little too much too soon. It felt rushed. But that said, I still enjoyed the book, the wide variety of ages of characters in the novel, and the story of hope, inspiration, and miracles.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Nicholas Sparks books. Once you've read a few of his books, you learn they're all similar. but they're also all magical in their own way. Enjoy!

I feel like this was a 4 star book most of the way through, but then I sobbed at the end, so I am giving it 5 starts. I think all the characters (even the kids) had depth to them, and I really enjoyed how all of the POV’s came together. Do I think the big reveal was predictable, yes, but I thoroughly enjoy it anyway. Also good boy Arlo gets infinity starts from me!