Tanner Hughes is the main character, handsome and charismatic and on a quest to find out information about his biological father in the small town of Asheboro, NC. Tanner is a former Army Ranger and more. A hero with much experience in survival techniques, and a past of admirable quests. In Asheboro he meets a woman through uncommon circumstances that he is drawn to, wants to know better. His past relationships weren’t the permanent type but as he gets to know Kaitlyn, this one feels different. As we get to know Kaitlyn, a physician and mother of two, we can see this relationship blossoming. But Tanner has plans to move on, he is a wanderer and has accepted a job out of the country. Once he’s done with the research on his bio dad he plans to move on. This is the romance part of the novel, which is typically well done in Sparks novels. His characters realistically fleshed out.

On the flip side of the plot lines we meet elderly disfigured Jasper, an admirable honest man living alone in an old cabin in Asheboro with his only companion, his dog Arlo, who is a character himself in this novel. Jaspers backstory draws the reader in emotionally and effectively. It seems he is living a life that emulates the Book of Job from the Bible. Readers may want to know that often during Jaspers story biblical quotes are interspersed as he was raised on them by his own father and they just pop into his head unbidden here and there as he goes along. His emotional story grips your heart and breaks it, and is choreographed well by Sparks.

A lot of food for thought here. It will appeal to many for various reasons or circumstances in your lives. I enjoyed it very much and don’t know why I haven’t picked up one of his books in several years, some of Sparks older novels are in my favorites and personal library. In fact I was sadly surprised to read that he and his wife of 25 years divorced in 2015, I was unaware, but my dad passed that year and my mind was preoccupied. She was inspiration for Nicholas in many of his past works. At any rate, getting back to this one, I’m certain that Sparks fans will enjoy the read and I’m happy to recommend it.

Release date 09/24/2024
My thanks for the e-arc to
#NetGalley
#randomhousepublishing
#nicholassparks.com

Thank you, Random House and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Counting Miracles.

This was my first Nicholas Sparks, and I have to say that I'm probably not his target audience. That being said, it was a lovely story. It wasn't as fast-paced as I usually like my reads. The backstories were beautiful, and I loved how they all tied together nicely at the end. This is a warm, comfy novel that I would classify as a palate cleanser from all the filth that usually finds its way to my Kindle. ;)

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents and had the proud honor of taking care of his grandmother when her time was coming to an end. What he didn't expect was the confession of his father's name and last known location. In between jobs, Tanner decides to go on the hunt for the family that he never knew existed.

Kaitlyn Cooper is a doctor and single mom in Asheboro, North Carolina. When her path meets with Tanner's path, the two develop a friendship that could possibly lead to more.

Jasper is an eighty-three-year-old neighbor of Kaitlyn. He lives alone with his dog, Arlo, and enjoys whiddling with Kaitlyn's son. When the news reports sightings of an albino deer, Jasper finds himself doing all he can to protect the legendary creature from poachers.

Counting Miracles weaves the stories of these characters beautifully and will leave the reader in awe of the lessons to be learned.

I have always enjoyed Nicholas Sparks' writing and this was very well done! I find his writing very easy to get into from the first page and he keeps you hooked until the end. I find the main characters to be relatable in one way or another. One of the characters in the book has a strong belief and even though I'm not religious, I didn't find it overwhelming. If anything, I find that this helped me picture Jasper more and see his belief and where he gets his strength from. I could relate to Kaitlyn's character very well. The way that she is juggling her job and being a mother was great. I think she is doing a great job by focusing on her kids and her patients.

This was a very good read. I finished it in less than 24 hours and I did cry in the end, which is usually what happens with his writing.

I'm a fan or most things Nicholas Sparks writes! This one is no exception, except that for the first 1/3 of the book it was slow and hard to hold my interest. From there to the end of the book, it was a heartwarming story and one I am so glad that I kept reading. I especially liked the addition on the second storyline involving Jasper. Not just a love story, but of finding oneself, family, and ultimately where you fit in!

Wonderful story

First, let me say that any reviews that say there's too much religion in this book, don't let that dissuade you from reading this. I freely admit that I don't have one believer bone in my body, and I didn't feel uncomfortable. Yes, there are bible verse quotations. Yes, one of the main characters, Jasper, has a very strong belief system and expresses it. But in no way did any of the book feel preachy to me.

Ok, moving on...I enjoyed this book. Tanner is a classic Sparks leading man, and Kaitlyn and her family are also classic. A coincidental meeting leads to a friendship, which might or might not lead to something more. All 3 MC's have had a lot of pain and disappointment in their lives, but they're all good people who are trying to do their best. Give this book a try!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Firstly thank you NetGalley the opportunity to read this ARC. I have always loved Nicholas Sparks since I watched A Walk to Remember and then finding out he was also an author. I now own all his books.

This book is absolutely beautifully written as expected. I was in tears by the end of it. This is truly a story of right time at the right moment, of miracles. The main characters are intertwined in ways they don't realize. Watching Tanner and Kaitlyn instantly connect I knew I would love their story. Jasper on the other hand, his story broke me.

I cant wait to add this physical book to my shelf.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks. This was my first Sparks novel in a few years and it had all of the familiar feelings that i usually associate with his novels. I was a HUGE Nicholas Sparks reader in the past and have read all of his works minus his most recent two. (they're on my TBR) Overall, I really enjoyed it but the romance storyline in this particular book did not seem to be the front runner in this story, which was strange to me. I was not rooting for the relationship between the MMC and FMC like i usually do, they didn't have the "spark" so to speak with other couples that Nick usually writes. Their relationship felt flat to me whereas the secondary story line was more captivating. I think this was a good read but did not reach my top ten of Nicholas Sparks works. 3.5 rating

An unforgettable, tangled web, deeply emotional story.
I really enjoyed this book, anytime I wasn't reading it I was thinking of when I would be able to get back to it and what was going to happen next.
The characters jumped right off the page from the very beginning and I felt deeply connected with them by the time the book ended. My favorite character was Jasper, he was so complex and there were so many layers to his story I found him to be absolutely fascinating.
I loved how we had so many different pieces to the story and there was so much going on throughout the book, truly never a dull moment.
The story was expertly crafted and executed, I felt many emotions while reading and was on the edge of my seat waiting to find things out. I really just felt like a fly on the wall in the character's lives and feel that they actually exist.
The ending was exactly what I was hoping for with a lot of extra, I would highly recommend this one!
Thank you so much Nicholas Sparks & NetGalley for my arc copy, my opinions are my own.

would like to thank NetGalley for letting me read the early edition before this book came out and let me just say If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, it will not make you cry ugly tears, but will make you cry happy tears. This book teaches you that GOD will never give up on you, even when it seems like you have lost it all… Miracles are real, you just have to believe… Definitely a recommended book to read with a final surprise in the end…. Happy tears I promise.

It has been years since I have read a Nicholas Sparks book and was so excited to receive an ARC of Counting Miracles. I felt this book was different than the Spark's books that I have read in the past. Yes there was the romance aspect but I kind of felt it took the back burner to the rest of the story. I really enjoyed Jasper's story and the flashbacks to his life growing up and with his family before tragedy struck. I also enjoyed Tanner's story and what brought him to the town. The romance aspect to me was typical Spark's, fast to fall in love and of course something there to drive them apart too.

I had read some negative reviews due to the Bible scripture that was in this book and that there was a lot of it. I did find myself skimming through some of that but overall I thought the amount was small. It seemed more concentrated in a couple of chapters. I'd actually like to read more about what happens to Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks for an honest review.

What an absolutely beautiful book. I went into this book blind and honestly could not love this book any more. The only thing that made me not give this book 5 stars was the pace was a little slow for me, and it was quite long. I love how Sparks connected so many points even if it was predictable at times.

Nicholas Sparks' Counting Miracles is a tender, emotionally resonant novel that delves into themes of belonging, love, and the invisible threads that connect generations. As always, Sparks has a way of intertwining characters whose lives seem disparate but ultimately converge in ways that reveal the intricacies of fate and human connection.

The novel follows Tanner Hughes, a wandering soul shaped by a lifetime of military service, who is confronted with a powerful, unexpected mission: to find the father he never knew. Tanner’s grandmother’s dying wish, to "find where you belong," sets him off on a journey that leads him to Asheboro, North Carolina—a small town with a big heart. His arrival in Asheboro feels like a turning point, not only in his own life but in the lives of those he encounters, especially Kaitlyn Cooper, a strong yet vulnerable single mother.

The chemistry between Tanner and Kaitlyn is immediate, and their connection feels both fated and fragile. Kaitlyn's story of raising a child on her own while balancing a demanding career as a doctor brings depth to her character, making her more than just a love interest. Tanner's own struggle with a lifetime of transience, unable to plant roots, creates a poignant tension, as readers will question whether his newfound sense of belonging will outweigh the call of duty.

In true Sparks fashion, Counting Miracles also introduces a parallel story that is both touching and melancholic. Eighty-three-year-old Jasper, a reclusive man living in the woods with his loyal dog, Arlo, provides a moving reflection on grief, solitude, and the desire for redemption. His obsession with protecting a legendary white deer in the nearby forest adds a mystical element to the novel, one that feels like a metaphor for his own unresolved pain. Jasper’s tale, while separate from Tanner and Kaitlyn’s love story, subtly weaves into the overarching narrative of healing and finding purpose.

What sets Counting Miracles apart from Sparks' other novels is the layered storytelling. Each character—Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper—grapples with personal loss and the search for meaning. The novel’s pacing allows readers to savor their individual journeys while anticipating how their paths will inevitably intersect.

At its core, this book is about the miracles that occur when we least expect them: finding love in unlikely places, confronting painful truths, and discovering the beauty of connection, even across generations. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will appreciate the familiar emotional beats of romance and heartache, but Counting Miracles also introduces a nuanced exploration of belonging—what it means, how we find it, and why it’s essential for us all.

In Counting Miracles, Sparks once again demonstrates his mastery of heartfelt storytelling, reminding us that life's most profound moments often arrive quietly, but their impact lasts a lifetime.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Counting Miracles
By Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine
Pub Date: 9/24/24

This was the best Nicholas Sparks I’ve read in a long time.
Tanner Hughes is an retired army ranger who just hasn’t settled into life. He lost his mom when he was born and his dad was never in the picture. On his grandmother's death bed she tells him his fathers name and Asheboro, North Carolina. Wanting to know more about himself he sets off to search.
Kaitlyn Cooper is a single mother of two and a local doctor who still makes house calls to take care of the patients who won’t come to her or the hospital. She and Tanner have a chance meeting when her 17 year old daughter backs into Tanner’s car in a parking lot.
The story gets really good when their two worlds collide.
Definitely a must read!
Thanks to Nicholas Sparks, Random House, and NetGalley for this galley.

Sparks flew immediately for Tanner and Kaitlyn. Tanner had haunts from his past and they prove to be the challenge he doesn’t expect. When thrust into Kaitlyn and her daughter’s lives, it just keeps getting more interesting. They’re all thrown for more than one loop as surprise upon unexpected surprise keeps happening. The action doesn’t stop and I was drawn right into it, because this author had me invested in the characters as he does every time I read his books. I was not disappointed!

I remember reading Nicholas Sparks novels when no one else had ever heard of him in my circle of friends. I think I have read a his books and thought I could predict the ending everytime, this was different. This book was so good. The faith aspect of this book shocked me a little bit. I loved it and thought it played into the story very well.. I felt every emotion this book served up. I wanted to hug everyone and share a nice meal of comfort food on the porch of the cabin. Run for your credit card, this book is so good you may want to buy it twice. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the gift of this arc. The review is my own thoughts.
Several friends will be getting a copy for Christmas this year.

Counting Miracles by Nicolas Sparks - ARC review ✨

If you know me at all you know Nicholas Sparks is my all time favorite author. Counting Miracles is his best work yet, in my honest opinion. The way he writes his stories.. there is just something that pulls you in and makes you feel like these characters are your own friends/family which is why all of his books have made me emotional in one way or another and this book was no exception.

In this story we follow the lives of Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper. Tanners life choices and troubles were realistic, therefore he was lovable and relatable. Kaitlyn is an amazing mother, you can literally feel the love through the pages when reading about her children Casey & Mitch. Jasper’s past is heart breaking, I just wanted to crawl through the book to give him a big hug.

I felt every single emotion reading this book and I know you will, too if you decide to read it. I truly felt myself growing in my faith as I read this story and by the end I was a blubbering mess even though I predicted how the story would end very early on.

Counting Miracles releases September 24th - you can preorder now!

Infinite ♾️💫stars for this one! Thank you @netgalley & @randomhouse for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Jasper did, once. Now, after an insurmountable tragedy he’s convinced God has abandoned him. He hasn’t lost his faith entirely though, because when a white deer shows up in the forest surrounding his property, he takes it for the symbol it is: a harbinger of change.

A veteran named Tanner is on the search for his father-a man he's never known, nor known anything about until his grandmother's deathbed confession, when she left a note with his name & the town he lived in. He's a drifter, never staying in one place too long or committing to anything but his job. On his first day in Asheboro North Carolina his brand-new sports car is backed into by a teenaged driver and changes the trajectory of his trip. He'll be in town far longer than anticipated, and the young girl's mother is one of the more interesting women Tanner's ever met. Kaitlyn is her name, and her young son is friendly with Jasper, the old man living nearby who teaches him to whittle.

This tale weaves these characters together in interesting and emotional ways. The narrative bounces between Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper's voices. There is mystery, tragedy, hope, parenting struggles, romance, and a whole lot of facing reality thrown in too. There are real family relationships, and a religious throughline that is, if not convincing, at least something to make you ponder.

For most of the book the prose felt quite calming to read. It has a nice steady rhythm that kind of lulls you as you read into this serene sort of interest. I haven't read many characters like Tanner. He's a middle-aged bachelor who is just cruising through life to whatever the next opportunity may be. He doesn't seem to have a destination in mind, just enjoys the ride along the way. And Jasper, sweet Jasper. His only companion is his beloved dog and Mitch, Kaitlyn's son. He lives in a cabin built by his father's hands living out his days in as much peace as he can manage. Until that dang deer shows up.

For Kaitlyn, who is divorced, the romantic fling that begins to develop with Tanner is a risk. He's just visiting, and she has a lot to lose. I really enjoyed reading this romance from her perspective.

I've never read a Nicholas Sparks book before, though I've seen a few movies based on his writing (The Notebook, obviously). While I wasn't blown away by its brilliance, the experience of reading it was really nice, and I'll certainly read more of his backlist!

Sparks is BACK baby!!!!!!!!!!
This is such a heart warming story of faith and family with a little bit of the usual Nicholas Sparks romance that we all know and love.
Two stories collide in the best way as our MMC Tanner goes in search of family and his roots in Asheboro, finding both his family ties and a place to call home. Loved loved loved!!!!!

Counting Miracles was a beautiful story. Sparks did an excellent job at drawing me in. I especially loved Jasper and his dog, Arlo. They were my favorite characters in the story, more so than Tanner and Kaitlyn. I also loved how Sparks wove the story to connect the characters together...wonderfully done!

I especially loved the Bible references throughout the book - quite impressed with that aspect. On the other hand, I was not impressed with the many incidents of alcohol consumption and the lapse of judgment when it came to a one-night fling. Why is it such scenes have to be included? There is such a thing as wait-until-you're-married for intimacy, and I would like to see more authors go that route. For these reasons, I did deduct points in my rating of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Family, connection, finding your home, faith, and a white deer....

Tanner Hughes is happiest when he is off on an adventure overseas as an army ranger. When his grandmother dies and tells him to find where he belongs and the name of his father, he heads to Asheboro, North Carolina. He hopes to find answers there when he has a fender bender with a teen driver and meets her mother, Dr. Kaitlyn Cooper.

Jasper is an 83-year-old-man who lives with his dog near a forest. He is no stranger to heartbreak and trauma. When he learns of a white deer, he vows to protect it from poachers.

This book is about connection and how people orbit around each other. How connections are made, how trauma affects one's life, and the journey of the three main characters’ lives. All of them likeable and I rooted for each of them.

I enjoyed the POV's and the story. I enjoyed how Sparks combined love, loss, grief, hope, connection, and faith. Sparks continues to be a great storyteller who focuses on the characters, their emotional and physical lives, and their relationships.

Well written, well thought out and moving.