Jasper's story absolutely mimics that of Job. He has more than his share of suffering. The only thing different is that he DOES turn his back on God. This is a great story of miracles and all the big and little things that happen in your life if you only choose to look for them.

✨NetGalley BookReviw✨
📚Counting Miracles
✏️Nicholas Sparks
📌Publication Date September 24, 2024
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


In this touching novel by Sparks, you meet a couple of characters who feel forgotten and tossed away. Jasper, a man who compares himself to Job from biblical times, has a life of torture dealt to him. You will watch him overcome with the of his only friend and doctor, Kaitlyn. Curl up with a blanket and light a candle to enjoy this heartfelt tale.


Thank you Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review.

It’s been a while since I’ve read something by Nicholas Sparks, but I’ve always loved his prose so when I was approved for this ARC I was very excited. Family, loss, love, faith, what it means to belong somewhere etc. This story has so many themes that are beautifully written. I ate this book up in one sitting. There is mystery and intrigue woven throughout the story that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Each character was raw and relatable. I felt like I knew them personally.

There are three main POV’s, Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper. Tanner is a former Army Ranger who is searching for his biological father in Asheboro North Carolina after his grandmother reveals his identity on her deathbed. He is a gentle soul and his interactions with Casey and Mitch were some of my favorites in the book. Kaitlyn is a local doctor in Asheboro. She is also divorced with two children Casey, a wise and witty teen, and Mitch, a sweet and adorable little boy. The romance between Tanner and Kaitlyn is not slow burn whatsoever. They fall for each other quickly and go through a lot in a short period of time. I thought they fit each other well and was very happy with how everything between them was resolved in the end. The third POV, Jasper, was my absolute favorite. I connected with him the most out of all the characters. He is an elderly man who lives alone in the forest with his dog Arlo and whose life was struck with so much tragedy. He lost his entire family in a housefire and suffered horrific burns himself. Despite what happened to him he still has such a kind and humble heart. The way he makes it his mission to protect a white deer spotted in the forest from being hurt by hunters, even at the cost of his own safety, had me admiring and respecting him so much. His chapters made my heart ache, and there were so many times I wanted to give him a hug. Yet his chapters were also the ones that made me feel the most hope and joy. His canine sidekick Arlo deserves an honorable mention because he is seriously the best boy and deserves all the love. Those few scenes with Arlo at Kaitlyn’s house had me in tears, if you know you know.

I will say that the book, Jasper’s chapters particularly, had quite a few religious references (quotes and mentions of Job). Personally, this didn’t bother me. Jasper’s life is similar to that of Job’s so I understood why it would be a heavy topic for his character’s journey and development, but I know many people will take issue with the religious aspect of the story. All that to say, I loved this book. I enjoyed it immensely. Dare I say it may even be my favorite Nicholas Sparks book now? Highly recommend checking this one out if you’re a fan of his previous works, or if you’re looking for a beautifully written and wholesome romance.

Huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Counting Miracles by Nicolas Sparks is a beautiful story about a man searching for his father after learning his name. This is a great read for anyone who feels lost or is searching. I have never been disappointed in a Nicolas Sparks book and this book is no exception.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve picked up a Nicholas Spark’s book, but I am very glad I did!
Counting Miracles is intriguing from the very beginning. Each character has a different and captivating back story to bring to the table. Though it has a romance story to it, that was not what I found interesting. Jasper’s story quickly becomes the star of the show here.
With a book with so many lessons and meanings, it definitely made me appreciate who I have in life. Hats off to Sparks for writing an emotional and heartwarming story in only 368 pages.

Counting Miracles (ARC Review)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Find where you belong and make that place your own."

"Then I remind myself that my broken heart also means that there was a time when it wasn't broken, when my heart was light and full. Loving Audrey and my kids brought joy and meaning to my life, and I wouldn't have traded that love for anything else in the world."

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Overall, Counting Miracles, was a sweet, enjoyable story regarding a military veteran's quest to find his biological father in Ashboro, NC. While on his quest, he becomes connected to a town doctor and her family. The more he gets to know her, the more he falls for her. Unbeknownst to him, her family is connected to him in other ways. We also get the story of a man named Jasper, who we learned had quite a life. In true Nicholas Sparks fashion he weaved a nicely interconnected story amongst his main characters that was revealed to us in the final chapters.

I'm having trouble putting into words my feelings about this book. Overall, the story was enjoyable, lighthearted, and inspirational. However, while it had all the potential of the stories we've come to expect from Nicholas, I found it fell flat and lacked dimension within the plot. There was so much potential for depth and development amongst the characters, their relationships, and the overall plot that was unrealized. I also felt like we spent too much time in Jasper's perspective which slowed the story down. I would have like more of Kaitlyn and Tanner as the novel progressed. Lastly, the writing, in my opinion, was just not what we've come to expect from Nicholas Sparks. It felt off. Lacked imagery and character connection. I didn't feel transported like I normally do when reading his books. All that to say, the story was still nice and the underlying theme of miracles was something that I enjoyed.


⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, adult content, death and suicide (off page)

This felt much more like the Nicolas Sparks that helped me to fall in love with reading. It didn’t completely envelope me like some of his earlier works but I still found myself quickly turning pages to see how this story played out. It took me a minute to figure out the connection between the three characters but as the story progressed, I quickly had my suspicions. I was definitely more drawn to Jasper’s story but I also feel that we got more of his story than we did Kaitlyn and Tanner’s. Jasper’s story was just heartbreaking and it really grabbed you right in the feels…that is what felt most like Nicholas Sparks to me. The synopsis leads you to believe that there is more to Kaitlyn’s story but there really wasn’t. I wanted more from her. I also wanted to dig a little deeper into Tanner’s past. I love how Sparks writes relationships and makes character connections. His characters make you believe that there is still a little humanity left in the world. For me, the chemistry between Kaitlyn and Tanner was palpable from the beginning but I felt just the tiniest bit let down by the ending. It just felt rushed to me.

Counting Miracles is another wonderful book by Nicholas Sparks. Tanner Hughes has been overseas working in the military most of his life. He's currently out and not sure what to do with his life. He's promised a military buddy that he'll do security for him overseas in a few months. Tanner has trouble staying in one place too long. His grandmother and grandfather raised Tanner as his mother died in childbirth and he was never told anything about his father. His grandfather has been dead a couple of years and he came back when his grandmother got sick. Tanner took care of her and on her deathbed she told him to settle down and find a home. She also left him a note with a name on it and the town of Asheboro, North Carolina. The name was David Johnson and it said it was Tanner's father.

After settling his grandmother's affairs and listing the house for sale, Tanner heads to Asheboro to get answers. Why wasn't Tanner told about his father before now? He loved his grandparents, but would've loved to have seen his father, too. So many unanswered questions. Tanner needs to find answers on his own now. Tanner meets a single mom while in Asheboro when her daughter backs into his car. When he takes her home, his heart skips a beat when he meets Katityn Cooper, her mother. Kaitlyn is a doctor in town who is raising her teenaged daughter and 8 year old son. Their father is a famous surgeon and doesn't have much time for the kids. He met a younger woman and left Kaitlyn a couple years ago. He is now remarried to that younger woman and sees the kids when it fits his schedule.

Kaitlyn's neighbor, Jasper, is an 83 year old living in a run down cabin. He has terrible scars all over him and is scary to look at as he was in a fire. No one knows what happened to Jasper. They know he had a family and know something tragic happened, but no one wants to ask him to relive it. Jasper's best friend is his dog, Arlo. They go everywhere together and are very close. What will bring these 3 people together? Is it possible to find family after you've lost everyone you ever loved? Is it possible to settle down when you've never stayed in one place for long? Is it possible to find love again after being hurt? These are questions that you'll have to find out by reading Counting Miracles. I rate Counting Miracles 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for an advanced copy of Counting Miracles in exchange for a fair review. Counting Miracles is available now and should go in your TBR pile. #CountingMiracles

This is such a thoughtful, well written story. There are two wonderful story lines that are intertwined.Tanner and Kaitlyn have an immediate attraction to each other but he isn’t staying and she doesn’t do flings. Then life throws a curveball. Jasper is an 83 year old loner who lives in an isolated area with his dog. As the story progresses, we get to learn his sad history. As the story unfolds , you are drawn into their world and are on pins and needles, waiting to see what happens next. . I was gifted an arc from Net Galley and this is my honest review. I would recommend this book and a box of tissues.

Nicholas Sparks has pinned down his method of storytelling and it’s lovely to see him continue to release new novels. However, I had to put this down as the Christian passages and military information were too much for me.
This may partially be on me; I should have expected a book about “miracles” to lean into religion.
I found the male main character to be extremely cocky about being in the military and it made it difficult for me to believe someone as sweet as the female main character could fall so easy for someone with this personality. His character made me too uncomfortable to continue.
Ultimately, I found myself longing to reread the beloved favorites: The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Safe Haven, The Last Song, The Lucky One and Dear John.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love all of Nicholas Sparks' books, including this one. However, I felt this was too predictable from the very beginning. Nonetheless, it was still a page turner. I was a little disappointed with the ending. I felt it left the reader hanging. I even turned the page, thinking there was more.

Nicholas Sparks never disappoints! Another 5 star book. The details of his books let you feel like you are right there with the characters.

"Counting Miracles" is consistent with other novels by Nicholas Sparks, so fans of his storytelling will likely enjoy this one as well. This book finds three storylines on a collision course. Jasper is somewhat reclusive old man who has lost his family and his faith after tragedy struck years ago. Kaitlyn is a single mom raising her teen daughter Casey and precocious son Mitch and exploring finding love again after her divorce. Tanner is in town looking for connections to his past. Sparks excels at painting pictures of small towns and developing sensitive characters with complicated pasts, and "Counting Miracles" has both of those elements. In particular, the male characters in Sparks's books tend to be sensitive "old soul" romantics, and that is definitely present in this book as well.

I liked "Counting Miracles" because it was simultaneously tragic and sad but also hopeful. There were, at times, a few cheesy over-the-top scenes. I also think that Sparks tends to create a lot of wise-beyond-their-years teen/adolescent characters that are a bit of a stretch. Of course, another staple of Nicholas Sparks books is religious imagery, Biblical references, etc., and "Counting Miracles," as the title would imply, probably skews heavier than most of his books in that regard, with part of the story being a very direct interpretation of Job and Bible verses peppered throughout. Those who don't care for the more Christian fiction side of Sparks's spectrum might not like this one as much. Those looking for a truly sweeping love story like some of his other novels might also be a little bit underwhelmed, though the flashback storyline does have a very nice love story, albeit a bit sad, though many of this author's are. I did wish that there was a little bit more of a comeuppance for the antagonist; that piece felt like it was lacking a bit, which kept the story from having a truly satisfying conclusion.

Overall, "Counting Miracles" was a pleasant and quick read with beautiful, descriptive writing and a nice message about second chances and rekindling faith. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will likely enjoy this one.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for letting me read this book ! I have to say Nicholas sparks is an amazing author ! This story was beautiful and well written and one I could not put down !

This book was amazing! Beautifully written and heartbreaking. I think this was my favorite Nicholas Sparks book yet.

Thank you NetGalley.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks. It might have taken me awhile to get into the storyline. But once I did it was very good. Not my favorite by Nicholas Sparks but still a great read. As always I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Nicholas Sparks has been a favorite author of mine for many, many years and I was absolutely honored to devour this story before its release!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House, and Nicholas Sparks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am a real person and these are my own thoughts!

Counting Miracles was a beautiful story told from multiple character points of view. Tanner, an Army Ranger raised by his grandparents, who have passed. On his grandmothers deathbed, she left Tanner with the name of his father. He heads to Ashboro, NC to try to find him. Kaitlyn, a small-town physician raising her two children as a single mom, and Jasper a recluse who tragically lost his wife and children. All three of their stories are beautifully intertwined by tragedy, love, loss, heartache and hope. Nicholas Sparks never fails to make me fall in love with the characters in his novels.

This story will remind you to count your own miracles!

I have been a Nicholas Sparks fan since the 2000s, and after finishing this I can say he still hasn't lost his touch! ✨ His books touch your heart and soul in a way that is rare and precious. This was such a beautifully written book, I laughed and I cried. This is a touching story that tugs at your heartstrings. I will forever be a fan of his work and I am so thankful I was chosen to receive an arc of this one! 🩵📚

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Counting Miracles, in exchange for an honest review.

Good book. This story centers on three people; how fate has a funny way of bringing people together when you'd least expect it.

Jasper was a religious man his whole life, until the day he lost his whole family. He came from nothing and made himself a successful businessman. He had money, yet he gave most of it away to food banks to feed others, and kept enough to support his family. He had married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey, and they had 4 children. Then a freak tornado swept into Asheboro and he lost his tree business. His youngest son lost control of a bonfire and set the family home on fire. Jasper woke up in the middle of the fire and tried to save everyone, but it was too late. Paul was tried and convicted while his dad was still in a coma. On his first night in jail, Paul hung himself; unable to live with his mistakes. Jasper underwent many more surgeries, suffering tremendous pain from the third degree burns all over his body. He never rebuilt his home, he moved into his family cabin away from the town, near the forest.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his mother's parents after she died giving birth to him. His grandfather was in the army his whole childhood and they lived all over Europe throughout his life. When Tanner enlisted at 18, he too traveled the world; but he never settled down in one place. When his grandma was dying, he came back and stayed with her. She was worried about his nomad existence, and told him what he'd always wanted to know when he was a boy; his father's name and where he lived. Hoping that would help settle his wandering soul.

After the funeral, Tanner drives to Asheboro to search for the missing man from his life. There he meets Dr. Kaitlyn Cooper after her 17 year old daughter, Casey, hits his classic car by accident. The two adults have instant chemistry, but Kaitlyn is hesitant about going further with Tanner. He's made it known that he's in town looking for someone and then he's off for good, back to Cameroon. After some thinking, she gives in and decides to spend as much time with Tanner as she can until he leaves. But he leaves out a few crucial details and she loses some respect for him; ending what they had.

When Jasper tries to protect an endangered white deer from being shot at in the forest by some entitled teenagers, he gets hurt in the process, and is unable to move. He's stuck in the cold for almost 3 nights, nearly dehydrated and in terrible pain. His dog, Arlo, comes to Kaitlyn's house alone, which is unusual. So the family goes to Jasper's house several times to check on him, but the house is empty. So Casey, reaches out to Tanner and asks him to help find Jasper.

What Tanner finds when he locates Jasper is more than he ever expected. Jasper is Tanner's grandfather. They both have the family they've always wanted. Now can Tanner make things right with Kaitlyn?

A good read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautifully written story written by one of my favorite authors. I was really drawn in to the characters and loved how this evolved. Super emotional and a bit heavy at times but I loved the mystery and romance intermixed in this one. Released earlier this week, let me know if you read it!

HUGE thanks to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the early copy!