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.

A sweet, slow-moving book, this story did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships to one another.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tanner was raised by his grandparents. His grandmother on her deathbed, tells him the name of his father and where to look for him. So off he goes to Asheboro. While he’s there, he meets Kaitlyn. A single mother of two and a doctor that spends time every Sunday making house calls.
Her son spends time with one of her elderly patients, Jasper, learning how to whittle. Jasper lives a haunted life from a tragic event from his past with his dog Arlo.

While I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Jasper and the difficulties he endured throughout his life, the majority of his parts were rooted in religious beliefs. That is not an issue for me but I can see that it may be for some people.
Tanner and Kaitlyn’s stories were romance based. Both had different stories to tell but did it in a way that that felt natural. It was fun to see the way their lives entwined with Jasper’s.

Overall, I found the story enjoyable and had a good time getting to know each character. There were sad, difficult, happy, and funny parts of the story. While it’s not going to be for everyone, it was perfect way for me to spend a cold rainy day.

If you have never read a Nicholas Sparks book you don’t know what you’re missing. I absolutely loved this book. If you’re a crier get your tissues ready, I’ve never cried but this book truly made my eyes well up. Counting miracles is exactly as it sounds, it is rare to find a book that truly matches its title.

In this book that’s told in dual storylines, MPOVS the characters in this book has so much depth, emotions, and are absolutely lovable in every way.
First we have Jasper Johnson old small town recluse that lives with his dog Arlo in a cabin outside of town. Jasper has some body disfigurements that makes people scared of him and they think of him as the creepy old man in the cabin.
Next we have Tanner Hughes nomad, ex-military trying to find his place in the world. Not sure if staying or going is the right thing to do. Tanner was raised by his grandparents, he’s spent the last few months taking care of his grandma until she passes away. Right before she does she drops a bombshell confession onto tanner. His grandma reveals information about his past that he wanted to know growing up. Tanner goes out in search of this new information to see what he can discover. Which leads him to the small town of Asheboro.


Next we meet Katlyin the town doctor and her children Casey who’s a teenager and Mitch who is the little brother. Katlyin has been a single mom to two kids for a while now and she’s just doing what he can to get through the day to day. Mitch becomes friends with the town recluse Jasper and they begin to spend time together and grow a bond.

Things start to heat up after Tanner and Katlyin meet. Will things work out between them or will they go their separate ways. After all tanner is a nomad who’s only ever known the open road and military life. Will he make a choice to settle down? Will he find what he is looking for and be happy with the results.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Random house for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion of this book. Due to release tentatively September 24, 2024

This novel is one of the best I have ever read and a stellar character study of the three main characters. Kaitlyn Cooper is a doctor who is a single mom yet she still finds time to make home visits to her patients who need her. Tanner Hughes is a man seeking his purpose in life and trying to find a father whom he has never met. And Jasper is an elderly man who can be compared to Job since he lost his job, his family and his health and is now living alone in a ramshackle cabin near Kaitlyn. The lives of the three are well woven together in an intricate and riveting tale of the backstory of their lives and their current hopes for the future. This is a book about self-discovery, expanding your expectations and the hope that things will get better. I really enjoyed the story of Kaitlyn and Tanner’s relationship, one that seemed to end before it had even started. I was also fascinated by the story of Jasper and how he went from a successful businessman to losing everything and everyone that mattered to him. A faithful dog named Arlo was also an important part of the story, as were Kaitlyn’s precocious and precious children. I went from emotional highs to lows as I read this compelling story, laughing and crying a few pages later. With a plot that moves along at a moderate pace and then quickens as the lives of the characters become more interconnected, this is a perfect book to read, be entertained and then discuss with a book group.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”