Member Reviews

Oh how I love reading Nicholas Sparks books. He's a beautifully, romantic storyteller. I was especially happy to attend a Meet and
Greet when Counting Miracles was released.

Tanner, an adventure seeker, who doesn't plan on settling down any time soon. Kaitlyn, a single mom whose life has fallen into a comfortable monotony with her 2 children. When their worlds collide, they come to realize what they have been missing out on.

Thank you, Mr. Sparks, for providing us with another story about love and how sometimes you need to realize what has been placed right in front of you was meant to be, no matter how much you don't want to see it in the beginning.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed many Nicholas Sparks novels over my time but this book needs to be categorized as Christian vs Romance/Contemporary/Chick Lit/Family.

The book was overwhelming to someone who is not religious. Maybe annoying is a better word than overwhelming.

This should definitely be marketed as a religious book. If thats your thing, go for it. Otherwise, steer clear.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Counting Miracles is your typical feel good, Nicholas Sparks book. He knows how to write stories that touch your heart and leave a smile on your face. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Counting Miracles, was a feel good story.

Although I enjoyed the characters, from the beginning it was pretty easy to figure out the ending. For me the way they brought the different characters together took forever and did not intertwine. The character details of Jasper was so detailed that I literally skipped over, or read quickly through those pages.

In today’s world, it’s good to read a feel good story, but I completely could’ve done without the Bible verse, and wish there was some type of twist for the ending.

Nicholas Sparks is a phenomenal author with stories that remind us what’s most important. I believe this book reminded me of family first, so if you’re looking for that over the holidays happy story this would be a good book to reach for.

Was this review helpful?

Reading this book was such a pleasure. Tanner Hughes was an easy character to root for- not only in his search for his father, but in his courtship, as well. There was so much attention to detail in the terrain of the mountains, running through the trails, and in town that I felt like I could see the whole story unfold.

Was this review helpful?

The story may break your heart but it will also help you see the humanity in the human spirit and Gods presence in the unexpected places.

Was this review helpful?

After reading so many mysteries and thrillers this was the perfect palette cleanser! Nicholas Sparks has the greatest ability to make you feel so engrossed in a story that you feel like you actually know all the characters. I couldn’t get enough of these people and didn’t want the book to end. Loved the Bible verses throughout and how they connected to the story as well. First 5 star I’ve read in a while! Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Tanner Hughes is at a crossroads in his life. The grandparents that raised him are both gone. His deployment has ended. He’s okay with accepting a new assignment that will provide his next adventure. Except his grandmother’s last words continue to resonate with him, “find where you belong”. Also, she tells him the name of the father he never knew and where he could find him.
He decides to make a trip to see what he finds. And what he finds is Kaitlyn Cooper, a divorced mother of two and their connection is instant. But he’s leaving in a few weeks, a fact that Kaitlyn is much too aware.
And then there’s Jasper, an elderly recluse who’s only companion is his dog. A man who has been dealt one terrible tragedy after another but clings to the symbolic legend of his forefathers.
Inspired by and a retelling of the Story of Job, it has romance, suspense, and spirituality woven throughout. In typical Sparks fashion, it will pull on your heartstrings with endearing characters and a tender ending. The romance was a bit rushed for my liking, and there were some elements left unfinished. But the overall message of even in your darkest days-faith, love and family will carry you through until you can see the light once again.

Was this review helpful?

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is an inspiring, heartfelt story about love, healing, and the quest for belonging. Sparks weaves together the lives of three unforgettable characters, each on a journey of self-discovery. Army Ranger Tanner Hughes returns to North Carolina to fulfill his grandmother’s dying wish: to find where he truly belongs. This search leads him to Kaitlyn, a compassionate doctor and single mother, and their immediate, deep connection complicates his plans as he contemplates a future that might take him away.

Meanwhile, we meet Jasper, a solitary older man haunted by a past tragedy and a legend of a white deer in the forest. His pursuit to protect the mythical creature adds a mystical element that brings wonder and meaning into the lives of those around him.

Sparks masterfully intertwines these lives, building a story that’s as much about personal discovery and second chances as it is about romance. Through Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, Counting Miracles reminds us that sometimes, miracles find us when we least expect them. It’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich novel that stays with you long after the final page.

Thank you Nicholas Sparks, Random House Publishing Group- Balentine, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Was this review helpful?

I was reading this book right when Hurricane Helene was going on. What are the odds of the there was a hurricane by the same name mentioned in this book. In all this book was amazing. I really enjoyed it very much. Very well written and easy to read. I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nicolas Sparks is one of those authors who could publish his grocery list, and I would still read it! His writing is so beautiful and emotionally captivating, with the swooniest love stories. Counting Miracles was no different, I loved this book and these characters so much, and can only hope we will one day get a movie!!

Whenever I’m looking for a romance read that I will know will sweep me off my feet, I look to a Nicholas Sparks book! All my Romance girlies will love this one!

Was this review helpful?

I would actually have categorized this as Fiction, rather than Romance. But, it was really good! I was giddy when I got the email that I was approve for this ARC... who hasn't read a Nicholas Sparks novel?! I cannot wait for this book's release on September 24th.

Was this review helpful?

I have read almost all of Nicholas Sparks's books since the late nineties, with the exception of one that I saw as a movie first. I love how they are cozy and romantic but also have some elements of danger to balance that out. His latest, Counting Miracles, is definitely one of my favorites of his and reminds me of another favorite, The Longest Ride.

The story was interesting throughout and kept me riveted, wanting to know what would happen for the three narrators, whom I loved equally. There was a heightened level of danger, as well as a slowly-revealed trauma, that kept me turning the pages quickly. I was definitely worried about what would happen, especially for Jasper who had already suffered so much.

As with most of Sparks's novels, I was able to predict at least one aspect long before it came to pass. I wish he would shake things up in his novels to make them more difficult to guess at the outcome. He did this a little bit with one part of his previous novel and I appreciated that. Still, there was a lot of emotion packed into the story and it was a riveting read the entire time.

I definitely recommend checking this one out, whether it is your first time with Nicholas Sparks or if you haven't tried his books in a while. If you're a long-time fan, you'll appreciate this one that much more!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Kaitlyn: Sophia Bush
Tanner: Chad Michael Murray
Jasper: Christopher Lloyd
Casey: Neela Jolene

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
TW: death of spouse, death of adult children, death after giving birth, house fire, death of animal from hunting, suicide

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks is my first author love! I look forward to his books coming out and have read and watched all of his books and movies, which I hope this book becomes a movie too, along with The Wish.
Counting Miracles is one of my top books that I really enjoyed. The ending had me in tears, as most of Sparks books do, and was perfectly written with no complaints or suggestions to add.
This book has a lot of deep meaning and life lessons along with biblical quotes that makes you realize that God has a plan and that you may not understand it now, but later you will.
I enjoyed all of the characters and how Sparks connected them together with the dual points of view. Jasper's story touched me the most and my heart just aches for him.
I HIGHLY recommend this book as I could not put it down. My only warning, is to have a box of tissues with you because this book will pull at your heart in many ways. I want to thank NetGalley, Random House, and Nicholas Sparks for my advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

In his latest novel, Counting Miracles, renowned author Nicholas Sparks presents a captivating narrative that explores the interconnected lives of three strangers whose paths are destined to cross.

The first protagonist, Tanner, an Army Ranger, embarks on a journey to Asheboro, North Carolina, following the passing of his grandmother. Her final words to him were to discover his roots, particularly the identity of his father. As Tanner prepares for his next assignment, he forms an instant connection with Kaitlyn, the town’s compassionate doctor and a young mother. However, the brevity of his stay casts a shadow over the potential for a lasting bond.

The narrative also introduces Jasper, an 83-year-old man living alone in his cabin with his loyal dog, Arlo. Jasper has secluded himself from town due to a physical deformity. As the story unfolds, he is compelled to step out of his comfort zone and becomes entangled in a legendary tale.

The central legend that connects these strangers revolves around the possible sighting of a rare white deer. While the occurrence may seem improbable, this elusive creature ultimately brings our protagonists together. This captivating story resonates with the concepts of found home and found family, leaving an enduring and unforgettable impression on its readers.

Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Counting Miracles. Nice story of Tanner Hughes looking for his father after the passing of his grandmother. The search sends him to Asheboro, NC.

Was this review helpful?

Another great story by Nicholas sparks. Amazing characters and storyline. One.of m.y favorite books.
So if you read his books before. Get ready for an emotional ride.

Was this review helpful?

It had been a long time since I've picked up a Nicholas Sparks novel. I remember being in high school and wanting to collect and read everyone the author wrote! This story makes you stop and think about what truly matters in your life. The characters are brought to life and relatable. A beautiful story that moves you and keeps you engaged until the very end.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, jsut wow.

Nicolas Sparks has done it again, and I kind of hope this makes it into a movie version, if not that's totally fine but I can already picture it. make sure you also grab tissues for this one.

Jasper's story was such a beautiful tragedy. I think that is the best way to put it. So heartbreaking but at the same time there was so much hope. It definitely pulled at my heart strings. The twist at the end was amazing. I was not expecting it at all but at the end the story made full circle. This story highlighted the importance of faith, family, and connection. Definitely recommend grabbing this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC.

Was this review helpful?

COUNTING MIRACLES - @nicholassparks

4⭐

PLOT
Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents and never knew his father. On her death bed her grandmother reveals the name of his father and where he is from.
Tanner who is always on the move by chasing adventures decides to track his father in Asheboro North Carolina where he meets Kaitlyn a single mom and a doctor and sparks fly.
Meanwhile nearby lives a 83 yr old man Jasper in a cabin near a national forest with his old dog Arlo who is still living in his haunted past.
A sighting of rare white deer near his cabin ignites something in Jasper and lives of Jasper , Tanner and Kaitlyn somehow get intertwined with no one expecting a miracle.

MY THOUGHTS
Nicholas Sparks is a master storyteller. His characters have depth that you will feel with them and for them and in this case it's that of Jasper. He is the highlight of the book..his pain , suffering and redemption are so well described.
The book has numerous biblical references with faith in GOD at its core.
Love story between Kaitlyn and Tanner takes a backseat but Kaitlyns kids and their involvement in their lives and in the story makes up for it.

If you enjoy reading emotional heartwrenching stories then check this one out this holiday season.

Was this review helpful?