Member Reviews

I have always been a Nicholas Sparks fan since I can remember finding one of his novels in my high school library and instantly became a life long fan. Not only is Nicholas’ novels filled with relatable characters, real life subjects, real problems, they are also filled with characters that show the good in humanity. I have never finished a Nicholas Sparks novel and not had a “feel good” feeling. This novel is a bit different for him as it is more faith based however it does not take precedence over the story in fact it made it felt more authentically southern.

This novel focuses on Tanner Hughes, a former military man, who is in search of his father’s family prior to going back overseas. He has been told by his grandmother prior to her recent death that he needs to find a place to settle down, and to not be so transient as he has never settled and makes work his priority.

Tanner goes to a small North Carolina town in search of family when he meets a young girl in an unexpected way. He meets the girls mother and instantly feels a connection to her. Through small acts and meeting up Tanner begins to see that there is more to life than always being on the go. He learns valuable lessons, and has his eyes opened in a way that is so humble, and revealed slowly over the course of the novel.

The twist in this novel was so good, and was sort of predictable due to me being a hopeless romantic and also being hopeful for Tanner. I found myself cheering for Tanner, and also for the others around him. This novel was so difficult to put down, and I was sad when it was over simply for the fact that I cannot read it again for the first time. This is definitely going to be a book I will recommend for years to come. This novel left me with that “warm hug” feeling. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what Nicholas Sparks may be working on next!

I was blessed with the opportunity to read an Advance Reader’s Copy of this courtesy of Random House, Netgalley and Nicholas Sparks.

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks is such a nostalgic author for me, I loved reading his books as a teenager and I really loved this book! It definitely pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel all the feels.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. My only negative feedback is that I felt like the writer was over explaining what USAID is.

Was this review helpful?

I loved Counting Miracles! What a heartwarming and at times, heart-wrenching, tale of lives that eventually intertwine. I enjoyed Tanner's story and his quest to find someone from his past and my heart broke for Jasper's journey and how he was treated. Overall, it was well-written as we expect from Nicholas Sparks. It made me cry and I loved the characters. It was beautiful how the paths of the characters intersected and you'll have to read it to know what I mean. Beautiful story of some incredible people on their own journeys to find what and who they need.

Was this review helpful?

Loved it! I am a fan of Nicholas Sparks and enjoy his books a lot. What strikes me about the stories he creates is the depth and emotion in each. While Counting Miracles has a romantic love story in it, the romance is not the main focus. Faith in God even when you cannot understand the purpose behind trials, finding lost family you never knew you had, learning to grow with and understand your family even when they push you, patience, hope, forgiveness even when it's extremely difficult to forgive, finding joy in the small things, finding yourself- these are all themes in this story. To me, it had everything I want in a book!

Was this review helpful?

I have always been a Nicholas Sparks fan, there has never been a book that he wrote that I didn't absolutely love. This one included! I loved everything about this book, it was so heartfelt and perfect in every way. I adored both the FMC and MMC and could help but to cheer them on. Sparks just keep on proving why he's an auto buy for me. I'd have to say that this book is my second favorite that Sparks has written!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoy Nicholas Sparks books, and this one was no exception. I thought it did drag at times with Jasper's storyline, and Tanner and Kaitlyn needed to get over themselves already.
But...overall, I think this book is worth a read if you like Nicholas Sparks. The ending/epilogue was perfect!

Was this review helpful?

I have read most of the novels Nicholas Sparks has written. Although I did enjoy this one, it fell short for me in the romance category. I was left wishing there was more of a romance story between Katie and Tanner. I did enjoy how he told Jasper’s story of his love for his family. Those feelings really came through in his writing. And add Arlo, a man’s best friend, who makes your heart happy.

Thanks to Random House and Netgalley for this eArc for my review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book for the most part! Tanner is lost and not sure what he wants to do with his life and ends up in Asheville based on some information from his grandmother. Kaitlyn is a single mom and a doctor not expecting to meet a love interest. Jasper though is my favorite along with his dog Arlo. There is romance of course but also some tense moments and heartbreak. I will probably grab myself a copy when it comes out.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a touching book about love and finding your roots. I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

I’ve always been a Nicholas Sparks fan since A WALK TO REMEMBER so I will always read whatever he puts out. It was hard for me to review this book. I was really looking forward to this. I think if this was marketed as a contemporary fiction I think it will sway my opinion. It just didn’t give the same quintessential Nicholas Sparks romance vibe that I was used to getting. Arlo, the dog was the most stellar character in the book but the rest of the human characters, I didn’t really care for. Thank you to @netgalley giving me a chance to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Groupe-Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review..
I enjoyed this read and was very engaged by the dual-plotlines. I knew they would intersect, but was kept guessing at how that would happen. The plot with Jasper was more interesting to me. I felt like the romance in the other plot feel a bit short compared to other books I've read by Sparks. As a Christian, I enjoyed all the Scripture references in the story and the connection to Job. I did think that the book ended pretty abruptly thiugh and I would've enjoyed more resolution/happily ever after.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. Nicolas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. I really got close to those characters in this book. If you like Nicolas Sparks then you will definitely like his new book.

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks is the author who got me into reading. I crave his books. He has a way of making characters a part of your world and wrecking you with their life. The romance is always passionate and leaves you begging for more. Unfortunately I just didn't find that in this book. After 2 years of waiting for this release, I felt a little down about the results. I loved the story line, a man chasing after his father, falling for a girl, and then questioning his whole life. I just never got the character building that I'm used to out of Sparks. The romance was nearly as passionate. It just wasn't the typical Sparks quality. This might would have been a 4 or 5 star from any other writer, but I expected so much more from this novel and I honestly was very disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you netgally for an arc of this novel! Nicholas Sparks has been a favorite writer of mine for awhile and this book was absolutely wonderful. The cast of characters was amazing, right down to Arlo the dog. While I figured out the plot twist soon enough it still was a beautiful read that had me in tears by the end.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a fair review.

How excited was I to receive an advance copy of this book? I have always been a Nicholas Sparks fan. In fact, before I really got into reading, Nicholas Sparks was the only thing on my bookshelves. Counting Miracles was very much his style. It tells the story of Tanner Hughes, former Army Ranger, who discovers his father’s identity and where to find him while comforting his dying grandmother. Tanner travels to Asheboro, North Carolina to search of his dad, but ends up with a wrecked car after a young girl plows into him. After Tanner drives the shaken girl home, he finds he has a connection with her mother, Kaitlyn. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn’s 83 year old neighbor, Jasper, is haunted by his tragic past and desperately searching for a white deer that has been seen in the area. Jasper finds himself working to protect the animal from teens hunting it. In pure Sparks style, the stories come together in the end. Albeit predictable, I flew through this one.

What I loved:
* Arlo the dog and his relationship with Jasper
* The elusive white deer
What I could have done without:
* All of the Bible verses
* The abrupt ending. Had it not been for the epilogue I may have thrown my book across the room

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Big shout out to NetGalley for this ARC!

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents and spent his early years in the military. He goes from adventure to adventure until his grandmother becomes ill and gives him the charge of “find where you belong” along with his father’s name. He decides to follow that “adventure” and as soon as he gets to town he ends up making a connection that’ll last the rest of the book.

I liked how the book kind of had two stories going at once. You knew they’d cross over at some point but you just weren’t sure when.

Publishing date: September 24, 2024

Great read 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Was this review helpful?

I haven’t read a Nicolas Sparks book in many years. This was a reminder of what an experienced and talented writer he is. I found myself deeply caring for these characters, and crying during the last bit of the book. There are lots of Christian references which bothered some people but I actually think it really added something to the story. This book was a character study with a touch of mystery, and a lot of human emotions. I can easily see this being adapted for film.

Was this review helpful?

Another emotional, good story by this author . Gives one courage to go on when tragic is faced.
Readers will enjoy. and .I recommend
Given arc by Net Galley and Random House for my voluntary review Releases Sept 24

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. Counting Miracles is Sparks' typical formulaic format. Fans of his will devour this newest book.

Was this review helpful?