It’s a Nicholas Sparks book… what’s not to love?! This man knows how to put my feelings in a chokehold. Like sir, please be kinder to my feelings.. but also don’t. Thank you.

Tanner Hughes is in between jobs, still grieving the loss of his grandmother, who raised him with his grandfather. Her last words to him are to find where he belongs, and tells him the name of his father, and where he could possibly find him. Tanner travels to Asheboro, North Carolina to try to find his father, and almost immediately meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother struggling to balance work and her children, and trying to rediscover her love for herself. Tanner and Kaitlyn both immediately feel a connection to one another. Meanwhile, nearby, elderly Jasper lives by himself in a secluded cabin, trying to live a life quietly, haunted by his past. When Jasper hears rumors of a rare white deer being spotted in the forest, he does everything in his power to save it and stop poachers from trying to hunt it for a trophy. Each of these characters' fates are tied together, but will they get the miracle that they each desperately need, even if they don't know they need it?

Thank you to NetGalley and Nicholas Sparks for an ARC of Counting Miracles in exchange for an honest review.

This book broke my heart and healed it from start to end. Each of the main character's stories are heartbreaking and inspiring in their own way. I haven't read many Nicholas Sparks novels, but this one made me want to read more of them. At one point, near the end of Counting Miracles, I had to put the book down and cover my face to cry. I was so overwhelmed and invested in the characters, and in their stories, and hoped that they would all get the happy ending that they deserve.

Our library is located in Asheboro, NC, where this Sparks novel is prominently located. The news was a huge splash and many of the staff intended to read it, hoping for shout outs to local areas. Our library was featured, but very indirectly, and most of Asheboro’s unique charms were not highlighted as a feature in the novel. It’s another in a long line of Sparks misfires for me.

There isn’t a Nicholas Sparks book I don’t love. Counting Miracles is no exception. The love stories, family drama, heartache, animal loving, scenic stories Nicholas creates in his stories always leaves you feeling happy. In Counting Miracles, Tanner is trying to deal with leaving the military, the death of his grandparents, who raised him due to his Mom dying in childbirth, and his Grandmas revelation of his Fathers name on her deathbed. In trying to locate information on his father, he meets a woman who he can’t get out of his thoughts. His discovery of what his future holds, whether he finds love, and whether he finds his Dad makes a wonderful story. Highly recommend this book

Superb writing as Nicholas Sparks always is!!! Love that I can't put his books down and the storytelling is so enthralling!! This did it again for me. Counting Miracles is a beautifully written story!!

Ah.. I got to admit that it has been awhile since I picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. It was always emotional and I felt like every one of them follows the same pattern. I received ARC for Counting Miracles in exchange of my honest review.
This feels like an old friend giving the comfort hug. As expected, the beautiful, heartwarming and intricate multigenerational story was captivating and somewhat relatable and familiar.
True to Nicholas Sparks' fashion, the characters were unique and packaged with their heartfelt backstories as they set out to be intertwined with their complicated lives. It was a reading experience indeed. The conflicts were predictable but they did not take away the charm.
I would have agreed with others that the biblical verses felt a bit excessive, it was overdone that it was not relevant anymore and somewhat causing me to eye-roll and I apologize for saying that. I also agree that it did enrich the essence of the story and I could not argue more.
This was very heartfelt, gripping and powerful. Not my favorite from the author and believe me when I say that I have read a lot if not all of his books. Regardless, I still have to say it was beautiful and I was glad for the chance to read it.

A heartwarming story of life, being at peace with the choices one makes and making changes no matter your age. I’ve been a longtime fan of Nicholas Sparks and his stories always take me on an emotional journey.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing, Ballantine for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Definitely not my fave Sparks book - it felt long and drawn out with a lot of fluff. The last quarter of the book did a good job of wrapping the story up. Jasper seems like such a sweet soul despite his lifetime of tragedy - and of course Arlo is the goodest boy. Lots of Bible references which may be polarizing for some. Always cool to read about a NC town I’ve been to (2.5/5 stars - rounded up to 3)

This was definitely a slow burn of a book. There was a lot of "will they, won't they" as there is in all of his books. This one included the element of providing an ancillary character that creeps into the background in a way that is completely expected. I was a real fan of the white deer mirage in this book and the ending was beautiful. I think there should have naturally been some conclusion on that scummy little rich kid. It would have really solidified this book. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

I have always been a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and I was beyond excited to have the chance to read an e-arc of his newest book and this one did not disappoint! I absolutely loved everything about this book- the characters, the setting, the plot…everything was beautifully written and I didn’t want this one to end. 5 stars!

I love a good love story and this book did not disappoint! It was filled with the importance of family, faith, miracles, trials, and love. The title was so appropriate because it was miracles that brought the characters together. I was a little worried that it would be too spicy for me but there wasn’t anything more than passionate kisses. (Thank you!) I really liked all the characters. They each brought a unique layer to the story. My favorite character was Jasper because he brought a spiritual element to the story with his memories of the Bible verses his dad taught him. I found it interesting when he realized that his life was similar to Job’s. It made his story uplifting despite some of the questionable decisions he made. It made me tear up when he learned that he was not the only member of his family still living! I also loved the love story between Kaitlyn and Tanner. It was very touching and they had a great chemistry between them. If you’re looking for a good book to read this weekend, this is the perfect pick!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Nicholas Sparks does what he does best, creating a poignant story that brings tears to your eyes, and "Counting Miracles" is no exception.

Following the different lives of Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, readers will become immediately captivated by the ways in which they all intersect. While there were several aspects that felt very predictable, it was still so enjoyable nonetheless.

Nicholas Sparks has been an auto-buy author for me for two decades and I was so honored to be selected for this ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for choosing me for this one.

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley to provide an honest review. If you like Nicholas Sparks books, you will enjoy this one. It follows the general format that makes Nicholas Sparks… well, Nicholas Sparks. This story is the intertwined tale of three different people, an old reclusive man who lives in sadness due to a tragic accident, a young man who has thrown himself into his work to avoid dealing with who he is and where he came from and a single mother who is trying to manage a career as a doctor and parent her two children ultimately losing herself in the process. Their stories converge in a way that is both predictable but also comforting. A story of love, loss and personal growth, Counting Miracles was a quick read and kept my attention. It’s a great read for when you need a story that warms the heart.

For the Nicholas Sparks fan, this book does not disappoint. As with all of Mr. Sparks books, I find that I can engage with all his characters right away - his heroes are heroic and his villains are villainous. I love knowing where I stand This book is no exception to this, as I enjoyed the relationship insights, romance development and the mystery entwined. I knew they would all fit together, but experiencing the strands intertwine was truly enjoyable.

Thank you for another wonderful and enjoyable read.

Beautifully written. Nicholas Sparks does it again! The Bible references appealed to me and I know that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but this whole story was wholesome and made me appreciate what I have. Jasper’s story really moved me. I cannot say enough good about this one!

Counting Miracles is such a heartwarming story about a boy who was raised by his grandparents. When his grandmother dies she leaves him a note to with a name of a man that could be his father. This is an amazing story about family, love and finding peace.

It was a beautiful story of what can happen when you strive to find what you’ve always wanted. Even through the story was predictable at time I find myself enjoying it all the way through. If your looking for next read I’d recommend this one

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Random House for allowing me to read and review Counting Miracles A Novel by Nicholas Sparks on NetGalley.

Published: 09/24/24

Stars: 3.5

While reading I thought the beginning was slow and several times I put the book down. I had fallen asleep while reading and realized I didn't remember anything, I couldn't find where I left off. Aggravated, I decided to start from the beginning and was able to finish respectfully.

Counting Miracles is a slow and steady race. Sparks paced his book well and his characters all have purpose. This is a love story with several moving parts. I found the book easy to read.

I would allow my mid teenaged kids to read. I could justify the content to another parent. It's a book for all ages and can comfortably be read aloud (nursing home). This would make a good travel book; also, a guest room nightstand book.

What was my initial problem? I was not familiar with Sparks and opened the book expecting a mystery.

Counting Miracles was slow paced, but I enjoyed Sparks’s storytelling. It’s simple, not flowery, and gets to the point. I liked how the story fleshed out, but I would have liked a little more depth from the main characters. However, they were overall likeable, and I loved how their stories weaved together!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: fade to black
Profanity: low

I was very fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy from NetGalley but all thoughts are unbiased and my own!

4.5 stars!


In this book yet again, Nicholas Sparks captures so well the incredibly beautiful and tragic moments from characters at all stages of life. He so does a great job having the characters have separate stories, but they all do come together which makes it fun to read.

I also LOVE the way Nicholas Spraks writes stories of the perspective of the aging population and their stories. Jasper, the old man in the story, the way his life was written was pulling at my heart and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was also invested in the story arc of two main characters, but I did find the main couples conflict a bit annoying and I could see both of their sides, but the resolution was cleaned up too quickly in my opinion (which is the only thing that contributed to my 4.5 score)

It was a great book with such diverse stories in a small southern town, and he knocked it out of the park yet again with this one!!!