Member Reviews

I looked forward to reading this book, because of the title, the author, and the description. I enjoyed reading how life or fate brings people together, and watch their journeys unfold. They don't realize what is happening as it unfolds, but their life begins to intertwine, and start connections. Nicholas Spark takes us through their journeys, the past, the present, and maybe the future. But you will have to read the book to find out. It is an interesting read, that I felt hopeful how it would end, but like life you don't know until it is time., and it is not your time to know yet. I do hope you read this book, and see for yourself, how they will connect, and how it goes from there.
I received an ARC from Random House through NetGalley.

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Tanner has been looking after his grandmother until her death. But before she died she gave him the name of his biological father who he has never met as he mother died in childbirth. He goes in search of his father but what he finds is life changing.

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While Tanner is sitting with his dying grandmother, her last words to him include the name of the father he never knew.
Tanner is a former military officer who now works for USAID as support staff in security. He is between international postings so has time to search for his father. Tanner travels to a small town outside of Asheville, NC where he meets Kaitlyn and her family. More than half the book involves introducing the characters, their back stories, as well as how each of their lives become intertwined. Like some other reviewers, I found the first half of the book hard to connect to. I am not sure what made the first half difficult for me as I did enjoy the characters and their stories. I would encourage readers to stick it out as the conclusion of the novel is worth it. Make sure you have a hanky handy! Although this wasn't my favorite Nicholas Sparks novel, I would still recommend it and would expect many will love this book.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to read an Advance Reader’s Copy of this courtesy of Random House, Netgalley, and Nicholas Sparks in exchange for an honest review.

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Incredible!! Nicholas Sparks never fails to impress and this was a beautiful book. The stories, relationships, and lessons were so well-written and poignant. I knew the twist pretty much from the beginning but that did not even take away at all!

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For the first three-fourths of this book I was wondering what happened to the author I thought I knew. Both plots seemed very far apart, and while I thought they would eventually come together I couldn’t imagine how. I was very pleased with how the two main parts of the book came together even before the end. All the descriptions of the locations and the characters are very well done. I felt connected to all the main characters and really hoped for the best for them. I recommend this book to women’s fiction/romance book where the plot is not all about the romance. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Thank you so much for sending me this arc! I love Nicholas Sparks writing. I have been reading his books for a long time. This book tells the story of Tanner and Kaitlyn. Tanner has been in the military. After his grandmother passes he goes in search of finding out more about his family. During his search he meats Kaitlyn. She is a single mom. There is an instant attraction. This was a quick read for me. I feel like I was able to predict the ending but I still enjoyed the story. I felt like the characters had a sweet relationship.

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As a longtime fan of Nicholas Sparks, I was so incredibly excited to get an advanced digital copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity of getting to read this before its release.

Tanner- Career military man and drifter. He has spent his entire life moving from one posting to the next, never allowing himself to plant roots and settle. Raised by his grandparents after his mother died in labor, Tanner gets the shock of his life when his grandmother makes a deathbed confession that has the ability to alter him on a fundamental level.

Kaitlyn- Doctor and single mom. She dedicates her entire existence to giving to others, both professionally and personally. She believes that her life is complete, until a chance encounter with someone new in town makes her wonder if she has been selling herself short in achieving true happiness.

Jasper- Elderly loner and small town outcast. A tragic accident many years ago obliterated the life he knew and haunts him to this day. News of a white deer spotted in the forest sparks memories of legends that inspired his father and grandfather. Are they tales of folklore, or a sign of change?

Nicholas Sparks has an impeccable ability to weave stories together gradually. Where in the beginning, there are three independent plot lines, over time, they intertwine with one another seamlessly, and before you know it, you as a reader are enveloped in a warm, cozy blanket of thoughts and feelings.

While not as emotionally heartbreaking as some of his previous novels, instead, Counting Miracles is a book that left me in a state of reflection and self-evaluation. It is ultimately a story about appreciating what you have while you have it, looking for blessings even in the difficult times in life, and keeping your heart open to receiving love, even when you feel undeserving of it.

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I love Nicholas Sparks books so I was so excited to read Counting Miracles. A story about love and loss between two different POVs. I really enjoyed Kaitlyn and Tanner’s storyline and wish we had more of it. Jasper’s story was tragic, but I didn’t realize this book was going to be religious. I wish I would have known that from the description. The scripture was overwhelming and I’m not into that sort of thing. I was able to look past and finish though. Overall 3.5/5 ⭐️. Thank you Nicholas Sparks, Netgalley, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book Counting Miracles was an amazing story of family, connection, love and renewed faith. The book follows the 3 main characters: Kaitlyn, Jasper and Tanner. They each have a different journey of growth and self discovery and their lives will come together is very interesting ways that I really enjoyed. I got a bit lost in this book which didn’t bother me at all and I really enjoyed it.

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Counting Miracles is a beautiful story of love, family, and renewed faith. The book follows the journey of 3 main characters: Kaitlyn, Tanner and Jasper. Each character has a different journey of self discovery or self growth but their lives intertwine in the most unexpected ways in the end.

I absolutely loved Tanner and Kaitlyn’s growing relationship. I also loved the children being involved so much and Tanner’s care with them.

Jaspers chapter’s unfortunately were my least favorite but still were lovely as they all tied in with Kaitlyn and her children.

The ending, specifically the epilogue, was pure perfection. I was feeling all the emotions! I love how the biblical story of Job was a foundation throughout the story. It actually made me appreciate Jaspers chapters more in the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall and definitely recommend reading it. There are biblical references so if you are not into that then I would proceed with caution. Yes, there were times it was slow or slow paced. But overall it was a Nicholas Sparks book through and through and I am here for that read any day of the week.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Nicholas Sparks for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of the book!

- Run date: June 29, 2024
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Another excellent book by Nicholas Sparks. It's a quick, easy read that leaves you with a happy ending. I could say more but it's easily summed up... If you've liked Nicholas Sparks in the past, then you'll love this one too.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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On COUNTING MIRACLES we follow two POVs: Tanner Hughes, a military man who is often sent overseas, that is back home where he used to live with his grandparents (he lost his mother after she gave birth to him and he never met his father); his grandfather has passed away years ago and very recently his grandmother also passed away. And Tanner discovers a note from his late grandma with the name of his biological father and the city (in North Carolina) he used to live when he was younger. Tanner then decides to take a trip to NC to find out everything he can about his biological father, who was he and if he's still alive.
The other POV belongs to Jasper, a 83-year old man who lives alone in NC, at a cabin in the middle of the woods, with only his loyal dog by his side. He's adamant about the true meaning of the sight of a white deer he keeps seeing in the woods: he believes it's a sign from God regarding the memory or the presence of his late wife and his late 4 kids. Unfortunately for him, there is a group of poachers hunting deer illegally, so Jasper is willing to take any actions he finds suitable in order to stop the poachers to hunt and kill the white deer.
When Tanner gets to the small town from where his father is from he crosses way with a teenager who accidentally crashes her mother's car into Tanner's car. That encounter leads to Tanner meeting the teenager's mom Kaitlyn, a divorced doctor and mother of two. They almost instantly hit it off and a love story starts between them.
Meanwhile, Jasper is minding his own business hunting the poachers and spending some quality time with Mitch, Kaitlyn's young son. Eventually, all lives are shaken up by some events and they find themselves connected to one another.

This was the 4th book I've read by this author, and even though it's not my least favourite, it certainly is not my favourite.
What I most liked about this book is that this one is more focused on drama rather than romance. From my experience with reading Nicholas Sparks novels, he has some books more focused on drama and others more focused on romance. I'd say COUNTING MIRACLES is more heavy on the drama side, which personally suits me better. What's more, even though this is a 368-page book, to me it felt considerably shorter. I didn't love this book. I didn't enjoy many chapters of this book. Yet, I did not have that slow burn feeling. I don't think the author drags on or the story starts to get repetitive. No. Nothing like that. I'd say this book reads quite fast and easy for a 368-page novel.
Oh, and I loved the character Jasper! I wish this book was 100% focused on his character. I was hungry for more background of his life with his wife and every single one of their 4 kids. Jasper has the most dramatic scenes on this book, and I loved that! In my opinion, Jasper is by far the most interesting and intriguing character of this book. And the one with the saddest life story. Boy, it is sad. :(

On the other hand, I did not care for the Tanner's chapters. Honestly, I particularly didn't care for the character at all.. Or his romance with Kaitlyn, whatsoever. I thought it was very predictable, cheesy, and full of the same old clichés: a military handsome tattooed man, used to being on his own with all his freedom, meets a handsome divorced mother who still hurts from being alone and now is scared of loving again , etc etc etc.
Also, apparently, the Christian talks or symbolism is something not new to Nicholas Sparks novels. And here it is again.
To be very candid, I thought this whole book is very predictable and full of clichés. There is nothing original or different in here. Which doesn't mean necessarily it is a bad thing. I believe to readers who don't like being pulled out of their comfort zone, COUNTING MIRACLES will probably work really well. A comfy, cozy, adorable story about love, loss and redemption with a happy ending.
To readers who prefer to be more challanged in their readings, this novel might disappoint a little.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

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If you like reading Nicholas Sparks, then you'll like this. It fits the same pattern of estranged family ties, redemption, love, and a military man you usually find in them. That doesn't mean it isn't good though, it just means he knows his audience and gives them what they want.

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Typical Nicholas Sparks novel. A romance that also has a hidden secret of how the two people are connected. I do like how his novels are slower to read and you can take your time with it and enjoying the descriptions.

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I was so happy to be selected to review this book. Nicholas Sparks is a favorite author of mine. He’s on auto buy for me. This one did not disappoint. Nicholas Sparks lovers will love it.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This read like any other Nicholas Sparks book with it being set in North Carolina, the guy was in the military etc. and there were also heavy Christian themes and plots. I just wish he would write something out of his comfort zone.

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I read so many Nicholas Sparks books when I was younger & first starting to get into reading, so I was really excited to have an ARC of this book. I haven’t read a Nicholas Sparks book in yearsssss & I was so ready to read this one, but it just didn’t feel the same as it used to.

This was definitely not what I was expecting it to be. I was expecting a little more romance than there ended up being. The story kind of lost me in the middle & I had a hard time reading it. The long chapters were really hard for me. I felt like some of Jaspers chapters dragged on forever. I liked Kaitlyn & Tanner’s chapters but it felt like it took awhile for things to come together. I think it was around the 60%-65% mark that things started picking up & really getting back on track with the story in the beginning & after that the book was much better. I enjoyed the ending & I’ll admit I did shed a tear during the last chapter, but it was just a long road to get there.

I think this book can be enjoyable for people for sure, but I think I just had an expectation in my head based on a lot of his older books I read & this just didn’t do it for me like I hoped.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nicholas Sparks & Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Nicholas Sparks writes another heartfelt story that brings us through the love stories on two different time lines. One in the past as an older man looks back on his life and. One in the present as one tries to figure out where to go in his life while figuring out where he fits in now that he is out of the military and has lost his grandmother who raised him. She leaves him with information on his father who he never knew (his mom died in childbirth). Before heading out to Africa to work, he heads to look into this lead, and finds family in a different way instead.

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. So excited to be approved for Nicholas Sparks’s latest book!!! An endearing story as told from 3 characters. Tanner, who was raised by his grandparents after his mother died. He is looking for his dad, he had never found his place in life.
Kaitlyn, has 2 children and is divorced. She is muddling through day to day life.
Jasper, an older man who had had a lot of heartache in his life.
A small town setting to where chance encounters entangle and mesh together their stories.
Definitely recommend!

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Heartwarming and relatable. The book is both sort of one main character in a reinterpretation or correlated to the story of Job, and other main characters in their own story. I liked the themes and threads family and friendship over isolation, though I felt like Tanner and Kaitlyn’s story felt a little stunted and not my favorite take on a single-parent relationship.

I thought Jasper’s story was well fleshed out and heartbreaking, but you could put yourself in his shoes. You understood his pain and his loss well and could empathize with him. I liked his character development and progression in finding hope.

I struggled to like Tanner. Maybe my expectations are too high for reality, but to handle a single mom that casually feels disrespectful and just a really jerk-move. Maybe it was just too rushed and his character not fleshed out well enough for me to see his perspective but I just didn’t get the relationship.

I did love Kaitlyn’s kids tho and her relationship with them. I thought that was really endearing and enjoyed their part in the story. I loved that it wasn’t yet another hostile-teenager characterization.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine

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