Member Reviews

Counting Miracles is a book about love, progress, and real life struggles. We have three points of view to follow. Jasper is an elderly man who lost his family many years earlier. His doctor is Kaitlyn, who is also our second narrator. She’s a single mom of two kids: a daughter who is 17 and a son who is 9. Our last point of view is Tanner, an army veteran who doesn’t know how to settle down. He has a lead on who is biological father is, and he ends up in a small town with Kaitlyn to find him.

The book and characters are written in Nicholas Sparks’ expected perfection. I see a whole plot that moves along slow enough to make me curious but also fast enough to keep me interested. I loved the three main characters. I had big problems with Kaitlyn’s daughter for the first parts of the book because she was a brat. But she redeemed herself.

I had two things I didn’t like, and neither of them are plot related. First: I didn’t like the way the chapters were set up. Instead of having chapter one, two, etc., we had chapter one, part one, and so on. It just wasn’t for me. And the cliche phrase “let out a breath he/she hadn’t known he/she had been holding” was used twice. I just hate that phrase. Do you really not know when you aren’t breathing when you’re wide awake?

The plot is great, and the ending is heartwarming. I recommend it. It’s a sweet book. I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

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I received a free copy of, Counting Miracles, by Nicholas Sparks, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Tanner Hughes has not had an easy life, raised by his grandparents, serving in the military, Tanner is a bit adrift. Tanner decides to spend time in North Carolina, to find his father. I was so looking forward to reading this book, having read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Sparks other books, but I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. It was a good read, but did not tug on my heart strings like his other books have,

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I want to start off by saying I really appreciate the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. That being said, I was overall pretty disappointed with the quality of writing and flow of the story. It didn’t feel on par with a Nicholas Sparks novel to me. The relationship moved pretty fast and dialogue seemed a little childish. I did appreciate the inclusion of several Bible verses throughout, though!

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I was so happy to get approved for this ARC from NetGallley because I’ve enjoyed so many Nicholas Sparks novels. I enjoyed the story line and definitely got hooked early on. I felt that the female character could’ve been better portrayed. As a divorcee, single mom, and doctor, her potential for depth and complexity seemed vast, yet fell somewhat short of expectations. I did enjoy her interactions with her children, especially with her teenage daughter.
All in all, it was still a good story.

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Nicholas Sparks has a way of pulling on the reader’s heartstrings. The connection with the characters is for the most time automatic. Tanner Hughes is on a search for not only his father but himself. His grandmother who raised him has just past away. He has backed up the house, ready to sell and move on to his next adventure. He has a few months before his next mission is to happen so he sets out to search for his father who his grandparents always told him they did not know. Hours before she died his grandmother gives him his father’s name. Tanner sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to search for him. He has stopped for dinner, comes to a young girl’s rescue that turns around and backs into his car. This leads to meeting her mother and the sparks begin to fly. While Tanner is searching and working on his love life, Jasper is searching and attempting to protect a white deer that has been spotted in the woods near his home. Jasper is an 83 year old modern day Job. His story is heartbreaking. Perfect writing! I love his books! thanks for my ARC copy :)

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I want to thank #netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I generally enjoy Nicholas Sparks but this book was very predictable. I guess after writing so many books it’s difficult for each one to be better than the last.

Tanner is in search for his father after his grandmother gives him a clue on her deathbed. At his destination he meets a single mom of two and an older gentleman named Jasper.

Anymore said and i would be giving you the whole story.

The book was just okay, not one of the author’s best

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Nicholas Sparks' latest novel is a heartfelt masterpiece, overflowing with warmth and emotion. With vivid characters and captivating storytelling, Sparks takes readers on an unforgettable journey. It's a captivating tale that showcases Sparks' storytelling prowess at its finest.

Sparks' storytelling prowess is on full display as he expertly navigates the intricacies of love, loss, and the quest for meaning. Each twist and turn in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I was unable to tear myself away from this story.

This novel is nothing short of unforgettable. It lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, leaving a lasting impression that speaks to the power of human connection and the beauty of second chances. Nicholas Sparks has once again proven why he is a master of his craft, and this book is a shining example of his storytelling prowess at its finest.

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Tanner heads to North Carolina to try to find the father he never knew, he meets up with Kaitlyn, as she seeks a better life for her and her children. Then there is Jasper Mouring the family he lost. lovely story

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Nicholas Sparks, the writer you are. This is sure to be the #1 NY times bestseller.

Thank you so much to Random House and Nicholas Sparks for the advanced copy, I had never been this excited to receive one in a while. I finished this book a while ago and I’m finally getting to the review now.

My grandma passed away when this book fell into my hands and the story will make you want to hug your loved ones. I felt like this book was written for me as far as Tanner caring for his grandmother in her last days and the new feeling he carried of being alone in the world without his grandparents around. I loved the story, there were so many life lessons and I definitely cried. No book could’ve come at a better time for me. This book is for the outsiders, the lonely, and the lost.

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Loved this book more than I can say! I haven't read many Nicholas Sparks books. I've seen the movies based on his books and loved them, but hadn't read any of his books until I read "The Wish" last year and I loved it. Naturally, when I saw he had a new book out, I couldn't wait to read it, and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! This is the story of a man looking for his past, and another man running from his past. And only Sparks could bring them together in such a natural and satisfying way. If you want a book that will just make you feel good, this book is for you!

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Nicholas Sparks has a knack for creating characters and stories that speak to the heart, and this may be his best yet.

This is the story of Tanner, searching for a father he never knew; of Kaitlyn, looking to build a new life for herself and her children; and of Jasper, mourning the family he lost in one shattering event. As their stories connect, the reader is drawn into the possibilities and miracles of life.

Highly recommended. #CountingMiracles #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthorSeries

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This book hooked me in from the first chapter. I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

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It has been a while since I read a Nicholas Sparks book. It was as lovely an experience as I remembered. Parallel story lines intercept in a touching way that brings everything together. This book is very heartwarming, poignant and spiritual.

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This book was such a spiritual and well written story. The characters were easy to understand and the author wrote with such emotion.

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Another good book from Mr. Sparks. Kept me reading until the end to find out what happened to the characters. All are very likeable and you are rooting for each of them throughout the book.

Tanner Hughes is headed to Cameroon soon but decides to take a trip to Asheboro, North Carolina on a personal mission before he leaves. Tanner has been raised by his grandparents. He is told on his grandmother's deathbed the name of his father and where the man was from. Tanner heads to Asheboro to see if he can find him or information about him. In the process of his search, Tanner meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. A relationship starts to develop between Tanner and Kaitlyn but Kaitlyn breaks things off. Tanner re-enters their lives when Casey (Kaitlyn's daughter) calls him to help find Jasper (their eighty-three year old neighbor) who has gone missing in the woods. Is Tanner able to find Jasper? Do Kaitlyn and Tanner end up together? Does Tanner find his father? You'll have to read the book to find out the answers.

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I’ll start by saying I was over-the-moon excited to read this book. As a loyal Nicholas Sparks fan, I’ve read and loved all of his novels. This unfortunately was a very different read that I struggled through.

I had a really hard time connecting with the elderly man, Jasper, as a character. He was a sweet old man who’d been dealt an extremely difficult hand, but his storyline was so slow for most of the book (the exception: a few intense scenes that I won’t spoil) and the flashbacks to his childhood caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting the religious aspect to this book. The multitude of Bible verses were an oddity for a NS book. The Biblical stories really overtook the storyline and put the romance to the back burner. There were no indications prior to reading this book that it would have such a strong Christian tone.

The spark between Kaitlyn and Tanner felt forced and rushed, not the ‘feel it in your soul, tear-jerking’ connection you’ve come to love from NS novels. However, Casey & Mitch (Kaitlyn’s children) were enjoyable to read about, and their personalities jumped off the page.

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Jasper had my heart from the get go in this novel. This was an emotional and beautifully written story, as Sparks so commonly writes. The Biblical stories or references were not overwhelming and did not distract from my opinion of the story. Tears flowed, smiles came abundantly, heart tugged, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it! 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the ARC.

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🌟 Looking for a heartwarming read that will touch your soul? Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is an absolute gem! I can't get enough of the incredible characters like Jasper and Arlo. The found family trope in this book is my top favorite, creating such a special bond between them. Highly recommending it to everyone who loves a beautiful story about love, hope, and connections that transcend time and distance! ✨ #CountingMiracles #NicholasSparks #FoundFamily #BookRecommendation #HeartwarmingRead #BookReview #FictionFriday #MustReads2024

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I love anything he writes it just sucks me in and I feel like I’m right next to the character seeing it all happen. This book does not disappoint I’m so happy I got to read this book.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tanner Hughes has just been home to care for his grandmother before she passed. He’s supposed to be headed back to Cameroon in a few months for another security assignment. But, before his grandmother passed, she gave him the name and hometown of the father he never knew. He’s intent to track him down before he goes on his next assignment.

Casey is a teenager who ran into (literally) Tanner’s car at a pub. When he takes her home in her mom’s suv, he meets her mom, Kaitlyn. He immediately finds her attractive. When she offers to take him back to his hotel, he asks her out for a drink.

Jasper is an elderly man who lives in a cabin alone. He has no family. Kaitlyn is his physician and he’s teaching Mitch, her son, how to whittle.

When an albino deer is spotted in the forest, Jasper is intent to keep it safe. Even if he’s not doing a great job of keeping himself safe in doing so.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tanner Hughes has just been home to care for his grandmother before she passes. He’s supposed to be headed back to Cameroon in a few months for another security assignment. But, before his grandmother passes, she gave him the name and hometown of the father he never knew.

Casey is a teenager who ran into (literally) Tanner’s car at a pub. When he takes her home in her mom’s suv, he meets her mom, Kaitlyn. He immediately finds her attractive. When she offers to take him back to his hotel, he asks her out for a drink.

Jasper is an elderly man who lives in a cabin alone. He has no family. Kaitlyn is his physician and he’s teaching Mitch, her son, how to whittle.

When an albino deer is spotted in the forest, Jasper is intent to keep it safe. Even if he’s not doing a great job of keeping himself safe in doing so.


This was lovely. The romance between Tanner and Kaitlyn was nice. But, I feel in love with Jasper. His story. His mannerisms. His story broke my heart. He reminded me of my grandfather, not necessarily in his story but just in the way he made you feel. But the ending - chefs kiss.
Fairly predicable, but I’m okay with that. Definitely typical Sparks tear jerker. 🩷

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