Member Reviews

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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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 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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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.

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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

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

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Counting Miracles is a quick read that starts with an incident that introduces Tanner into the lives of Kaitlyn, Casey, and Mitch. Chapter 3 took a turn and introduced an eldederly man named Jasper, and his dog Arlo. At first, I was confused as to what Jasper was doing in the story and a little upset to be taken away from Kaitlyn and Tanner's story. As the story progressed, it was pretty obvious what the end game was going to be. Jasper's point of view involves a lot of narrative, description, and Bible verses. Although I really empathized with his story, I wanted the story to focus more on Kaitlyn and Tanner. I really liked Casey and would have enjoyed more of her life and point of view. I think there could have been a good balance in a story where Kaitlyn is finding her place in this stage of life and exploring options with Tanner, we learn about Casey and watch her navigate her teen years, and also have a side story with Jasper and how he is involved. This was a different novel from Nicholas Sparks than I am used to and it was just okay for me. The story isn't bad, but it just wasn't the romantic story I was expecting. I wanted there to be more of Kaitlyn and Tanner and a slow burn with them. I think Jasper and his story could definitely be incorporated, but with less detail and focus.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Groupe-Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Nicholas Sparks is a go-to for emotional reads. My heart cracked wide open and I fell in love with the characters. This book does reference the Bible and has a lot of references to God, so it may not be for you if that isn’t your speed but let me just say that did not take away from this book at all.

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I absolutely loved this book. I loved the relationship between Mitch and his elderly neighbor, Jasper. The setting was perfect. I enjoyed the back stories of all of the characters. The characters were so easy to love. It was a very heartwarming story and everything you’d expect from a Nicholas Sparks novel. I’d be surprised if this wasn’t turned into a movie also. It would be a good one.

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Counting Miracles- Jasper, Tanner and Kaitlyn

This is a multi point of view story. As we read about each character, we realize the life they have been dealt and how their lives interconnect.
Jasper is an older man with many health issues. He lives alone, well with his dog, Arlo, in a cabin near the woods. He has seen the area grow and populate but he is one that would probably prefer nature. He has been dealt a very difficult life and a lot of the story is his. Many speak about the Bible in their reviews and I for one, Love it! Everyone has a different opinion and beliefs and should get to read about it. Also, the title is Counting Miracles!

Tanner is an ex military man and he is headed to the town of Asheboro to find someone. He grew up with his grandparents and now that they have both passed his grandma gave him some shocking news prior to her passing. He is now on the hunt. But while he is in Asheboro, he gets a different perspective in and for life.

That leaves Kaitlyn. She is a Doctor in town, divorced times a few years and has two children. She struggles with the oldest teenage daughter, and being a working mom and so on. Her neighbor is Jasper and she is also his Doctor.

Overall, this is a story on how these three separate families have all had their ups and downs and struggles with life. No one is dealt a perfect life and it is how we go on from day to day that defines us. In doing so, the three of them come together as their lives connect with each other.
It was good however that being said, it didn’t go without issues. A few of mine were, the bratty kids that nothing really happens to them and Kaitlyn. Tanner is suppose to be perfect yet they had only known each other for five days. It’s a little odd. Overall, it’s a good read.

I received this book via ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily. Thank You #NetGalley!

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A solid, entertaining romance, blended with a modern day retelling of the story of Job.

I enjoyed getting to know Kaitlyn and her children, who were written as realistic kids, and Tanner, an intriguing character who was searching for meaning in his life.

Jasper's recollections were lengthy and did bog down the story a bit, but I was interested enough in the other storyline to perservere.

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I really enjoyed the plot of this story--Tanner is a man who has spent his life traveling with the military in one capacity or another. He finds himself at a bit of a crossroads and takes time to track down his father, who has never been in his life. In the midst of this journey, he unexpectedly meets a woman who is doctor in town and they get to know each other. There is a bit of a mystery to this story and portions of it help me in suspense. I didn't love all of the religious references, but overall enjoyed the book and was entertained.

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Counting Miracles tells a story of Jasper a man who has faced much tragedy in his life. Tanner comes to town in search of his birth father and runs into Katelyn a divorced mother of two local physician. Chemistry blossoms, however Tanner isn’t the kind of man to settle down.

Sparks weaves in biblical passages and even symbolism with a rare white deer. Counting Miracles outlined the power of life “seasons,” hope, family and always love.

Highly recommend. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for the opportunity to review the ARC of “Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks.

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