Member Reviews
I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of this book via ebook. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Wow! Beautifully written. I can already sense another New York Times Best Seller for Nicholas Sparks.
This story is about Tanners search for his Father, mixed with a good ole love story that sparks from a fender bender in a parking lot — to Jasper’s story and his love for his family.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Nicholas Sparks, and Random House Publishing for allowing me to read this wonderful book.
Overall, it was a good book that I enjoyed. I liked all the characters and it wasn’t a book where you could guess the ending.
I have never read a Nicholas Sparks book, and I probably will never again.
The story was cute, if not underwhelming. At times it felt like a USAID and military advertisement. We get it. Tanner was a member of USAID. Move on. I went into the story excited to read a romance novel that had the potential to bring tears to my eyes like most Nicholas Sparks’ movies do. In the end, there were no tears, and now I can say I have read most of the Bible (what’s with all the verses?).
In conclusion, I’ll stick to the movies.
Published on Goodreads 02/28/2024
This touched my heart in so many ways. Showing there is still compassion in this world. Being a survivor through heart break and the will to survive. The love end of this book of course was wonderful. No one can not enjoy this authors writings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Add this to your TBR for September 23, you won’t regret it!
To be able to read Nicholas Sparks new book early and review it, was a dream come true! 💖 For those who know me, my wedding tables were each a Nicholas Sparks book. I spent countless hours using my cricut to have in cursive the name of the book so the books could lay open with candles and babies breath. Each guest was a part of our story, and I got to use my favorite authors books as the center of my wedding. I love how each book he has Christianity in it.
But this book, oh my gosh heart! It was full of hope and so many amazing biblical references. One of the main characters kept connecting his life to the story of Job. Trials and hardships, but with beautiful endings. His story just was so hard to hear but the way it ended was just so sweet. His outlook on life and the situations was so encouraging.
I love how Nicholas Sparks has two separate stories going on in his novels, and somehow they collide. The other main character Tanner, just melted the reader. The perfect guy, single, but had a past and a hard time staying put after being in the service. But when he gets hit in the parking lot by Casey, the daughter of Kaitlyn, and you’re just anticipating this sweet love to happen. Tanner is so sweet with his son Mitch, and Kaitlyn can’t help but not notice it. But Kaitlyn went through a divorce, has two kids to think about, and he has never settled down. Both have guards up. So how can they do it? The chemistry, the sweet comments, the small gestures of affections….I LOVE a sweet love story and I absolutely loved the way Tanner showed his love to Kaitlyn.
Thank you Nicholas Sparks, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing group for the honor to read this wonderful book!
Nicholas Sparks' books are always a hit or miss for me. There are some I absolutely love and others I could barely get through. This one sticks somewhere right in the middle. You get everything you normally expect from his books - drama, angst, tears - but I guess I'm just used to his books having a romantic theme, which this did not. I would still recommend it, and I know I'll be purchasing it for my library because most of my patrons are diehard Sparks fans.
Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks
This story starts out with Tanner and he's heading to NC to find his bio dad. He grew up living with his grandparents and the last one he had just buried. She told him his father's name...His mother had died in childbirth. He grew up all over the world and joined a delta force type group. Loved helping others.
Story also follows an old man in Asheboro, NC, Jasper and his dog Arlo. He's concerned about the white deer, very illusive and always in danger, they can't blend in during seasons as well as brown deer. He tracks a few poachers down.. even talking to their father and it's all denied.
Story also follows Cassie and her mother Kaitlyn and the young boy Mitch. Kaitlyn is a doctor and makes house calls and helps with running daily bread food pantry.
Love hearing all the charity work. So much of their past lifes are discussed so you can collect all the information for yourself…
Like a type Sparks novel this one connects all these people together in the most fascinating way.
There is something for everyone in this book: romance, love, scary parts, mysteries, the morelss and so much more.
Received this review copy via Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#CountingMiracles #NetGalley.
Sparks has done it once again... he has masterfully weaved together two heart wrenching stories about loss, true love, and the quest for ones family. I cannot get over how well his beautiful writing paints such a vivid picture in my head. I found myself fully invested in Jasper's life and Tanner's journey from the first few chapters. This is one that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC.
To the publisher: I found a few grammatical errors while reading. Here are the quotes as written
- 'Jasper stopped to have lunch, and as far as he could tell, Arlo to enjoy the sandwiches as much as he did.'
-'He ate canned tomato soup and lay down for a nap; this time, he fell asleep quickly and the alarm woke him right on time.'
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors and has been for quite some time. This book is not one of my favorites of his and found myself missing the typical romance his novels usually have. I found the book to be slow at times had to force myself to keep reading. I was surprised by heavy Christian tone the book had, which I had not previously noted in any other NS books. Tanner and Kaitlyn’s relationship seemed forced to me. I enjoyed the interactions between Mitch and Jasper thoroughly.
This was a light, easy read. There were some sad parts, but I didn't find them to be soul crushing. Tanner is an Army veteran who never met his father. He ends up in Asheboro, NC in search of him, at the advice of his dying grandmother. In true Nicholas Sparks fashion, a romance is involved, but it's not over the top or even the main storyline. Other things I enjoyed were the Bible verses woven throughout Jasper's story (Jasper is another main character in the book. I liked how the verses were tied to the circumstances being discussed. I thought it was unique how Jasper's life was compared to Job's. I think the theme of the book could be summed up with Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I give this 3 stars. Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this Advanced Reader Copy to me!
In his captivating novel, Counting Miracles, Nicholas Sparks weaves a heartwarming and poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. The story revolves around three compelling characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Tanner Hughes, an Army Ranger raised by his grandparents, embarks on a quest to find his long-lost father after his grandmother's passing. His search brings him to Asheboro, North Carolina, where he encounters Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother and doctor. Despite their initial hesitation, they feel an undeniable connection and find solace in each other's company. Meanwhile, elderly Jasper, living alone in a cabin near a national forest, is haunted by a tragic accident from his past. When he hears rumors of a legendary white deer spotted in the forest, he becomes determined to protect it from poachers. As these characters' paths converge, they find themselves caught in a web of emotions, secrets, and life-altering choices. Sparks masterfully blends the individual narratives of Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. With his signature storytelling prowess, he explores themes of love, family, forgiveness, and the transformative power of human connection. Through their trials and tribulations, the characters learn to confront their pasts, embrace new opportunities, and find healing and redemption. Counting Miracles is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that delves into the depths of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit. Sparks' vivid prose and intricate character development bring the story to life, leaving readers captivated and deeply invested in the characters' journeys. With its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life, Counting Miracles is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human capacity for hope and resilience.
Another excellent book by Nicolas Sparks, his writing is like an old dependable friend- always there, no surprises, just steady and constant. I appreciate the opportunity for an ARC, our library will purchase this book for our shelves when it's released.
Nicholas Sparks' latest literary offering, "Counting Miracles," serves as a profound odyssey delving into the intricate dynamics of kinship – whether discovered, acknowledged, or cultivated. Following the passing of his grandmother, Tanner Hughes, an ex-serviceman, embarks on a journey fueled by the revelation of his unknown father. Venturing to Asheboro, a quaint enclave in North Carolina, Tanner's path intertwines with Kaitlyn Cooper, a dedicated physician deeply entrenched in communal affairs. Their serendipitous encounter, catalyzed by a vehicular mishap involving Kaitlyn's daughter, sets the stage for a tapestry of poignant connections. Amidst the backdrop of familial complexities and societal intricacies, Sparks deftly weaves a narrative replete with both discord and redemption. Within this framework, bonds are forged, conflicts resolved, and the essence of Christian virtues permeates the narrative with a delicate, and graceful touch. Sparks infuses the narrative with wry humor, adding depth and levity to the unfolding tale. "Counting Miracles" emerges as a literary gem, exuding a rare blend of profundity and warmth!
Having read all of Mr. Sparks books (Three Weeks With My Brother is my favorite), I was looking forward to reading his latest book and I was not disappointed. The plot centers around a man’s search for his birth father in a small town in North Carolina. The major characters are well defined and are interesting people brought together by a chance encounter. It is a throwback to a simpler era where doctors make house calls, wood carvings of animals are whittled and a frisbee is a new diversion. My only reservation is the almost constant references to Bible passages and verses, which I considered completely unnecessary.
I thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
A modern day love story with flashbacks to the past. I liked this book but didn’t love it. I felt like the details of Jasper’s thoughts were a little boring (other than the flashbacks to his love story with his wife). The dynamic between Tanner and Kaitlyn and her kids was well done. I loved the Scripture references and the impact Jasper’s father had on his life.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this book!! The best part about a Nicholas Sparks book is starting it feels like coming home! The story within these pages was beautiful! I fell in love with Jasper, and Mitch stole my heart. This story was a return to the Sparks style that made me a fan. Those that have loved him from the early days of the Notebook will find similar heart moments in this one!!!
I was given the chance to read this book prior to its release date and I loved it. Nicholas Sparks has the best lobe stories. Tanner is looking for his biological father.. will he find him? Kaitlyn is a doctor and single mom of two children. Her path crosses with Tanner and after a just three dates she realizes she is in love. But is she enough for Tanner to finally put down roots and stay? Then there is Jasper, an old widow, with his dog. He isolates himself at home. How does he fit into this love story? The book is a little slow but push through and you will find the how these characters all tie together for a great love story.
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I never thought that I would say this about a Nicholas Sparks book but I did not finish it. I slowly made it to 56 percent and couldn't go on. I was so excited to be approved to read this book as he is definitely one of my favorites but this was so boring. I found myself skimming the parts about Jasper as they were so long and detailed. I absolutely loved the scripture references. I will not give up on this author .
Nicholas Sparks latest book, Counting Miracles, is an exploration of finding, recognizing, or creating family. Tanner Hughes, a military veteran, has just lost his grandmother. She along with his grandfather, career military, raised Tanner on a succession of military bases. One of the final things his grandmother gave him was the name and possible location of the father he never knew. Tanner heads for Asheboro a small town in North Carolina that she had named. He becomes involved with Kaitlyn Cooper, the town doctor, when her daughter backs into his fancy car. Kaitlyn, a single mom, is deeply involved in the community. Her young son spends time with an elderly neighbor learning to whittle. Jasper, the neighbor, is something of a recluse after being badly disfigured. There is conflict and tension here as well as kindness and rescue. Relationships grow and are sorted out. There is a strong Christian element, but it is lived and practiced with grace rather than anger and condemnation. And the guy think parts are kind of funny. Strongly recommended.
3.5 ⭐️ In true Nicholas Sparks fashion, Counting Miracles is all about the characters. There were chapters where very little to nothing actually happened, but I’d find myself unable to put the book down because of the attachment to the characters that develops early on.
Counting Miracles follows Tanner Hughes, a young veteran determined to find his birth father based solely on two names scribbles on a piece of paper: Dave Johnson and Asheboro, North Carolina. On his journey in the small southern town, a blossoming romance quickly develops between Tanner and Kaitlyn Cooper, the town’s doctor who happens to be a divorced mother with two kids. The book switches between the perspective of Tanner/Kaitlyn and Jasper, an elderly man with a mysterious past who is something of the town hermit.
I think it would’ve been a higher rating for me if not for Jasper’s POV for most of the book. I loved the Tanner and Kaitlyn storyline, but found myself bored with the Jasper perspective, except for when it revealed flashbacks of his past. Otherwise, those parts were a bit too slow-moving for me and read a tad juvenile. Overall, another heartwarming Nicholas Sparks story!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Nicholas Sparks for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.