This interview was published in multiple newspapers and magazines across America in Sept.-Oct. 2024:

By Tom Mayer

It won’t take a miracle for Nicholas Sparks’ 24th novel to ride the top of the world’s best-selling book lists (spoiler alert, as of the publication of this writing, it’s already there), but in the world of fiction writing, it’s certainly miraculous that an author can turn out — consistently — unique stories (only about a half-dozen titles tangentially touch in terms of character or plot, and you’ll need only a couple of fingers to count true sequels) with the return and stability of a Las Vegas house table.

Two dozen stories, three decades and 130 million books removed from Sparks’ beloved and cult status first novel, “The Notebook,” the author presents “Counting Miracles” (Random House). The novel is vintage Sparks and for many fans will provide a much-needed few hours of escapism from their day-to-day.

The novel, of course, is a love story — a genre that Sparks owns — with all the bittersweetness of a last kiss before an overseas deployment. Not that Tanner Hughes is still in the military: The hero of “Counting Miracles” is a former solider from the Army’s elite Delta Force who becomes a bit of a drifter in terms of current employment. Now, he’s getting ready to head overseas to work for USAID after the passing of his beloved grandmother in Pensacola, Florida. First though, he wants to spend some time in Asheboro, North Carolina, to see if can discover anything about the father he never knew.

It’s there that Tanner collides with a teenager, Casey, after she accidentally backs into his meticulously reproduced 1968 Shelby GT500KR, pinning the soldier in town for what appears will be lengthy repairs to the muscle car. Meeting Casey’s mom — the ever gentleman Tanner drove the nerve-wracked teen home after the accident — sparks are ignited and the foundation is laid for a Nicholas Sparks’ love story: “A woman emerged from the house,” Sparks writes of Tanner’s seeing Kaitlyn for the first time, with “a tentativeness that hinted at past disappointment, or perhaps regret;” while Casey upon seeing Tanner recognizes a “readiness in the way he stood, an almost coiled intensity.” The story of a small-town doctor, former soldier and old man, Jasper — who lives in a nearby cabin in the forest — unfolds with a few Sparksian twists, including the old man’s tragic life. As a stand-in for the biblical Job, Jasper’s part of the tale allows the author to tread holy ground more overtly than in past stories.

Speaking about that ground and more defining tropes such as racism, PTSD and teen angst, the author agreed to take a few questions about the new novel from his home on the Trent River in New Bern, North Carolina. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Tom Mayer: Nicholas, this is a bit of a different novel for you. The foundation of “Counting Miracles” is built on the Book of Job and you carry that theme through from the epigraph to the last page. That biblical story addresses theodicy, or why God permits evil in the world. Was there something specific enough about that theme to structure a novel on it?

Nicholas Sparks: In the Christian version … God says, basically, look at Job. He's so good. He's so faithful. And the devil says, Well, that's because you've given him everything. Look at his life, what would he be without it? In the Hebrew version: There's no devil. So, when we talk about that, it's something to keep in mind. But really, it's what Job went through … and maintained his faith and was rewarded in the end. (But) you can't really (talk deeply about that without) it being a major spoiler. … It's really about how does one cope when such horrific things happen, especially if they're a person of faith?

TM: Faith and the power of prayer are important to this story: The novel even ends with a prayer and prayer looms over everything that happens in the novel. That's especially true for Jasper, who seemingly learned from his father a biblical verse for seemingly every situation — good or bad. A lot of our world today seems to be lacking in such faith or the power of prayer. Is there a message in all of this, Nicholas?

NS: I'm a guy who prays regularly, I pray every morning, and I actually pray for quite a long time. It's usually about a half an hour, and I pray with gratitude. And it's helpful to me as I navigate the ups and downs of life to feel the peace associated with that. What does any of this really matter? What really matters is one's relationship with God. It's certainly the way I feel. It is certainly the way Jasper felt in the novel, (at least) for a long time. But there is no message. There is no message to readers because if you look at the other major characters in the novel, Tanner and Kaitlyn, neither one of them is particularly religious. You know, I try to create characters that are true to who they are, and who are interesting and who are people like them who readers know so that they strike a universal chord. But but there's no message. It was just an aspect of Jasper's character that I thought rounded out his character and described him really well. That's the kind of human being he is.

TM: Something that drives Tanner’s character is that he’s an itinerant veteran who has experienced many deaths of his former comrades. PTSD and veteran suicide are rampant with our soldiers today. Why did you feel compelled to address this in the novel?

NS: Partly because I have limited personal experience with it (due) to family — my cousin, Todd (Vance) who served and was also the inspiration for (the novel) “Dear John.” After he was discharged, honorably discharged, (he) got a degree in social work and then worked with veterans for a few years. He has watched or heard of 15 or 16 or 17 people that have committed suicide in the aftermath. And it is a tragedy. And you know, I saw the way he responded — he did social work, which of course kind of goes in with Tanner's character. Also, there's a just the element of living in New Bern, North Carolina, and knowing many veterans, and they have kind of gone through the same thing with people that they've known who then committed suicide; and some of my former track athletes (from high school in New Bern when Sparks coached there) who served, they come back, and they've (had) friends who, in the aftermath of their service abroad, their foreign tours, have committed suicide. So, it's a little bit more present in a place like New Bern, and it's a little bit more present in my particular family. And I wanted to show how someone might respond to that trauma.

TM: Something else that people respond to is the draw of family. You've been writing about this since 1996. The relationship between Tanner and his grandparents, the young boy Mitch and Jasper, Kaitlyn and her parents, they're all those are very deep and fulfilling relationships — even if they don't always listen to our elders. Kaitlyn at one point even says in the novel she wishes she could dump all of her knowledge and experience into her daughter’s head, right? Why is this something you’ve carried through 24 novels now in one form or another?

NS: It's a resonant theme and its one that strikes people as universal and which makes it feel as if it could be happening to them — or they know someone going through the same type of thing. You know, that's very important. … Why does Kaitlyn volunteer (her medical services)? Because that's what she grew up with. … Certainly, I try to do what I can to make the world a better place, both in volunteering my time and my money and donating money to make the world a better place. And, you know, I think that builds a very valuable role (model).  It’s funny, on the other part of your question, about which you mentioned the wisdom of elders. Yes, I've been talking about this. If you asked any of my characters, whether it's Noah (in “The Notebook) or Ira in “The Longest Ride,” or Jasper, if you ask those characters, or you had another character in the novel say, are you wise? None of them would say yes. They would just say they've been through more.

TM: In the novel, Casey is going through something … teenage angst. You write as if you’ve had some experience with this.

NS: I had teenage girls, and there's often a period where they suddenly realize they know pretty much everything there is to know, especially compared to you. … I generally, unlike many people who complain about the teenagers, I find it very humorous, and I tend to enjoy it and say, OK, well, go ahead. You know, that's what you want to do. It's your life, and we'll see how it goes. And of course, I am fully able to contrast that with how they were just a few years prior to that: Just everything is wonderful and awesome and amazing. You know, every birthday cake is the very best. And, everything is just great; they're full of excitement and wonder about the world. And that's not every child, but it was the child I chose to create for this particular novel. When we're talking about Mitch (Casey’s younger brother), because there were so many other heavy things, I also didn't want to throw in, oh, I've got a gloomy child. Or he also has a special need. Not as though I shy away from that. It's just that for this particular novel there was already enough darkness in this particular area. Tanner's grandmother has just died. His buddies are committing suicide. We know all about Jasper's life. Kaitlyn’s coming off a divorce. Her older teenage daughter knows everything, and even calls her on it. Someone's got to be chipper and cheerful, otherwise, the book is gloomy.

TM: I really did appreciate the Mitch character, his love the the North Carolina Zoo, which is both in real-life and the novel situated where the story is set, Asheboro, North Carolina, but mostly for how important family — blood and “adopted” — is for him.

NS: It certainly goes my belief that, in the end, the things that matter most in life are the relationships that we've had with others, and especially with those we love. That falls, I suppose, into that wisdom category, or just that (I’ve been) around long enough, but it's important to me. I think it's a truism, and I think a simple way to illustrate that is, there's something different between watching a sunset alone, a glorious sunset alone, and watching that same glorious sunset with someone that you love, whether it's a child or a sister or your romantic partner or your parents or a friend. There's something (in how the) moments are heightened for good and bad in the presence of those we care about. And I certainly try to capture that reality, that simple truism in all of my novels, because I want my novels to feel real, as if they could happen (to you), as if you know people just like the characters in your own life that had been in the book.

TM: Which is exactly how many readers will feel reading the new novel. Nicholas, thank you for your time today. Anything you want to add we didn’t touch on today?

NS: Well, Tom, we’ve got a Broadway show up in New York that’s doing great; that just extended it’s run through the end of the year.

TM: That’s the musical for “The Notebook,” and it’s gotten great reviews. On a personal level, though, I also bet that a fairly new addition to your family, a granddaughter, gets similar reviews from you.

NS: My oldest son had a daughter … and she is about a year and a half old. And just wonderful. It is great being a grandparent, and it's wonderful watching your own children grow up and moving into all these new life experiences. It's been a real treat for me.

The story of trust, timing, and how everything happens for a reason is brilliantly told in Counting Miracles. Authors like Nicholas Sparks are among my favorites. All of his works, including this one, have been enjoyable to me! The story of faith, love, and found family is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Nicholas Sparks writes in a style that immerses you in his characters' lives, giving you the impression that you know them well. There are touching moments, profound reflection, and well-developed characters in this beautiful love story.

Thank you Random House/Ballantine and Netgalley for this e-ARC.

Nicholas Sparks’ latest contemporary romance novel, “Counting Miracles,” explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience required to start over. The story follows Tanner Hughes, a man whose life has been shaped by tragedy and the search for identity and Jasper Johnson, a man who has spent his entire life starting over.

Tanner’s mother died while giving birth to him, and he was raised by his maternal grandparents. Following in his grandfather’s military footsteps, Tanner enlists in the Army and becomes an Army Ranger, living a nomadic life filled with constant movement. He thrives on adventure and avoids settling down. However, when his grandmother falls ill, Tanner returns to Pensacola, Florida to care for her. Before she passes, she leaves him a note with a simple but profound message: “Find where you belong and make that place your own.”
“Your dad
Dave Johnson
Asheboro NC
I’m sorry”
Raised to believe that his father was unknown to his grandparents, Tanner is stunned to learn otherwise. After his grandmother’s death, he decides to follow a new lead and search for his father, who might be living in Asheboro, North Carolina. However, with only a few months before he is scheduled to begin a job in Cameroon with his friend Vince Thomas, Tanner’s time is limited.

One night, while leaving a bar, Tanner’s prized 1968 Shelby GT500KR is hit by seventeen-year-old Casey Cooper. Shaken but understanding, Tanner agrees to drive the teenager to her mother’s house. There, he meets Kaitlyn, a single mother and doctor who is focused on her career and raising her two children. Though Kaitlyn has no time for romance—especially with the demands of her job and a passion for helping underprivileged patients on the weekends—she feels an undeniable pull toward the charming and enigmatic Tanner.

The novel also introduces Jasper Johnson, an eighty-three-year-old man who has lived alone since a tragic fire took his family and left him severely burned. Twelve years ago, Jasper found solace in the company of a dog named Arlo, and the two have been inseparable ever since. When the town hears rumors of an albino deer sighted in the nearby Uwharrie National Forest, Jasper becomes determined to protect the animal from poachers. He believes the deer is a symbol, a sign from beyond, and he takes it upon himself to defend it, despite his frailty.

As Tanner embarks on his quest to locate his father, he spends more time with Kaitlyn. The two begin to develop feelings for one another, but Kaitlyn struggles with Tanner’s transient nature. She questions his commitment, knowing that he will soon leave for Cameroon. Tanner, on the other hand, is torn between his duty to his job and his growing affection for Kaitlyn. He must decide whether she’s worth the risk of changing his plans and settling down.
Meanwhile, two local teenagers, Josh and Eric Littleton, enter the forest with plans to trap the albino deer. After a confrontation with Jasper, where one of the boys threatens to shoot Arlo, Jasper seeks help from the local authorities and the boys’ parents. But with the Littletons’ influence in the town, Jasper realizes he must take matters into his own hands. He stakes out the forest, setting up deer deterrents and attempting to sabotage the Littletons’ traps. His efforts, however, may not be enough—especially as his health continues to decline.

“Counting Miracles” is a slow-paced novel, told primarily in the third person. The chapters centered around Jasper feature biblical scripture, offering him wisdom and guidance as he faces the difficulties in his life. While these passages add depth to his character, they often disrupt the flow of the narrative. At times, the scriptures feel heavy-handed, as though Sparks is trying too hard to convey moral lessons. This detracts from the intimacy of the story, keeping readers at arm’s length from the characters.

The romantic subplot between Tanner and Kaitlyn feels forced, and Kaitlyn’s expectation that Tanner, whom she has known for only a few days, would abandon his overseas job for her is unrealistic and puzzling. Tanner’s decision to choose her over his career would have been more believable if their relationship had been more developed.

In fact, the heart of the novel lies in Jasper’s story. His journey of loss, resilience, and eventual acceptance could have been the central narrative. The novel would have been more compelling had it focused solely on Jasper’s life—perhaps beginning with his courtship of Audrey, his future wife, and exploring the events that led him to reject religion and withdraw from society. The subplot involving Tanner and Kaitlyn feels out of place and disrupts the overall pacing, making the novel less engaging than it could have been.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Nicholas Sparks Does It Again!

If I could give Counting Miracles more than five stars, I would—because this book is basically a constellation of emotions! Sparks has outdone himself (again), weaving a tale of tragedy, hope, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you and takes your breath away.

First of all, let's talk about Jasper Johnson. This man’s life is like a modern-day Job, yet he still manages to find grace and purpose. Honestly, I just wanted to wrap him in a big ol' bear hug. Add in Arlo, his loyal dog who steals hearts and snacks (I assume), and you’ve got a duo that’s impossible not to love.

Then there’s Tanner and Kaitlyn, our middle-aged couple who keep you rooting for them, even when they make those "what-are-you-doing" decisions. Kaitlyn’s kids, Casey and Mitch, are the perfect supporting cast—adorable, relatable, and just messy enough to keep things interesting (even if their names got me tangled up at first!).

Oh, and did I mention the magical white deer? YES, there's a mystical creature thrown in for good measure, and honestly, it’s reason enough to pick up this book. But the real magic lies in Sparks’ storytelling. His seamless weaving of past and present makes it feel like the story is unfolding right in front of you—and trust me, you’ll want to see this one on the big screen someday.

In short, Counting Miracles is a beautifully intricate tale of faith, timing, and how everything happens for a reason. It’ll have you crying, cheering, and possibly hugging your dog. Nicholas Sparks, you’ve done it again, you marvelous wizard of words. Bravo! 👏

"find where you belong and make that place your own"


Nicholas Sparks, your writing hit me right in the feels! 💓💓💓💓

Tanner is an Army Ranger following his grandfather's footsteps serving the military. His mother died shortly after his birth, he never knew his father. Tanner was raised by his grandparents. Before his grandmother passed away, she left a note suggesting where his father might be.

In Asheboro, North Carolina, Tanner meets Kaitlyn, a doctor and a single mother of a teenage girl. Tanner and Kaitlyn click immediately and despite that, their romance doesn't feel rushed. They both have a good heart and helping others in need is a bond they share.

Meanwhile, frail Jaspor and his old dog live in a cabin in the forest. Jasper is determined to protect a rumored white deer from trophy hunters.

Counting Miracles is a beautiful book about family, love, and loss. It's always a pleasure to pick up a Nicholas Sparks novel knowing it'll pull my heartstrings, make me shed a few tears, and keep my heart warm.

Thank you Random House/Ballantine and Netgalley for this DRC.

Thank you Random House & Nicholas Sparks for Counting Miracles. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed every single one of his books, including this one! In this book, Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. When his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also tells him the name of the father he never knew, and where to find him. Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity sets him out to Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around about him. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting, and possibly leaving in just a few weeks. What is gonna happen between the two of them? Does Tanner ever find his father? This book helps remind us that through the good & bad, God is always with us! I would recommend if you like contemporary romance, family life fiction, and contemporary women fiction. I cannot wait for his next book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Counting Miracles is Nicholas Sparks at his best. An Army vet returns home to explore his past. He meets a young woman and her teenage daughter and finds himself attracted to the mother. He also finds himself mentoring and providing comfort to the mother and daughter at times, as he searches for his own roots. Nicholas Sparks shows us once again that love is not complicated, family is what you make it, and our roots can be important. As always Sparks provides food for the soul in another great book.

I haven't loved many of Nicholas Sparks latest books. This one tugged at my heartstrings and reminded me of his books of past. It is a beautiful story of a man who is searching to find his family.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

I can’t believe I waited this long to read this book, but I truly believe everything happens at the right time.

This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about faith, love, and found family. Nicholas Sparks has a way of writing that makes you feel completely immersed in the lives of his characters—it’s as if you truly know them.

The story follows Tanner, a man raised by his grandparents after his mother passed away during childbirth. Tanner knows nothing about his biological father, and his journey to find him becomes the heart of the story. Tanner is the epitome of boyfriend material—kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. Along the way, he finds unexpected love and a new family, including Kaitlyn and her children, Mitch and Casey, who are such a charming and heartwarming addition to the plot.

The book also explores deeper themes, such as questioning faith and the role of God in human suffering. Jasper, an 83-year-old widower living alone with his loyal dog, Arlo, adds another layer of emotion with his own tragic past and personal reflections on faith.

This is a beautiful love story filled with touching moments, deep reflections, and well-written characters. I felt so much while reading it—joy, sadness, hope, and love. Nicholas Sparks never disappoints, and this book is another masterpiece from one of my all-time favorite authors.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I loved this story and especially how it connected! I wish that we got more from Tanner and Kaitlyn's love story however. Dying to know where they ended up and more about their love.

If you love Nicholas Sparks, you’ll love this one too. Sweet, smart characters. Heartbreak followed by hope. I absolutely recommend and thoroughly enjoyed.

This book was so beautifully done. Nicholas Sparks never lets me down. I couldn’t seem to put this book down! I loved the background we got for each character. 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nicholas Sparks, while having been around a while, is a fairly new author to me. When I found out this book was taking place where I live, I had to read it. I loved it. There were things that I was unhappy with (like Asheboro High School wrestlers) but overall, he book had a great depiction of Asheboro, as a whole, and I enjoyed the story line itself. Great small town vibes, loved reading about real places that are in my hometown, and enjoyed the story itself.

What an amazing, incredible story! It tugged at my heart strings and kept me reading long into the night. With two different storylines going on simultaneously it would sometimes frustrate me to switch to the other at a most pivotal point in the one person’s life. The author’s ability to paint such vivid word pictures even to the point of feeling an old man’s deepest physical pain or sorrow in life’s battles, is nothing short of incredible artistry . I am enthralled! The comparisons to the life of Job and the scriptures quoted added so much to the storyline for me, as I felt Jasper’s disappointment in God and his turning away from his lifelong faith in the midst of sorrow. Such wonderful characters and a very satisfying ending.

I absolutely would recommend this book. I was pleased that I am able to review it. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. The story line was great left you wanting a little more. For me it had everything I wanted in the book suspense and romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I grew up reading Nicholas Sparks novels and loved all of them. I feel like the last few have fell a little short but he is fully back with Counting Miracles. I adored this book.

Nicholas Sparks always has been and always will be one of my favorite authors. I loved the view points from different characters and the flashbacks into Jasper's life, which of course if you're a Nicholas fan, then you know his stories are known for pulling at your heart strings, and Jasper's was no exception. It was heartbreaking to learn of his tragic past. But I absolutely loved how everything came together at the end, and honestly, Arlo (Jasper's dog) stole the show for me. He was such an amazing character that played a big role. Definitely recommend this one!

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this fantastic book. I have loved Nicholas Sparks for decades! I am so happy that he wrote this book. It reminds me of the older titles that made me fall in love with his writing. If you enjoyed his earlier works then this is the book for you. This will be one of my favorites of the year! Thank you again.

I loved this one!
The characters sucked me in right from the beginning of the book and held my attention. I knew they would all collide at some point at the end but loved how they ultimately did. Cannot wait for his next book as usual.

This book simultaneously follows two plots. Tanner Hughes has been avoiding true connections most of his life. He has moved around the world for different jobs his entire life. He comes home to take care of a loved one before her death. He decides to go out and find his estranged father. This leds him to Asheboro, NC. When he reaches town, he has some car trouble that delays his travels. As luck would have it, Tanner meets Kaitlyn and her two children. While he is delayed in town, he begins to hang out with Kaitlyn and realizes that he has found a strong connection with her and her two children.

Jasper, an elderly recluse in town has had a hard life with the death of everyone in his family. He has secluded himself to the woods to live in a cabin. He remembers the good old days when his wife and children were around. He becomes interested in finding a white deer that has been sighted in a nearby national park. He sets out to try to spot the deer and keep it safe from local teenagers that are trying to poach the white deer. Jasper has an accident in the woods and is missing for several days.

Kaitlyn, who is also Jasper's doctor, realizes that Jasper is missing when his dog, Arlo, shows up on their front porch. Eventually, Tanner goes out to search for Jasper in the woods.

This book is reminder that memories can help sustain a person. The desire to find loved ones is a strong motivator to help those that feel lost in the world. Sparks has woven a story of two individuals into an unforgettable journey that leads from loss to love.