Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is an inspiring, heartfelt story about love, healing, and the quest for belonging. Sparks weaves together the lives of three unforgettable characters, each on a journey of self-discovery. Army Ranger Tanner Hughes returns to North Carolina to fulfill his grandmother’s dying wish: to find where he truly belongs. This search leads him to Kaitlyn, a compassionate doctor and single mother, and their immediate, deep connection complicates his plans as he contemplates a future that might take him away.

Meanwhile, we meet Jasper, a solitary older man haunted by a past tragedy and a legend of a white deer in the forest. His pursuit to protect the mythical creature adds a mystical element that brings wonder and meaning into the lives of those around him.

Sparks masterfully intertwines these lives, building a story that’s as much about personal discovery and second chances as it is about romance. Through Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, Counting Miracles reminds us that sometimes, miracles find us when we least expect them. It’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich novel that stays with you long after the final page.

Thank you Nicholas Sparks, Random House Publishing Group- Balentine, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I was reading this book right when Hurricane Helene was going on. What are the odds of the there was a hurricane by the same name mentioned in this book. In all this book was amazing. I really enjoyed it very much. Very well written and easy to read. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nicolas Sparks is one of those authors who could publish his grocery list, and I would still read it! His writing is so beautiful and emotionally captivating, with the swooniest love stories. Counting Miracles was no different, I loved this book and these characters so much, and can only hope we will one day get a movie!!

Whenever I’m looking for a romance read that I will know will sweep me off my feet, I look to a Nicholas Sparks book! All my Romance girlies will love this one!

I would actually have categorized this as Fiction, rather than Romance. But, it was really good! I was giddy when I got the email that I was approve for this ARC... who hasn't read a Nicholas Sparks novel?! I cannot wait for this book's release on September 24th.

I have read almost all of Nicholas Sparks's books since the late nineties, with the exception of one that I saw as a movie first. I love how they are cozy and romantic but also have some elements of danger to balance that out. His latest, Counting Miracles, is definitely one of my favorites of his and reminds me of another favorite, The Longest Ride.

The story was interesting throughout and kept me riveted, wanting to know what would happen for the three narrators, whom I loved equally. There was a heightened level of danger, as well as a slowly-revealed trauma, that kept me turning the pages quickly. I was definitely worried about what would happen, especially for Jasper who had already suffered so much.

As with most of Sparks's novels, I was able to predict at least one aspect long before it came to pass. I wish he would shake things up in his novels to make them more difficult to guess at the outcome. He did this a little bit with one part of his previous novel and I appreciated that. Still, there was a lot of emotion packed into the story and it was a riveting read the entire time.

I definitely recommend checking this one out, whether it is your first time with Nicholas Sparks or if you haven't tried his books in a while. If you're a long-time fan, you'll appreciate this one that much more!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Kaitlyn: Sophia Bush
Tanner: Chad Michael Murray
Jasper: Christopher Lloyd
Casey: Neela Jolene

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TW: death of spouse, death of adult children, death after giving birth, house fire, death of animal from hunting, suicide

Nicholas Sparks is my first author love! I look forward to his books coming out and have read and watched all of his books and movies, which I hope this book becomes a movie too, along with The Wish.
Counting Miracles is one of my top books that I really enjoyed. The ending had me in tears, as most of Sparks books do, and was perfectly written with no complaints or suggestions to add.
This book has a lot of deep meaning and life lessons along with biblical quotes that makes you realize that God has a plan and that you may not understand it now, but later you will.
I enjoyed all of the characters and how Sparks connected them together with the dual points of view. Jasper's story touched me the most and my heart just aches for him.
I HIGHLY recommend this book as I could not put it down. My only warning, is to have a box of tissues with you because this book will pull at your heart in many ways. I want to thank NetGalley, Random House, and Nicholas Sparks for my advanced copy.

In his latest novel, Counting Miracles, renowned author Nicholas Sparks presents a captivating narrative that explores the interconnected lives of three strangers whose paths are destined to cross.

The first protagonist, Tanner, an Army Ranger, embarks on a journey to Asheboro, North Carolina, following the passing of his grandmother. Her final words to him were to discover his roots, particularly the identity of his father. As Tanner prepares for his next assignment, he forms an instant connection with Kaitlyn, the town’s compassionate doctor and a young mother. However, the brevity of his stay casts a shadow over the potential for a lasting bond.

The narrative also introduces Jasper, an 83-year-old man living alone in his cabin with his loyal dog, Arlo. Jasper has secluded himself from town due to a physical deformity. As the story unfolds, he is compelled to step out of his comfort zone and becomes entangled in a legendary tale.

The central legend that connects these strangers revolves around the possible sighting of a rare white deer. While the occurrence may seem improbable, this elusive creature ultimately brings our protagonists together. This captivating story resonates with the concepts of found home and found family, leaving an enduring and unforgettable impression on its readers.

Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Counting Miracles. Nice story of Tanner Hughes looking for his father after the passing of his grandmother. The search sends him to Asheboro, NC.

Another great story by Nicholas sparks. Amazing characters and storyline. One.of m.y favorite books.
So if you read his books before. Get ready for an emotional ride.

It had been a long time since I've picked up a Nicholas Sparks novel. I remember being in high school and wanting to collect and read everyone the author wrote! This story makes you stop and think about what truly matters in your life. The characters are brought to life and relatable. A beautiful story that moves you and keeps you engaged until the very end.

Wow, jsut wow.

Nicolas Sparks has done it again, and I kind of hope this makes it into a movie version, if not that's totally fine but I can already picture it. make sure you also grab tissues for this one.

Jasper's story was such a beautiful tragedy. I think that is the best way to put it. So heartbreaking but at the same time there was so much hope. It definitely pulled at my heart strings. The twist at the end was amazing. I was not expecting it at all but at the end the story made full circle. This story highlighted the importance of faith, family, and connection. Definitely recommend grabbing this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC.

COUNTING MIRACLES - @nicholassparks

4⭐

PLOT
Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents and never knew his father. On her death bed her grandmother reveals the name of his father and where he is from.
Tanner who is always on the move by chasing adventures decides to track his father in Asheboro North Carolina where he meets Kaitlyn a single mom and a doctor and sparks fly.
Meanwhile nearby lives a 83 yr old man Jasper in a cabin near a national forest with his old dog Arlo who is still living in his haunted past.
A sighting of rare white deer near his cabin ignites something in Jasper and lives of Jasper , Tanner and Kaitlyn somehow get intertwined with no one expecting a miracle.

MY THOUGHTS
Nicholas Sparks is a master storyteller. His characters have depth that you will feel with them and for them and in this case it's that of Jasper. He is the highlight of the book..his pain , suffering and redemption are so well described.
The book has numerous biblical references with faith in GOD at its core.
Love story between Kaitlyn and Tanner takes a backseat but Kaitlyns kids and their involvement in their lives and in the story makes up for it.

If you enjoy reading emotional heartwrenching stories then check this one out this holiday season.

It’s a Nicholas Sparks book… what’s not to love?! This man knows how to put my feelings in a chokehold. Like sir, please be kinder to my feelings.. but also don’t. Thank you.

Tanner Hughes is in between jobs, still grieving the loss of his grandmother, who raised him with his grandfather. Her last words to him are to find where he belongs, and tells him the name of his father, and where he could possibly find him. Tanner travels to Asheboro, North Carolina to try to find his father, and almost immediately meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother struggling to balance work and her children, and trying to rediscover her love for herself. Tanner and Kaitlyn both immediately feel a connection to one another. Meanwhile, nearby, elderly Jasper lives by himself in a secluded cabin, trying to live a life quietly, haunted by his past. When Jasper hears rumors of a rare white deer being spotted in the forest, he does everything in his power to save it and stop poachers from trying to hunt it for a trophy. Each of these characters' fates are tied together, but will they get the miracle that they each desperately need, even if they don't know they need it?

Thank you to NetGalley and Nicholas Sparks for an ARC of Counting Miracles in exchange for an honest review.

This book broke my heart and healed it from start to end. Each of the main character's stories are heartbreaking and inspiring in their own way. I haven't read many Nicholas Sparks novels, but this one made me want to read more of them. At one point, near the end of Counting Miracles, I had to put the book down and cover my face to cry. I was so overwhelmed and invested in the characters, and in their stories, and hoped that they would all get the happy ending that they deserve.

Our library is located in Asheboro, NC, where this Sparks novel is prominently located. The news was a huge splash and many of the staff intended to read it, hoping for shout outs to local areas. Our library was featured, but very indirectly, and most of Asheboro’s unique charms were not highlighted as a feature in the novel. It’s another in a long line of Sparks misfires for me.

There isn’t a Nicholas Sparks book I don’t love. Counting Miracles is no exception. The love stories, family drama, heartache, animal loving, scenic stories Nicholas creates in his stories always leaves you feeling happy. In Counting Miracles, Tanner is trying to deal with leaving the military, the death of his grandparents, who raised him due to his Mom dying in childbirth, and his Grandmas revelation of his Fathers name on her deathbed. In trying to locate information on his father, he meets a woman who he can’t get out of his thoughts. His discovery of what his future holds, whether he finds love, and whether he finds his Dad makes a wonderful story. Highly recommend this book

Superb writing as Nicholas Sparks always is!!! Love that I can't put his books down and the storytelling is so enthralling!! This did it again for me. Counting Miracles is a beautifully written story!!

Ah.. I got to admit that it has been awhile since I picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. It was always emotional and I felt like every one of them follows the same pattern. I received ARC for Counting Miracles in exchange of my honest review.
This feels like an old friend giving the comfort hug. As expected, the beautiful, heartwarming and intricate multigenerational story was captivating and somewhat relatable and familiar.
True to Nicholas Sparks' fashion, the characters were unique and packaged with their heartfelt backstories as they set out to be intertwined with their complicated lives. It was a reading experience indeed. The conflicts were predictable but they did not take away the charm.
I would have agreed with others that the biblical verses felt a bit excessive, it was overdone that it was not relevant anymore and somewhat causing me to eye-roll and I apologize for saying that. I also agree that it did enrich the essence of the story and I could not argue more.
This was very heartfelt, gripping and powerful. Not my favorite from the author and believe me when I say that I have read a lot if not all of his books. Regardless, I still have to say it was beautiful and I was glad for the chance to read it.

A heartwarming story of life, being at peace with the choices one makes and making changes no matter your age. I’ve been a longtime fan of Nicholas Sparks and his stories always take me on an emotional journey.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing, Ballantine for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Definitely not my fave Sparks book - it felt long and drawn out with a lot of fluff. The last quarter of the book did a good job of wrapping the story up. Jasper seems like such a sweet soul despite his lifetime of tragedy - and of course Arlo is the goodest boy. Lots of Bible references which may be polarizing for some. Always cool to read about a NC town I’ve been to (2.5/5 stars - rounded up to 3)