I love that Sparks always finds a way to give us the unexpected. Even after so many books published and reading every single one he manages to pull on my heart springs and leave me slack jawed. This is one that will definitely stick with me and leave certain scenes burned in my brain. And I love a book with great animal characters, we all know hes a hero to!

3.75/5 Stars

Nicholas Sparks delivers another heartfelt story with Counting Miracles, blending themes of love, loss, and faith. The novel follows Tanner, who embarks on a journey to find his biological father after discovering a note from his late grandmother. Along the way, he meets Kaitlyn, a divorced single mom, and Jasper, an elderly man whose wisdom and resilience become the heart of the story.

Told through the perspectives of Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, the book offers a poignant exploration of their struggles, connections, and growth. While the romance between Tanner and Kaitlyn is sweet, it feels secondary to Jasper’s deeply moving storyline, which anchors the narrative with profound questions about faith and perseverance.

With its emotional depth, charming side characters, and a sprinkle of Sparks’ signature tear-jerking moments, Counting Miracles is a touching read that will stay with readers long after the final page.

✨ Publication date: September 24, 2024✨

Counting Miracles is a contemporary novel that focuses on 3 main characters on completely different paths that intertwine where they least expect. This is a story of love, loss and faith.

Taylor Hughes has never stayed in one place very long. Growing up an army brat and eventually entering the military himself, he finds himself without a place to call home after his grandmother (the woman who raised him) passes away. She does leave him a cryptic note on where he might be able to find the father he never knew.

Kaitlyn Cooper is a divorced small town doctor raising two children mostly alone. When her teenage daughter is in a fender bender with the handsome new stranger to town, she can’t help but notice their chemistry. He says he’s leaving and doesn’t stay in the same place for long….she wonders if she’s enough to change his mind.

Jasper is in his 80’s and lives alone in a cabin not far from Katlyn’s family. Jasper has lived through tragic loss but still hang son to his faith that he’s here for a reason. When Jasper goes missing in the forest, Tanner seeks out to bring the old man home.

This was an interesting story. I wasn’t as hooked as I usually am with Nicholas Sparks. I’m not sure if I have outgrown this author or the religious aspect of the storyline was a struggle for me but this is a generous 3 star read from me. I skimmed through most of Jaspers storyline.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #nicholassparks #countingmiracles

What a warm, gentle, slowly-revealing but still quite powerful and emotional story! Nicholas Sparks has done it again with his tale of two men searching for continued meaning in their lives. We are invited into Jasper’s and Tanner’s journeys, giving our hearts to them and hoping for a happy ending to the challenges they each face. And, of course, Mr Sparks delivers. A heart-warming book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This story is told in two different parts. I felt the Jasper part was fairly slow. I found myself trying to guess how the two stories were connected.

I did not find the spark that made me love this author years ago. It was a good story but not a memorable one. Loved the dog Arlo and the white deer and the connection to nature and the forest.

I found this story very sad and was not in the mood for this. And the ending was not as uplifting as I would have wished with such a title.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is a heartfelt and uplifting story about love, loss, and the small moments that change our lives. Sparks does a great job of capturing deep emotions while exploring themes of hope and redemption. While the plot can feel a bit predictable, the characters are relatable, and the story’s warmth makes it a perfect feel-good read for fans of his work. If you enjoy tender, emotional tales with a touch of romance, this one’s definitely worth picking up! Another great read by Nicholas Sparks! Highly recommended for his fans.

* I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Sparks is a new author for me. I might be the last person on the planet who hasn’t read one of his books and I can see why he is such a popular author. The Counting Miracles was compulsively readable, it would be great to take on a vacation. Unfortunately, I didn’t get along with one of the two storylines, so I max out at 3 stars.

Jasper is an elderly man who lives alone in a cabin at the edge of a wilderness area. He is disfigured and a bit of a legend in town. As we learn about what led to his disfigurement and loner lifestyle, we uncover extensive tragedy in his past. The tragedy is woven in with a present day storyline about poachers hunting an albino deer in the wilderness area. Jasper’s decisions regarding the poachers are incredibly reckless for very little payoff. One would think, with the type of tragic history Jasper has endured, that he would be a little wiser in his old age.

There was one redeeming quality to Jasper’s storyline. His father was a preacher, and Jasper has scripture at the forefront of his mind as he is recalling the past or dealing with current circumstances. I enjoyed his use of scripture to make sense of the world.

The other storyline follows Tanner, an ex-military wanderer who is temporarily in Asheboro, North Carolina looking for his biological father. One evening a teen girl hits his rental car with her mother’s Suburban. The girl’s mother, Kaitlyn, turns out to be beautiful, successful, and generous. Tanner asks her out and we go from there.

Overall, I’d call this a decent read, I can see why Sparks is a massively popular author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing this ebook for review.

This one missed the mark for me. It’s started off strong, but I felt like I was reading 2 different books. I was also expecting the ending to be a lot more shocking than it was. I may have out grown Nicholas Sparks 😢

Nicholas Sparks does not disappoint with this novel. Counting Miracles has us following Tanner Hughes, who was rasied by his grandparents. Granddad was a military man and Tanner follows his footsteps to become an Army Ranger.
Miracles happen at the most difficult times it seems. While his grandmother is in her last days, she lets Tanner know a secret. His father, who he never knew, had a name and a place he had called home. Does Tanner want to know more about this "father" he never knew? Does he want to know where he belongs, or just keep on moving like a rolling stone.
Well, Tanner is curious and heads to a little town in North Caroline to see what he can see and learn anything there is to learn.
Of course there is a nice little romantic interlude with a young county doctor that keeps him in town a little longer. Maybe just maybe Tanner is going to find out some answers that will help him settle down and start living a good life with a clear understanding of who he is.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

This was quintessential new Nicholas Sparks. A very similar style to his last few books, so if you enjoyed those then you’ll definitely like this book.

The characters were well-developed. And although, I would have liked more of a love story.

Enjoyable though definitely.

An ARC was provided by Penguin Random House and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a blah for me, predictable and cliche. Unfortunately though, it will probably be a movie someday. Easy, silly reading which did not make me smarter, happier or more fulfilled. Don't bother.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel. This book is a typical story from this author. I find Sparks weaves the story and characters together well and creates an enjoyable read. I was thoroughly engaged in this story even though it was a little predictable in parts.

The story is about Tanner, a veteran who was raised by his grandparents, and is searching for his biological father. He meets Kaitlyn, a single mother, and a romance ensues. The other main character is Jasper an 83 year old man. I like the way the author inserted Bible verses to show Jasper's faith even through many trails. The three main characters lives intertwine which at times is complicated, messy, challenging, heartbreaking and wonderful too.

Overall this book was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced copy of this book.

A true Nicholas Sparks romance with a teensy bit of heartbreak inbetween.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Counting Miracles is the latest release from Nicholas Sparks, and it centers around the lives of three main characters in two alternating storylines, Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper. Unlike some of his most well-known novels, it's not as focused on the romantic aspect. The story as a whole is more about overcoming grief, healing, self-discovery, and found family.

Jasper's backstory was tragic and heartbreaking. He experienced significant loss, grief, and trauma. I felt for Jasper, deeply, but the slow pacing of his storyline made the first half feel like it was dragging, thus losing some of the emotional impact. Jasper is also a man of faith, and there were many Bible verses written throughout his perspective. While they held meaning to the story and were fitting with Jasper's character, I found the religious element a little too heavy for my taste as well.

Tanner and Kaitlyn met after Kaitlyn's daughter hit Tanner's vehicle, and he gave her a ride home. There was an attraction and interest between them upon that first meeting, and that developed into something more. Their romance was sweet, and they were easy to adore individually and as a couple.

Both storylines were eventually intertwined, and it was then that I truly became invested in the story that unfolded. It was a touching and hopeful journey.

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*Complimentary copy for review provided by Penguin Random House Canada. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

**TW/CW: Grief; loss; house fire; death; child loss; death of a spouse; death of parent (past); mention of suicide; PTSD; trauma

A typical Sparks novel with familiar themes. Overall I enjoyed the story and how the characters came together. It was a smooth read, great for reading on the beach or curled up in front of a fire (depending on the season)

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy of this novel for review purposes.

I had not read a novel by Nicholas Sparks before. This novel was an interesting, quiet read.

The plot was well constructed and the characters were well developed and easy to relate to.

I look forward to reading more from Nicholas Sparks.

I have read every single book form his earlier years as a writer. Loved them all but in the recent years his writing and plots had changed that I couldn’t get into them. I saw counting Miracles and loved the blurb so I dove in. What an amazing 5 star story this was. It was heartfelt, heartbreaking and heartwarming. The writer that I used to love is back with a poignant story that had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Told in the third person with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story

Tanner Hughes an unsettled man who served in the military is now looking for his father he never knew. He meets Kaitlyn a divorced single mom and they both feel an immediate spark.
Jasper an 84-year old neighbor is scarred on his body and soul with a devastating tragedy that happened years ago. When Jasper hears rumors of a rare white deer in the nearby woods he strives to save it from poachers.
Jasper was my favorite character and I really enjoyed how he describe his wife and children from a place of great love to immense sorrow. Biblical quotes were interesting to read and played a big role in Jasper’s life story. Arlo, Jasper’s dog, his constant companion made me chuckle numerous times and I was just as surprised as Jasper was when Arlo shows great strength and courage in saving Jasper from near death.
I saw the family connection early in the book however still very such enjoyed the stories and it wouldn’t be a Nicholas Sparks book with a nice little romance.
Relatable and likeable characters and a beautiful story about how the power of love can heal loss, grief, loneliness, and uncertainty.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

When it comes to Nicholas Sparks, I tend to know what to expect. I know I'll get fleshed-out characters, but I also know that I get a somewhat predictable storyline. I'm okay with that going into it because I'm ready for it.
My issue with Counting Miracles, and it's a reason I almost put it down, is all the Biblical references. There is a big focus on why God would allow someone to suffer, and if I knew there was going to be so many references, I likely wouldn't have read it. Organized religion makes me uneasy. While it's not Christian Fiction per se, I could have done with the warning. Everything does have its purpose, though.
Overall, I found the romance in it secondary to Jasper's storyline. I wanted to focus more on Jasper and his sweet dog Arlo more than anything else, and was disappointed every time we got back to the romance. I'm not sure that's the way it's supposed to be, but it does show how well fleshed-out Jasper is.

I just finished Counting Miracles by one of my favorite autobuy authors…. The Nicholas Sparks and I will stop fangirling long enough to tell you what I thought!

Tanner loves his nomadic life… Army ranger, spending all his time abroad… Until his grandmother gets sick and he comes home… She drops the mother of all bombshells on him then passes away.

Going to find his dad becomes the latest adventure but the real adventure starts when teenager Casey hits his car and he then lays on her mother Kaitlyn.. His wandering heart suddenly feels like his nomadic heart has stilled just a little bit….

Jasper, an old man who lives in a cabin, feels a powerful pull to the white deer that has been spotted in the forest and has a need to protect it…

There is something about the way a Nicholas Sparks book hits you in all the right places. He doesn’t make things look bright and shiny and there is something super profound about that. Tanner has no family left or so he thinks and I don’t think he much cared about finding his dad but what his grandmother said hit him somewhere deep inside.

Kaitlyn is a single mother and she wasn’t looking for someone but meeting Tanner…. It clicks but it's never that easy. You will need some kleenex… Jasper’s story is beyond tragic and I had a hard time seeing the kindle through my tears.

Nicholas Sparks always weaves his characters together in such a classic way and you will feel like you are right in the pages watching the magic unfold. You won’t find a classic romance read here but you will find a book that will touch the depths of your soul.

5 stars.

Thank you to @penguinrandomhouseca for my gifted copy and you can get your copy now!