Member Reviews

This book felt like a typical Nicholas sparks book. Nothing earth shattering, but also enjoyable. I really liked the characters, but wish the ending had more of a twist or excitement. I do feel a lot of people would enjoy this book though!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

Tanner has been raised by his loving grandparents and doesn't really feel like anything is missing from his life. until his grandmother tells him the name of hs father right before she passes and tells him to find where he belongs. Tanner's journey to find his roots and ultimately find himself was a wonderful adventure to follow along on.

This author's books always leave you feeling satisfied with a well written story, memorable characters and wonderful scenery. This book was no exception. It was a good read. I look forward to more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

I was over the moon when I received an early copy of this book! I have been reading NS books for years, and have loved many of them.

I know going in that his stories are ones that will pull on your heartstrings, and give you all the feels! This one was no different! It was a story of family, love, and loss, and you can't help but feel for the characters are you read. I was hooked from the beginning and loved getting to know the characters throughout. I am a big fan of the multiple POVs, and the dual timeline. I love trying to figure things out before they happen, and I really enjoy the elements he puts into his stories.

Thank you so much for the early copy! I look forward to hearing what others have to think about this one.

Was this review helpful?

Another beautiful Nicholas Sparks story. He has such a great way of writing a great story filled with true life lessons and deep meanings. Some biblical references so this was a nice aspect.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Counting Miracles. I loved Jasper’s character and the story of his life. The love story between Kaitlyn and Tanner seemed to take a backseat to the main story. A little predictable and simple at times. I enjoyed Arlo and the white deer spottings. A solid 3 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. They are a fun and get away from the real world indulgence. I enjoyed this one for the most part. At times the story seemed disjointed and truthfully a bit boring and slow. Possibly it was more due to what was going on in my own life and not so much about the book.

The characters were well-developed - however not totally likable or relatable. The ending was a bit anticlimactic.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Mr. Sparks can really do no wrong. Always beautiful and heartbreaking stories. Always written beautifully.
Thank you @netgalley for the free copy in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book. I chose to review it and this in no way impacts my opinion of it.

I used to be a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks when I was a teen and read all his books in a very short time span, but I fell out of his works in the last 10 years or so. This is the first of his novels I’ve read in a long time and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t the amazing novel I remember him writing.

This novel opens up with Tanner going in search of his father, a man whose identity was hidden from him from the day he was born. While his grandma lay at deaths door, she divulged his fathers name and city to him and so the search began.

Jasper, a frail old man, sets out to protect a rare deer that has made an appearance in the woods surrounding his cottage home. Jasper is a man of God who has suffered immeasurably throughout his life and that has him questioning his faith.

While I enjoyed the plot behind the novel, it just felt lacking. The pacing was slow, and it wasn’t very exciting. It felt like you could guess the father by page 2. Unfortunately, this novel didn’t drag out any emotions in me throughout reading but it was still a good comfort read.

If you want a cozy read that you know will have a happy ending, this novel is for you.

Was this review helpful?

Throughly enjoyed this book from a favourite author since high school! Sparks knows how to craft a story that pulls you in and doesn't let you go.

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks never fails to write a book that tugs on my heart strings! There are some authors that I just know are going to take me on an emotional journey every time, and Sparks is certainly one of them. This book was no exception!

This story is about a man who finds out the true identity of his father, and then goes on a journey to find him. The journey brings him so much more than he ever could have thought - so much love, family, and comfort.

One thing I did not like about this book was the amount of biblical references throughout. While I understand some of the questions raised and struggles the MC was facing, it just wasn't for me.

I am really enjoying how much Sparks' newer books are feeling just like some of his first works. It is both nostalgic and so comforting, feeling like I am coming home when I read each new story.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

✨ 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

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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 😢

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?