Counting Miracles
by Nicolas Sparks

Tanner Hughes is retired military who heads to Asheboro NC in search of the biological father he has never met. Tanner plans to move on from there to another security assignment with USAID in Cameroon. Kaitlin is a divorced mother of two as well as a doctor who is big into “giving back”whenever she can—she even makes medical house calls to those who cannot or will not come into the doctor’s office. Tanner and Kaitlin meet and spend time together while he is in town. Their mutual attraction is very evident, yet Kaitlin decides to end things as Tanner has told her he will be leaving town once his search is complete. However, circumstances have the two of them running into each other regularly and Kaitlin wishes Tanner’s would consider changing his plans. Tanner, who is very attracted to Kaitlin, but no longer has living family members in the US, assumes he will just move on with his commitment to rejoin USAID overseas.

Jasper is an elderly neighbor and patient of Kaitlin’s, who is in poor health, yet spends time with Mitch, Kaitlin’s son, showing him how to whittle with wood. Jasper has mysterious burns over most of his body which makes him a pariah of sorts with the people of Asheboro. A rare albino deer has been spotted in the national forest near Asheboro and though it is not deer hunting season, poachers are on the lookout for it as an albino deer would be a trophy. Jasper has fond memories of an albino deer from when he was a child, and takes action to protect the deer at all costs, even though he himself is in poor physical shape.

I have read all of Nicolas Sparks books and always watch for his new releases. This book did not disappoint. I recommend it.

This Sparks book felt a little different to me. You have two storylines- the growing romance/relationship between Tanner and Kaitlyn and then the old man named Jasper. It took almost the entire book to see how these two pieces would intersect and why they were important. It was very slow going, but somehow still a somewhat fast read for me.

While I wouldn't say there was as much character development for Tanner or Kaitlyn, I still enjoyed them each as characters. Jasper was a sweet older man, and his back story is incredibly tragic. Very typical Sparks in that sense! Overall a good read, but it wouldn't rank up there as one of my favorites by Sparks.

I'll always reach for the next Nicholas Sparks, but I'm especially glad that I did this time. Instead of the formulaic romances of past novels...which have their appeal, for sure...this story instead has a main focus of ordinary people in search of the unordinary. In search of miracles. Jasper is an endearing older character with a tragic backstory and an uncertain future. Tanner is looking for some answers in life and settles in to find some in Asheboro, North Carolina. Kaitlyn and her little family think they're doing just fine on their own, but maybe there are some changes for them as well.
A rare albino white deer sighting triggers the start of events culminating in multiple miracles and answers to long-asked questions. I almost feel like this one has ended with the hopes of more to come. I feel like I've just gotten to know this interesting cast of characters who each had a point of view in the telling. Hopefully this is just the beginning...
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC! All opinions are mine.

I love Nicholas Sparks because of the way he beautifully paints an entire story for us. Everything is detailed without being too overbearing. With this particular book, I wanted more of the romance & love connection, but still enjoyed the ideas of love found in different ways - an older man reflecting on his life, the man with his dog, a young man searching for his family & a single mother navigating her new normal.
It was well-written & developed & cozy for fall!
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for a review.

I have read most of Nicholas Spark's books and I enjoyed most of them. For some reason, I just could not get myself excited to pick this book up and continue reading it. I don't know if it was the storyline, if I just wasn't in the mood for this genre, but I found it slow and not very interesting. I'm sure there are plenty who will love it. I just found it not as good as most of the others I've read. Please don't let this review stop you from giving it a try though.

This is, in my opinion, one of Nicholas Sparks most powerful, moving novels that I have ever read and I've read every single one of his books so far!!!!!!!!! This ,by this readers prediction, will becone one of his bestselling books ever. Wow Mr Sparks!!!!

Nicholas Sparks does it again!
This is exactly what you would expect from Sparks. The story was great, character development was profound, and emotions run high in this novel! A must read for sure!

Tanner was a military kid, always moving around and did the same as he grew up. He lived with his grandparents since he mother passed away during childbirth and he never knew his father. When his grandmother passes away she leaves him with a note that has his fathers name on it and Asheboro, North Carolina. Before he is due to ship out to his next assignment Tanner travels to Asheboro to see if he can find his father. When he arrives he goes to a pub and when leaving an 18 year old girl backs into his brand new car. Little did he know this would change his whole world.

In Asheboro, we also meet Jasper who lives alone in a cabin the woods. He lost his family in a terrible accident. His story is heartbreaking and the way it intertwines with Tanners is one that will pull at your heart.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for my ARC!

Nicholas Sparks is a must read author!! I have read every book he has written and he has never disappointed me. This book was heartbreaking at times but beautiful. I loved all the POV from different characters. The story flowed so easily and I didn't want to put the book down. Tanner was raised by his grandparents when his mother dies giving birth to him. On his grandmothers deathbed she told him the name of his father. So after she passes away he drives to Asheboro, NC where he was from. Along the way he will meet Kaitlyn who is a single mom to Casey and Mitch. We will meet Jasper as he is telling his life story to us. He is a neighbor and friend to Kaitlyn and Mitch. There is so much to take in from this story. You will get faith, love, hope, strength as a family, knowing where you come from, the love you get from an animal, forgiveness and finding peace. This is a beautiful story and no one tells them like Nicholas Sparks. I would highly recommend this book and every book he has ever written.


Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Random House for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks
emotional medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0

Nicholas Sparks is an auto buy author for me and this one wasn’t a favorite but it didn’t disappoint either. I enjoyed the Kaitlyn and Tanner chapters but the Jasper ones were a struggle for me. Eventually it all clicks and I loved his character. Something unexpected for me was the amount of scripture, I didn’t hate it just not typically what I see in his books.

This was a typical Nicholas Sparks book with a bit more of a religious/inspirational feel than I seem to recall from others. If you are a fan of his writing, you will enjoy this one. I haven’t picked up the last few books by Sparks, but I was in the mood for something like this and it came at the right time. I have been going through some struggles of my own and reading an inspirational story is just what I needed. Parts of this were a tough read, but that’s what makes these books so good. This is the story of Tanner, Kaitlyn (and her family), and Jasper, and how their lives all intertwine. I came to love all the characters in different ways, but grew especially attached to Jasper and his story. It was one of those instances where I wanted to keep reading about him. I will be recommending this to friends and family.

3.5 stars — While the story leaned a bit more religious than I typically prefer, it was still an enjoyable, slower-paced read. The three intertwined characters had rich, emotional backstories, and the character development was well done. One thing that really stood out to me was the opening, where the grandparents arrived in Pensacola—it reminded me of my own family’s experience and made it feel more personal.

However, if you’re expecting the signature heart-melting romance Nicholas Sparks is known for, this one didn’t quite hit that mark for me.

I'll be honest and say I haven't read Nicholas Sparks for a long time simply because I don't like sobbing hysterically. I'm happy to report that this one didn't do that. It still tugged at my heart, but the superb writing of this book told a great story of life, living, death and everything in between.

The character that pulled at me the most was Jasper. The extreme joy he had in his life, followed by the extreme pain and grief should have made him a bitter person, but it didn't. He was protective and willing to go to extremes to protect the vulnerable.

Kaitlyn is a single mom of a young boy and a teenage girl. She is pulled multiple ways with her job, her children and trying to be her own person. Tanner shows up in town and starts to show her that she can still be a woman with all the feelings. Tanner was a great character, even if he was kind of lost. He was in-between jobs that sounded more like missions. He was flailing around and really needed to ground himself.

I loved the kids in the book. The teenage girl was a real trip. She had all the teenage angst, but with a level of maturity thrown in sometimes that was surprising. Her little brother is very caring. He really had a heart of gold. He has become friends with Jasper when most people stay away from him.

This was a very emotionally satisfying book. I'm back on the Nicholas Sparks bandwagon.

Thanks to Random House Publishing--Balantine and NetGalley for the e-book. All thoughts are my own.

This book was heartwarming and really reminded me of earlier works from Sparks that ignited my passion for reading books about family and love.

You will fall in love with old man, Jasper, and his dog Arlo. Jasper’s story is captivating, heartfelt, and heartbreaking. I truly enjoyed that we were given snippets about his life throughout the entire book.

We all know that Sparks enjoys building characters and Tanner’s tale is one that is so interesting. He finds himself in Asheboro looking for family he never knew and encounters Kaitlyn and her children. They are drawn to each other. Tanner has always led a nomadic life, without attachments, but he feels himself being pulled towards his connection to Kaitlyn.

I loved how connected I felt to all the characters and how pulled into the story I became as I read. I devoured this read in a few hours and could not walk away from it. That is the power of amazing writing and strong character connection!

I will note that this book explores many biblical verses and references to God. I mention this in case you need the notice prior to reading.

Counting Miracles is a beautiful and emotional story. To me Jasper is the main character and his tragic past had my heart breaking. His story, with his dog Arlo, and the white deer held most of my attention. Sweet Arlo - I am all about a loyal canine character. The love story was more of a side story but I enjoyed Tanner, Kaitlyn and her children. It was slow paced for me but picked up in the last quarter as the stories, somewhat predictably, came together. It is heavy on scripture but connects with discussions on miracles as the title suggests. Yes, tears were shed…it’s Nicholas Sparks after all!

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖:
❖ Character driven stories
❖ Multiple POV
❖ Single parent
❖ Military veteran
❖ Significant dog character
❖ Biblical references
❖ Bit of mystery

Thank you Random House, NetGalley and Nicholas Sparks for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Counting Miracles, as with all of the books written by Nicholas Sparks will get you right in the feels.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents. His mom died shortly after giving birth and he has never met his biological dad. Tanner took care of his grandmother in her final days. She left him a note telling him to find where he belongs, the name, and town where he might find his biological dad. As a former caretaker of my grandmother, this was definitely a soft spot in this story for me.

Soon after Tanner makes it to town - CRASH! This begins unique relationships between Kaitlyn, Casey, and Mitch.

Kaitlyn is a doctor, and she makes house calls, including Jasper Johnson. He has many medical conditions that need monitoring. Casey and Mitch are Kaityln's children.

Oh Jasper!! Jasper will steal your heart. His story is absolutely gut wrenching. Jasper will forever hold a place in my heart!

I'm not going to say anything else, because as with all books by Nicholas Sparks, you need to just go on the journey and feel all the things.

Nicholas Sparks is an automatic author for me. I will read anything he writes. I absolutely recommend Counting Miracles.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

P.S. THERE IS A WHITE DEER!!!!

I felt like this was a very average Nicholas Sparks book. Some of his books I would give all the stars to, and some just fall a bit flat. Tanner and Kaitlyn were very likable, and her daughter’s involvement was a nice touch. Kaitlyn’s neighbor Jasper is a big part of the story and it’s told in dual POV.

I was definitely drawn to Jasper’s story and thought it was heartbreaking at times. However, this really took away from the time spent with Tanner and Kaitlyn. They may have felt an immediate connection, but then it just kind of sat there and nothing progressed. I have a few more Nicholas Sparks books to read before I have read them all 😊

Read if you like:
- Dual POV
- Nature
- Military storylines

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m truly baffled this book isn’t categorized as Christian because it is VERY heavy-handed. The Christian themes are not mentioned in the description or genres, and if I had realized, I wouldn’t have chosen this book to review.

While I admit this style of book isn't for me, I can say that I wouldn't recommend it for the romance element. The couple in the book was entirely unbelievable and extremely rushed. I rolled my eyes on multiple occasions at this relationship we're apparently supposed to be rooting for. The female main character was two-dimensional at best and I found myself unable to connect with her and the male main character.

I’ve enjoyed many of Nicholas Sparks books in the past, but this one didn’t do it for me.

It’s been a few years since I’ve picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. Unlike all of the others of his that I have read, this one fell a little flat. I enjoyed the characters - especially Kaitlyn and her family. I enjoyed the love story - although it ended up being such a small part of the book. Jasper’s parts felt long and drawn out. I wasn’t expecting his character to become the main character based on the description of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book!

It has been a long time since I have read a Nicholas Sparks, but I used to devour his books growing up. This was a good one, but not his best. The chapters are a bit too long for my liking these days, so maybe that was part of it. I did enjoy the book despite that though! I love how his books always tug at your heart strings. I would recommend this one to all - not just Nicholas Sparks fans!