What can I say, Nicholas Sparks has done it again!

I grew up reading "The notebook" and "A walk to remember", this book isn't any different from Nicholas Sparks other books, you get emotionally attached to all the characters, and I'm now left heartbroken as usual after reading any book written by Nicholas Sparks.
I'm sure this will be a new best-seller.

3.5 ⭐️
Nicholas Sparks just knows how to write deep, emotional books that pull at your heart strings.
This book revolves around 3 characters, I liked Kaitlyn and Tanners story, at times it did feel a little rushed but it worked. Jaspers story is where it fell flat for me.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks a NetGalley review, published 24th September 2024. Tanner and Kaitlyn have led very different lives. tanner moving from place to place, never seemingly being able to settle anywhere. Kaitlyn is settled with her children in a place she feels she belong but that also doesn’t mean that something is missing. Jasper is drifting, he’s lost everything over the years and is dog is his main form of company. Three very different characters whose lives come together.
There’s no doubting that this is a typical @nicholassparks book and if you have been following me for a while you will know I’m a fan of his books, yet his last couple of books haven’t really hit the spot for me. However despite the obvious signs that you are going to get what you expect with this book, like the obvious romance and the predictability the story, I will say that it’s not as predictable as some of his recent books, nor is the romance as easy as in his past books. Whilst reading this book it occurred to me, not just in this book but in the authors past books, how trusting and naive the woman come across as. They trust these tall, dark and handsome strangers from the beginning, love or attraction at first sight, the main thing being these men are strangers and it’s no different with Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn is a strong, intelligent, loving character, whose love for her children is clearly apparent. I did get annoyed with her slightly when she got annoyed with Tanner for not knowing what his future plans were and where that led her, big questions for two people that had had like 3 dates!
My favourite part of this book was Jaspers story, an elderly man, who had lived an extremely tough and sad life, but had gumption and who was incredibly brave and strong. For me Jasper and his story was what gave this story heart, I wasn’t sure where Jaspers story was going to take me as a reader and it gave the story the twist it needed and which other recent books from this author was missing. I loved the way that eventually Jaspers story connected with the other characters and pulled the story together and made it stand out and feel different. For me it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and worth a read📚

Wow. What a wonderful story. A story about love, loss and second chances. Small town drama is one of my favourite genres, and this is up there with the best of them. When Tanner Hughes arrives in Asheboro he gets more than he bargained for. Searching for his dad - a man who’s name he didn’t even know until the passing of his grandmother, leads him to Kaitlyn Cooper and her wonderful family - 17 year old Casey and 9 year old Mitch. Spending time with them leaves him questioning his own choices, but still he’s searching for that missing link. Told in multiple POV’s we learn more about the residents of Asheboro, and their pasts. Emotional in places with a little romance in the mix. Great characters throughout, I especially loved Jasper and his bible verse memories, really made me think about life’s ups and downs - pretty much like Jasper did. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. This is my honest review.

Wow!! Such z powerful story. Thank you for allowing me to review this book. It began slowly and I wondered how the three characters were coming together. Tanner an outsider, passing through on his search for his biological father. Kaitlin, a single mother and a Doctor, Jasper a reclusiveold man who had lost his family in a fire. , Each story was told from their individual perspective. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking in turn. It felt good yo be reminded that although we can't control everything in our lives and sometimes bad things happen, good can still come of them. Then ending was beautiful as it was unexpected.
Nicholas Sparks writes well, his characters are realistic. The scenery was also well written. I shall be reading more of his books.
Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed Counting Miracles and seeing how the 3 stories became intertwined. It had twists and turns too and I liked the ending.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather's military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone.... happiest when he's off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her words to him are: find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew - and where he might be found. Tanner is due his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around.

When Tanner Hughes finds out who his father is, he sets out looking for him. There are a lot of biblical references and verses in the book. This is a really emotional read. Jasper's story is truly heartbreaking. I liked all the characters in this cleverly crafted story that's told from multiple points of view. I did guess the big twist correctly, but that never spoils a well-written book. Jasper was my favourite character for many reasons, but mostly for what he had endured his entire life.

Published 24th September 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #NicholasSparks in exchange for an honest review.

3 strangers who've never met are about to collide with each other. Tanner who's never known his father, Kaitlyn who just wants to get on with her life with her 2 kids after her divorce and Jasper who has lost everything numerous times. Lots of twists and turns that you don't expect

Nicholas Sparks never fails to deliver a heart-punching story, and Counting Miracles is yet another testament to his undeniable talent. This novel beautifully weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption, and I was completely engrossed from beginning to end.
Sparks has a remarkable way of creating characters that feel so genuine, and this book is no exception. From the very start, I found myself deeply invested in their lives, feeling their joy, their pain, and everything in between. Each character is thoughtfully developed, with their own unique struggles and triumphs, making them both relatable and unforgettable.
The plot delves into deep and emotional territories. I found myself moved to tears on more than one occasion, and at times, it felt as if Sparks had reached into my heart and tugged at every string. The way he navigates through moments of sorrow, intertwined with hope and renewal, is nothing short of masterful. There’s always that glimmer of light in even the darkest moments, and it’s this balance that makes his work so powerful.
As always, Sparks’ writing is both elegant and impactful, allowing the story to unfold at just the right pace. He knows how to draw you in slowly, building the tension and anticipation until you’re completely wrapped up in the narrative. And while the emotional depth of the book is its driving force, there are still moments of tenderness and beauty that remind you of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
Counting Miracles is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. It’s a poignant, bittersweet story that speaks to the power of love and the miracles we sometimes overlook in everyday life. If you’re a fan of Sparks’ work, you won’t be disappointed—he’s once again delivered a deeply moving tale that touches the soul and reminds us of the beauty in second chances.

Heartbreakingly beautiful story with a lovely, uplifting ending. The characters are well written both the good and bad making you feel part of the story as it goes back and forward in years. The tragedy of the old man in the woods with his burnt body was described with feeling, the loss of his whole family was awful but the addition of the Bible extracts helped to understand his whole ethos. Add in a white deer, some lost, untrusting souls, a will they/won’t they love story and you’ve got a book that keeps you enthralled until the end

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

A tender and beautiful story about the human condition and how our childhoods shape our future.
Tanner, Jasper and Kaitlyn are either likeable or interesting characters.
Despite anticipating the darker elements in Jasper’s story, his back story was what made me keep reading this book and Spark’s prose.
Certainly a compelling read, and there is the strong romance; however this could easily be a compelling, shorter, slightly faster paced book and unsure if we needed the Bible verses.

I highly recommend this book to Sparks’ fans, romance lovers and slow-paced novel readers.

3.5 stars

This was an enjoyable romantic novel from someone who is clearly gifted at telling stories like these. Not one which will live in my memory but a nice little story to keep me entertained

3.5 Stars.

An enjoyable read. The book focuses on the importance of family and references Christianity/bible verses in the context of one of the characters.

Two stories run concurrently. At first I was confused by how they could be linked but I enjoyed how the story came together. It’s a light, heart-warming read.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC

I was really looking forward to this read, as a massive fan of the notebook, I couldn't wait to read more of Nicholas sparks work.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't it for me, it was enjoyable enough but I just felt I didn't bond with the characters like I have previously with books ive read. It just felt a little flat. I was considering DNFing but wanted to stick with it for a fair review.

I felt I wanted to skip a lot of Jasper's parts of the story. I did like Kaitlyn and Tanner I just wish we had more depth with them it just felt very rushed.

2☆

Nicholas Sparks has the exceptional storytelling talent of drawing you into the lives of total strangers and making you care about what happens next.
In Counting Miracles, we have the POV of three people. Total strangers whose lives end up entwining in ways you wouldn't have imagined.
Tanner Hughes, an ex-Army Ranger, is alone now. He's grieving the loss of his grandmother, the last of his family, and the woman who, along with his grandfather, brought him up after his mother died after childbirth. And she left him with a mystery: the name and possible location of his birth father, who he'd never known.
Kaitlyn Cooper is a doctor and single mum to two kids. She lives a peaceful life in Asheboro, content with her job and her charity work. She also keeps tabs on her teen daughter, who always seems to be up to something, and her young son, whose innocence she wants to preserve for as long as she can.
Elderly Jasper lives alone in his wooden cabin by the forest. Sure, he knows the Dr. and sometimes spends time with her young son, but he doesn't need anyone except Arlo, his faithful mutt. No one else in his life has stuck around, and most of those around him steer clear of him, allowing him to grieve a tragic accident that changed his whole life.
Twists of fate and another traumatic incident lead these three unconnected individuals through a journey of discovery and an unexpected but heartwarming ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, for an ARC.

This is a beautifully written story featuring Tanner Hughes, brought up by his grandparents after losing his mother giving birth to him. Growing up not knowing his father he followed in an army career and later went home to nurse his grandmother until her death. A cryptic message on her deathbed leads him to search for a father he had no idea his grandparents knew about and with only a name the search seems endless.

The story follows Tanner and his meeting a local family and becoming involved with their lives when the daughter accidentally crashes into his car. The telling of the story is just the perfect mix of romance, the search for the truth and a wonderful story about an old man who has loved and lost his entire family, while still trying every day to be the best person her can.

Highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Tanner Hughes is raised by his grandparents after his mother dies in childbirth. As Tanner understands it, his father is unknown. In March 2023, his grandmother dies but she leaves Tanner a note. “Dave Johnson Asheboro, North Carolina. I’m sorry.” As anybody would be, he’s curious so he heads to North Carolina. After an unfortunate encounter or two with teenager Casey Cooper, Tanner meets her mother Kaitlyn, a divorced Doctor. He feels an instant connection and wants to know her story and she feels the same. Meanwhile, 83-year-old Jasper lives in a cabin on the edge of a national forest with only his Labrador Arlo for company. Jasper is haunted by his past, an incident that occurred decades ago. He hears rumours of a white deer, a rare albino, which has apparently been seen in the forest. He becomes increasingly concerned about the fate of the deer as poachers armed with rifles are hunting it. He is determined to do as much as he can to protect it. How do all these characters connect? What does fate have in store for them? Will they be counting miracles?

This is a nice story but the pace is way too slow for me as it goes to Asheboro by all points south and then some. I feel the story is too long as although all the backstories are good you get chapter and verse, talking of which via Jasper there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of biblical references. His story is probably the most interesting being very sad and especially tragic, and I like the old guys intentions, especially with regard to the beautiful deer . Underneath his taciturn exterior, he is a very nice man who is suffering. Tanner and Kaitlyn are very likeable too as are Kaitlyn‘s children.

I do enjoy how the story starts to connect although aspects of it are certainly predictable. If you don’t mind the authors style it is a lovely story and the ending is a slice of magic. It’s an easy read which will appeal to those who like slower paced character driven stories.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

When I first read the overview of this book there was just something that drew me to requesting it and I’m go glad I was approved.
I have never read a Nicholas Sparks book before as I usually go for mystery thrillers but oh my I laved everything about this book and have now purchased more books by the author to read in the future.
This is a read that has everything the storyline is just perfect, the writing is amazing and the pacing is superb, the characters are all so real and believable.
This was a book that tore at my heartstrings and I just sobbed as the book came to the end, it really did have such a profound impact on me and it’s a story I will always remember and right up there with all my favourites.
I’m trying hard to do justice as to how beautiful and brilliant the book is and not making a good job of it so in conclusion I just urge you to give it a go as it really is a wonderful read and one not to be missed I loved everything about and am sorry to finish it. Many thanks to Nicholas Sparks for a superb 5 star read and I look forward to reading more from you.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group, Sphere for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ive read a few books from this author in the past so I knew this book would be good. I absolutely loved this book, it is so heartwarming and a real joy to read, The characters are brilliant. You will struggle to tear yourself away from this as you need to keep reading as you will be desperate to find out what happens next and how it ends. I can definitely see this book being a best seller. I will definitely recommend this book.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents after his mother died during childbirth. He's never known the identity of his father. On her deathbed his grandmother gives him a name, setting Tanner on a voyage to find his father.

It is quite a while since I've read anything by Nicholas Sparks. After reading a few of the author's books you have an inkling of what to expect and this is probably why it's been a while since I've read one of his novels. Counting Miracles lived up to expectations, with all the usual hallmarks you would expect from Nicholas Sparks.

I liked the main character, Tanner Hughes. An army brat, raised by his grandparents, he's never settled down. Once he left the army he continued to work in various security roles abroad. On her deathbed, his sole surviving relative gives him the name of his father, a man he knew nothing about. With time before his next contract starts, Tanner decides to visit the town of Asheboro, the possible home of his father. Tanner's upbringing has given him a strong moral compass and we see this in the interactions he has with a teenager shortly after he arrives in Asheboro.

The interactions with the teen result in Tanner meeting Kaitlyn, a single mother. The chemistry between the two is instantaneous. You know immediately what the outcome of this meeting will be, and you also know that the progress won't be smooth sailing. The majority of the turbulence originates from Kaitlyn. I couldn't warm to her character, finding her to be a bit erratic and demanding.

Alongside the possible relationship is a second story featuring a loner, Jasper. Something in his past has left Jasper physically scarred, to the degree that he covers his face on the rare occasions he ventures into town. Over time we slowly learn Jasper's backstory. The novel alternates between Tanner's story and Jasper's story. While this regular switching keeps the interest flowing, for much of the time I couldn't see a connection and felt as if I was reading two completely different books.

There are highs and lows in both stories as the main characters battle with the problems that are thrown in their path. For one of them, danger lurks as they try to do the right thing. Eventually, the story lines merge and the two separate stories make sense in this wholesome tale.