Member Reviews

Beautiful new book from Nicholas Sparks, full of wisdom, love and life.
Tanner has never lived in one place for long but now retired from the armed forces, he has tried various paths to heal his past. With the loss of his last remaining relative his grandmother says something that he has to explore, When his journey takes him to Ashboro in Virginia he meets a very special family.
Kaitlyn is a divorced mother of two, a doctor who cares about her community. Then there is Jasper who has been dealt some seriously low blows through life, and keeps himself to himself with his dog Arlo.
The sensitivity and loving insight within this story is truly beautiful. There were no second guesses or predictability for me in the tale, which surprised me. On one level a pure and simple love story and on another a way of living a true and fulfilling life. A lot of wisdom and great food for thought, and although there is a lot from the Bible you don’t need to be a devout Christian to see the true meaning and value here. Charming engaging warm and just brilliant.
A gorgeous treasure and treat to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Sphere was a wonderful gift of an early read!

Was this review helpful?

The best book I have read so far this year!
Tanner was raised my his grandparents after his mum died shortly after birth. He never knew who is dad was. On her death bed his Grandma reveals the name of his father. The book follows his search to find him along with the lives of people he meets along the way.
5* would highly recommend

Was this review helpful?

A sweet, heartfelt, and emotional read that had me in tears by the ending. It was so beautiful and simple, yet a depth of emotion that felt so real and heartbreaking.
We 5 the story from three different people as they navigate the present tense that unfolds as we read, and we get little glimpses of the past that paint a heartbreaking tale.
Tanner is navigating a major change in his future after the death of his last living relative, his grandmother, who questioned the direction his life was headed in. As he visits the families of his fellow soldiers after their deaths, he takes a brief detour to investigate a startling revelation his grandmother passed on to him on her death bed. Whilst in the small town of Asheboro, he meets Kaitlyn, a doctor who is also a single mother and feels in instant connection that surprises them both. Exploring the possibility of each other proves difficult with him leaving and all. Kaitlyn tells her own part of the story.
We also hear from Jasper, an old man who has an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking past that will tear your heart out. Prepare yourself!
I really enjoy this easy to read story that really put me through the ringer. Loved it!

Was this review helpful?

This was a gorgeous read by an author I had never read before - loved the characters with such depth and the writing was excellent - you were rooting for the characters to get their happy endings all throughout the book. This is one I'll definitely be recommending to others when published.

Was this review helpful?

What a beautifully written powerful story. Tanner was raised by his grandparents after the death of his mother during childbirth. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps in the military. He’s never had any interest in settling down, his career is his life.
Following the death of his grandmother she tells him to find where he belongs and dropping the bombshell of the town his father was from. Tanner has accepted another contract in Cameroon but has a few months until his posting so heads to Ashboro to try to find his father.
The first night in town his new car is hit by a young girl Casey, not wanting to let he drive herself home he comes to the rescue no drives her back. He meets her mother Kaitlyn and is instantly drawn to her and the feelings are mutual but Kaitlyn is wary as she’s not interested in a fling. I loved how their story developed, the family dynamics felt so real to life which as a parent I truly appreciated.
In between their developing story we also follow Jasper, an 83 year old gentleman who lives in a cabin with dog Arlo. Learning his backstory is so humbling and heartbreaking.
How their stories interlink as it develops is wonderful, coming together in the end, I was in tears. I highly recommend, such a beautiful read.
Thank you NetGalley, Nicholas Sparks and Little Brown Book Group for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a new author for me. A group of interesting characters who are well drawn; I particularly liked Jasper. There are themes of love and loss and starting again against almost impossible odds. There were obstacles for all of the characters but I liked the neatly tied up ending where all the issues were drawn together.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for this eCopy to review

I just finished reading “Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks, and I have to say, it was an absolutely beautiful and heart-wrenching experience. From the very first page, I was drawn into the lives of the characters and the picturesque setting of Asheboro, North Carolina.

The story revolves around three main characters: Tanner Hughes, Kaitlyn Cooper, and Jasper. Tanner, a former Army Ranger, is on a quest to find his unknown father after his grandmother’s deathbed revelation. Kaitlyn, a dedicated single mom and doctor, is juggling her demanding career and raising her two children. And then there’s Jasper, an elderly recluse haunted by a tragic past, whose only companion is his loyal dog, Arlo.

What I loved most about this book was how Sparks weaved their stories together. Tanner and Kaitlyn’s romance was both tender and realistic, filled with moments of joy and heartache. Jasper’s journey to protect a rare white deer in the forest added a layer of mystery and depth to the narrative.

The themes of love, loss, and second chances are explored with such sensitivity and insight. Sparks has a way of making you feel every emotion the characters go through, and by the end of the book, I was left with a sense of hope and belief in the power of miracles.

Overall, “Counting Miracles” is a testament to Nicholas Sparks’ storytelling prowess. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt and moving read.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: Counting Miracles

Reading Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks was an emotional journey that resonated with me on so many levels. From the very first page, I felt Tanner’s struggle with belonging. Having spent his life moving from place to place, his search for identity felt painfully relatable. When he learns about his father’s location from his dying grandmother, I could sense his mix of hope and trepidation.

Kaitlyn’s character brought warmth to the narrative. A strong woman who has rebuilt her life after divorce, she represents the strength of community and the power of second chances. The chemistry between her and Tanner was electric, and I found myself rooting for their connection, wishing for Tanner to find the home he had longed for.

Jasper’s storyline added another layer of depth. His haunting past and the companionship of his dog Arlo tugged at my heartstrings, and I appreciated how Sparks wove his story into Tanner and Kaitlyn’s. The way their paths intertwined felt both organic and poignant, illustrating how our lives can touch others in unexpected ways.

Sparks has a unique ability to capture the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. As I turned the pages, I was struck by the themes of forgiveness and the importance of finding where you truly belong. The emotional weight of the characters' experiences lingered long after I finished reading.

Counting Miracles is a beautifully written novel that reminded me of the beauty in our shared journeys and the miracles that can happen when we least expect them. It’s a story of hope, love, and the healing power of connection. I can confidently say this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost, as it beautifully captures the essence of finding home within ourselves and with others.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed this book.

We meet Kaitlyn, who is a doctor and Jasper, who is her patient and one of her son’s friends.

When her daughter encounters Tanner when he comes to their town, all their lives change and will never be as they were.

The stories characters and how they are linked kept you engrossed throughout.

I recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Another smash for Nicholas Spark. I don’t know how he does it. Great story and characters. Thoroughly enjoyed Sparks latest novel.

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Counting Miracles’ written by Nicholas Sparks in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Just before she died Tanner’s grandmother handed him a piece of paper with the name of the town where his father lived. He’s never met his father so five weeks later he drives into Asheboro and while searching for anyone who knew his father he meets Dr Kaitlyn Cooper. An elderly man, Jasper, lives in a cabin nearby with just his dog Arlo for company. When these three strangers meet their worlds are about to change irrevocably.

‘Counting Miracles’ has been an amazing story to read with the most wonderful characters who’ve been described to perfection. I’ve enjoyed reading of the growing attraction that develops between Kaitlyn and Tanner who came across as a genuinely nice man, but the star in my opinion is Jasper who despite his age and infirmities, and with his devoted dog Arlo by his side, is determined to protect the white deer from poachers. This novel is part family drama and part love story and I was totally bewitched from the beginning, unable to stop reading until I’d reached the final page. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of this novel and would love for it to continue with a sequel as I’m desperate to know what happens to the characters and if there’s a happy-ever-after ending.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

Tanner Hughes has just lost his Grandmother, the last family member that he thinks he had. But as a final act, she gives him a clue to the location of his long-lost father. He has a few months before he needs to start his new job so decides to go and see if he can find him, but a literal bump into a local girl in a pub car park may derail his plans completely.

I got such great vibes from the first quarter of this book and thought it was going to be this epic story, but while it was a very good read, the build up at the start had me a little underwhelmed with the rest!

Was this review helpful?

Another wonderful read from Nicholas Sparks. Great storyline along with great characters. A book not to be missed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the characters in this book. Tanner’s story was really interesting and I loved how it all came together in the end. Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas Sparks has created another masterpiece. He is extremely talented in the way his characters feel like friends. There are some very sad life events throughout this book yet you cannot wait to read to the end, knowing the sun will shine through. I highly recommend this.

Was this review helpful?

Whilst I’ve watched the film adaptation of The Notebook, I hadn’t read a Nicholas Sparks book until now.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and devoured Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks. The book is uplifting and will restore your faith in human nature. I loved that it celebrates the importance of doing good things, making connections and helping people.

The book centres on Kaitlyn, a doctor and single mother based in Asheboro in North Carolina; Jasper, a widower, who lives in the woods with his faithful dog Arlo; and Tanner, a former soldier, searching for his biological father and who is passing through town.

Tanner literally crashes into Kaitlyn’s life and is welcomed into her family. Kaitlyn treats Jasper as his doctor and despite his prickly nature, her son Mitch spends time with Jasper. The seemingly random characters connect.

This was my first Nicholas Sparks book, and based on this book I will most definitely look out for other books by this author.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Little Brown Book Group, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. On the search for the father he has never known, he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mum.

In a way, this is a story about nothing. But it's also a story about everything. As Tanner searches for his origins, he also reflects on his future. Kaitlyn finds her own identity, beyond simply doctor and single mum. And eight-three-year-old Jasper, a local man living alone in his cabin, reflects on his rich and heartbreaking life.

Nicholas Sparks draws us into the characters' lives as they intertwine, leading us to reflect on family, old and new.

I recommend this book to anyone who is feeling lost and looking for a heartfelt story with moving life lessons.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper.

Kaitlyn is a small town doctor and elderly loner Jasper is one of her patients, as well as a friend of her young son’s. Her teenage daughter meets Tanner when he arrives in town. After that, their lives won’t be the same again.

A story that weaves together characters and their lives, keeping the reader involved every step of the way.

I hadn’t read a book by this author for a few years and I will now be going back and reading some more.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by the author and I enjoyed it, I wish the author all the best with this book

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this review

Was this review helpful?

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is the first visit to the authors works that I have read. I have heard good things about this author. So, I was excited to give a chance to read it.
Tanner Hughes was raised by his grand parents after his mother died and followed his grandfather’s footsteps by joining the military as an Army Ranger. He spent most of his life living overseas until he returns to America to visit his grandmother who is dying, and she tells him the name of his father.
When he arrives in Asheboro, he has an accident in his with a young girl. Because his car is a classic car. The parts for his car will take a few weeks to arrive. In the meantime, he takes the distraught girl home to her mother whose is not happy she took the car. When he meets the girl mother Doctor Kaitlyn, who does a lot for the local community and spends her time visiting some of the residents of the town. Tanner is instantly smitten.
Jasper lives alone in a cabin near the woods in Asheboro. He has been living they’re since his loving family died and he was left disfigured. Doctor Kaitlyn is the only friend he has and is close to her boy Mitch. Jasper keeps an eye on the nearby woods for poachers as there is rumours of a sighting of a white deer.
This is an interesting introduction to the author Nicholas Sparks works. I like the three individual stories of each character. But I was little confused of the relevance at first of Jasper. I also thought that there was too much back story for this character. That at times felt unnecessary and it made the story become more slower than it needn’t to be. 3.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?