Rating:☆☆☆.5 stars

This is the second book I've read by Nicholas Sparks. I find his writing style very easy to follow and quickly became engrossed in the story and characters. The plot felt slow-paced overall, but the swift bond between Kaitlyn and Tanner provided an interesting contrast. I appreciated their relationship and Tanner's connection with her children, although I felt it could have been developed more gradually. Additionally, I found the ending predictable, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.

A very easy romantic novel I enjoyed reading it but the storyline was very easy to pre-empt what was going to happen next The ending was how I thought it would be even though I enjoyed reading this book it was very predictable thankyou to net galley for enabling me to read and review this book

This is the first novel I have read by Nicholas Sparks. I can't say it was the best experience but I think I understand why it is so successful.

Counring miracles is an intense story that has its moments of slowness and others where everyone seems to go very fast. The romantic bond between the protagonists seemed to me to develop very quickly and it is not something that I like to read in novels, but at the same time, I feel that it was interesting how it was presented in context with everything that was happening around it.

I really liked how he managed to present and face each of the characters and how they linked together.

The story has many biblical references that at times made it lose its rhythm and hook a little.

It is not the author's best story, surely. At least I think I could read other things by him and connect much better. This is my first book by him and I know it won't be the last.


Thank you Brown Book Group Uk for the copy I read on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great offering from Nicholas Sparks. This was a beautiful story following three strangers and the surprising way their lives intertwine: one searching for family, one surprised by love and one living a lonely life lost in memories from the past.

I loved all the three story lines, hearing about their pasts and following them search for a new future. And although not totally surprised with the way they all intertwined at the end, I was satisfied.

Definitely recommend, I couldn’t put it down.

(Slight spoiler: the dog is ok! I spent many pages stressing about something happening to the dog which would have ruined the book for me, but all is good!)

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A thoroughly enjoyable book to read which had some heartbreaking moments along the way. Highly recommend.

Oh my gosh Nicholas Sparks does it again
My emotions have gone all over the place
The characters are so believable and the story is just so emotional
The best book this year

An emotional story of the interweaving lives of a grief filled aging man, an ex-serviceman who is constantly roaming and a single mum who is just trying to do it all right.

It's an excellent read; parts made me uncomfortable, parts made me laugh and other parts made me cry. It's so descriptive it's cinematic and I could see the movie of this in my head! There's a gritty realness to it that, at times, made me want to stop but then there was such raw emotion and also moments that only happen in books that I had to press on!

If you enjoyed The Notebook, or Dear John then you'll enjoy this. It has a good story arc, some lessons in it and is just generally one I couldn't put down at the end!

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

Tanner has spent his whole life moving from place to place, belonging nowhere. So when his dying grandmother reveals the name and location of the father he never knew, he plans to visit Asheboro to lay the past to rest, then move on - just as he always has.

Kaitlyn knows exactly where she belongs. In Asheboro, she's built a life for herself and her kids that she's proud of, especially after the turmoil of divorce. But when she meets lone wolf Tanner, she can't help but feel something has been missing until now.

Jasper will never belong again. He had everything - and he lost it all. Now with only his old dog Arlo for company, he lives quietly, haunted by the tragic accident that took place decades before.

Loved this book and became completely immersed in the story and the characters ,

An enjoyable tale of a lonely man, a single mother and a roaming veteran. An enjoyable read. There are quite a few Bible references which for me, simply demonstrated how the character thought about life and his approach to other people. I was slightly more concerned by the apparent 'borrowing' of a house from an estate agent so that they can have their 'Third Date' in privacy. Does that happen in America? I would be mightily hacked off if I found that the estate agent was letting out my house to his mates for saucy dates.

Apart from my concern for the house (!) I really enjoyed this book and it would make a perfect sun lounger read.

Tanner has retired from the army and has been caring for his sick grandmother, she reveals a name and town before she succumbs leaving him in a quandary about whether to pursue this lead that may lead to his father. In Asheboro Tanner is drawn to Kaitlyn, a strong working mother but his drifting ways are a problem. Another interesting intertwined romance from Nicholas Sparks.

You can’t really go wrong with a Nicholas Sparks book. This is a touching story about three people in Asheboro whose lives become intertwined. Tanner, a former soldier, arrives in town searching for his long-lost father. He meets Kaitlyn, a doctor and single mom, and Jasper, an elderly recluse haunted by his past.

This is the perfect choice for Nicholas Sparks fans (obviously!!) and those seeking a touching and uplifting read that emphasise family and personal growth.

This is a five-star read that will have you reaching for the tissues. Honestly, I needed the emotional release that this story gave me, I love a good cry, and usually end up putting a movie on and watching it to cry along with it, but this story did it for me instead. I was sobbing, but in a really good way, and yes I know how odd that sounds, but sometimes it does you so much good to let it all out, and that is what this story allows you to do in spades. The character development was well done, sometimes it did go a little far, but I love knowing all the details so that was a bonus for me, there were a couple of bits that felt like it was trying to preach to me that I didn’t enjoy, but due to how amazingly well written and inspiring Jasper was, I couldn’t give this any less that five stars. This is a story about journey’s and as you read you are taken on a journey and its one you will adore.

I feel like this book had everything. It had a bit of romance, intrigue about tanner and his journey to find some family, sadness regarding Jasper’s past and then the misadventure in the forest had me on the edge of my seat! It is beautifully written and the characters feel incredibly authentic and likeable- apart from the littletons perhaps! I enjoyed every minute of reading this and was sad when I’d finished it- always a sign of a great book.

Whilst I have read and enjoyed most of this authors books I am afraid that this one fell short. I found the plot predictable and I found it difficult to engage fully with the characters. Unfortunately, for me, not one of the authors best.

I'm a big fan of Nicholas Sparks so I was incredibly happy to be approved for this ARC! I struggled with this book and did feel it fell a little flat for me and wasn't what I was expecting.

Firstly I would like to thank Nicholas Sparks , NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere for providing me with a copy of ' Counting Miracles' to read and review. Due for publication in September 2024 . I was very excited to receive this upcoming new release as I have been an avid reader of Nicholas Sparks novels for many years.

The book follows the lives of three very distinct characters :
Tanner Hughes - an unsettled military man who is constantly on the move, but has come to town searching for answers about his past.
Kaitlyn Cooper - A doctor and single mum who has been hurt in the past , but is instantly attracted to the new stranger
And Jasper an 83 year old who is haunted by ghosts of his past and is now living as a recluse in a life of solitude with his dog Arlo.

Personally I was more engaged with Tanner and Kaitlyn's story , but I loved how the two accounts complimented each other perfectly . One being about an elderly man trying to come to terms with the life he's lived and the losses and grief encountered whilst in comparison the other being about a younger unsettled male just on the start of life looking towards his future.

It is a beautifully written and heartfelt work of fiction which I can truly see as becoming a new bestseller. The author genuinely knows how to pull at the readers' heartstrings and take them on a journey that spans time. Whilst from an early stage I realised how both stories would eventually intertwine - the magic was seeing how all the pieces would fall into place . As the miracle through the slow build up could only eventuate in knowing how fate could intervene to bring their lives together just when they all needed it the most.

There are many life lessons throughout and bible quotations / scriptures . Whilst some could see this as off-putting - I felt that they linked perfectly and demonstrated the inner thoughts of a man struggling to hold onto his faith when his world had been so cruelly torn apart.
Whilst I don't want to give away any spoilers as I feel this is a book that should be read first-hand, I will say that if you are looking for an emotional , profound but yet powerful read - This is the book for you .

#CountingMiracles #NetGalley

This compelling novel dives into the intricacies of human emotions and experiences, focusing on themes such as love, faith, and the pursuit of self-discovery.

The story follows Tanner Hughes, a former Army Ranger, as he embarks on a quest to find his father after the passing of his grandmother. Along the way, he encounters Kaitlyn, a woman who not only aids him on his journey but also becomes an integral part of his life.

The narrative masterfully explores the themes of faith, hope, forgiveness, and the potential that lies within oneself. It offers a heartwarming and emotionally resonant tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships while emphasizing the significance of finding one's purpose in life.

The novel's structure revolves around the interconnected lives of various characters who share experiences involving love, death, and faith. The author skillfully employs a range of literary techniques, such as symbolism, irony, allusions, comparisons, and shifting points of view, to effectively convey the overarching themes.

A pivotal character, Jasper, grapples with the weight of his lost family while simultaneously embracing the joy of his newfound connections. The appearance of the white deer, interpreted as a miraculous sign, leads him to the realization that divine intervention has not abandoned him. This event ultimately culminates in the arrival of Tanner, mirroring the biblical story of Job, who found a new family after enduring significant loss.

This book will undoubtedly resonate with readers who enjoy heartwarming romance, fans of Nicholas Sparks, and those intrigued by stories of genealogy and the search for loved ones. It serves as a beautiful homage to the transformative power of gratitude, offering a poignant reminder of its impact on our lives.

Title: Counting Miracles
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A profoundly emotional read, Counting Miracles served as a breathtaking reminder that miracles of any size are always possible.

This story revolves around three strangers whose paths crossed and altered the trajectory of their lives. Tanner an ex-military man who has lived his entire life on the road, belonging nowhere; Kaitlyn a small-town physician and single mom who knows exactly where she belongs; and Jasper a recluse who had everything but lost it all and will never belong again.

This book is for you if you enjoy heartwarming stories about love, loss, and healing. The way that Sparks skillfully weaves significant life lessons into his story makes this an excellent book to read. From beginning to end, the story will captivate you, making you feel incredibly connected to the characters and their experiences. 

My only complaint is that I found Jasper's POV to be a little tedious for the most part of the book, excluding the flashbacks to his past but I loved Tanner and Kaitlyn storyline.

Overall, this is for anyone who strives to discover their identity and the meaning of true belonging and family. Undoubtedly, Nicholas Sparks is a master of heartbreaking yet uplifting novels.

Okay, this is a beautiful story but I wasn't entirely convinced about this one for the first half of the book. There are two distinct stories going on. In the first story, Tanner is ex-military and in Asheboro looking for the father he never knew. His mom died when he was born and he was raised by his grandparents. On her deathbed, his grandmother reveals his father's name and tells him to look for him in Asheboro. And there's Kaitlyn, a doctor in Asheboro. Through a set of circumstances, Tanner and Kaitlyn meet and start a relationship. In the second story, there's Jasper. An old man lving in a cabin at the edge of the forest in Asheboro. At first the only link between the two stories is that Kaitlyn is Jasper's doctor, and Jasper is teaching her son to whittle little animals. Up to this point, the stories are running in parallel and I began to wonder how they'd connect. But Nicholas Sparks does what he does best and brings the two stories together very cleverly and very succesfully. The two stories weave together beautifully bringing all the characters together. It's a wonderful story and well worth getting through the slower first half as all the parts are put in place!
Thanks to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Nicholas Sparks for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

Tanner is in his early fourties and he never settled down anywhere or with anyone. He's been in the military all his life. His dying grandma - who raised him after his mom died in childbirth - just told him that he has a father in North Carolina.
Might as well go there next...
On his first night in town he meets single mom Kaitlyn. It's insta attraction for both. But he's not staying long, right?
Then there's Jasper. An 83 year old guy who lives in a cabin in the woods with his old dog. Kaitlyn's son spends time with him learning how to whittle.
Jasper has been alone for almost 40 years. Something happened to his wife and four children back then.
Somehow all those lives will connect in this book and maybe some miracles will happen....

I really enjoyed reading this. I have read every single Nicholas Sparks book. And I know he's a religious guy, but it was never as bad as this time. This book is so full of faith and bible verses and god talk and ugh. I just constantly wanted to stop reading. I just hate religion so much! But it was a NS book so I just had to read it. And it was adorable and exciting and heartbreaking and just beautiful - like all of his books.
I just wished he would've used less bible verses and all that stuff.
It was a very American book. Too much bible and military talk.
He should maybe think a tiny bit more about his international readers... but pff. He can do and write what he wants - and I will keep on reading it all!
Another thing. What is it with americans and their drunk driving? In every second book there are people drinking two bottles of wine - like here - and then they drive home? What? Why? I don't want that in my books - it's way too dangerous! Stop it! Write and drink more responsibly!

► COUNTING MIRACLES was such a sweet and heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. Just a beautiful book! Read it!