Counting Miracles

Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel masterfully intertwines the lives of three compelling characters. Tanner Hughes, an ex-Army Ranger, travels to Asheboro, North Carolina, searching for the father he never knew, guided by his late grandmother's final words. There, he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mom and doctor, sparking an instant connection that challenges his plans to leave. Meanwhile, Jasper, an elderly recluse, is on a mission to protect a rare albino deer in the nearby forest, haunted by his past. Sparks expertly blends these stories into a heartwarming tale about love, family, and the miracles that can change our lives when we least expect it. A touching exploration of belonging and redemption, this book is truly unforgettable.

A man raised by his grandparents goes on a journey to find his biological father and meets a single mother with a story to tell.
This story can best be described as a heart-tugging, and nostalgic tale that takes us into the life of Tanner Hughes, who is a former Army Ranger who, after caring for his grandmother, finally learns who his biological father is, He then travels to Asheboro, North Carolina, to try an learn a little more about his parentage and perhaps find a place he can finally call home. My mother loved Nichols Spark's writing. She always called it heart-warming and sentimental...and she was absolutely right. His characters are the type that simply flow from the page. They're always multilayered, independent, show more strong...sometimes head-strong, but usually always kind. The plot of this simple story is simply charming and so full of life, love, loss, grief, heartache, healing, intrigue, friendship, self-discovery and, of course...romance. Fans of this author will call it is another hopeful, tender, immersive tale by Nicholas Sparks that reminds us that life is complicated, sometimes messy, occasionally challenging, way too short, and even heartbreaking, but filled with wonderful things, lovely times, and those special and often brief moments that happen in-between. If you are already a Nicholas Sparks fan, then you will recognize this work as being Nicholas Sparks at his very best. If you have never read this wonderful author or if you want a book that that will make you feel almost every human emotion possible...then this is your book. show less

This was another very emotional story that I was drawn into from the very beginning.

I'm not surprised how much I enjoyed it. This wasn't my first book by this author and I already knew that his books are emotional and hard to put down.

The characters were great, as was the story. 🧡

There were several characters and all of them played an important role in the story. Tanner came to Asheboro hoping to learn more about his father, who he didn’t know existed until his grandmother revealed his name before her death. He had a great personality that attracted Kaitlyn from day one. Kaitlyn, a divorced mother of two, was a loving and caring person. She was a doctor and she opened her heart to a strange neighbor, Jasper, who people were afraid show more of because of his burnt face. Jasper lived alone with his dog Arlo🐕. He carved animals out of wood, which he shared with Mitch, Kaitlyn’s nine-year-old son. The two men became friends. But it all started with Casey, Kaitlyn’s daughter. She hit Tanner’s car in the parking lot and didn’t realize that this was a new beginning for all of them. 🚙

I love Sparks' novels. They are charming, beautiful, filled with pinch of humour and subtle touches. Very character driven. Of course there are villains and dramatic plots. Jasper's story was heartbreaking and no matter the tragedies he experienced in his life, he never stopped believing 💕. When a white deer appeared in the area, which in Celtic mythology symbolizes a messenger from another world, he believed that this extraordinary creature had come just for him.

You know from the beginning how Sparks book will end, and yet it still surprises you. This time I told myself I wouldn’t cry. And I did it again. show less

I haven't read a Nicholas Sparks in ages and this really felt nice. It had all the hallmarks of a classic Sparks novel, tragedy, second chances, lost love, and hope. Sleepy, Asheboro, North Carolina is home to a cast of unforgettable characters. Jasper is a sad old man with a tragic past. The scars on his body always draws stares so he doesn't go out much and besides his doctor and a young boy in his neighborhood he doesn't really talk to anyone (besides his dog, Arlo). When a handsome miliary veteran comes to town searching for answers he meets Dr. Kaitlyn Cooper and her two children. Little do they know that their lives, Jasper's life and this stranger's life are all about to change. Heartbreaking and hopeful. I liked all the show more characters. a little sappy, bult ultimately a great read. Gotta love Nicholas Sparks! show less

"Counting Miracles" was one of the best Nicholas Sparks novels I've read for a long time. The story revolves around three characters - Tanner, an ex-military man who is looking for his biological father; Kaitlyn, a single mother and physician working in the small town of Asheboro; and Jasper, who lives in a cabin that borders a national forest with his old dog, Arlo. The lives of these three characters have been a struggle but they orbit each other and are slowly drawn closer together.

Eighty-three-year-old Jasper, especially, was a wonderfully written character. My heart bled for the suffering he had faced, having lost his family to a freak fire. His story broke me! I also really liked Kaitlyn's children Casey and Mitch.

"Counting show more Miracles" reminded me of Sparks' earlier books - full of emotion, inspirational and with characters that pulled at the heartstrings. A touching read. show less

I've read enough Sparks titles to know that the two storylines will intersect at some point.

Early on, I was more caught up in the Tanner/Kaitlyn story than Jasper's story or Tanner's search for his biological father.

I do wish Sparks hadn't had the characters sleep together as early in their relationship as they did.

I do understand why Kaitlyn was so upset upon learning about Tanner's ability to stay on in Asheboro if he wanted to (if she was important to him), but she did not articulate it well to Tanner, so I wasn't surprised he didn't understand why she was so upset.

This is my first Nicholas Sparks book. It is easily read with predictable outcomes. One of the main characters is an Army veteran, who meets the mother of the teenaged girl who hit his prized car. Kaitlyn, the mother, is divorced with two children. They quickly become attracted to each other. Jasper is an elderly man, deeply scarred from a fire that destroyed his family and sent a son to prison. The characters are likeable without much depth, and the quoting of scriptures is unexpected. Jasper and his dog, Arlo, are the most engaging characters in an otherwise unremarkable book.