This novel is one of the best I have ever read and a stellar character study of the three main characters. Kaitlyn Cooper is a doctor who is a single mom yet she still finds time to make home visits to her patients who need her. Tanner Hughes is a man seeking his purpose in life and trying to find a father whom he has never met. And Jasper is an elderly man who can be compared to Job since he lost his job, his family and his health and is now living alone in a ramshackle cabin near Kaitlyn. The lives of the three are well woven together in an intricate and riveting tale of the backstory of their lives and their current hopes for the future. This is a book about self-discovery, expanding your expectations and the hope that things will get better. I really enjoyed the story of Kaitlyn and Tanner's relationship, one that seemed to end before it had even started. I was also fascinated by the story of Jasper and how he went from a successful businessman to losing everything and everyone that mattered to him. A faithful dog named Arlo was also an important part of the story, as were Kaitlyn's precocious and precious children. I went from emotional highs to lows as I read this compelling story, laughing and crying a few pages later. With a plot that moves along at a moderate pace and then quickens as the lives of the characters become more interconnected, this is a perfect book to read, be entertained and then discuss with a book group.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I also purchased my own signed copy. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16th CFR, Part 255, "Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising."

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change-or even make our peace with-the path we've taken.

"Sparks is superb at what he does. The setting is postcard perfect. The characters are immensely likable. . . . This is a tidy miracle you can count on."-The Washington Post

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 off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last 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 to find him.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He's been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting-and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest-a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather-he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters' fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.
I recommend this book.
Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Nicholas Sparks.

This was sooo good!!! I mean, there are just no words to express the way this story made me feel. I had long ago decided this author was much too angsty for me but after years of separation, I decided this book seemed like a good one to jump into as long as I was prepared for the cry fest that would follow the last page. Oh my! I certainly did cry but this time it was so worth it. This is everything I love when dipping my toe into genres that are not my norm. And while I have never personally considered this author to write traditional romance, as they seldom do not end with a happy ever after, the romance in this one was sweet and exciting to watch. And spoiler here…they had the traditional HEA. But hold on for the journey of getting to it and all that takes place around them. Again, it was just sooo good!

So captivating and really enjoyable. I have read everything Nicholas has written. Very much looking forward to his next book. Delivery was great and always love books a million. Love shopping store when I can. I do like convenience shopping online. Will order
More
In future.