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As usual Nicholas Sparks does not disappoint. “Counting Miracles” is a love story full of blessings and tragedies, about finding a place where you belong. The novel will take your emotions on a rollercoaster ride as his characters come to life. Three characters narrate the story: Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper.
Tanner has been raised by his grandparents; his mother died giving birth. His childhood has been spent living abroad while his grandfather was stationed at various military bases. As an adult, Tanner has spent 14 years as an Army Ranger, then six more years with US AID (International Rescue Committee).
Tanner has recently been caring for his chronically ill grandmother, who on her death bed left him a note, “Find where you belong and make that place your own.” The back of the note included Tanner’s father’s name and home town—Asheboro, N.C. This is the first Tanner has ever heard about his father. Before his next job abroad in Cameroon, Tanner decides to head to Asheboro in hopes of finding his father.
While Tanner is having dinner at a local restaurant/pub in Asheboro, his car is hit by 16-year-old, Casey. Visibly upset, Tanner drives Casey home and explains what happened to her mother, Dr. Kaitlyn Cooper.
Kaitlyn is a divorced mother of two and the local general practitioner. Her life is full of raising kids and work, with little time for herself. There is an immediate attraction between Tanner and Kaitlyn. They have a few dates and share much about their past. Just as Kaitlyn is feeling good about their relationship, she learns that Tanner will soon be heading to Cameroon. This is a show stopper. She is unwilling to invest her emotions in a relationship that will soon be ending. Then we meet one of Kaitlyn’s patients, her neighbor Jasper Johnson who lives across the meadow from her and spends time teaching her young son, Mitch, how to whittle.
Jasper is 83 and has abundant medical problems. He lives with his elderly dog, Arlo. Jasper lost his wife and four grown children in a house fire that also left him severely burned. Jasper’s property backs up to the Uwharrie National Forest. Jasper is the third generation of men who have made it their duty to watch over the forest animals, especially the sacred “White Deer.” When he hears rumors of poachers hunting the deer he sets out to thwart their efforts. While in the forest Jasper takes a nasty fall leaving him immobile.
The chapters alternate between Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper. As you learn their back stories and secrets their characters come to life and their lives become intertwined. Will Tanner ever find his father? Will he ever be able to settle down or figure out where he belongs? Will Kaitlyn learn how to have fun? Will she discover a zest for life and stop fearing that she may get hurt? Will Jasper survive his fall? Will he save the White Deer? Will he ever move beyond his past loss?
“Counting Miracles” is a quick-paced read that will have you turning the pages and rooting for their success.
