Tag Archives: Nancy Naigle

And Then There Was You by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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And Then There Was You by Nancy Naigle – a Review

 

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Description:
Reeling after falling prey to a Romeo con-artist who just waltzed away with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard works closely with the detective assigned to her case, only the few leads have led nowhere.

Detective Randy Fellowes can’t promise Natalie restitution, but he’s determined to find the culprit and serve up justice. Married to his work, he’s caught off guard when Natalie has his thoughts wandering to more than the case.

Natalie soon seeks refuge in the one thing she still owns ― an old fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge. She quickly falls in love with the town and the eccentric people who are teaching her so much about the area and its heritage.

Through these people, and the determination of Detective Fellowes, she rediscovers her courage, self, and a reason to risk love again.

 

 

Review:

And Then There Was You by Nance Naigle is the first book in her new Chestnut Ridge novel. We meet Natalie Maynard, our heroine, who is on her way home from a vacation with her boyfriend, who due to business, left a few days earlier.  To her shock, when she opens the door to her place, everything is gone; including her finances in the bank. When the police come, the detective in charge, gives her the bad news, that she has been scammed by professional conman, with losing everything.

Detective Randy Fellowes, our hero, explains what happen, and that he will do his best to find the culprit and help her receive justice; so far nothing has been found.  Natalie has to stay at her friend’s house, and decides to see refuge at a cabin her deceased husband owned, a fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge.  Upon arriving in Chestnut Ridge, she meets Orene, a sweet older lady, who offers Natalie a room for a couple of days, in order for her to fix up her new home. Orene learns that Natalie’s husband, who is deceased, was Jeremy, who was always part of Chestnut Ridge, and in a short time, everyone goes out of their way to welcome Natalie. 

The community has been wonderful and kind to Natalie, and she begins to love Chestnut Ridge, and the beautiful nature surrounding her cabin and town.  Natalie also does online card designs to make money, as well as using her nurse skills, to help those in need, for appointments, errands, etc.  She meets Paul Grandstaff, an elderly man, who she would take to doctors, groceries; but he never wanted her to know exactly where he lived, since he was very private.

Randy would constantly call Natalie about anything new; and she in turn, would travel to meet him over lunch and discuss any news.  In a short time, Natalie and Randy enjoy their visits, and soon they begin to have feelings; loved how Randy and Natalie were perfect for each other.

Randy gets a lead on the conman, who has also done another scam, and things are looking better for Natalie redeeming some of her finances. Paul Grandstaff, with help from Randy, will reveal a secret he has hidden for many years, and led to a wonderful ending.

And Then There Was You was a wonderful, delightful, sweet small-town romance. Nancy Naigle has written a fabulous story that was at times was heartbreaking, grief, hope and also filled with friendship and love.  I loved all the fantastic secondary characters, who all opened their hearts for Natalie. I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle – a Review

 

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Description:
When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

 

 

Review:

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful standalone second chance romance novel.  We meet, Lorri Walker, our heroine at the start, when her husband surprises her with dog on Valentine’s Day. Lorri had suspected her husband of having an affair last year, and when he denied it, she accepted the dog, as his proving that he loves her.  However, many months later, her husband leaves her for another woman, who he claims he loves.  Lorri decides she needs to move, and ends up in Dalton Mill, with her dog, Mister (a huge mastiff); with 5 acres of land for Mister to enjoy.  In a short time, Lorri gets to meet many of the friendly local people, finding herself content & happy, not to mention her graphic design business was growing rapidly.  

Ryder Bolt, our hero, has lived in this small country town of Dalton Mill all his life, and was not happy with his father having sold the land; and resented those who moved to the new development, but he tries to move on past that.  He does support his niece and nephew in running The Wedding Ranch, which has become a successful event planning business.  Ryder has never gotten over the death of his wife and child in a tragic car accident that happened 7 years ago. 

Lorri’s neighbor friend, Tinsley invites her to go to the county fair, which has lots of activity, craft, baking, competitions and cotton candy.  While looking around, she is tackled to safety by a handsome stranger, as cows escaped and heading right her.  Ryder and Lorri became friends from that point on, with them enjoying each other’s company, with both having their own traumas.

What follows is a slow build second chance romance, with two wonderful people, who deserve to move on in love and forgiveness.  I loved Ryder and Lorri together, though the terrible past does come haunting back that threatens to destroy their possible future. Will they be able to stay together?  

I adored Mister, who though at 180 lbs., was a wonderful dog.  Lorri’s friends, especially her bestie Pam, were always there for her; and it was fun for both of them to see an old friend, who was a major country music star.   I did enjoy so many of the secondary characters who were awesome, especially Ryder’s sister, Diane and Ross/Reese who ran The Wedding Ranch. 

The Wedding Ranch was a wonderful, refreshing story, so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  The story line was very good, with a number of issues, including tragedy, divorce, love, second chances, emotional, forgiveness, family and happiness.  I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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Description:
A touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good, from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning–alone–through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

 

 

Review:

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful heartwarming story. Amanda Whittier, our heroine, lost her marine husband 2 years ago, leaving her distraught, with two young children, desperately trying to move forward in her life.  She decides to take her two children (Hailey and Jesse) and move to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; purchasing a fixer-upper cottage by the sea.  Originally, Amanda planned to start her own home business, but when the local ordinances do not allow to use her home, if she has a dog, which she does (bulldog Denali).  Amanda enjoys fixing up her home, and especially taking daily walks to the nearby beach area by the sea.  It is there that she and the children meet Maeve, an older widowed woman who has lived in Whelk’s Island all her life, as well as living in a huge mansion close to their cottage.

Maeve Lindsay, another wonderful heroine, is loved by everyone in their small town; she walks the beach every morning, and collects all kinds of shells.  Maeve immediately finds herself adoring both Hailey and Jesse, and recognizing a kindred spirit like herself in Amanda.  Soon, Maeve becomes very close to Amanda and the kids, as they begin to spend much time on the beach, as well as in town, giving Amanda a chance to meet some of the wonderful local people.  The close friendship between Maeve and Amanda, changes both of their lives, especially with Maeve helping Amanda with her grief and ability to move forward.

Maeve was also very much a part of the town, and attending the meetings.  She got to know the latest member, Paul, a former marine, who has successfully opened his dog resort business that rehabilitates former military dogs and return them to former soldiers; not to mention he hires military veterans to work there.  The place has become very popular, as residents also visit to walk their own dogs, and use the various additions.  Paul has convinced himself he will never marry, as he lost the woman of his dreams years ago. 

One morning, Hailey is outside when she sees a man by the beach, and starts running towards him and screaming, shouting “Daddy”.  Amanda runs out trying to stop her daughter, and to her shock, it is Paul, who was her and her husband best friend; whom she treated badly, while grieving for her husband.  Paul was shocked seeing Hailey and Amanda, as he did not know she lived in Whelk’s Island. This was an emotional moment, when Amana apologizes to her treatment of Paul during those rough days; and he was understanding, but very happy to see them again.

What follows was a heart-warming story with Amanda’s life completing turning around, as Maeve was always there for her, convincing her to accept the grief and move on; and Paul’s determination to slowly open his feelings for Amanda.  I did think the meeting of Paul and Amanda took a bit too long, almost half the book.

Another element of this wonderful story, was the collecting of sea shells that Maeve had, and taught to Hailey and Jesse.  There were also shells that had printed quotes on them, with no one knowing who did that.  Amanda got a few, giving her meaning in her life to open her heart again.  I loved Maeve, as she was such a wonderful character, who was always there for Amanda and the kids.  There was closer to the end, where Maeve and Amanda bond even closer to the end, which pulls on our heart.

The Shell Collector was so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  This was a story of family, love, grief, second chances, with fantastic characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

 

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A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle – a Review

 

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Description:
Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.

Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.

Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.

 

 

Review:

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle is a delightful and sweet standalone novel that starts the Christmas season with a bang.  I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful characters created by Naigle.

Vanessa Larkin, our heroine, was planning a fun work  trip to Paris with her assistant, as she is one of the best employees.  Instead, she is assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina, to convert her company’s year old acquisition to close and clear out the property to sell.  Vanessa isn’t to happy to have to handle this case, “Best Fruitcake”, and to pull the plug with the holiday (Christmas around the corner).   She hopes to do this quickly, closing Porter’s fruitcake factory, offering retirement packages and new job opportunities to help the town, and then head home for Christmas. 

When she arrives and calls a meeting that evening, everyone (this is a small town) suspects the worse, giving Vanessa the negativity vibe at the meeting, but she manages to let people know she is investigating other possibilities such as a empty second warehouse to use.  This calms people hoping for the best, but she meets horse farmer, Mike Marshall, who at first was nice to Vanessa, but when he realized who she was, he was downright nasty.

Mike is a widower, and has a 15 year old daughter, Misty, who helps her father train the eight beautiful Percheron horses, and she is also very talented, especially at her age.  She will befriend Vanessa, much to her father’s unhappiness, until he begins to see Vanessa working hard on finding a solution to save the town.  In a short time, their friendship escalates into a slow build romance.   We also learn that Mike’s grandfather, is the one who owned Porters and sold it for money needed elsewhere.  The Marshall family took care of the town all these years, having found Porter’s.

It was also nice to meet Vanessa’s aunt, who came to spend time with Vanessa for the time they stayed.  There is a second romance between the aunt and Buck, Porter’s former owner.  I loved the town of Fraser Hills, and the wonderful secondary characters.  Misty was an amazing and talented young girl, whom Vanessa began to care for.  I loved loved the puppy (Scooter/Porter) who kept escaping; so adorable and such fun.  Vanessa surprised herself loving the taste of the dreaded fruitcake and cookies, and she slowly began to fall in love with the town and the wonderful holiday traditions (dinners, tree lighting, parade, etc).  

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise was a wonderful, heartwarming, sweet romance, with a great couple in Vanessa and Mike, and the friendship and townsfolk who opened their arms to Vanessa.  Though she was a workaholic, the town grew on her, not to mention her falling for Mike.  Vanessa will step up to save the town and realize that Fraser Hills is where she belongs.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle – a Review

 

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Description:
Angela Carson wants nothing more than to be the third-generation to run her family’s holiday store, Heart of Christmas, successfully. They’ve weathered over sixty tourist seasons, major hurricanes, and urban sprawl, in their old decommissioned lighthouse. But the national chain that set up shop in their small North Carolina town of Pleasant Sands may be more than Heart of Christmas can survive.

Geoff Paisley has been at his mother’s side running the mega-chain Christmas Galore for the last ten years. When his mother falls ill, Geoff promises to answer the town’s Dear Santa letters in her stead. Soon he realizes the woman he’s been corresponding with on Dear Santa is Angela. How could the woman that grates his every last nerve in person have intrigued him so deeply through those letters?

Encouraged by her niece to ask Santa for help, Angela gives in and lets the words fly in a way that, if Santa were real, would no doubt land her on the naughty list. What’s the harm when it’s just a computer-generated response?

When Geoff reveals that he’s her Dear Santa, will Angela be able to set aside their very public feud to embrace the magic of the holiday and possibly find true love?

 

 

Review:

Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle is a sweet Christmas romance.  Angela Carson, our heroine, has lived all her life in Pleasant Sands, North Carolina; and she runs the local Christmas shop, Heart of Christmas; which she inherited from her mother.  Angela loves her shop, and mingling with the townsfolk who have always shopped at her store for unique high scale items, but lately she has been struggling, since the new Christmas Galore, a mega super chain, opened their doors.  It is hard to compete with a big store that has all kinds of items at cheaper prices.  Angela knows she needs to face reality, and think about closing the store after Christmas.

Geoff Paisley, our hero, is the owner (with his mother) of Christmas Galore, and they are all thrilled how well the store is doing.  When Geoff stops at the local coffee shop, he notices a pretty woman, who smiles at him.  It will take him a few days to find her, and realizes she is the owner of the store who is slowly going out of business because of their store. 

When they come face to face, each knowing who the other is, the conversation turns into a shouting match, with each walking away.  Angela’s sister tries to convince her to close the store and move on; and her niece makes her write to the Dear Santa app.  Angela writes a quick note to Santa that she is sad, her business is failing; of course she does not know that Dear Santa app is run by Christmas Galore, and Geoff’s mother.  When Geoff mother has a heart attack and ends up in the hospital, he will learn the truth of her past growing up in Pleasant Sands, and where his father died.  She begs Geoff to take over the Dear Santa letters, which he reluctantly accepts.  Geoff is a “suit”, a workaholic, rigid, all business and little compassion, but when he begins to answer the letters, he finds himself softening up.  He will be the one to open Anita Miracle’s (Angela’s pseudonym) letter, and start a friendship.

What follows is a sweet wonderful heartwarming story with wonderful characters, and an enemies to friends to lover romance.   The romance between Geoff and Angela is very slow burn, but it was fun to watch them argue and avoid each other, but at the same time fight off their attraction. Eventually Geoff will realize who Anita Miracle is, and starts his friendship with Angela with an apology.  It was great to see how Geoff changed, and I did love them together, though it took a long time. Lol

Dear Santa was very well written by Naigle, and a wonderful Christmas story about family, life and love.  This is a perfect holiday book you should be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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