Category Archives: Nancy Naigle

May 16, 2022 · 12:02 am

Review: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

Title: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 332 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives—and lead to love—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

Review:

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, wholesome romance with a lovely undercurrent of faith.

Merry Anna Foster is post-divorce and unexpectedly finding herself loving the small town she impulsively settled in after a brief stop. She is making wonderful friendships and finding personal satisfaction with her retail sales position in a local business. Merry Anna is not looking for romance but she is discovering love has a way of finding her despite her initial lack of interest.

Adam Locklear is a bull rider who is having the best season of his career. He is single-mindedly focused on winning the gold buckle at the looming championship finals. Not wanting any distractions, Adam is avoiding personal entanglements. He is very surprised by his inability to stop thinking about Merry Anna. Misunderstandings plague the couple when their friendship gradually turns to romance.

What Remains True is a sparkling romance with an idyllic setting. Merry Anna and Adam are vibrant characters whose personal baggage threatens to derail their burgeoning relationship. Both characters undergo realistic growth as their feelings for one another deepen. The secondary cast of characters is absolutely delightful. The storyline is engaging and moves at an even pace. Despite late in the story conflict,  Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to a heartfelt conclusion.

+

Comments Off on Review: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

Filed under Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated B+, Review, WaterBrook, What Remains True, Women's Fiction

May 17, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Title: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

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 deeply moving novel about friendship and new beginnings.

Two years after the loss of her Marine husband, Jack, Amanda Whittier and her two darling children, Hailey and Jesse, relocate to Whelk’s Island, N.C. Their bungalow by the sea needs a little TLC but it is a cozy haven for Amanda and the kids. She and the children take full advantage of the beach where they spend a good part of their days. But the very best part of their new life is the unexpected friendship of island native, Maeve Lindsay.

Maeve enjoys daily walks on the beach where she also picks up seashells and other gifts from the sea. She shares an immediate rapport with the Whittier family and she hits it off with the kids as well as Amanda. Maeve’s calming presence is a balm to Amanda’s aching heart and through their newfound friendship, she begins to truly heal from her loss.

Amanda also surprisingly reconnects with her and Jack’s best friend, Paul Grant. Unbeknownst to Amanda, Paul has made a few changes in his life since they last spoke. She is grateful for the opportunity to repair the damage she wrought on their relationship during her grief over Jack’s death. Paul is unwavering in his support and she is caught off guard by how much she loves spending time with him.

The Shell Collector is a heartfelt novel with a cast of charming characters and an endearing storyline.  Amanda is a wonderful woman whose loss has shaped her life but she does not want it to define her.  Maeve is quite wise and she does not hesitate to share her advice with the grieving family. Paul is thrilled to be back in Amanda’s life and he does not push her to make a decision she is not quite ready to make. Whelk’s Island is an idyllic setting and the beach is a soothing location for the Whittier family to begin anew. Keep the tissues handy as Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to an intensely emotional conclusion.

Comments Off on Review: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Filed under Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated A, Review, The Shell Collector, WaterBrook, Women's Fiction

October 14, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle

Title: Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 328 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A heartwarming Christmas story filled with the magic and miracles of the holiday season by USA Today Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle.

Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.

When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn’t another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.

While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she’s meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz that she’s found a home? And possibly true love as well?

Review:

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle is an endearing novel of love and new beginnings.

Liz Westmoreland’s fondest memories are the times she spent at her grandparents’ lodge. Despite her lucrative career, she dreams of owning a bed and breakfast.  In a moment of serendipity, Liz gets the opportunity to bid on her grandparents’ property when it is unexpectedly up for auction.  After winning the auction, Liz travels to Antler Creek where she delighted by the townspeople’s welcome and offers of assistance.

Since Liz  purchased her grandparents’ lodge sight unseen, she is unaware of the changes made to the property over the years by different owners. She is filled with doubts when she realizes how much work the lodge will need before she can open for business. But despite her trepidation, Liz is not  willing to give up on her dream just yet. Luckily she has a town full of hardworking residents who are eager to help her return the lodge to its former glory.

Matt Hardy also bid on the property but he is not at all resentful when he meets Liz. He entertains fond memories of her from their childhood and he is quick to step in and assist Liz during her renovations. Unbeknownst to Liz, Matt’s feelings run deeper than friendship but he is careful to keep his hopes for a future with her to himself.  With quiet determination, Matt lends his expertise while nurturing their connection but will Liz fall in love with him?

Both Liz and Matt are wary of becoming involved with one another. Matt’s previous relationship with someone from the city ended badly and he is in no hurry to repeat his mistake. Liz’s future is uncertain since she has no idea how successful the lodge will be after opening for business. But with an easygoing friendship quickly developing between them as they spend time together, will Liz and Matt decide to explore their growing feelings for each other?

Christmas Angels is a warm and inviting romance with a lovable dog, a wonderful cast of characters and an idyllic setting. Liz and Matt’s relationship is sweet yet understated.  Although their romance is mostly drama free, conflict arises very late in the story due to a misunderstanding.  Fans of wholesome romances are sure to enjoy this cheerful and uplifting holiday story by Nancy Naigle. 

Comments Off on Review: Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle

Filed under Christmas Angels, Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin