Hope at Christmas: A Novel

Ms Naigle gives us a sweet, Christmas story. The main characters are Sydney Ragsdale and Kevin MacAlea (Mac). Sydney is recently divorced and has moved to Hopewell, NC with her daughter. She inherited her grandparents dilapidated farm . But it’s hers and it’s a chance for a new beginning with her daughter, Ray Anne. Mac is also a single parent, the history teacher at the HS and the basketball coach. The author gives us a very clean romance, an interesting group of townspeople and a sweet Christmas story. All that said, I have to confess that as much as I have loved other books by Ms Naigle, this one was just ok , for my taste. I never felt engaged . I was gifted this copy by St Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Nancy Naigle is an author that makes her point known while laying the groundwork for captivating stories. Hope at Christmas gives voice to a woman finding her wings and rediscovering her heart. Adulthood has not been easy for Sydney. An unhappy marriage, a controlling ex - husband and a divorce that's left her twisting in the wind. A fresh start is just what she needs to feel like herself again. Returning home with a daughter and not much else is hard, risking her heart while rebuilding her life is not what she envisioned, but could end up being the most rewarding experience of her life. New beginnings are hard to come by, but worth the effort.

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/19/17 ...This book was actually quite refreshing as a break from the more explicit romances I have been reading lately. Sometimes you just need something romantic and uplifting. There is a bit of sad within the story, but the hope that surrounds everyone within the town battles back every time. I guess you really can go back home. 😊 Probably my only complaint is the slow moving progress between Mac and Sydney. The first half is geared towards getting to know everyone and the second half, they finally “meet” and go from there. However, I felt that the story was pretty realistic had it been actually occurring. Everyone doesn’t just hop in to bed as soon as they meet and, having completed this book, I am glad they did not. Such an action would not have fit these characters. I love the holiday spirit in the town and their caroling tradition. I could see myself participating in such an event. All in all, Hopewell is the kind of place people would want to visit – a place for magic – a place with the cutest little book shop that any reader would love to encounter. If you are looking for a story full of Christmas cheer and hope; not to mention overcoming circumstances beyond ones control, you will not be disappointed. Throw in a sweet little romance – fuzzy socks, a fire, and coffee required – and you will be set to enjoy this holiday season. Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.