Review: Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle – Love and Community at Christmas @nancynaigle @StMartinsPress

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge shines with holiday cheer, a touching romance, and the warmth of community coming together.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Summary:

In the picturesque town of Chestnut Ridge, Sheila is drawn into the festive spirit when she agrees to help decorate a tree for the annual Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, sparking an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Surrounded by the warmth of her close-knit community and the magic of the holiday season, Sheila’s world begins to shift. Meanwhile, Tucker, the dependable fire captain, is busy organizing relief efforts for a family who recently lost their home to a fire. When Sheila offers her support, a connection between her and Tucker begins to grow, kindling a heartwarming romance amidst the town’s unity and holiday cheer.

My Thoughts:

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is exactly the heartwarming holiday escape I was hoping for. Nancy Naigle has crafted a story that not only celebrates the magic of Christmas but also explores themes of community, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways love can take root.

Set in the picturesque town of Chestnut Ridge, Naigle paints a world where tree farms and twinkling lights set the perfect holiday scene. From the moment Sheila is persuaded to join the Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, I was drawn into the festive charm of the town. The joy of decorating, the sense of community, and the coziness of hot cocoa in hand – it’s all there, making me wish I could step into Chestnut Ridge myself.

What I loved most about this story is how Sheila’s participation in these community events becomes more than just holiday fun. Her decision to help with the tree stroll marks the beginning of a transformative journey for her. Through her involvement, Sheila finds not just a sense of belonging but also a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. The author beautifully balances this personal growth with the festive backdrop, and I appreciated how Naigle handled Sheila’s evolution with grace and subtlety.

And of course, there’s Tucker. The slow-blooming romance between him and Sheila is written with tenderness and care. Tucker, as the reliable and kind-hearted fire captain, is the perfect partner to show Sheila everything Chestnut Ridge has to offer. Their budding relationship felt organic and sweet, with moments that made me smile. I especially loved the scenes during the Christmas Tree Stroll, where Naigle captures the magic of Christmas lights and community spirit so vividly.

The story takes on a deeper emotional layer with the subplot of the family who lost their home to a fire. Watching the entire town rally around this family, offering support and love in their time of need, really brought out the true spirit of Christmas. It was heartwarming to see how the generosity and kindness of the community played a vital role in the story, reminding us of the importance of coming together during tough times.

In the end, what made Christmas in Chestnut Ridge stand out for me was Sheila’s journey of self-discovery. She learns to combine both parts of her life – her past and her new-found community – in a way that feels authentic and satisfying. It’s a lovely reminder that sometimes, the places and people we least expect can become home.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a Christmas read filled with warmth, romance, and a sense of community, Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is the perfect holiday companion.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Nancy Naigle:

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

Christmas Angels