Hi everyone! Nancy Naigle has become one of my favourite authors. When I need a cozy book to curl up with when the world becomes stressful, her books are some that I turn to.
Vanessa Larkin is a woman who has built a successful career in business in Chicago. In fact, she takes very little down time to the detriment of her relationships. This Christmas she knows she wants to spend some time with her cousin Anna. She expects her company to send her to either Leavenworth Washington or Paris for her next project. She is therefore surprised and disappointed to learn the company needs her in Fraser Hills, North Carolina to oversee the closure of Porter’s, a fruitcake factory in the small town.
Porter’s has been in business for generations and provides jobs to many of the town’s families. The town itself is something out of a Christmas card, complete with little shops, horse-drawn carriages and decorated lamp posts and Vanessa and Anna soon get drawn into the town’s charm. When she meets horse farmer Mike, a widowed man whose family once owned Porter’s, Vanessa is treated with animosity – he knows why she is in town. As Mike begins to see Vanessa trying to save Porter’s from closing, he begins to warm up to her and the two become friendly. Can Vanessa develop a business plan that includes saving Porter’s?
I really enjoyed this book. While some will say it’s predictable, it really doesn’t matter. It oozes Christmas spirit and small town feel. It has romance, a strong female protagonist, and a community that helps and supports one another. I would like to visit this town! The book flows well, has good character development and kept me interested throughout. I sincerely hope this story will be made into a movie.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
Retirestyle Travel
I like how this review is concise, yet helpful. We all love a good romance and Christmas story.
thathappyreader
Thank you!
sayantika
I would love to have a book with predictable ending but that gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. I am definitely going to check this book out.
thathappyreader
Thanks Sayantika!
Alex
As the weather is getting gloomier, I’m really in the mood for some cosy festive reads! This sounds perfect! Thanks for sharing x
thathappyreader
Thanks Alex!
Sophie
This sounds like such a pleasant read, your review reads a little bit like the info box on a Hallmark movie (in the best possible way). Sounds like a great one for when you have a little down time and want something not too heavy x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
thathappyreader
Thanks Sophie!
geekylorraine
What a cute cover! Great review!
thathappyreader
Thank you!
Sahara
I haven’t heard of Nancy Naigle before but this book does sound like a cozy read! It seems like it’s a Hallmark movie in the making – big business running local out of business but then the one overseeing the closing of the local business decides to change course on her ~corporate mindset~ and instead think of the local town people.
May just have to add this to my list for a weekend read – great review!
Sahara
https://www.saharasdreams.com/
thathappyreader
Thanks Sahara.
Aspen Hite
Great review. Not only does it highlight the important aspects, it also entices the reader. Book sounds so snuggly. ?
thathappyreader
Thank you so much!
Aspen Hite
Great review! It highlights the important aspects, and leaves the reader thinking…wondering…wanting to read. The book sounds like a great romance read. ?
Graham Crosby
Might be a bit seasonal for me, but sounds like one my daughter might enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks Graham.
Kelly~Diane
This sounds like a great book. I've been looking for some new festive books to read this year so I'm definitely going to add this to my TBR list.
thathappyreader
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.