3.5 Stars
This was a sweet holiday romance. Overall, I enjoyed the story but it sort of dragged for me.
I may have been too focused on the romance aspect of the story when there was clearly more to this book than that.
While I'm not sure this is a book I would read again, I'm happy that I took the chance to read it at least once.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

After learning that her husband hasn't been faithful to her or their marriage, Sydney Ragsdale files for divorce and packs her and her daughters things and heads for her grandparents home in Hopewell, North Carolina hoping for a new start. Once she is there she realizes that restarting her life is going to be tougher than she thought, than she wanders into The Book Bea, and it brings her a sense of peace she hasn't felt in a long while, there she finds the friendship and support she needs and a whole lot more! When she meets fellow single parent Kevin MacAlee she soon finds that they have a lot in common, and while it's comforting to share a bond with someone who has gone through a lot of the same things that she is, it's also really scary to experience feelings for someone else so soon after having her heart broken and her life uprooted. Now she must decide if these feelings are worth exploring or not, and if she can find it in herself to trust another man... or if she should walk away.

Kevin MacAlee wasn't isn't the market for love, but love found him the moment that Sydney walked into his life, she is a breath of fresh air and makes him feel things he hasn't in a while. and he wants to grasp what they have with both hands. But Sydney is going through a lot right now, and her wounds are still fresh, and a relationship isn't really on her radar right now, so he promises to wait until she is ready. Then tragedy strikes their little town and turns both their lives upside down, and now a future with her is completely up in the air...

Hope at Christmas is a touching holiday tale that is sure to have readers hearts rejoicing! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hopewell, there I found a beautiful story centered around two wounded souls in great need of healing, and a town full of people who were determined to help them find just that. Their story is rich with emotion, inspiration, and unwavering spirit, and one that should not be missed, it will surely leave you moved!! This was my first read from this author and I have to say she completely won me over with this one, her uplifting story made my heart happy!! Highly recommend this one, it's a holiday story that should not be missed!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Hope At Christmas by Nancy Naigle is a heartwarming holiday novel. After finding out her husband has been cheating, Sidney Ragsdale starts her life again as a single parent in her grandparents house in Hopewell, NC. A charming small town. Moving to a new town, getting a job and starting over is a struggle. Having a friend like Miss Be a is what we all need in life.
Kevin MacAlee is a single dad of a 12 year old boy, high school teacher, who just happens to be the best Santa in town, a secret to many.
A wonderfully written story with amazing characters, heartbreak,romance, humor, Christmas spirit and truly magical!
I LOVED this story and was magic to read!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 10/12/17 at http://bit.ly/2wh6L9x

Sydney Ragsdale is at the end of a very unexpected divorce. She had thought she had a good life, but was blind-sided when her husband up and left her for a younger woman. Worse still, all of her friends knew and it had been going on for a couple of years behind her back. She had been that strong woman behind the successful man and for what? Dealing with hurt, anger, resentment … all of the emotions that go along with loss, she moves herself and daughter to the small town of Hopewell where her grandparents had left her a house. Memories of childhood flood her thoughts and a connection with an old acquaintance helps her come to terms with her new circumstances. Opportunities arise in several places and before too long, Hopewell is looking more permanent than a temporary stop to get her life back in control. She still has a couple of run ins with her ex, but the most unexpected romance begins to blossom with an all-around-good-guy. Fresh out of this divorce and still smarting from the hurt has understandably given her trust issues. Problem is, trust is everything and she’s not sure she can put her or her daughter through it again.

Kevin (Mac) MacAlee is almost too good to be true. Almost. There are a few perfect guys out there, right? He’s been a single Dad since his young wife took off and left him and their son around Christmas years ago. He and Seth have a good groove and have moved on – mostly. Seth is still not much in to Christmas since is brings back memories of their old life. Seth and Sydney’s daughter, RayAnne, hit it off and before too long their parents are hanging out frequently so the kids can be together. Mac sees something in Sydney that he wants to explore further and spending time together has only increased his longing. But he also knows he has to tread carefully or risk never getting the chance he wants. After progressing a bit, an accident puts their fragile relationship to the test, but most especially Sydney’s trust. Mac is the only one who can convince her that the risk is worth fighting for.

This is a really sweet contemporary romance novel. A few kissing scenes and nothing else, those who enjoy tame romance have definitely come to the right place. I’m not sure you could classify this book as inspirational, but there are a few scenes with prayer peppered throughout, so possibly. 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.

Hope At Christmas is a beautiful novel filled with hope and the magic of Christmas. It has enough emotional undertones to put a smile on any scrooges face and warm the heart. This is the book to read this holiday season and I am so happy I was able to read it. It touched my heart in many ways while making me realize that even though life can get tough, we can get through it with hope, love, and determination.

This is a wonderful book. Plain and simple. I can't wait to read more from the author in the future.

Hope At Christmas is a touching holiday read by Nancy Naigle. Ms Naigle has penned a well-written book and filled it with amazing characters. These characters made this story a joy to read, and really, everyone needs a Miss Bea in their life. Sydney and Mac's story is packed with drama, humor, heartbreak, Christmas cheer and a touch of spice. I totally enjoyed reading Hope At Christmas and look forward to reading more from Nancy Naigle in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

This book made me so happy. It wasn't rushed, and I felt the progress and growth of the characters, who were all delightful. I was uplifted, and wept and wanted to go to The Book Bea and be enveloped in the love. This is the perfect Christmas story that reminds me of what is truly important. I highly recommend it!

Looking for a heart warming Christmas story? Look no further. Leaving her and marriage in the rear view mirror, Sydney Ragsdale moves back to Hopewell, North Carolina. Christmas is fast approaching, and Sydney needs to find a way to get in the spirit for her daughter’s sake. Mother and daughter find refuge in Sydney’s grandparent’s farmhouse and Sydney gets a job at the local bookstore. Things go along well enough until the bookstore is faced with imminent closure and her ex breaks their daughter’s heart. Enter Kevin MacAlea, “Mac”, single dad, high school teacher and part-time Santa Claus. With Santa himself on her side, how can Sydney lose. A charming heart-felt love story