As Sweet As Spun Sugar

Like the bakers did with the amazing Honey Almond Cake, Nancy Naigle has assembled all the ingredients for a wonderful story and blended them together to form the perfect sweet romance in The Secret Ingredient. I love second-chance romances, but I especially loved that Kelly and Andrew have each moved on, each built successful careers in the 7 years since their break-up. When they do see each other again, they have a new-found respect for all that the other has accomplished. This, I think, is one of the things that makes The Secret Ingredient stand out from all the other second-chance romance books. There are so many other things to love about this book. I really appreciated the special twist the author gave to the baking competition. I adore Gray, and laughed out loud when I found out what his name meant. The baking scenes were incredible, and the supporting cast was amazing. This one goes on my keeper shelf, and I'll definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and have provided my honest opinion of this book. .

First time reading this author and LOVED IT.
Sweet romance in every sense of the word. Not only was this a trope I enjoy - Second chance romance - this meet all my expectations. It was fun (love the acronyms) competitive, heartfelt and I have a new recipe to try.
Kelly and Andrew are childhood sweethearts in a small town who are engaged to be married. It has always been about teamwork for these two. Both have dreams that they plan to pursue and fulfill. Opportunities leads to distance and broken hearts. A reunion / homecoming revisits dreams unfulfilled. When a new opportunity arises it's the choices one makes that determines dream fulfillment. Put your heart into your actions.

I love second-chance romances and baking, so this seemed right up my alley. Plus, it’s set in a small town in North Carolina and involves a baking competition. How could I resist? And I’m glad I didn’t, because this is such a sweet, adorable romance.

“I’ve never met anyone who made me feel the way you did. The way you still do. What about that ‘if you love someone let them go’ quote? Maybe there was a reason we were apart for a while.”
“There was. You chose to pursue education and a career in another country instead of marrying me.”
“That’s not exactly how it was.”
“Fine. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. You may have only planned to go for a while, but in the end…you didn’t come back.”


Childhood sweethearts from a small town in North Carolina, Kelly and Andrew broke up when Andrew decided to stay in France after completing a pastry chef internship there. Though it scuttles their dreams of opening their own restaurant, seven years later, they’re both successful people in their own rights. Andrew is the head chef at a famous French chef’s restaurant, and Kelly has opened a famous bakery in their hometown. When the chance of a lifetime brings Andrew back to his hometown, seeing Kelly again brings up good memories – and doubts about whether he’s as happy as he thinks. But Andrew’s time back in Bailey’s Fork is limited, as he’s heading to help a friend open up a restaurant in New York City, while Kelly is traveling to Orlando for a baking convention – or so they say. Fate has a few more meetings in store for them. Can they both see past their old hurts to bake a new future together?

This is just the sweetest book – and I’m not just talking about all the desserts! Kelly is adorable – a hardworking businesswoman who hasn’t lost her sense of fun, which serves her well when designing her award-winning baked goods. Andrew, well, Andrew took a bit for me to warm up to him. In all honest, I spent at least the first quarter of the book being seriously judgmental of Andrew. While, in retrospect, I can see where some fault for their breakup might like with Kelly, it’s Andrew who chose to breakup with her over the phone and completely trashed the plans they’d made together over the course of years. While he was pursuing his studies in France, Kelly was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Kelly used her heartbreak to throw herself into running The Cake Factory, which started as a little bake shop that mostly just filled orders for her parents’ cafe next door, but expanded to truly live up to its name, including fulfilling internet orders across the country. Plus, she adopted a pig she named G.R.A.Y. View Spoiler », a detail which had me giggling. Kelly does have a chip on her shoulder about being a self-trained baker, rather than the fancy training Andrew received as a pastry chef in France, and she’s wary of trying to rekindle even a friendship with him.

“I guess I did leave someone special behind. I just didn’t make it clear to her that I thought she was special.”
“You’re an idiot then. My ex was like that.” Lori cocked her head and leaned away from him. “That’s why he’s an ex. Don’t be like that.”


While Andrew realizes from his first reunion with Kelly that he lost something special with her, and that he still loves her, Kelly is more gun-shy, worried about another heart-break. After all, he left her once, so who’s to say he wouldn’t leave again when another opportunity presented itself Part of Andrew’s decision to stay in France was to prove to his father that he was a “real” chef, as his dad wanted him to follow in his footsteps and join the family mechanic shop and disapproved of his career choice. It was nice to see him start to rebuild those relationships with his family, and also gradually remember the joys of living in a small town. I will say that the book was very heavy handed on the small town vs big wide world in the first half of the book, enough that it made me roll my eyes in parts.

The first half of the book is spent in North Carolina, and while it’s a bit slow-paced, it’s a nice view into what their relationship used to be, certainly much better than the first chapter. There’s a scene where Andrew teaches Kelly how to do sugar work and it’s just obvious to the reader how well they fit each other. It’s nearly half-way through the book before the cooking competition enters the plot-line, and from there the pace picks up. I do wish they’d been able to spend a bit more time on the cooking competition portion, because some of my favorite parts where the chapters describing the challenges and how each completed them. And, yes, there are tons of delicious deserts described in this book, enough to make me break out my stand-mixer to make some baked goods. As a side-note, there’s a recipe for Andrew and Kelly’s Honey Almond Cake (which plays a pivotal role in the plot) at the back of the book. While I haven’t tried it yet, I’m pleased they finally included something similar to a recipe used in the book, as previous ones have included… odd… choices, to say the least. And, yes, the plot is very predictable, and it verges on saccharine sweet at times, but this is a Hallmark novel, so that’s to be expected!

Overall, this was a sweet confection of a book (pun intended). If you’re looking for a light, quick romance with a small town second chance romance, this is the book for you!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Previously engaged, when Andrew returns to his hometown and sees Kelly, the feelings are still there. Still hurt, Kelly slowly accepts his friendship, after all, he's leaving again. The heart wants more, could this be a second chance?

A secret opportunity of a lifetime falls into Kelly's lap, and she's off to New York before they can talk of a future. A chance meeting in the city leads to a night of dinner. At the finale, it's revealed they are competing against each other. Serendipity. In it together, only one can win, and each has plans for the prize. Who has the secret ingredient to take it all?

A sweet, second chance romance, with baked goods, a pig named Gray, and most importantly: Love!

**I received an ARC from NetGalley.**

I have loved Nancy Naigle's writing since I first found one of her books. She has a wonderful way of creating a small town atmosphere with wonderful loving characters. This is another delightful addition to her list of great stories.
Reading her books are like watching a Hallmark movie and they have translated wonderfully onto the small screen. I think this is one of her best book yet. You can't wait to see how the characters will find their way back to each other and get the Happily Ever After that they deserve.
I received an advanced copy if this book from Net Galley.

I was a good read.
At first its hard to like the main characters.
But, as love in real life goes, sometimes being stubborn and prideful is a detriment.
They both set their pride aside in the end and made it work for them and no one else.
This books moral, if there is one, is that somethings fall apart for a reason and sometimes that can be you and that when something is supposed to happen it will.
I'm interested to see how Hallmark will place all the nuances in the book in the TV movie.

When Andrew and Kelly were engaged and working toward a dream of owning there own restaurant. Andrew gets an offer he can't turn down, a chance to study pasty baking in Paris. It's only for a short time but ends up lasting seven years. Kelly now owns her own bakery and has been invited to participate in a Valentine's Day cook off in New York City. Andrew is working in Paris for an angry hot headed chef. He is where he thought he would at this stage in his life. When Andrew comes home for a visit old feelings are stirrred up and now Andrew is unsure if he has made the best decision to leave years ago. Both Andrew and Kelly are invited to the Valentine's Day bake off. Unaware of each other and both with big plans for the prize money. This was a sweet book. I enjoyed reading this book.

What a fun, light-hearted book! I really enjoyed reading about Kelly & Andrew as they both followed & fulfilled their dreams - with some mishaps along the way (like real life!). Filled with romance and fun and baking and family and friendships...you won't be disappointed!

The Secret Ingredient is a delightful story that is the perfect Valentine's Day read for romance, love based on friendship and reconciliation. Kelly and Andrew were high school sweethearts who shared a love for cooking and creating new recipes. Her specialty was baking while Andrew loved to cook and create dishes. He worked in the Main Street Cafe, Kelly's family's restaurant, in Bailey's Fork, North Carolina while in high school. They were in love and planned to marry June fourth, a year after graduation. But Andrew's great aunt in Paris approached with a special opportunity to study in Paris under a great pastry chef for six months. He and Kelly decided he should do it. But he impressed the chef and was offered a full ride to study in Paris. He wanted Kelly to join him and marry but she did not want to leave her home. Both were hurt but stood their ground.
Seven years later, Andrew is still in Paris working for a famous chef running one of his restaurants.
He returns home for a short visit with family before going to New York City. He was invited to compete in Four Square Valentine's Day Bake-Off, a baking contest with a cooking network, but cannot tell anyone so he says he is going to help with a restaurant opening in the city.
Kelly has a successful bakery, The Cake Factory, that has grown into an online business selling her cakes, cupcakes and goodies across the nation and employing many of the townspeople. She has also been invited to compete in the contest but cannot tell anyone. Her friend and assistant, Sara, is the only who knows. Kelly tells her family that she is going to on a business convention to Orlando.
Andrew and Kelly have some unresolved issues that caused awkwardness when they see each other again but they spend a little time together before he leaves town. There is still some spark or something between them.
Without going into too much more detail, this is a sweet and lovely story of two people who enjoy their profession and have worked hard to get where they are. Will they find a way to meet in the middle? What will happen in the contest? They don't know that the other one is a contestant. And who to pull for? I couldn't decide but it is a happy ending that brought a smile and warm feeling. It is a sweet uplifting story. There is a great recipe at the end that I am hoping to try out.
I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions stated are mine only.

This story is a perfect addition to the Hallmark publishing family. It has no cussing and no questionable content. If you love the feel good sweetness of Hallmark movies, you'll enjoy this story.

As with basically everything else Ms. Naigle has written, I adored this story. Although it made me sad when Kelly and Andrew parted, their coming back together story was wonderful. I loved reading about Andrew getting reacquainted with his home town, his first love, and especially his own family. And I loved the way that Kelly hadn't wallowed after losing him, she'd not only thrived, she'd brought a load of positive change to her hometown. She wasn't a depressed damsel just waiting for her prince to come back, she was a strong woman with a fantastic pet to keep her company. Once the book shifted to New York and the pace picked up, it annoyed me to have to put the book down to deal with real life. I wanted to know how the competition ended and how they found their way back to each other.

If you enjoy a really well-written story about two likable characters and a host of great side characters, you should definitely read this book. It's absolutely wonderful.

Hallmark Publishing - you've done it again. Simply a lovely story about first love, baking, and maybe a smidge of fate. Oh and teacup pigs! I've always been a sucker for cheesy romance stories, and that is exactly Hallmark's cup of tea, or rather, slice of cake.
I do have to admit, at first, I wasn't sure about the writing and the storyline of the story - it seemed a bit basic, even for Hallmark. But it's safe to say, I changed my tune pretty quickly - and you just can't help it. You get sucked in by the story. Pretty soon I was gasping when things went wrong/right, and feeling every emotion that Kelly and Andrew were feeling.
I have to say - Kelly and Andrew seemed to me to have a beautiful love story - yes, they did definitely have their ups and downs, but I loved that even though Andrew went off to improve his career, leaving Kelly behind, Kelly actually went and did exactly that. Sometimes, and in this relationship it seems, that sometimes a break is necessary to realise just how important someone is to you. I think each of them came out of it much better than before - even with the heartbreak. Otherwise we would never have Gray/Whay!

If I did have one gripe about this novel - it would simply be that I felt that the ending was a bit abrupt, and after all that we'd seen, I kind of would've expected a bigger gesture in the end. I don't know.

Hats off to Nancy Naigle and Hallmark again!

Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much! The premise was fun. The writing was concise, yet descriptive. The characters were lovely. I felt invested in their stories. I had hoped to see more interactions between the two main characters, but there was enough that I was emotionally invested in their journey to the end. Such a fun read!

I'm addicted to Hallmark Books because they always make feel good. This book was no exception!
It was engaging, entertaining and fun to read.
I loved the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
It's the perfect book for a cozy winter afternoon.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Hallmark Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC

Hallmark Publishing, please tell Hallmark Movies that we need to have this book made into a movie now! A fresh idea with a delightful, heartwarming take on second-chance romance, this one hits the heart in the best of ways. I loved every part of this book, down to the tiniest details, and hated to see it end!

Andrew and Kelly had big plans for their small-town life together. He may be a cook at Kelly's parents' diner where Kelly is a waitress, but with his skills in the kitchen and her talent for baking, they plan to open their own restaurant one day. Recently engaged with a wedding a year away, Andrew gets the opportunity to study under one of the best pastry chefs in France. Then somehow, six months away from home turns into seven years, and Andrew returns home for a short visit on his way to New York City. His emotions are scattered as he discovers that, not only has Kelly made her dreams come true without him, but her cake factory is well known across the country and a vital part of the community by employing locals and revitalizing Main Street.

Naigle gives us one of the most clever plot twists I've ever seen that has Andrew and Kelly unknowingly competing against each other in the midst of their getting reacquainted, healing old hurts and rekindling their old love. In spite of the developments being predictable, since the reader is in on the secret, this book had me fully involved and reading eagerly to devour the details. We've all likely watched baking competitions on television, but this competition was far more exciting and effortlessly held me captive every step of the way, and all without commercial interruptions.

With a little of everything, this book has something to offer any reader. Phenomenal descriptions of baked goods so vibrant you can taste them. A sweet but angsty romance between admirable, endearing characters with great chemistry while still maintaining a Hallmark rating. Colorful, loveable secondary characters who can’t help but interfere (thankfully). A fresh twist on an old trope with plenty of action and excitement to keep the reader riveted to the page. And let's not forget Grey, the teacup pig with a hog-sized personality. You’re sure to find a lot to love in this delightful, humorous, heartwarming read!

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

This was a perfectly pleasant, uplifting story that I didn't want to end. The characters were delightful. One of my children has been on Food Network shows and the competition situations were totally believable. I loved the town, the family relationships and the overall good feeling the book evoked. I can't recommend it highly enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Nancy Naigle is one of my favorite small town romance writers. She creates these wonderful communities that you really wish were real so you could go visit. Her latest, The Secret Ingredient is no exception. This novel read like the movie it is going to be. I can’t wait to see the pinks and greys and blacks jump off the screen. Kelly and Andrew are destined to be one of my favorite Hallmark couples. Though there weren’t any obvious secondary characters in need of an HEA, I hope Naigle takes us back to Bailey’s Fork soon.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

I just finished The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle and I have to say, it was a fun read. The characters of Andrew and Kelly were very easy to like and want to know more about while the supporting cast of characters this small town love story were just as engaging.

The back story of Kelly and Andrew meeting in high school, working in her parents' cafe and trying out all sorts of recipes was perfect. It not only sounded like fun, but that translated very well to the page.

Being a huge fan of the Food Network's cooking shows, the premise that Kelly was chosen to be on a dessert show was something that pulled me right in and got me even more interested in where this book was going.

If you like small towns, HEAs and/or baking shows, this is the book for you. Check it out. I think you'll be glad you did. A huge thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for approving my ARC request. My thoughts in this review are my own.

Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York had everything going for them— engaged and with plans to open a restaurant. However, when Andrew is offered the chance to study with a pastry chef in Paris, he can’t resist, and the two drift apart. Seven years later, Kelly’s on top of the world with her own bakery that’s so successful she’s offered the chance to compete on a televised baking competition. She’s so focused on her new life that she almost doesn’t care when Andrew waltzes back into town. Almost. They won’t be able to avoid each other forever, though, as Andrew’s also been chosen to compete.

Considering Kelly runs a bakery, it’s no surprise that cakes are mentioned repeatedly. One that plays a pivotal role is a Triple-Layer Honey Almond Cake— a mouthwatering confection that everybody wants a slice of. That cake is a lot like this book. Sweet and rich, but with a ton of depth. And sure, with so many layers, one slice would be enough, but author Nancy Naigle has provided a generous slab with plenty for leftovers.

The characters are completely charming. Kelly is talented and determined, but she also has a playful nature that can only come from someone who perfects sweets all day long. Interestingly, Naigle has crafted Andrew in much the same way. They do have differences, but on the page they read as a perfect pair. This works. Even though it should be easy to dislike Andrew for leaving Kelly, it’s nearly impossible since they’re obvious matches.

This leads to some of the richest layers of the story. Kelly and Andrew had different ideas for obtaining their same high school dream, and it results in the complicated mess of their relationship as the book begins. Their eventual growth, especially for Andrew, stems from not only reconciling their past, but also considering their present. Both appear to be outwardly triumphant in their culinary professions, but Naigle has some insightful comments on dreams and what it actually means to achieve success.

The story does take some time getting to the cooking competition. The bulk of the action takes place in their hometown in North Carolina. Naigle is an expert on crafting idyllic tiny towns, and this one is no exception. It helps carry the plot as Kelly and Andrew stumble into each other again and again, the small size easily forcing them into situations where they’re in close proximity. Of course, it’s populated with a cast of fun supporting characters who are enthused at the prospect of the two ending up together.

However, once the story gets to the cooking competition, it’s a race to the finish. There’s a complete shift of pace, marking a total change from life in the sleepy town to the hustle and bustle of New York City. There also are a ton of fun surprises. Naigle is a master of telegraphing information to the reader that will surely lead to a collision for the main characters at some point. She writes with a wink.

Simply put, The Secret Ingredient is a wonderful treat.

A sweet story full of mentions of delicious desserts. This story is perfect for Valentine’s Dayana any fans of cooking shows and competitions.

Loved it! The desserts all sounded delicious and spectacular. A baking show competition with some clever backstage rules. A charming romance with all the necessary ingredients.