Member Reviews
Seemingly Destined For The Small Screen Via Hallmark or Up. Up front: For those that have issues with anything at all that mentions Christians/ Christian values/ actions (blessings before meals, childhood prayers before bed, attending church, etc)... you may as well skip this one and spare the author a negative review due to your own hangups. Similarly, those ultra-conservatives who think even a peck on the cheek kiss is scandalous... there's going to be things in this one you don't like too, though I think you'll find this book more palatable than those staunchly opposed to all things Christian.
For everyone who finds themselves somewhere in between those two extremes... this is a standard Hallmark type tale in book form. And thus, your enjoyment here will largely depend on how much you like those types of tales. The particulars of this one are ranching and rodeo, unexpected/ unknown parenthood / single parent, and escape from corporate life - but let's face it, for those that enjoy these types of tales, those particulars are largely irrelevant. :D
One of the more interesting things here, and a wrinkle that is genuinely rare in these types of tales, is the presence and even emphasis on barn quilts - which is just the thing needed to separate it from the pack just enough to say "go read it for the barn quilts" or "go read the barn quilt story". Very much recommended.
I have read each of Nancy Naigle's books and like all the others, this one does not dissapoint!
It is a fantastic read.
Completely heartfelt with the tale of second chances. We all have our regrets in life and this story will give you hope, joy, and happiness. It gives you all the feels of grandmas apple pie on a Sunday afternoon. If you love the rodeo or may not know what it entails, you get to experience it firsthand through the pages of well written words the thrill and dangers of an 8 second ride!
What a wonderfully heartwarming story. I loved this story about friendships and second chance romance. Nancy Naigle has written a sweet story about the gift of new friends and embracing new opportunities. With a recent divorce and having taken a hiatus from her career, Merry Anna just needed to figure out what she wanted out of life. She found more than she expected when she arrived in small town, Antler Creek. Starting over seems like the right thing to do and yet Mary Anna encounters struggles that test her decision to stay in Antler Creek. The characters are strong, realistic, and relatable, people I'd love to know in real life! Good friends, a sweet child, and a rodeo rider, people who come along side Merry Anna in her new adventure. I wouldn’t mind reading a sequel to this one, to find out more about the characters in Antler Creek. Readers who enjoy charming stories of friendship and romance will not want to miss What Remains True. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
I was surprised at how long it took before it felt like this story really got going. It was almost half way through the book. The first part was just every day life for the characters with some attraction between the main characters with some Christian faith thrown in. Then Merry Anna's ex-husband starts getting pushy and Adam has an old girl friend show up at the door with his 5 year old daughter--surprise!
Their relationship progresses, but has challenges along the way. There are secrets being kept and neither of them even wants a relationship. But the towns people seem to be more aware of what's in their hearts than they do.
This was a 3.5 star read for me rounded up to four. It honestly fell a little flat for me.
Thanks to Waterbrook and Multnomah (Random House) and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts ae my own.
I received an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this book. A very heartwarming story with wonderfully written characters, I was drawn in and loved every minute.
I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Nany Naigle got me to Antler Creek and now I never want to leave. What Remains True tells the story of an executive who needs a break from life's surprises and starts working at a shop, In this small town she meets rodeo star Adam and sparks fly. This is the best read on a lazy or rainy day about new beginnings, trust, love and the power of community. I highly recommend it and think everyone should read it.
What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet story. I thought it contained good writing with realistic characters. It did, though, take me a little while to get invested in the story. I liked Merry Anna Foster who is discovering hidden talents. I like how she tried new things such as planting a garden, fixing up old items, and painting a barn quilt for her home. I felt bad for her with regard to her parents and her ex-husband. Her parents should have supported her decisions. Of course, it would have helped if Merry Anna had told them the truth about her ex-husband. Merry Anna was passing through Antler Creek and fell in love with the town. Merry Anna takes a break from her job at the family office supply company which has consumed her life. Merry Anna gets a job at a local store and rents an old bunkhouse. She falls in love with the town and soon finds hidden talents. Merry Anna’s neighbor is bull rider, Adam Locklear. He also owns the local feed and seed. Adam has invested everything in obtaining the top title this year in the rodeo circuit. He does not have time for romance. He did not count on meeting Merry Anna. Adam gets a surprise when he learns he has a daughter, and he is now responsible for her care. This certainly puts a kink in Adam’s plans. What Remains True is a charming story. I like reading this type of book during the summer. There is a great cast of supporting characters that includes Tara, Merry Anna’s new neighbor and Krissy, Merry Anna’s boss. I love the descriptions of the items at Krissy’s shop. There were many things I wanted to purchase including the barn quilt ornaments. Little Zan stole the show. She is a sweet little girl who is smart and happy. The Christian element is light (the characters attend church). I did feel the ending was a little rushed. One of the themes in the story is how not being truthful complicates relationships. It can lead to misunderstandings, the loss of trust, and even the loss of a friend. I liked the community of Antler Creek. The residents are friendly and welcome newcomers. The author really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel. There were fun events for people to attend. The residents are quick to help each other out and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes. It was interesting learning more about bull riding. It is certainly a dangerous profession. I had never heard of mutton busting (I do not know if I would let my child try it). I like how the title is tied into the story. I believe Tara needs a story of her own so we can find out what happens to her home. What Remains True is a great book to read while laying by the pool or in front of a roaring fire in the winter. What Remains True is a charming tale with a comfortable bunkhouse, beautiful barn quilts, a rodeo rider, a cheerful child, an incessant ex-husband, unsupportive parents, and new ventures.
I will leave a review on Amazon and B&N on May 3rd.
I fell in love with the characters in this book, how sweet was it that a cowboy was teaching a woman how to make homemade pies. I found this to be a very enjoyable read, one that I read in less than a day. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, the opinions expressed here are all my own.
Nancy Naigle is one of those writers whom I always know is going to deliver an enjoyable romance... and What Remains True was certainly that.
Based on the book blurb, I expected that this bet between Merry Anna and her ex husband---a bet that she could live on a limited income--- would play a larger part in the story. I thought this was a really unique idea and had definitely been drawn in by that... however, I actually found that it really wasn't talked about all that much within the story, or at least more so than I had expected anyway. While I certainly would have loved to see more about that, I found this to be an enjoyable story anyway. The chemistry between Merry Anna and Adam was nice, and I really enjoyed Zan's character and interactions with Adam as well. If you enjoy a sweet, clean romance this is certainly one to checkout.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Sometimes those who wander are not lost.
A lovely story of second chances, stepping out of your comfort zone and entering the world as a different person. I wonder how many of us would get into the car and just drive with no particular purpose in mind, other than to get away and leave the past behind? Merry Anna did just that and found a spot to rest, rejuvenate and find herself where there were no expectations! The little town of Antler Creek sounds like a dream in our busy lives.
The author has moved us into the small town, introducing us to all the wonderful characters that make up the story. Adam is a rodeo cowboy - a bull rider! The thrill and danger is set out in great detail for the reader to enjoy. Will he even live to survive such a dangerous career? Krissy is the proprietor of the eclectic gift store that specializes in barn quilts - a concept that brings much beauty to our world. The coffee shop owner, the cafe chef and others round out the wonderful individuals that call Antler Creek home.
This ARC was received through WaterBrook, Random House and NetGalley. My thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.
What Remains True, by Nancy Naigle is a contemporary story that takes place in Antler Creek, North Carolina. Merry Anne is pressured to be the COO of the family business. Following her divorce she takes a leave to work through the changes and finds herself stopping in Antler Creek and falling in love with the town and people. She is renting a place an old bunkhouse next to rodeo start Adam Lockwood. Adam has plans to make it in the rodeo this year and made a change in his career. Until he finds out he has a daughter.
This is a beautifully written story that just pulled me right in. It is so well written I could imagine the little store Merry Anna worked at, smell the mouth watering food Adam made, and even feel the tension of the rodeo. I loved this story so much I want to visit this little town, walk through the shops, take the barn quilt tour, and attend the rodeo. I enjoyed the variety of characters, from the most caring helpful people to the most gossipy. Both Merry Anna and Adam have issues with their parents concerning their careers. Both have people in their past that they are dealing with. Merry Anna’s ex cheated on her and expected her to provide their living and is now hounding her for more. Adam’s past involved another rider who gave birth to his daughter but never left him know. Both Merry Anna and Adam need to have faith in their future working out for the best.
I voluntarily received a copy of this story from the author and Waterbrook Publishing for the Launch Team, this is my honest review.
What Remains True
Nancy Naigle
May 03, 2022
Merry Anna Foster divorced and left her husband Kevin behind. When he continued to ask for more money, more attention, she took a leave from her family position as COO of the Supply Office Company. It paid well. For the most part she enjoyed working there but she needed a way to leave Kevin and the business behind. All she did was work. There were no social activities. Her parents prodded her to return to Kevin. After she sold their large home and gave her ex his share she had bought a condo that was just for her. As time went by, she packed a bag and her necessaries then took a leave from the office. She got in her car and started to drive,endou hoping she would find a place to chill out for a while.
In the small country town of Antler Creek we find loner Adam Locklear. He inherited the local Feed and Seed shop from his grandfather. He ran it well but had management for help especially on days when he was expected at one of the rodeos on tour. Adam is a cowboy, a bull rider. His hopes for the year were to win it all and put his winnings toward his future goals. But as we all know, life never happens the way we expect it to.
Merry Anna and Adam meet, become friends and each experience new and different ways. This is a marvelous story of love, life, friendship and small town living.
What Remains True by Nancy Naigle will be published by Waterbrook of Random House on May 03, 2022. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the ARC via NetGalley. I have always enjoyed Nancy Naigle’s work. Her recent books have been exemplary examples of her talent as a writer. From the first page of What Remains True I was captivated with this story. When I reached the conclusion last night I was a bit sad. I just wanted Merry Anna and Adam’s adventures to continue. This is a tremendous novel. Please take the time to read this mellow, heartwarming journey. Enjoy!
I liked the characters, especially Zan. She is so sweet and very intelligent. Merry Anna needed to change her life. She thought she would just take a leave of absence after her divorce to get her head on straight. She has always done what is expected of her. She married her high school sweetheart, who turned out to be not so sweet, and went into the family business. When her marriage fell apart, she started to question everything in her life. As she gets to know Adam, she is finally on the right track to figuring out what she wants in her life. Adam loves the rodeo and has a plan. He knows he will have to quit riding bulls soon, but after this season. He has tried to do what his father expected of him, but his love is the rodeo. After watching Adam get hurt by a bull, Merry Anna is sure he needs to make some changes in his life. Now that he has a daughter who counts on him, he needs to rethink his life. Will they both be able to make the necessary changes?
I have had the pleasure of reading previous books by Nancy Naigle and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, What Remains True. I thought it was another fabulous book to read from her. She is so talented to craft a wonderful story that is beautiful and sweet. I loved the interactions between Merry Anna and Adam. I had no problem reading this tale in one sitting. I thought it was such a delight to read.
I am giving What Remains True a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading heartwarming and feel good fiction. As always, I will be looking for more by Nancy Naigle in the future.
I received a digital copy of What Remains True from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
What Remains True is a feel good book set in a cute town where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business. Love develops between a woman, Merry Anna, only planning to stay in town for three months and a man, Adam, who's only goal is to win a big rodeo title. Adam is thrown a curve ball and has to make some decisions in his life that could upset his goal. Merry Anna has her own decisions to make regarding her own future and whether or not she wants a future in this small town.
Fall in love IN and WITH Antler Creek, a magical small tourist town.
Merry Anna has burnt out - of her marriage, high pressure job and her parents' expectations for her.
Her cheating husband added the final straw and won't quit, even after their divorce and her disappearance. She just needs a break and when she passes through Antler Creek something calls to her to stay awhile.
Adam Locklear has his life all planned out. Rodeo, specifically bull riding, is in his blood. He knows he can't do it forever, but it is the path to his larger goal. To follow this path he's had to alienate his family and avoid relationships. Until one special relationship comes knocking at his door - he discovers he has a five year old daughter.
Besides the swoony love relationship you'll discover here, and the growing up of two adults, you'll discover a community of marvelous characters. Antler Creek itself plays a major role, as do the hobbies and habits of the residents.
I loved reading about the improvements to Tara's house and the stories behind the barn quilts.
This is a fun escape read that will steal your heart.
What a beautifully written story! I loved going back to Antler Creek and revisiting old friends and meeting new ones. This is a sweet small-town romance with lots of heart and feelings. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a clean heartwarming romance.
I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Such a sweet book and an easy read. Merry Anna is struggling and sets off to find herself. She ends up in a small town with wonderful people full of character. The story draws you in and you find yourself cheering for happy resolutions. A few things are a bit off but not enough to ruin the story. I can't wait for the next book and look forward to visiting Antler Creek again soon! Thankful to have received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This new story by Nancy Naigle is a delightful trip back into the North Carolina mountains. A trip through Antler Creek gives Merry Anna Foster a new direction in life. She stopped for gas and decided to stay for a little while. She is on leave from work with her family business in DC. She made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on less and he can too. He can get a job, so she doesn't have to give him more alimony. She is loving her simple life working in a small gift shop and living in an old bunkhouse. She never expected to fall in love with small town life nor a cowboy and little girl.
Adam Locklear is a rodeo bull rider on the course to win it all and then pursue a career in rodeo stock. He enjoys spending time with Merry Anna, but they are just friends. Then, he has surprise visitors from the past that changes his future.
This is a sweet endearing story filled with likable, realistic characters in a lovely setting.
I received a complimentary ARC from WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley in exchange for an honest
Choosing this book was a departure from my preferred mystery/thriller genres. The book description sounded interesting and I figured it would be good to broaden my reading choices. I was not disappointed in choosing this book! It’s like a Hallmark movie in written form - and yes, I think that’s a good thing! It’s ultimately such a feel good story! The sense of community and friendship really shine through. This is one of those stories where life happens and you’re thrown a curveball when you think you have your path all figured out. You’re drawn into Merry Anna and Adam’s journey of self discovery, stepping out of your comfort zone to try new things, taking chances, and finding love when you least expect it.