The Wedding Ranch
Nancy Naigle
December 06, 2022


In Nancy Naigle’s latest we find Lorri Walker trying to deal with her soon to be ex Craig Walker. She feels he could be cheating but has no proof. Upon his usual trip on Valentine’s Day, Craig returns with a gift for Lorri. It’s a gorgeous puppy. He has never consented to getting a dog or any pet so that was a huge red flag. Mister as Lorri called him soon became a very large dog and Craig did become the ex when he walked out one day claiming he fell in love with another woman.
It wasn’t long before she sold their home and moved to Dalton Mill, a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was one of the homes in the area she found while designing for a company there. It had 5 acres of land, plenty of room for Mister to run, and the large home availed her to use her design talents.
On the other side of Dalton Mill we find Ryder Bolt, middle aged and still looking fine but due to the death of his wife and son seven years earlier he never returned to his pleasant self. He was also angry that his parents sold the large parcel of land to the company who produced the Dalton Hill subdivision. He always felt they should have kept the large parcel but they chose to sell, buy a large travel wagon and head around the United States.
The Wedding Ranch will be published on December 06, 2022 by MacMillan. Many thanks to MacMillan for allowing me to read and review Nancy Naigle’s latest book. I thoroughly enjoy reading Naigle’s books. Her latest is every bit as delightful. Furthermore I was so involved in Lorri’s new life in Dalton MIll. Her life with Mister helped her develop friendships around the town. Hoping that Ms. Naigle will develop a Dalton MIll series. The characters are friendly, caring, and I could see more novels with them. This is a wonderful tale for a cold winter's day.
Do Enjoy!

Six months after Lorrie's husband of fifteen years buys her a puppy for Valentine's and agrees to work on their marriage, he leaves her for a younger woman. She decides she needs a change and moves to the small community of Dalton's Mill, NC. Now a year later, she's enjoying the country life, working remotely, and raising her Mastiff Mister.
Seven years after the tragic death of his wife and young son, Ryder is still grieving. He's positive he can never find a love again like the one he lost. When fate keeps throwing him together with Lorrie, he enjoys her company but they both decide to be friends. Little by little their feelings start to grow, but can their new love survive a devastating discovery?
This was a sweet, slow build, country romance. I loved the part at the county fair...the description of the food carts, all the craft booths, the smell of the animals, all the activity just made me feel like I was right there with them! The whole book gives the perfect background of small town country life that you just want to relax and stay awhile. My only complaint is that the plot twist seemed obvious from the start, but I'm glad they found their HEA in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle

Published: December 6, 2022
St. Martin’s Griffin
Pages: 345
Genre: Romance
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author who whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Over twenty-five novels later, Nancy is a Romance Writers of America and ACFW Honor Roll author. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and received favorable reviews from major trade journals. Nancy's latest release, THE SHELL COLLECTOR, is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.
Crown Media has adapted several of Nancy's novels for Hallmark Channel, and Nancy novelized three Hallmark Original Movies set in the town of Evergreen. Hallmark fans may have recently enjoyed The Secret Ingredient and new in 2021 Sand Dollar Cove in the Summer Nights programming-both inspired by her novels. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and horseback riding with friends.

“Can’t live your best life on yesterdays.”

Lorri is at a life-changing point in her life. She recently divorced and is making herself a focus. She decides to move, buys her dream house, and makes time for her passions. Ryder isn’t the man he used to be. But tragedy changes you. He’s carrying a lot of resentment and guilt from the past. The last thing either expected was a connection that could only be described as divine.

This was an emotional ride but so beautifully written. I love that the themes were so relevant and so realistic. We don’t talk about grief or loss much. We aren’t supposed to. This book was a beautiful journey into processing grief, understanding loss, and coming to acceptance.

Lorri was such a fantastic character. Intelligent, talented, and kind but emotionally unavailable, she was angry. With her beloved dog, she was looking forward to doing things differently.

Ryder was sullen and distant. While he would do anything for his family, he kept everyone at arm's length. He had a lot of guilt, anger, and sadness in his heart.

The authenticity of how this story unfolded was like watching a movie. The pacing was so well done, and the emotional aspects were placed at pivotal points that amplified the plot.

The themes in this book are beautiful. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and how the characters were developed. The side characters were all excellent additions to the storyline, and I’m a sucker for a descriptive scene.

I could not get through this novel fast enough. The heart gets invested, and the writing is superb. I have never read anything from Nancy Naigle, but I can see why people love her.

I enjoyed this book very much, it is very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. It’s a second chance romance with a few twists along the way. Lorrie moves to a new town after her husband wants a divorce. She learns how to start over with her dog Mister. She meets Ryder, who is a widow. His wife and son died in a tragic accident. This story is a bit slow paced but has some wonderful moments of forgiveness. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle.

Have loved the stories by Nancy Naigle since watching the Christmas in Evergreen trilogy on Hallmark Channel.

The characters are wonderful. This story was a departure from the usual Hallmark type of stories. At first I thought the developer was the boyfriend of the heroine then I learned I was wrong.

Loved the happy ending.

Content Warning: Reference to Guns

Mister the Mastiff was the only positive Lorri took from her marriage. Oh, and the settlement which allowed her to buy a new home on a five acre (!) lot in a planned community. She meets Ryder the first time when she's almost run over by a steer at a fair but sparks don't fly until they see one another at the Wedding Ranch, a venue his niece and nephew have developed. Ryder has been grieving the loss of his family to a drunk driver for seven years and this is the first time he's felt something since that awful day. These two discover there's a connection between them that freezes what has looked to be a promising step forward for both but fans of the genre know that the twist can be overcome. I'm not sure why I found this less engaging than I'd hoped but I suspect it has to with the privilege- and the fact that the house was referred to as small and five acres was treated like a big yard. This has all the elements- the good friends (and one snarky one), the conflict, the shiny people, the wounded male lead, the setting, and best of all the dog. It would be a great movie. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Over to others who I suspect will enjoy it more than I did.

Absolutely stunning! The story is beautiful and very well written. A story of hurt, sorrow, forgiveness. The growth in our main characters, Ryder and Lorri is touching. I will definitely be reading my from this author.

Lorri wasn't sure how much she should trust her husband. When her marriage ended, it was time for a new start for Lorri and time to make her dreams come true. Ryder Bolt is still in mourning for the tragic loss of his wife and son seven years ago. Making it worse, Ryder lost his grandfather and mentor right afterwards and he still wrestles with the fact that his parents sold their part of the family farm to a developer for a new subdivision. Neither of them are ready for a relationship. When Ryder saves Lorri, from a mishap at the county fair, sparks fly. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I like that Ryder was so close to his sister and her son and daughter and how strongly Ryder supported his niece and nephew in their event planning business 'The Wedding Ranch'. I admire Lorri's independence, but I am so glad that Ryder wanted to pursued a friendship with her. Both of them helped each other heal and enjoy life. I did anticipate the twist in the story, but it was interesting to see how they handled it. This is a sweet romance evolving from friendship.

Nancy Naigle is synonymous with heartfelt, spiritual goodness with a hint of sass, a smidge of humor and a boatload of sweet love! If you are looking for a romance that will quickly hook you and will keep you entertained throughout, you have come to right place. I was intrigued by Lorri's marriage drama, but it didn't take long for the town of Dalton Mill and Ryder's past to weave their way into my heart as well. I loved every minute of this book and the mix of emotions it brings to the forefront. Great characters, endearing storyline and a great happily ever after!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that entails the truthful heartache that sometimes leads to a second chance on love.

I’ve read a few of Nancy’s Christmas stories and loved them. This was a great book too! I loved the characters and foresaw some of the issues before they arose. The Lorri and Ryder may not have been looking for love, but I love the way they found it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

This book is so sweet and romantic, this book brings the topic of moving on from heartache and loss, and forgiveness in such an amazing way. The characters were awesome, I wanted to move to that town so bad! Lorri’s husband left her for a younger woman and she had to start all over again with her Pup Mister to a new town and finally living the life she had always wanted. She was so inspiring to read. And then we meet Ryder, he’s a widow, going through the motions of losing his wife and son even all of these years later, but when he meets Lorri it was an automatic attraction for him, and for her as well. But when Lorri’s past comes knocking on their new relationship, OMG I was anticipating DRAMA, but the way how they handled everything was so sweet.

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a very sweet and romantic story anchored in faith and forgiveness. Lorri’s husband cheated on her and left her for a younger woman. Ryder lost his wife and child in an accident. These were not the only bad things to happen to them, but when given the opportunity, they chose to look to the future. The characters in the story, including, Mister (the Mastiff) are delightful and positive. It is a wonderful story to gift someone for Christmas or who is struggling with trauma. It is uplifting and totally joyful.

The Wedding Ranch is such a sweet read. I loved this one so much. Lorri is making changes in her life and starting over. She fell hard for her new little town and alongside mister she found her muse again. I love the relationships she creates with her neighbors and Ryder. Ryder is still grieving over his lost years later. He is a little grumpy, angry and feels guilty for everything. I love the friendship Lorri and Ryder form and as the chemistry starts to build the closer they get to each other. Fate or other forces bring Ryder and Lorri together as they realize what commonality they share. This one will pull at your heartstrings as Lorri and Ryder learn new truths and learn how to heal. This is one starting over you will not want to miss out on. I could not get enough of this and the magic of Nancy Naigle's words. Go one click this one now and meet Ryder and Lorri now.

Lorri Walker moved to Dalton Mill, with Mister, her 180 pound dog, after her husband said he wanted a divorce because he met someone else. It was a small town compared to Raleigh, but she liked the neighborhood, her neighbors, and when she went to the fair she met Ryder. They connected in such a way, that had never happened before. They didn't immediately trust each other, but as they started running into each other, they learned not only things about the other person, but things about themselves.
They both had lost someone, and hadn't dealt with that. When Lorri figures something out, she decides she has to tell Ryder. Their journey changes, and they have to figure out, their feelings, face the grief, they hadn't dealt with but stuffed down inside with anger.
The book will continue their journey, and I enjoyed reading their story, where they learn things about themselves, to help them move forward in life.
The story shares the vision of the people in the community. The twins who built the Wedding Ranch, the farmers markets, the fair, the best barbecue around.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley.

Awkwardly Titled Slow Burn Hallmarkie Romance. This is one of those romances where it feels like Naigle was leaning perhaps a bit too hard into her Hallmark stories - as this one is dang near a cross between a Hallmark movie and something similar to Great American Country's Heartland. If you like small towns and saying your prayers and going to church... yeah, this story is going to be right up your alley. If you're opposed to any of the above, and particularly if you're strongly/ vitriolically opposed to the above... maybe just skip this one and save yourself some time and spare the author a bad review over something that was never going to be a good fit for you to begin with.

But for those who *do* enjoy this type of story - and clearly, there is a large enough segment of the population to make a comfortable career within this space across several different mediums of art - this is a pretty solid story that goes down pretty well how you expect. A lot of small town interaction, some ranch riding, some will they/ won't they (even though this is a romance and you *know* they eventually will), and being that this is of the "good Christian story" type, you know there isn't going to be anything beyond a light kiss or so.

No, the biggest real criticism of the book is, as some others have mentioned, the titular venue only plays a minor role - which could be explained away more if this were Book 2 in a series, as it often feels that it is. And yet, from everything I've been able to see on Goodreads and elsewhere, this is truly a standalone book. Though *technically*, I suppose, the "Ranch" includes more than just the venue... including much of where this story takes place. So in a larger sense, it may actually work in the end. This still doesn't excuse such *deep* backstory that seriously, this could have even been a Book 3, with Book 1 and 2 focusing on the creation of the venue and Book 2 focusing on some aspect of the friends in Raleigh. (Obviously perhaps not Lori herself, but the male friend - who features prominently in the couple here initially getting together and then again in the end of this tale - would make for a good center piece for one of these theoretical earlier book.)

Overall this is still a strong tale of its type, and well told. Very much recommended

I will leave a review on Amazon and B&N on Dec. 6th

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle had me both laughing and crying. This was a heartwarming storyline showing that you can learn to forgive and find happiness and love again. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I most definitely would recommend to everyone.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review the opinion expressed here are my own.

I did not connect with the characters or the storyline in any way. It wasn't a perfect fit for me but it could be for someone else.

My Thoughts

Life has a funny way of changing on us in ways we never planned for.

In Lorri and Ryders story this is proven over and over, not always with happy results.

Destination and Venue weddings are now popular with both the very wealthy as well as those of modest means in todays world.

For my generation, and those who were married well before me, if we were fortunate getting hitched in our local church was our venue of choice and for some City Hall with the JP presiding worked just fine.

In this lovely story we are treated to behind-the-scenes looks at what makes their venue special and the family members who work together so well.

We also get to experience Lorri's joys and sorrows, along with Ryders, as well as fall in love with a very unique dog named Mister.

Once you meet him you will better understand his given name.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

If you are a fan of "sweet" romances, you may enjoy this book. It just wasn't my preferred romance style. The writing was fine. The conflict was easily determined early in the story and the outcome was predictable to get to the HEA.

What an emotional journey for the two main characters in this book, Lorri Walker and Ryder Bolt. Lorri has moved from Raleigh to Dalton Mill after her divorce. Local Ryder Bolt is a widower still mourning the loss of his wife and son after seven years. These two have suffered deep emotional upheaval. The author described their feeling so very well. I was very pleased to see Lorri and Ryder move on to their Happily Ever After.