North Carolina author Nancy Naigle, known for romantic women’s fiction set in small towns, is bringing out her latest, The Wedding Ranch, in December. Ironically, the book begins with a divorce as Lorri’s cheating husband gives her a mastiff puppy and then leaves her to marry the dog trainer.

Since her life has changed with the divorce, she makes up her mind to leave Raleigh to create a new life, and she searches for a suburban home with room for her dog Mister to roam around. In her new home in fictitious Dalton Mill, North Carolina, Lorri switches to a work-from-home mode for her graphic artist profession.

She quickly makes friends with her neighbors and a farmer named Ryder who vows, like Lorri, not to get involved with anyone again after a traumatic loss. Ryder is also upset that his parents sold their farm to a developer, who built homes on 5-acre lots, one of which Lorri purchased. Fortunately, his grandfather deeded Ryder his own farm, but he remains irritated about development on farmland.

The Wedding Ranch, run by Ryder’s niece and nephew on land they rent from him, is a wedding venue booked by Lorri’s long-time friend, Cody. After a misunderstanding at the reception, Lorri and Ryder share several dances, igniting a spark that they both resist.

If readers think this sounds like a Hallmark movie, they wouldn’t be far off as two of Naigle’s previous novels have been the basis for two Hallmark movies.

Nancy Naigle, whose background is in banking, is retired and spends her time writing, antiquing, and crafting. Her books Christmas Joy and Hope at Christmas were both adapted for film on the Hallmark Channel in 2018. In addition, she enjoys riding her palomino Tooter.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting August 14, 2022.

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Not my favorite trope of a couple already married second chance, this one just was to simplistic. DNF. Writing style didn’t jive with me

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC to read and review.

Loved this story about love,life,death and family. The main characters in this story are Lorrie , after her divorce moves out of the city to Dalton Mill. She decorates the house the way she wants and of course, she has her dog Mister to keep her company. She makes new friends with her neighbors and meets Ryder . You have to read this book to see how that happens, see if their meeting actually turns into something . Follow Lorri and Ryder on their journey . See how life can throw out things to you , especially ones you don't have control over and need to make a decision that you can through them. A GREAT READ. As always a book you don't want to put down. If you are a fan of Nancys books or not, this is a book a highly recommend.

Nancy Naigle's The Wedding Ranch is the story about two characters, Lorri and Ryder, who have experienced loss in their lives. After meeting in an unusual way, the two form a friendship that both of them desperately need at this point in their lives. This book is about the power of second chances, friendship, family, loyalty, and moving forward. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this well-written, uplifting book. Great read!

The Wedding Ranch was not what I expected. With the title being what it was, I thought the Wedding Ranch would play a much bigger role in the story. In truth, aside from the main characters attending a couple of wedding there, it actually had hardly anything to do with the storyline. I think a title like Second Chances or Lost and Found or Bruised Heart would suit the book much better.

The storyline was exactly what one would find in a Hallmark movie. It’s light and simple with the kind of ending you want from Hallmark. If that’s what you’re seeking, you’ll be satisfied with what you get.

Unfortunately, I found the main characters (particularly Lorri) hard to like. Lorri and Ryder lacked the emotional depth I enjoy when reading a story that is more character driven than plot driven.

I’m sure many other readers will enjoy this light and simple romance. Sadly, it didn’t work for me.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley

I tried so hard to become invested in the story and characters, but couldn’t. It was predictable (which can be fine!) but nothing personally grabbed my attention. It was too “Hallmark” for my taste. Thank you for the opportunity to read it early though!

I hadn't read this author before but I really liked this book! I have been looking for some easy reads while recovering from surgery and this was perfect. I found the characters likeable and guessed the ending pretty easily, but since it ticked all the boxes I didn't mind one bit.

Nancy Naigle is back on point in a spectacular way with 'The Wedding Ranch.' I loved all aspects of this story except the fact that I was weeping waiting for a doctor's appointment and perhaps alarmed people around me. What a message this book provided for moving forward in life with love and cheer. I highly recommend it!

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

Reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, this book is filled with sweet characters, heartwarming moments, and a little bit of mischief. The MCs journey to rediscovering herself and rebuilding her life after her divorce was a really enjoyable part of the book for me. I also appreciated the LI's struggle with his grief and learning to continue in life without some of the people that meant the most to him. The backdrop of the small town and the Wedding Ranch were so charming and were easy to picture in my mind while reading. I did find the book to be predictable, and I'm not sure why this isn't being marketed as "inspirational fiction" aka Christian fiction instead of just contemporary with its religious content throughout the book, but this is something I can see a lot of readers enjoying once it's released.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Lorri Ryder. Lorri goes through a divorce and moves into the town where Ryder lives, also she does graphic design. Ryder is a rancher and widower. There is an instant attraction. They both have issues to work out. But together they work the issues out and fall in love.

⭐Book Review⭐
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the #AdvanceReviewCopy

Publication Date: Dec 6th, 2022

After a failed marriage, Lorri moves to a small town where everyone knows one another, and there she meets, Ryder, who is also on a self-healing journey after the death of his family. Together, Lorri and Ryder discover what second chances are all about.

I really liked this one; while a bit slow paced, it was filled with drama, anticipation, and lovely moments of family, community support, and overall warmth. There are heavy subject matters prevalent also, including death. If you enjoy a slow burn, friends to lovers trope, with some heavy hitting emotion, then this is for you.

#theweddingranch
#arcreview

DNF - I tried really hard to get into this but just couldn't. The characters seemed shallow and just too fluffy.

A great sweet summer read. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I loved both the hero and heroine in this story.

Lorri, is in a dull relationship with a cheating husband whom she divorces.
Ryder has lost his son and wife in a terrible accident
Two grieving souls unexpectedly come together, learn to heal, and find happiness again.
Great HEA. You will not be disappointed

Thanks to #netgalley #theweddingranch #nancynaigle for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Such a Hallmark movie romance! I love how strong of a woman Lorri is. She was confident enough to leave her cheating husband and live on her own. She made a great life for her and Mister.
Ryder is so sweet, but my heart hurts for him. No one should ever have to experience the heartache he has endured.
These two deserve all the love and happiness forever! I hope to get more of their stories and Diane and Marks!

I may not be the target audience for this book. It is a very sweet type of slow-building romance with some heavy topics. I enjoyed Mister the mastiff,and the cute small town location. There is no real conflict until the third act "plot twist" which was incredibly obvious that it is coming. I'm confused why the title would be The Wedding Ranch, when both characters have only tangential connections to the venue. There is very little plot, and very little character development beyond the superficial. Overall for me personally it fell flat, but for those who enjoy a very formulaic Hallmark-movie type romance you many enjoy this. Thank you to St Martin's and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a beautiful small-town romance story without the intimate graphics that so many romance stories feel the need to be added. It is a story of second chances and being grateful for what God has given you. A bit predictable, this was okay with me. The characters Lorri and Ryder are totally likeable and down to earth that you are glad they find happiness. Also, how delightful to meet “Mister”, Lorri’s dog. It deals with love lost and love found, and in the end the good guys win. A quick read, if you love a good old-fashion love story, then this “Hallmark” story is just for you.

Many thanks to #netgalley #theweddingranch #nancynaigle for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was a beautifully written story about tragedy, loss, divorce & moving on. Reminded me of a Hallmark movie. The neighborhood & the ranch both sound stunning. The type of place I’d love to visit or call home. Many emotions while reading this & I love when people get a second chance at life & love.

Thank you NetGalley, Nancy Naigle and St. Martin's Press for the ARC
The Wedding Ranch. This is my personal review.
Nancy Naigle has again written a wonderful book. This was a love story that had so many emotions in it that I could not have guessed what was going to happen between Lorri and Ryder. The connection was one I never saw coming but it was exactly what the story needed.
Getting to find love is a hard thing to do and both Lorri and Ryder were made for each other. The story had everything I wanted and then even more. Love, friendship, family small town and one amazing dog!
This is one book that you will be so glad you picked up to read.

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a predictable romance...but you wouldn't want it any other way! Lorrie's husband leaves her and she moves to a house in the country. There, she meets Ryder who is still grieving the deaths of his wife and son by a drunk driver. As they get closer, they seem to heal each other, until a devastating fact breaks them apart...
In the meantime, Ryder's niece and nephew have created the most interesting event venue in the area, with Ryder's financial help. Called The Wedding Ranch, it is host to many big events, but the coup is the wedding of a country star, which will put them on the map! But will they ever be able to host a wedding for their uncle Ryder?

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which ended just as it should have! Thanks to the author,St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Name of Book: The Wedding Ranch
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press ~ Griffin
Genre: Chick Lit
Pub Date: December 6, 2022
My Rating: 3.5 rounded up!

Lorri Walker’s husband Craig leaves her after fifteen years of marriage for someone younger.
Lorri and her dog ‘Mister’ move to a newly developed area as she needs a new start.
She meets Ryder a rancher, who is having a hard time dealing with the death of his wife and son who were killed by a drunk driver. Plus there is also bitter over the property his father sold to the developer that Lorri’s house sits on.
Hmmm will these two have a second chance of love?

Okay this Hallmark story is predictable ~ however if it weren’t I would have thrown the book across the room.
Sometimes it is nice to read a story and end it with a smile on my face.

In the 'About the Author’ we learn that Ms. Naigle likes to write small town love stories with a dash of suspense and a lot of heart.
Awww nothing wrong with THAT!
She has written two Christmas stories "Christmas Joy" and "Hope at Christmas", that have been turned into films for the Hallmark Channel.
So calling this a Hallmark story is a positive!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press ~ Griffin for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 6, 2022