Nancy Naigle is one of my go to authors. She never disappoints. And Then There Was You really pulled on my emotions as a woman. Trusting in someone and being betrayed is heartbreaking. Then finding another to love and trust who will return those emotions is scary and exciting. This book is a wonderful ride of all the feels.

Squeaky clean and heart warming. Young widow Natalie Maynard comes home from vacation to learn that her new boyfriend is a professional con-artist and has taken almost everything she owns. She reports it to the police and Detective Randy Fellowes wants to see justice done. She takes some time recovering and staying with a best friend when she recalls that her husband has a hunting/fishing cabin a couple of hours away. She wonders if she could live there as she starts over.

The small town of Chestnut Ridge welcomes her. She is a nurse and she provides some companion care but more so find other talents to help support her. In the mean time Detective Randy continues to stay in touch.

This is more women’s fiction as Natalie is the focus while she settles into small town life. She has to learn to trust again after being bamboozled. For me to call something a romance that has to be the focus for more than half the book and in this case it isn’t. Randy is a great guy but this is her story.

I’m new to the author but can see she has had books adapted for Hallmark which fits the writing. This is the first in a new series and while I enjoyed the story I wanted more of a romance. The two MCs spend very little time together until the later part of the book. Thank you to Set Martin’s Press for offering me an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)

And Then There Was You is a sweet story about a women, Natalie, rebuilding her life after trusting the wrong person and losing everything. She moves to a small town in the mountains and more secrets are revealed. Natalie and Randy are a good couple and I liked the natural progression in their relationship. A good lesson from this story is that family can be complicated and sometimes family is not just who we are related to.

I enjoyed reading this lovely novel. The author really makes you invested in the characters. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

I have always loved Nancy Naigle's Books! This story is about a woman who is still grieving the loss of her first husband when she ends up being swindled out of everything by the second man she feels something for. She is now determined to become an independent woman who does not need a man to be happy. She moves to a small town where her dead husband had a small hunting lodge far in the woods.
The detective working on the case of of man who swindled her has been a huge help and she considers him a friend. However, he wants more, but she refuses to accept that ever again.
This love story is timeless and, the end===the end===WOW!!! Get the kleenex ready!!

Slow Burn Hallmarkie Southern Romance. This is another of those books that almost seems destined for the small screen on the Hallmark Channel or one of its newer competitors. But here, the romance is *very* slow burn, taking nearly all of this books 350 or so pages to finally get the couple together - and even then, they barely kiss, much less anything else. So this is definetly more for the "sweet" and/ or "clean" crowd than the crowd that wants damn near erotica level sex in the first chapter. (You know what I mean, and you know who you are.) Cursing is next to non-existent here, and may even be completely non-existent - I certainly don't remember any. Prayers, church attendance, mentions of God and Jesus... those are far more plentiful - and just as accurate to the Southern small mountain town setting as the broken families, abuse, and alcoholism that are also discussed, but which take place long before this book and are only discussed - not shown "on screen".

Indeed, the bulk of the tale is a woman being conned... and then trying to re-establish her life after very nearly everything other than her breath is taken from her. Here, the book truly shines as the reader feels quite viscerally everything our lead is going through, as well as just how much the investigator assigned to her case wants to solve it for her. Naigle uses this structure to first get our lead to the point of being willing to move - and then to show the small town that will serve as the basis for the rest of this series (more on that momentarily) as an outsider would see it, for all its wonders and faults.

Really the only thing quite obviously missing here is an obvious second book, as this is listed as "number one" in a new series. As the series name is the same as the town name, clearly the town itself will be central to this series, and thus its establishment here is quite solid indeed. There's just no real obvious "oh, this is who we're tracking in the next book" set up. Or maybe I just missed it?

Overall a solid tale of its type, one that some will absolutely adore and others will find... the nearest window to throw it out of. Still, for what it is, truly a good tale, well told. Very much recommended.

I am a big fan of Nancy Naigle and her well-crafted, charming characters finding new beginnings in lovely small communities.

This book involves Natalie, a naive 30ish (?) widowed woman, who loses everything to a con artist. She meets a hunky detective victim. She also moves to the Blue Ridge Mountains to rebuild her life.
(in the cabin she forgot her deceased husband left to her). She putters along, painting note cards, driving seniors, mostly happy to be inert. It takes a whole town to moves Natalie along the narrative to resolution.

I was hoping for a major twist where Natalie turns out to be a con artist in her own right and takes over the inn that isn't an inn. She was able to integrate herself into a small rural community overnight and got a job by just showing a driver's license. Just like the con artist did to her! It would have been a genius twist. Anyway....

Unfortunately there were just so many inconsistencies with the timeline distracting me. I think initially this was a summer book but along the way morphed into autumn. Several times Natalie imagines what the fall colors would look like. Even though it is late October. She wants to buy an air conditioner because it's hot up in the mountains. Despite Chestnut Ridge having pumpkins and fall decorations up. She even buys some mums! Also, Randy mentions the stream in spring but he didn't know Natalie then.

Also, Natalie specifically mentions how the 66 Mustang doesn't have power locks or windows, but she then she locks the doors with a key fob?

I did like the side story of fairy stones and spent some time reading more about this unique Blue Ridge phenomenon.

*I received an advance copy of this book from St. Martins Press and Netgalley and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.

I really enjoyed this book. I love to see someone come through a tragedy or loss that turns their life upside down and sends them on a new trajectory, and somehow they become stronger than they were before and are able to still find so much good in life. New friends, new family, new love, new life. Natalie is just a great character who is very likable and I loved her journey. So many other wonderful characters and a good solid storyline made this a nice easygoing read. I look forward to more in this new series.

The title is perfect for this story. The book is a feel good, uplifting story. The story starts with a devastating event for Natalie and ends in such a positive way. I loved how Randy and Natalie connected. I enjoyed every minute of my stay in Chestnut Ridge. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

And Then There Was You is such a beautiful read. I loved this one so much. Your heart goes out to Natalie throughout this entire read. I love her strength as she pulls herself together and moves on. Chestnut Ridge is such a close town that you will fall in love with this entire town and the band of characters in it. Natalie is the perfect fit for this town as she discovers more about her late husband. You will love Randy and his protective ways. He doesn't stop even when the case seems like a dead-end. I love how he goes out of his way to help Natalie recover what was taken from her. I love the sweet friendship that grows between Randy and Natalie. You feel this slow burn between them until Natalie is ready for more. I loved this one so much and cannot wait for more from Chestnut Ridge to come.

When widowed Natalie discovers she was the victim of a scammer, she feels as if all is lost. However, the loss of her lifestyle forces her to turn to other resources in her life. Natalie goes on a journey of discovery about her departed husband's life, and finds not only a home but also a family and many friends that she never knew about. Along the way, Natalie also discovers new love after her loss, and finds that life holds many surprises.

This book is not only a romantic story, but also contains a warning about being preyed upon by scammers who target single and widowed women. The story is a clean one, without violence, descriptive intimacy, or strong language. It is full of likeable people. I would liken this story to a good summer time or beach read. It is listed as first in a series.

I received this novel from NetGalley and from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Fun but every thing was described to much in depth. Easy reading though and relaxing. Just not enough conversations with characters.

Then There Was You is a heartwarming small town romance, perfect everyone who loves sweet Hallmark movies.

Sometimes love is worth the risk!

“A broken heart can possibly be one of the most powerful things in your life. A kickstart, if you will…if you let it.”

A new-to-me author, Nancy Naigle has impressed me with her ability to keep me interested in romance stories! I’ll be honest with you - I’m NOT a romance reader. It was the cover that pulled me in. I could imagine myself there and wanted to find out if this author could write a romance that would sustain my interest.

She can and she did!

I absolutely loved this first installment of the Chestnut Ridge series. Yes, you read that correctly…’absolutely loved.’ The setting and characters were AMAZING and I found myself wanting to be part of the giving kindness in the Chestnut Springs community. I was swept away by the love against all odds story and my inner sleuth was curious about the mystery.

There’s something within us all that wants to see restitution and second chance love for those who’ve been devastated and jaded. Naigle gives us this in her sweet, inspiring, small-town romance. She’s incorporated just enough suspense to balance the sweetness. I loved the eccentric characters in Chestnut Springs, smiled at the amusement over the conman’s name and the truth behind the white ladies’ hat on the door, and was eager for a ride in the sixty-six Fastback and justice to be served

“Family can be strangely difficult.”

Let Naigle sweep you away to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fulton County where you’ll be captivated by her story exploring a broken family, grief, loneliness, hope, and a second-chance romance.

I’m eagerly looking forward to book two.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Natalie finds herself the victim of a crime which leads her to meet Detective Randy Fellows. Natalie then begins a journey of self discovery and finds herself living in the small town of Chestnut Ridge. If you are looking for a sweet story, look no further. To me, the romance seems like a subplot rather than the main focus of the book. This book is slowwwww. I think half of it could have been cut out. Overall, I don’t think it was the book for me.

This was a great read! It was quick and I devoured it.

Natalie is conned by a con man she was dating out of all of her money and belongings. The only thing she jas left is a little cottage in a little small town.

This new town and the detective who's helping her with her case help her find herself again after everything that has happened to her.

There were some twists and turns that kept this story very engaging and entertaining.

After being swindled out of her house, cash, and a majority of her belongings, Natalie Maynard moves to Chestnut Ridge to start a fresh new life. Natalie could not get over how she had been so naive and trusting of that man she thought would be her lifetime partner.

As with most victims of a con, Natalie is ashamed to go public about her situation, even if it meant that the police would have a better chance of apprehending the perpetrator. As the investigation moves forward, the detective on the case — Randy Fellowes, attempts to convince Natalie to go public. And in doing so, finds that Natalie may be just the woman he’s been dreaming of.

And Then There Was You was a wonderful second chance at romance novel. Wholesome, and clean with a dash of faith. It is the quintessential contemporary romance novel.

As usual, Naigle’s characters are well developed. I loved the primary characters. But even the secondary characters had a place in my heart. The back country setting just added to the charm of the characters and small town feel.

The plot contained a few unexpected twists, which made for an engaging read. Yet, there were also a number of poignant and heartfelt moments that moved me to tears. But the pièce de résistance was the finale. It was a welcome and timely surprise.

For Hallmark movie fans, And Then There Was You is a must read. Five glowing stars.

I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

A delightful story. Romance, laughing and some tears. The main characters are truly perfect for each other. Can't wait for the second story.

Natalie Maynard is a widow still mourning her husband when she meets Marc. Marc sweeps her off her feet and soon is cutting her off from her friends. Marc comes home early from their vacation and when Natalie comes home two days later everything is gone! She has been conned.
Detective Randy Fellowes is working her case and she refuses to go public to help hunt down Marc. Randy and Natalie form a bond over the case.
After several months of not finding Marc, Natalie decides to move to Chestnut Ridge her husband had a hunting cabin on a mountain in the Blue Ridge. It's one thing she still owns. After moving there, she meets quite a few locals and soon is settling into small town living.
Randy is still working the case and finally receives a break in the case and finds Natalie the truck that did belong to her husband.
I just loved the writing in this story and can't wait to read about more about Chestnut Ridge.

This book grabbed and and didn't let go, it was like a warm hug, I loved it! From the beginning I wanted justice, I couldn't even imagine, what a predator! What a great mind Nancy Naigle has with the name of the con man, Swindell, and the more I thought about it the more it fit!
Will there be justice? Well, now with nothing left, basically, our girl Natalie makes a decision to move to Chestnut Ridge, and what a great decision! Made me want to live there!
There are surprises on the horizon, some I never saw coming, but later made sense to me! There is some very sweet romance, helping to mend a fractured heart, and now I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review.