I have attempted several time and, unfortunately, just cannot get into this story. I'm afraid it's a DNF at 7% due to lack from a draw in for me.

There’s something about small-town Christmas magic that just hits differently, and Chestnut Ridge? Absolutely delivers. Sheila heads to town to help with the annual Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, thinking it’s just a simple holiday favor. Instead, she finds herself wrapped up in twinkling lights, fresh pine scent, and a whole town full of holiday charm—plus one very community-minded fire captain, Tucker, who is organizing an effort to help a local family after a devastating fire. As Sheila and Tucker work side by side, the holiday spirit isn’t the only thing sparking between them.

This story is pure Christmas warmth—a little bit of romance, a lot of small-town charm, and just the right amount of holiday magic. Sheila’s transformation from city girl to someone who really gets the joy of a close-knit town is heartwarming, and Tucker? Swoon. The way the whole town rallies together to help a family in need makes the story even sweeter. If you love a book that feels like a cozy Hallmark movie in written form, this one has all the right ingredients—a festive setting, community spirit, and a romance that unfolds as beautifully as a snowfall on Christmas Eve.

I’m giving “Christmas in Chestnut Ridge” 4.5 out of 5 stars! It’s got all the cozy vibes, small-town magic, and a romance that will have you rooting for Sheila and Tucker from the start. If you’re looking for a holiday escape that will leave you feeling warm, happy, and maybe ready to book a trip to the nearest Christmas tree farm, this one is a must for your holiday TBR.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle is a heartwarming holiday romance set in a picturesque mountain town, perfect for fans of cozy, feel-good stories. The novel follows Sheila, a woman who, with the encouragement of her best friend, joins in the town's annual Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser. As she becomes more involved in the close-knit community, Sheila experiences a transformative journey of self-discovery, finding warmth, joy, and a newfound sense of belonging amid twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and festive decorations.

Tucker, the town's dependable fire captain, is working tirelessly to help a family devastated by a recent fire. As he leads efforts to support them, Sheila steps in to lend a hand, and sparks begin to fly between the two. Their blossoming relationship, set against the backdrop of a snowy, magical Christmas season, adds an extra layer of charm to this already delightful story.

Naigle weaves a narrative filled with themes of love, community, and the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is a heartwarming, feel-good read that captures the magic of the holiday season and the power of coming together to help others. Fans of festive romances and small-town charm will find this novel to be an enchanting escape into a world where love and generosity thrive.

This book is so good! It has a wonderful cast of characters and a beautiful small town setting. I loved everything about this story and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Until recently, I’d only read Nancy Naigle’s Christmas-themed books, so the first book in this series had a different feel for me. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story from start to finish, so finding that a second book was available, and it’s a Christmas-themed book, I was quite excited. I honestly love reading Christmas books more than watching cheesy Hallmark-type Christmas movies. This is a sweet contemporary romance with elements of faith and family, so if you’re looking for something a bit spicier, this may not be the one for you.

As always, Ms. Naigle’s writing had me thoroughly engaged from the outset. The plot was a bit predictable, but the characters were so well-developed that I felt as if they were friends—even the secondary characters. With themes of community, found family, and self-discovery, this book is full of the crazy ups and downs those themes bring, and it hits all the feels.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4.5)

Another great Christmas novel by Nail. I am always adding her to my list of Christmas Must Reads! Christmas in Chestnut Ridge will of course be on the list!

The characters were well developed, the setting was cozy, and it was a quick easy read.

Perfect cozy holiday read for when you want to curl up with a feel good read! Add a small mountain town setting, a slow burn romance, a journey of finding out who you are now in life and a community coming together to help its own, and you've got a recipe for a cover to cover page turning story.

This was a really great cozy, Hallmark-type, holiday read. I really enjoyed it! Perfect for the season when you want that heartwarming vibe.

This was the perfect holiday read. Cozy, great FMC and i loved the sentiment throughout the story. Thank you for the ARC!

This was a really good heartwarming novel perfect for the holiday season.

Not only was this a romance but it was a book about a small town coming together to help some of their own during a tough time.

I think this book has a very powerful message and it had me tearing up at times. I really liked the romance and getting to experience the growth throughout the book.

4.5⭐️

This was such a nice story of giving and what’s important in life. The small town community, Christmas Tree Stroll, and how everyone was there for and supporting each other was wonderful. Watching Sheila’s and Tucker’s relationship unfold was so natural and enjoyable, and with strong side characters, I loved the friendships and found family aspects as well. I also loved it being set in the Blue Ridge Mountains! This was a touching story with Hallmark vibes that will leave you wanting to visit Chestnut Ridge at Christmas!

✨Dual POV
✨Small Town
✨Sweet Romance
✨No 3rd Act Breakup
✨Found Family
✨Heartwarming

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a Hallmark worthy book. Sheila is busy and seldom takes time for herself. However, when her best friend encourages her to come to Chestnut Ridge and help her decorate a Christmas Tree for the local fundraiser "Christmas Stroll", Sheila decides to accept. Soon she becomes involved in the community, helping a family who just lost their home to a fire. She also becomes very friend with the towns young Fire Chief.

This is a "feel good" book. The characters are sweet and the community sounds idyllic. The writing style is easy-to-read and the story was entertaining and kept my interest. This is a nice escape read.

Sheila's journey of self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring. Through her involvement in the community and her growing connection with Tucker, she finds not only love but also a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Tucker, meanwhile, is the perfect romantic lead—kind, dependable, and selfless, embodying the warmth and reliability of the season.

The subplot of helping a family recover from a devastating fire adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. It showcases the strength of community and the power of coming together in times of need, a theme that feels particularly poignant during the holidays.

Sweet romance set in a lovely place with heartstrings pulled every page! I loved the romance of it and the characters were well developed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher

I liked this one a lot better than the first. You don’t technically need to read the first one to read this one, but it helps because of all the recurring characters from the first book.

I loved seeing the relationship development of Sheila and Tucker. There was so much romantic tension, it was easy to want this slow burn to just speed up because of their chemistry. They were so cute together, and it was nice seeing everything they were doing together for the community. It was great to see all the characters from the first book, too, and the deeper friendships there.

I also loved how this is actually a cozy Christmas book, and not just a book that happens during Christmas time. There was so much stuff related to Christmas, especially the Christmas Tree Stroll, which seemed like so much fun. I did have a cheesy grin on my face at times.

Both Chestnut Ridge books were very relatable to me, since I have moved from a city to a small mountain town, so it reminds me of how things really do change once you’re in a small town. There is a larger sense of community in town. I actually know my neighbors here, and had no idea who they were in the city. Things are slower paced, but also just calmer, and people are nicer. So, if you want a Hallmark movie set in a relatable mountain town, this is your book.

This was a lovely Christmas read! Sheila and Tucker had a cute romance going throughout this book, along with some tragic events in the town. I enjoyed it as a "hallmark" type read. Just a heartwarming type of Christmas book by author Nancy Naigle. (If you have read other books of hers, you will enjoy this one as well!)

Sweet, festive, and absolutely charming! I loved that this one focused on a more mature couple. The town was so lovely. This book was adorable although predictable.

This charming book is everything a Christmas book should be! Get this on your Christmas reading list to put you in the right mood for the holiday season !
Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Nancy Naigle invites readers to a picture-perfect holiday escape with Christmas in Chestnut Ridge. Set in a dreamy mountain town brimming with warmth and charm, this story captures the magic of the season and the power of community, love, and second chances.

Sheila, a talented realtor and decorating enthusiast, heads to Chestnut Ridge to spend Christmas with her best friend and help with a Christmas tree decorating contest. Her keen eye for detail and years of staging homes make her a natural fit for the festive competition. Enter Tucker, the town’s dedicated Fire Chief and its most eligible bachelor. From their very first encounter, sparks fly, and their paths seem destined to intertwine.

As Sheila and Tucker spend more time together, their growing connection becomes undeniable. Against the backdrop of holiday festivities, Sheila finds herself not only enchanted by Tucker’s kindness and quiet strength but also by the close-knit community of Chestnut Ridge. The town’s unwavering support for its residents creates a heartwarming sense of belonging that’s impossible to resist.

Naigle’s storytelling shines in her ability to bring the town and its people to life, making readers feel as though they’re part of the celebrations. The romance between Sheila and Tucker develops naturally, offering a delightful blend of chemistry, tender moments, and holiday cheer.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is a feel-good story that’s perfect for cozying up with during the holiday season. With its idyllic setting, lovable characters, and themes of love and community, it’s a festive tale that will leave readers with a warm heart and a big smile.

~~~ I received a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is such a whole-hearted, festive read. I thoroughly enjoyed watching successful realtor Sheila discover herself over the holiday and find love with Tucker. I also love the idea of a Christmas Tree Stroll- I wish we had one in our community! Overall, this is a book about giving and love that will bring anyone into the holiday spirit. If you love a festive, feel-good read to cuddle up with, you've found it! Add to your Christmas-to-Read list!