Hope at Christmas: A Novel

Nancy Naigle

Oct 2017 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this eBook

NOW A HALLMARK ORIGINAL MOVIE!

Nancy Naigle delivers a heartwarming Christmas story that proves you can always go home again in Hope at Christmas.

Sydney Ragsdale is looking for a fresh start far away from her controlling ex-husband and the self-doubt that has plagued her since the divorce. Returning to her childhood home in Hopewell, North Carolina is just what her soul needs. Praying some Christmas magic will follow her she moves with her daughter to a farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents. While there Sydney finds solace working at The Book Bea, her favorite bookstore.

Single dad Kevin MacAlea, Mac to his friends, is the local high school history teacher and baseball coach. He is also the towns best kept secret—he has been playing Santa since his son was born twelve years ago. Mac loves the enchantment of the season and wants his son to share in his joy.

When a catastrophe forces The Book Bea to close before the end of the year, everyone in the small town is feeling the loss. While Sydney is already off-balance by the bad news, her ex-husband breaks a promise to their daughter that sends her running away and threatens the relationship that she has begun with Mac.

As Sydney and Mac try to figure out what their next steps are together they will soon discover that there’s always hope at Christmas.

Ratings and reviews

A fantastic story of new beginnings and finding love when you least expect it. This is a great wholesome small town romance. It's wonderfully written and has some very interesting characters. Recently divorced Sydney Ragsdale moves herself and her 10 year old daughter to Hopewell, NC for a fresh start. Something her daughter is not too happy about. Sydney hopes that the wonderful people of the little town will eventually win Ray Anne over. Spending time at the Book Bea and meeting Kevin "Mac" MacAlea and his son Seth seem to be just the magic needed. This is a relaxing heartwarming read that you will definitely want on your must read list. I highly recommend it.

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/19/17 ...This book was actually quite refreshing as a break from the more explicit romances I have been reading lately. Sometimes you just need something romantic and uplifting. There is a bit of sad within the story, but the hope that surrounds everyone within the town battles back every time. I guess you really can go back home. 😊 Probably my only complaint is the slow moving progress between Mac and Sydney. The first half is geared towards getting to know everyone and the second half, they finally “meet” and go from there. However, I felt that the story was pretty realistic had it been actually occurring. Everyone doesn’t just hop in to bed as soon as they meet and, having completed this book, I am glad they did not. Such an action would not have fit these characters. I love the holiday spirit in the town and their caroling tradition. I could see myself participating in such an event. All in all, Hopewell is the kind of place people would want to visit – a place for magic – a place with the cutest little book shop that any reader would love to encounter. If you are looking for a story full of Christmas cheer and hope; not to mention overcoming circumstances beyond ones control, you will not be disappointed. Throw in a sweet little romance – fuzzy socks, a fire, and coffee required – and you will be set to enjoy this holiday season. Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.

Hope at Christmas is the newest release from author Nancy Naigle. Ms. Naigle is my go-to author for sweet and emotional romances and she delivers every single time. I have to say that after all Sydney's ex had put her through, I loved she decided to move her daughter to Hopewell to start over. Hopewell is a small town and honestly made me think a little bit of the small town where I grew up. My favorite part of the story was the fact that Sydney felt at home again in Hopewell once she found The Book Be was still open. I especially loved Bea who owned and ran the bookstore. Honestly, if felt a bit like the bookstore itself was a character in this story. My heart broke for Ray Anne and how her father kept breaking promises to her over and over again. I loved that with Sydney's love and new friends in Hopewell, Ray Anne started to find her footing in their new town. I really loved that Seth; Mac's son seemed to become Ray Anne's new best friend. As she was a bit of a tomboy, it made total sense she would have a best guy friend. I also loved the fact that the kids kept pushing their parents together so they were able to spend more time together. Both Mac and Sydney had really bad experiences with love in the past. Granted Mac's bad experience had been many years ago. I loved how patient he was with Sydney in giving her the time she needed to be ready for more than just friendship. I did love they were friends before they moved into a romantic relationship. Not that everything was completely smooth sailing for them, but I loved that Mac was willing to give Sydney the time and understanding she needed after everything she had been through with her ex. Nancy Naigle writes emotion filled sweet romances. I've always thought her books would be perfect for the Hallmark Channel and have to reiterate that fact with Hope at Christmas. I highly recommend Hope at Christmas to romance readers who love sweet romances. Rating: 4 Stars (B+) Review copy provided by publisher

About the author

USA Today bestselling author NANCY NAIGLE whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she currently calls North Carolina home. Nancy is the author of Christmas Joy.