What Remains True: A Novel

Nancy Naigle

May 2022 · Sold by WaterBrook

About this eBook

One woman wants to win a bet. One man wants to become a rodeo champion. One little girl may give them both something even better—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.
 
“A commitment-phobic rodeo star and a divorcée with secrets find love in this wholesome romance. . . . As uplifting as it is sweet.”—Publishers Weekly

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? 

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care. 

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

Ratings and reviews

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is truly an amazing story of new beginnings, relationships, and the results of facing unexpected challenges. Another theme running through is that of honesty and the importance of being honest. Merry Anna Foster is charmed by the small town of Antler Creek North Carolina as she drives through, decides to take a job at a locally owned, rent an old bunkhouse, and settle in she recovers from a nasty divorce. By slowing down from her hectic life as head of her family business, Merry Anna is discovering all of her hidden talents; gardening, painting, fixing up old items and giving them a new life. Merry Anna doesn't tell anyone in town about her divorce, her background, or where she's originally from; she wants to remain hidden, she wants to figure out what she really wants in life, and she wants to be free from her ex forever. Adam Locklear, a rodeo bull rider, plans to get to the finals so he can earn enough money to retire from the rodeo and start another career. He does not have time for romance. He did not count on meeting Merry Anna. Adam gets the surprise of his life when he learns he has a five year-old daughter, Zan, and becomes responsible for her care. Having Zan in his life affects Adam's life and his relationship with Merry Anna; causing him to reassess his priorities with his career, with his life, with himself. Zan not only added another layer to the story but this smart, happy, sweet little girl stole the heart of all she met. Ms. Naigle really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel in this story with the residents of Antler Creek being friendly and welcoming of newcomers. This is a sweet and emotional story. The amazing cast of supporting characters including Tara, Merry Anna’s new neighbor and Krissy, Merry Anna’s boss added to enjoyment of this story which T kept my attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend What Remains True to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of What Remains True by Nancy Naigle. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating. What Remains True is another well written novel with complex characters and a heartfelt plot. The pacing pulled me into the story right away and kept my interest until the end. The writing gives just enough description to allow my imagination the wander. Merry Anna Foster is the heroine, and she has a bit of baggage from her past marriage. Her ex-husband expects her to continue to support him so he can skate by without working. This makes her distrustful of men and determined to remain heart whole. Adam Locklear is a yummy hero, a cowboy who is determined to carry away the title as the best bull rider of the year. When life throws him a curveball, he must re-evaluate his goals. He accepts the arrival of Zan who he finds out is his daughter fairly well. I liked his willingness to accept the child and care for her when her mother has a mental breakdown. The romance between Adam and Merry Anna is sweet as it usually is in Ms. Naigle’s romances. The couple are drawn to each other, even though each are fighting it all the way. I enjoyed their romance and wanted them to find their happy ending. If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance with engaging characters and a faith-based plot, then you will love What Remains True as much as I did. I always enjoy Ms. Naigle’s novels, and this is one of her best. Happy reading!

Merry Anna needs a fresh start and finds it – and herself – in Antler Creek, North Carolina. After her divorce, she takes a leave of absence from the family business and decides to stay in this little town she comes across when getting gas. She quickly falls in love with the town. The slower pace of life, appreciating the smaller things and making genuine friends, as well as attending church again all have Merry Anna feeling happier than she has ever felt. Adam Locklear is a professional bull rider on the path to the championship this year. He has a big goal and hopes that by winning this year, he can retire to the back end of the sport with the livestock. He was the previous owner of the bunkhouse Merry Anna is living in and is her neighbor. They’re both going through so much and trying to find themselves and what matters most but also trying to avoid a relationship. However, these two are absolutely meant to be and can’t seem to stop what God has planned. I loved the theme of following your heart, trying new things, and believing in the possibility of more. I absolutely loved this book! The characters were the perfect small-town blend and the setting could not have been better. I fell in love with Antler Creek as much as I did Merry Anna and Adam. This would be an incredible start to a series. I for one would love to keep visiting Antler Creek. It would make a wonderful movie! The story had healing, love, and faith – all the elements that make your heart smile. I received an early copy and am providing my honest review.

About the author

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author whose many contemporary romance novels include The Shell Collector and the Adams Grove, Boot Creek, and Christmas in Evergreen series. Several of her novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, including the popular Christmas Joy and The Secret Ingredient. Nancy makes her home in Virginia.