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 a sweet story. I thought it contained good writing with realistic characters. It did, though, take me a little while to get invested in the story. I liked Merry Anna Foster who is discovering hidden talents. I like how she tried new things such as planting a garden, fixing up old items, and painting a barn quilt for her home. I felt bad for her with regard to her parents and her ex-husband. Her parents should have supported her decisions. Of course, it would have helped if Merry Anna had told them the truth about her ex-husband. Merry Anna was passing through Antler Creek and fell in love with the town. Merry Anna takes a break from her job at the family office supply company which has consumed her life. Merry Anna gets a job at a local store and rents an old bunkhouse. She falls in love with the town and soon finds hidden talents. Merry Anna’s neighbor is bull rider, Adam Locklear. He also owns the local feed and seed. Adam has invested everything in obtaining the top title this year in the rodeo circuit. He does not have time for romance. He did not count on meeting Merry Anna. Adam gets a surprise when he learns he has a daughter, and he is now responsible for her care. This certainly puts a kink in Adam’s plans. What Remains True is a charming story. I like reading this type of book during the summer. There is a great cast of supporting characters that includes Tara, Merry Anna’s new neighbor and Krissy, Merry Anna’s boss. I love the descriptions of the items at Krissy’s shop. There were many things I wanted to purchase including the barn quilt ornaments. Little Zan stole the show. She is a sweet little girl who is smart and happy. The Christian element is light (the characters attend church). I did feel the ending was a little rushed. One of the themes in the story is how not being truthful complicates relationships. It can lead to misunderstandings, the loss of trust, and even the loss of a friend. I liked the community of Antler Creek. The residents are friendly and welcome newcomers. The author really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel. There were fun events for people to attend. The residents are quick to help each other out and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes. It was interesting learning more about bull riding. It is certainly a dangerous profession. I had never heard of mutton busting (I do not know if I would let my child try it). I like how the title is tied into the story. I believe Tara needs a story of her own so we can find out what happens to her home. What Remains True is a great book to read while laying by the pool or in front of a roaring fire in the winter. What Remains True is a charming tale with a comfortable bunkhouse, beautiful barn quilts, a rodeo rider, a cheerful child, an incessant ex-husband, unsupportive parents, and new ventures.

Sometimes those who wander are not lost. A lovely story of second chances, stepping out of your comfort zone and entering the world as a different person. I wonder how many of us would get into the car and just drive with no particular purpose in mind, other than to get away and leave the past behind? Merry Anna did just that and found a spot to rest, rejuvenate and find herself where there were no expectations! The little town of Antler Creek sounds like a dream in our busy lives. The author has moved us into the small town, introducing us to all the wonderful characters that make up the story. Adam is a rodeo cowboy - a bull rider! The thrill and danger is set out in great detail for the reader to enjoy. Will he even live to survive such a dangerous career? Krissy is the proprietor of the eclectic gift store that specializes in barn quilts - a concept that brings much beauty to our world. The coffee shop owner, the cafe chef and others round out the wonderful individuals that call Antler Creek home. This ARC was received through WaterBrook, Random House and NetGalley. My thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.

You know I love a good read that has me engrossed and fully entertained as I go on the journey with the characters.I really loved Merry Anna and Adam's story. I really liked how the scenes of the rodeo played out , it was like watching for real.This story was full of hope , love and surprises .This will definitely go in my top ten reads of 2022

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.