ARC Review: Hope At Christmas by Nancy Naigle

Title: Hope At Christmas

Author: Nancy Naigle

Release Date: October 10, 2017 (ARC)

Publisher: St Martin’s Press

Category: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Type: Digital

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Blurb:

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

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.

Dialogue Highlight:

“By the way,” Bea said. “The books we ordered for Mac came in. You should take them to him.”

“Yeah. I can take them tonight.”

“Or you could take them now.”

“Why would I do that?”

“So you can see him, without the kids. Do I have to tell you everything?”

“Apparently so. I’m a little out of practice.”

Excerpt:

“Excuse me, it’s Sydney, right?” The man’s voice caught her off guard.

“Yes. Hi.” She pushed her hair back behind her ear. “Sorry, I was miles away there for a second.” She recognized him immediately from yesterday. One didn’t just forget those arresting eyes. “Mac. Hi again.”

“I didn’t see Bea. Is she here?”

“No. She wasn’t feeling well. Can I help you with something?”

“She orders books in for me from time to time. I teach history over at the high school.”

“I used to love history. Could never remember the dates so I never got good grades in it, but I always liked the stories.”

The young boy to his side spoke up. “He’s the baseball coach, too.”

Mac blushed. “My son. And biggest fan. Seth.”

“Hi, Seth. My daughter is around here somewhere. Y’all are probably close to the same age.”

Seth looked around.

Mac fumbled with a piece of paper. “I have all the information on the books here. Titles. Author. ISBN. Do you think you could order one of each for me?”

“Sure.” Sydney took the piece of paper and tried to act like she knew exactly what to do, although she was completely clueless about where Bea ordered her books. But she could certainly find out. “Happy to. If you want to leave me your number I can call you and let you know when they arrive.”

Mac pulled an ink pen from his shirt pocket. “Great.”

She handed him the list back.

He wrote down his name, an email address, and his phone number, then scrawled a line under it and handed it back to her.

“I’ll take care of this,” she said, feeling very much like maybe he was expecting her to say something else.

Seth spotted RayAnne and walked away.

Mac watched his son walk away. When he turned back his eyes connected with hers. “You’re new to town, so I was wondering if I might be able to show you around sometime. Nothing fancy. Just, ya know, I thought I could introduce you to some people. Someone said you were a single parent. I am too. Not like a date. Just being neighborly. I mean it’s not easy being a single parent. Or new to a town. I’m rambling.”

She laughed nervously. “Yes, you are. And yes.” Oh my gosh. She felt absolutely giddy.

“Yes?”

“We could do something some time.” She pointed to Seth and RayAnne. “Looks like our kids are hitting it off already.”

“Great. Then yes.”

“Okay.”

“So, I’ll show you around.”

“I guess I should tell you that I did just move to Hopewell, but I used to come here as a kid. My grandparents had a place on the edge of town. My grandmother brought me to The Book Bea all the time. I’d read more books over a summer than I could pack in a box to take home.”

“And now you’re back.”

“Yeah. I’m back. Time for a change.”

Review:

Sydney Ragsdale is at the end of a very unexpected divorce. She had thought she had a good life, but was blind-sided when her husband up and left her for a younger woman. Worse still, all of her friends knew and it had been going on for a couple of years behind her back. She had been that strong woman behind the successful man and for what? Dealing with hurt, anger, resentment … all of the emotions that go along with loss, she moves herself and daughter to the small town of Hopewell where her grandparents had left her a house. Memories of childhood flood her thoughts and a connection with an old acquaintance helps her come to terms with her new circumstances. Opportunities arise in several places and before too long, Hopewell is looking more permanent than a temporary stop to get her life back in control. She still has a couple of run ins with her ex, but the most unexpected romance begins to blossom with an all-around-good-guy. Fresh out of this divorce and still smarting from the hurt has understandably given her trust issues. Problem is, trust is everything and she’s not sure she can put her or her daughter through it again.

Kevin (Mac) MacAlee is almost too good to be true. Almost. There are a few perfect guys out there, right? He’s been a single Dad since his young wife took off and left him and their son around Christmas years ago. He and Seth have a good groove and have moved on – mostly. Seth is still not much in to Christmas since is brings back memories of their old life. Seth and Sydney’s daughter, RayAnne, hit it off and before too long their parents are hanging out frequently so the kids can be together. Mac sees something in Sydney that he wants to explore further and spending time together has only increased his longing. But he also knows he has to tread carefully or risk never getting the chance he wants. After progressing a bit, an accident puts their fragile relationship to the test, but most especially Sydney’s trust. Mac is the only one who can convince her that the risk is worth fighting for.

This is a really sweet contemporary romance novel. A few kissing scenes and nothing else, those who enjoy tame romance have definitely come to the right place. I’m not sure you could classify this book as inspirational, but there are a few scenes with prayer peppered throughout, so possibly. 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.