Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Review - - Christmas Angels: A Novel


Christmas Angels: A Novel
by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    


Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.

When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn't another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.
While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she's meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz that she's found a home? And possibly true love as well?

My thoughts:

Nancy Naigle is one of the authors I turn to time and again for sweet, feel-good romances set in small-town America. If you love Hallmark holiday movies - like I do - you've probably already watched a film, or two, based on her books. Christmas Angels is one more I'd love to see brought to the screen. 

Naigle brings the North Carolina mountain town of Antler Creek to life through vivid descriptions, colorful characters, and one over-sized pup who captured my heart. Liz and Matt are both likeable, realistic characters who engaged my heart. I really enjoyed Liz's journey, her innate kindness, and her evolution as she finally discovers who - and where - she's meant to be. Matt is a wonderful hero. I adored him. I want him. But, alas, he's meant for Liz and they really are perfect together. Their relationship is a slow burn with a solid base of friendship, chemistry, and deep emotion that left me confident in their future together.

There's a strong thread of kindness and generosity running through this book along with an organic spirituality. Naigle knows her characters and the region in which she's placed them well. I live only a couple hours down the road from the (fictional) Antler Creek and by the time I finished reading, all I wanted to do was hop in my car and drive up there to eat at the diner, browse the candle shop, tour the barn quilts, and bask in the glow of the Christmas lights. And, maybe, catch a glimpse of Liz and Matt, happy and in love, walking together through this thing called life. 

If you're ready to kick off your holiday reading season with a book that brings all the feels, curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and Nancy Naigle's Christmas Angels



9 comments:

  1. I was fortunate enough to read this book and liked it very much. A sweet story, a terrific hero and a strong heroine who knows her own mind.

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  2. nice review. another one to add to my growing Christmas holiday list.

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  3. I've already read this book. Your review is spot on. Loved it!

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  4. I have this one on my Christmas TBR. Glad to hear it is another winner from a favourite author.

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  5. This sounds like a delightful book. It sounds like one I will be adding to my Christmas collection to reread yearly.

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