After forgiving her husband for one infidelity six months later Lorri finds herself about to be divorced when he betrays her again but this time he is leaving to be with her. The only good thing to come out of her marriage is her dog Mister so she heads to Dalton Mill where Ryder comes into her life when he rescues her at the county fair.

Ryder has endured a devastating loss that he is still trying to heal from, and he is close to his sister and his niece and nephew. When he meets Lorrie, she leaves quite the impression, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more but first they must deal with the past.

Lorrie is the first woman to make Ryder feel since the death of his wife and they bring each other a happiness they never expected to feel again as they help each other forgive and heal. I listed to an audio copy of this story and thought the narrator did a great job with both the pacing of the story as well as emotion.

This was a sweet, heartwarming story about two hurting people. The story opens with Lorri, whose fifteen-year marriage to Craig is in trouble. But when he brings her an adorable mastiff puppy, she believes things are on the mend. She's blindsided six months later when he leaves her for the puppy trainer. Lorri decides the best thing she can do is move away from the memories and start over, where she can rediscover who she is. So she takes Mister, the dog, and moves to the small town of Dalton Mill. I loved the vivid descriptions of her home, her renewed passion for painting, and the joy she gets from the slower pace.

Ryder is a man buried in grief. His wife and son were killed by a drunk driver seven years earlier. He stays busy working his ranch and spending time with his sister and her family. For him, family is everything, including helping his niece and nephew with their new event venue - The Wedding Ranch. Ryder also feels resentment toward his parents, who sold off some of the family lands to a developer, land that he feels should have been his.

The first few chapters were slow as they covered the breakup of Lorrie's marriage and Ryder's grousing about the land. My interest picked up as Lorrie settled into her new home and adjusted to the slower pace. I loved her decision to go to the county fair and the methodical planning of her schedule so she could see as much as possible. I laughed out loud at her first-timer experience with cotton candy and her fascination with the 4-H show. All the new experiences so consume her mind that she doesn't know she's in the path of a runaway steer until Ryder knocks her out of the way.

Ryder is unexpectedly drawn to Lorrie, and rather than help her up and send her on her way, he offers to show her around the fair until she is fully recovered. They find it incredibly easy to talk to each other, especially once each has assured the other that they aren't looking for a relationship. They agree that a new friend is nothing to sneeze at, so their friendship is formed. Watching them find reasons to spend time together, all in the name of "friendship," was fun.

Ryder finds himself more caught up than usual in Ross and Reece's plans at The Wedding Ranch. When a secret celebrity wedding is booked there, Ryder turns his house over to the wedding party. I loved the closeness between Ryder and the "kids" and his belief in their dream. His willingness to step up and help in any way is sweet. A little drama is attached to the wedding when he jumps to conclusions about Lorrie's presence there, but it is dealt with quickly and realistically.

I liked watching Ryder and Lorrie grow closer. It is clear that their feelings are changing and becoming deeper. Ryder's grief begins to let up a little, and everyone notices that he's smiling and laughing more. My heart broke for him as he told Lorrie about what happened and his feelings of guilt over it. Ryder listens as Lorrie speaks to him about her estrangement from her parents because of her brother's poor decisions and their enabling of him. She's never grieved his death because of her anger. But just as Lorrie is ready to confess her feelings, a devastating discovery threatens to drive them apart. Each must look at their past and decide whether the past or the future is more important. These scenes were both heartbreaking and uplifting, and I ached for both. Of course, love wins out, and I loved seeing them come together.

The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story. I loved their plans and seeing their changes as they moved forward. Ryder's big scene was fantastic and was the perfect ending.

Heartbreak and redemption. Love lost and love found. A sweet read that will have you falling for the characters and their cozy little town.

A book that draws you in from the very beginning is rare, but The Wedding Ranch did just that. All appearances lead the reader to assume this is a standard romance with contrived conflicts to delay the couple from getting together. Nancy Naigle sets up the characters of Lorri and Ryder as being from two worlds with little in common. The meet cute that brings them together is unique and the reader is prepared for the usual fare. However, clues soon arise that tells us that this is not just a romance. There are family and life issues that will provide challenges to this couple that may be unsurmountable. Raced through to the end with lots of tears. Good book for the end of the year.

An emotional story of loss, rediscovery, and hope. I lost myself in this story and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Small town, Christian, slow burn romance. I’m sure lots of people will love it but it didn’t meet my expectations at all. It wasn’t noted that it was religious/Christian and I’m not a fan of those novels to start off. Focused a little too much on the heavy topics. Leans more to women’s fiction than romance.

Happy publication month for this wholesome, small town romance! If you like Hallmark movies, this book is meant for you. It's a sweet strangers to friends to lovers romance that just warms your heart.

I liked how real and honest Lorri and Ryder were with each other from the moment they happened to meet. I enjoyed how they navigated their relationship as their friendship grew, and more truths of their past came to the surface.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Nancy Naigle for the ARC of this book!

Of note from the ARC, there were a couple continuity errors that I noticed, I'm not sure if they were corrected in the final proof (minor "spoilers" that won't really affect your enjoyment and can barely be called spoilers):
1. When Lorri is getting ready to go the county fair, she makes a point of not bringing her purse because she will have to keep track of it; then at the fair she pulls a map of the fair out of her purse so she can find the class she wants to attend.
2. When Pat is going to visit Lorri, Pat asks if she can come over on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Lorri agrees but says she will be out with Ryder on Wednesday and won't be around, Pat doesn't mind since she'll be working. Then later Pat arrives Wednesday night, no mention of plans changing back to arriving on Wednesday.

Both Lorri and Ryder are struggling when the meet, but can they bring positive change for each other? Great read, looking forward to more books from this author.

This is a Cowboy Small Town Romance. This book is very slow to get going, and it also took me a while to connect to the characters. I almost DNF this book, but I am glad I kept going. Once, I was pulled into the story I really enjoyed it. There was a big twist in this book that I did see coming, but I still loved how it was handled. I really love the dog in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Nancy Naigle) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

THE WEDDING RANCH is a second-chance romance for Lorri and Ryder, neither of whom believes it’s in their cards for a future together. She’s divorced after giving her ex-husband more chances than he deserved. He’s a widower who tragically lost his wife and son in an accident with a drunk driver. Their unexpected meeting is filled with romance, attraction, and more.

Ryder has become a loner since the loss of his family. He’s surrounded by extend family—his sister, niece and nephew, and at times his traveling parents. Lorri is angry with her brother (who died) and her parents and surrounds herself with friends. Yet “her” friends are actually her ex’s friends as well.

Lorri’s dog, Mister, a gift from her ex-husband before they divorced, is a wonderful addition to the story, as are Ryder’s horses. There are romantic gestures galore from Ryder, each one better than the other. I loved that we get to know them a little at a time and see how much better they are together especially when they learn to communicate. There is closure with the epilogue that has so much packed into it as well as hints of another romance that’s brewing.

For an emotional romance that’s jam-packed with good feeling, read THE WEDDING RANCH. You won’t be disappointed!

3.5 Stars
This was a sweet slow to burn story about two people who had been through a lot and needed to figure out their next chapter in life. We have them meeting each other at just the right time, and eventually, see they are the answer to the question of what's next.

When Lorri and Ryder meet, neither wants to pursue a relationship. She has just finalized a divorce from her husband who cheated on her, and Ryden lost his wife and young son tragically years prior. So the two agree to just be friends. Bit of course, that changes over the course of the book.

The Wedding Ranch is a mix of romance and more general women's fiction. Much of the story focuses on Lorri's journey through grief and healing. The book includes a strong Christian influence throughout.

I enjoyed insight into both Lorri and Ryder's jobs as a graphic designer and farmer. I was surprised there wasn't more of a focus on the Wedding Ranch that his nephew and niece run on his property, given the title.

I recommend this for those who prefer a slower paced, Christian novel focused more on characters than romance.

Thank you to SMP Romance and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

CW: drunk driving crash off page

Lorri Walker's life changes forever when her husband, seemingly wanting to re-commit, ends up leaving her for good. In the wake of re-defining her life, she moves to a small town and builds relationships with unexpected connections.

Definitely a slow ramp up, and the dog featured in the story was cute - a heartwarming small town story about building trust and moving on over time.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy.

The Wedding Ranch is a sweet, slow burn, second chance romance with all the feels.
Lorri and Ryder's story is wholesome, and doesn't lack for romance, It follows Lorri, the divorced former wife to a cheater and Ryder, the widower who lost his wife and son in a tragic car accident. These two manage to find themselves meeting following an encounter with a farm animal at the local fair. The two grow as friends before a devastating secret is revealed that threatens the future Ryder and Lorri may have.

This story reminded me of a cozy Hallmark romance. I love a cute small town with an eclectic cast of characters. Watching Lorri find a way to overcome her past and find love in a good man who treats her well hit just the right tone. I would have enjoyed some bad karma for Craig and Tiffany but otherwise this was a really sweet, enjoyable story.

A nice and touching story about two people finding a second chance at love after loss. Lorri was living in an unfulfilling marriage and recently got divorced and moved to a new city. Ryder is still grieving the loss of his wife and son from an accident several years prior. When a steer gets loose at the local fair, Lorri and Ryder quite literally bump into each other. Instantly they find an easy connection and friendship between the two of them that builds into potentially something more.

The story reads easily and flows well alternating between Lorri and Ryder’s POVs. The plot twist can be spotted from a mile away and it took Lorri way longer than it should have to make the connection. There are topics of grief, addiction, forgiveness and hope for the future throughout that are handled very well. The bright spot through the story was Mister, Lorri’s mastiff who was a gift from her ex husband before he left her for another woman.

Rating 3.5 stars


Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Lorri's marriage has been on the rocks. She really believes her husband is trying to make things work when he gives her a puppy on Valentine's Day. Not long after, her husband has his suitcase packed and announces he wants a divorce. Lorri moves herself and her puppy to a neighborhood she's always wanted to move to - Dalton Mill. She meets her neighbors and makes new friends, one being the handsome Ryder. Ryder has experienced tragic losses in his life and his main focus is family - especially his niece and nephew. Neither Lorri nor Ryder want a romantic relationship right now, but is it possible for them to remain just friends? When it seems as though they finally have their intentions figured out, some devastating information comes to light. Are they willing to work through this together?

The Wedding Ranch was a really sweet read with some heavy topics - grief, guilt, forgiveness, new beginnings. This was a really quick read for me - I finished it over the course of a weekend. Also, I really want a Mister in my life!! This is the first time I've read Nancy Naigle and I look forward to reading more.

When I pick up a novel with Nancy Naigle's name on the cover, I always know that I am in for a delightfully romantic read... and The Wedding Ranch certainly did not disappoint. Right from the first page I found myself drawn into this one, and that only deepened as the story went on. Ryder and Lorri were both such wonderful characters who had had their hearts broken before--- Lorri through her husband leaving her and Ryder through the loss of his wife and son in a car accident. Neither were looking for romance... but in life as is in fiction, that seemed to be just when it showed up. I so enjoyed the chemistry between these two and seeing them get their second chance at a happily ever after, despite things that could stand in their way.

This story had a lot of small town charm and family dynamics that I always enjoy. It was perhaps a bit predictable at points, but in the best way possible... just the type of sweet romance that I very much enjoy. There were also a few characters from previous books that make an appearance so existing fans can certainly appreciate that (and new fans will not feel like they're missing anything either!) Overall, an enjoyable read and one that fans of Hallmark-type love stories are sure to enjoy.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This one was fine… it was entertaining but didn’t blow me away.

It’s a romance but almost more like a women’s fiction.

I enjoyed seeing Lorri rediscover herself after moving to Dalton Mill. I also enjoyed seeing her relationship with Ryder build. I definitely saw the “drama” coming when both Lorri and Ryder discussed some of their baggage, but I am glad to see they were able to resolve it maturely.

Overall just fine.

Lorri Walker's move to Dalton Mill is her fresh start after her husband's affair.

Ryder Bolt is still dealing with his own tragic loss and grief.

As their friendship develops, their own burdens and past traumas lighten and they find themselves seeking each other's company. Can they move on from their pasts and enjoy a future together?

I really enjoyed Lorri and Ryder's story. They are both struggling and find the help they need in each other. They are also a little older and more mature which is nice to see. Ryder's family is so supportive and really took care of each other. Lorri's friend Pam is the best friend we all need!

There were some instances that I felt Lorri and Ryder's reactions were a little over the top but they were short lived.

Overall I recommend if you are looking for a small town romance with all the cozy vibes.

A very sweet slow burn romance about two lovely yet lonely broken people who are trying to live their lives in a very different manner than they’d imagined. They’re very opposite in so many ways and yet… Lorri has moved away from all she knew to get away from her cheating and despicable ex. Craig lost wife and child tragically and is truly stuck and though loves his sister and her family, is riddled with guilt that he wasn’t with them when they were taken from him. The road to their HEA is going along nicely, until some history is uncovered and then its a will they won’t they or even can they? It’s a wonderful story to them finding themselves and love.