What to expect:
*Slow burn
*Closed Door
*Strangers to Lovers

My thoughts: Cute romance of starting over and giving another chance at love. It was a heartwarming story of forgiveness and finding love again

The Wedding Ranch is a lovely offering by author Nancy Naigle. Graphic designer Lorri Walker married Craig too young to escape a troubled home life due to an addicted brother. But it was always more of a marriage of convenience, not that Lorri wasn’t firmly committed to making the marriage work. But when Craig admits to cheating, Lorri doesn’t feel she can. When Craig makes every effort to repent and to show his commitment by presenting Lorri with a Mastiff pup and promising to make sure the pup is trained, she is onboard. But then six months later Craig leaves Lorri for the dog trainer, her young child, and a teacup Yorkie.

So with her new freedom, Lorri moves a few hours out from Raleigh to the small town of Dalton Mill and the new area of Mill Creek Highlands. Due to walking her Mastiff, Mister, Lorri meets neighbor Tinsley who becomes instrumental in the story as does her best friend from Raleigh, Pam.

When Lorri takes an afternoon off from her work-at-home position to visit the local fair, she also makes the acquaintance of Ryder Bolt, widower, land owner, and disgruntled that the land his parents sold from the family hold is now where Lorri’s home is located, when Ryder pushes Lorri out of the way of a charging bull. When it is seen that Lorri has a bump on her head and is somewhat disoriented, Ryder takes her under his wing to watch over her as they share in the activities and midway, taste the fair foods, and get acquainted. Both agree they are not looking for a relationship but can always use a friend. And thus the story takes off!

Once again Ms. Naigle has spun the most delightful of tales told with heart and showing a pathway for two troubled souls to become whole! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

The Wedding Ranch was a sweet, cozy story about finding yourself through all of life’s obstacles. I really enjoyed following along with the main character, Lorri’s journey and I found myself rooting for her happiness. This was my first book from this author and I look forward to reading more!

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is an emotional story of loss, rebuilding as well as learning how to forgive and love once again. For Lorri Walker, married bliss was a myth. Lorri wasn’t miserable in her marriage, but it wasn’t fun and games either. Her marriage to Craig was bordering on mundane. Until one day Craig brings home a mastiff puppy as an offer to repair their relationship. It helped for a while until Craig leaves Lorri for their puppy trainer. After her divorce is final and hoping to start anew, Lorri moves from the busy city life of Raleigh to Dalton Mill. Dalton Mill is a new subdivision in farm country, where each house is on five acres; perfect for working from home, and close enough to farmers markets, county fairs and space for her huge mastiff dog, Mister, to run around. It didn’t take Lorri that long to enjoy what country style living had to offer: friendly neighbors, farm fresh produce, and quiet. Ryder Bolt is unhappy with his parent’s decision to sell a portion of the family farmland to a developer. He is also still grieving the loss of his wife and son; killed by a drunk driver. Ryder continues to work his share of the land, allowing his twin niece and nephew to operate a wedding venue, event center out of his old barn.

Part of country living is experiencing the county fair. Lorri was so engrossed in the activities around her at the fair, that she failed to notice the steer that had became loose and was heading straight for her. Luckily someone else noticed, tackling Lorri, moving her to safety. That tackle by Ryder might just have been the best thing that ever happened to them. Meeting Lorri has Ryder revising his stand against dating. Despite these two not looking for a relationship, spending time getting to know each other helps them with overcome their baggage of the past, rise above obstacles set in their way move forward, as they heal their past hurt and find forgiveness not only for others but themselves as well.

Ms. Naigle really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel in this story as Lorri and Ryder find that you can have a forever love with more than one person.. This is a faith based, sweet and emotional story. The amazing cast of supporting characters added to enjoyment of this story which kept my attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend The Wedding Ranch to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

At this time of year, I know I want to read happy stories. Where characters get second chances at life, a second chance at love. The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle, is no exception. Lori Walker, is newly divorced and has just movies to a new town. The only thing she has brought is her mastiff puppy. She settles into the new town and soon makes friends. Ryder Bolt has lived in town, his whole life. He was married and had a son here. His sister and her kids are still here. But he is still mourning the death of his wife and child and can’t seem to move forward. Neither Lori nor Ryder were looking for love and yet when you aren’t looking, sometimes you find it. The two have a connection right away and can’t ignore it. I loved the way the author told this story. It had an interesting twist and it really surprised me. I had to keep reading to see how this one would end. Would they get together? Would their past experiences keep them from finding love? This was a four star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley & the author for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read & review this one. I hope you enjoy it as well!!!

A perfect escape for romance fans. I liked the second chance at love aspect and liked the characters..

The Wedding Ranch is a sweet second chance romance novel. We meet, Lori Walker, our heroine at the start, when her husband surprises her with dog on Valentine’s Day. Lori had suspected her husband of having an affair last year, and when he denied it, she accepted the dog, as his proving that he loves her. However, many months later, her husband leaves her for another woman, who he claims he loves. Lori decides she needs to move, and ends up in Dalton Mill, with her dog Mister. Ryder Bolt, our hero, has lived in this small country town of Dalton Mill all his life, and was not happy with his father having sold the land; and resented those who moved to the new development, but he tries to move on past that. He supports his niece and nephew in running The Wedding Ranch, which has become a successful event planning business. Ryder has never gotten over the death of his wife and child in a tragic car accident that happened 7 years ago. Lori’s neighbor friend, Tinsley invites her to go to the county fair, which has lots of activity, craft, baking, competitions and cotton candy. While looking around, she is tackled to safety by a handsome stranger, as cows escaped and heading right her. Ryder and Lori became friends.The wedding ranch will capture you.

This book has “Hallmark movie” written all over it! It is a sweet story where two different people, from two different backgrounds, who are both grieving - have a possibility for a second chance at romance!

Lorri Walker is a graphic designer who is in a marriage where she is fairly certain that her husband is cheating on her AND she was right! After her divorce is finalized she moves to Dalton Mill, a small town out in the country with her dog, Mister. She spends most of her time working from home but has become friendly with a few of her neighbors. When invited to the County Fair, Lorri takes the opportunity to get out and explore her new community.

Ryder meets Lorri when he literally runs right into her at the County Fair (to keep her from getting trampled). He is a local cowboy who lost his wife and young son in a terrible car accident. Both are grieving in their own way, both say that they are not looking for love but they just might be what each other needs to find happiness again.

This book is just loaded with emotion - Lorri & Ryder both go through such traumatic experiences. I really felt for them. It was really nice to see them take a chance on reclaiming their lives. I loved the small town feel of this book. I really love when the author gives enough description of the characters and settings that you feel like you are there in the story…and Nancy does that in this book! The friendships, the family bonds (even the family rebuilding) were all very relatable. I would love to visit Dalton Mills!

I did think that the story was a little predictable but it didn’t bother me at all. I also thought that based on the title more of the story would take place there and that the twins would be the primary characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this story!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Nancy Naigle for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book was going to get 4 stars right up to the end. I cannot believe Ryder proposed to Lorri at the fundraiser for the scholarship set up to honor his deceased wife and son. Tacky, tacky.

Lorri and Ryder's story will melt your heart. Two wounded souls neet by chance, firm a friendship that leads to unexpected chemistry. Fate has ways to complicate unexpected happiness in the wake of forgiveness and hope for second chance at love . Enthralling, sweet story.

A heartwarming read about 2 people who have had heartbreak in their lives and are trying to move forward. The past tragedy that connects them doesn’t come to light until after their relationship has become important to each of them. The ranch, as a setting for weddings is a beautiful location. Family is such a huge part of this story.

The Wedding Ranch is available now in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️ Book Review

Meet the Author: Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. She currently calls North Carolina home. She has written two novels that have been turned into films for the Hallmark Channel.

Synopsis: Lorri is a successful graphic designer who finds herself starting over later on in life after her husband leaves her. Ryder is a rancher who is battling strong feelings of loss after his son and wife die tragically seven years ago. The two coincidentally meet and begin a pure friendship. When a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

Reader’s Thoughts: If you are a Hallmark channel movie guru this book is for you. The Wedding Ranch is a slow burn, second chance romance full of faith, family, and forgiveness. Naigle really knows how to pull on your heartstrings. One minute she has you laughing and tearing up the next. Although I truly enjoyed the friendship and relationship built between Ryder and Lorri, Mister (All 180 lbs. of him) won me over! I am a sucker for a dog companion. At times I felt the story line to be very predictable, but that would not deter me in any way from recommending this book to a friend. This novel was just what I needed this time of year: pure, simple, and clean. I can’t wait to see what else Naigle has up her sleeve. Thank you, @NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.

I found my happy place! The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a tender look at second chances. When I need a genuine reminder that true love that does exist and can be found by the common person, I turn to Nancy Naigle. I love when a friendship starts out of brokenness. Ryder and Lorri are relatable and down to earth. Neither are looking for love, but through deep and meaningful connections, love blossoms. The pace is perfect, the dialogue is captivating, and Mister almost steals the show. This was a perfect Saturday read for me. I am looking forward to trying it out in audio as well! I highly recommend this heartfelt, romantic book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a sweet small-town romance.

Lori has moved to a small town to start over after she divorced her husband and she runs into Ryder, a local whose is overcoming his own tragedy and also still grumpy that his parents sold a majority of their land. Love was the last thing they are both looking for but maybe fate brought them together.

This was sweet and charming, but I could see what was about to happen and didn't necessarily love that storyline. But I did like the ending and seeing Lori and Ryder learn how to love each other.

This book gave me a dilemma.  I wanted to find out how this book would end but I did not want the story to end.  Lorri's character pulled me right in as she made changes in her life and found herself again after a divorce.  I enjoyed watching her journey and her strength and admired her. 
 
Ryder was the other main character and I enjoyed watching him emerge from his cocoon and enjoy his life again.  His story was a remarkable one .  I liked how he focused on being grateful, which was amazing considering everything.  I found it interesting  how he met Lorri and saved her life and how they became friends. 

I enjoyed The Wedding Ranch, which Ryder's relatives owned.  It sounded like a beautiful place to have a wedding.  I would love to return to Mill Creek.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review,

Title: The Wedding Ranch
Author: Nancy Naigle
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out 5

When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

I enjoyed this sweet read, although Lorrie felt a bit distant and cool. I enjoyed the small-town feel and how sweet and thoughtful Ryder was—and The Wedding Ranch was a cool venue idea. I didn’t find anything surprising in this novel, but I loved how faith was woven throughout the story, and how much emphasis was put on forgiveness.

Nancy Naigle is a bestselling author. The Wedding Ranch is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

The Wedding Ranch is the first book I've read by Nancy Naigle. It was a sweet, heartwarming, small town romance. I can see the appeal it may have for romance readers. The characters were okay, the story was sweet. For me it was middle of the road, but I'm glad I read it. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital arc of this title.

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle summed up in two words: sweet + charming! I realllllly enjoyed this low key, easy going, light romance. It's a story about a woman rebuilding her life, her view of herself and her happiness. There was a big moment in the story that I saw coming from a long ways off that set up the main conflict, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. I loved it all really... the small town, the barn, the niece and nephew, the horseback rides, the huge dog, the neighborhood of my dreams, the grump. This story was just what I needed in the frenzy of December!

(Trigger warnings: car wreck, death, addiction, divorce)

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my e-galley!

Lorri has been unsure about the status of her marriage. She suspects her husband of cheating, but when her husband surprises her with a bull mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she feels that he is recommitting to their marriage. She’s very involved in her job, but Craig promises to take care of the puppy and his training. Fast forward six months – Lorri comes home to find a suitcase at the door. Her husband announces that he’s fallen in love with the dog trainer and is leaving her. She moves to Dalton Mill, a development with homes on five acres of land with a small-town feel. It’s a wonderful place to start over. She has no interest in dating but is very invested in becoming a part of the community and developing her business as a graphic designer. Reed is a widower whose wife and child were killed in a car accident. He is very bitter about the accident and the fact that is father sold the farm that the family has had for generations. This is the land that was developed into Dalton Mills. They have a chance encounter at the county fair and soon cautiously become friends. Sadly, they each have something in their past that involves the other and threatens their relationship.

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

The heart warming story about second chances is just what I needed to read this week. This story of two people who have gone through their own versions of grief finding friendship and affection with each other really melts your heart. Seeing Ryder most past his grief towards the possibility of finding love again was just as hopeful and seeing Lorrie accept her new life after marriage and life without her brother.