This was my first Nancy Naigle's book. Lorri and Ryder's second chance at love is beautifully written, emotional, sweet, and heartwarming, filled with drama, angst, and romance. Lorri is beautiful, smart, and supportive. Ryder, a widow, is handsome, and caring. The supporting characters are great. Lisa Larsen did a good job with the narration. I enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, a Dreamscape Media Audio production, for an honest review.

The Wedding Ranch is a sweet story about two people getting a second chance at love when their lives take a turn off the path they thought they would travel.

The heroine is recently divorced and moves to a new town to get a fresh start. The hero, who has experienced his own tragic loss, meets the heroine when she's almost trampled by an animal at the county fair. Neither is interested in a romantic relationship, but who couldn't use another friend - especially when Lorrie is new in town and Ryder's lived in Dalton Mill his whole life. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more they realize their feelings are growing into more. They just need to get past a couple hickups first...

This story is engaging, has a surprising plot twist (well, kinda...but I read A LOT so I figured out where things were going pretty early in the book), and relatable characters who behaved like the mature adults they were. I liked that the big secret wasn't used in a way to make things more complicated and messy than it already was, and that when things went sideways between the hero and heroine a couple times, the drama wasn't drawn out and the reactions didn't make the situations worse. Did I already mention I like stories where adults behave like adults?

The narrator for this audiobook was also very good. It was sometimes hard to tell when she was doing men's voices, but the rest of her inflections and the emotion she was portraying came through and provided a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

* thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

While The Wedding Ranch had some predictability, it was a very sweet second chance at love story. Great characters, including a loveable giant puppy, lend well to a feel good romance everyone can love. The narration was great at my preferred speed of 1.75x. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC!

I really wanted to like this book but it was so predictable, all of the twists and turns could be seen a mile away and unfolded exactly as expected. The idea was nice, redemption and learning to be strong on one's own. But that was about where it ended for me.

#netgally
#arc
#theweddingranch

Other than watching one of her books adapted for a Hallmark movie (Christmas in Evergreen), I think this is my first Nancy Naigle read. I really enjoyed it. and look forward to catching up with more of her novels. Like the feel-good romance stories we all love, this story is thoughtful, emotional, and satisfying. It does throw some predictable twists into the mix, but I was not disappointed in the least. With loveable complex characters, it's a great example of second chances, and learning to get to know someone at their core. The narrator for the audiobook version did a fabulous job, including the southern accents to really bring the characters and story to life. Thanks to Nancy Naigle, the publisher & Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook! You should check this one out!

After Lorri Walker’s husband leaves her and the mastiff puppy he gave her for the dog trainer, she decides to move to Dalton Mill. There, she meets Ryder Bolt, still grieving the loss of his wife and son seven years ago. His ranch keeps him busy, as well as helping his niece and nephew with The Wedding Ranch, the event venue they run. Can the pair find a second chance at love, or will issues from their past keep them apart?

I have loved the other Nancy Naigle books I have read, but this one missed the mark for me. I found it formulaic, and the big twist at the end was obvious from almost the beginning. I would recommend checking out one of her other books instead. Lisa Larsen did a nice job with the narration.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

The Wedding Ranch
Nancy Naigle
Lorri Walker’s marriage lacked excitement. Their marriage was mundane to the point of boring. Her husband, Craig, was unfaithful…many times. For Valentine’s Day he gave her a mastiff puppy as a commitment to start over. He commented that she wasn’t the kind of woman that would want a small dog. Craig insisted on taking Mister to puppy training. Six months later he left her for their dog trainer, the woman with the small dog. Then he asked for a divorce. She knew she needed a new beginning, so she packed up Mister, her dog and left her ex-husband and Raleigh behind without looking back. They moved to Dalton Mill, a rural area. Their new home sat on five acres offering plenty of room for Mister. Life was a lot different in Dalton Mill than it was in Raleigh, the slower pace suited Lorri. There was farmer markets, county fairs, and friendly neighbors.
Ryder Bolt lost his wife and son seven years ago in a tragic accident. Lorri and Ryder met at the county fair when he saved her from an escaped steer. Lorri and Ryder enjoy each other’s company. It is a perfect situation for both of them; neither one was looking for more than friendship.
The Wedding Ranch is a beautiful, sweet, romance. It is very “clean.” The main characters are likeable, they are complex and multilayered. While some of this tale is predictable, I didn’t mind, it does not distract from the plot. The theme of this romance is forgiveness and second chances. Lorri and Ryder both had to forgive others and themselves. There is a lot of humor in this tale such as the county fair and cotton candy. I highly recommend The Wedding Ranch.

I loved this novel! Such a good, wholesome second chance at love romance. Newly divorced with a giant mastiff puppy from her ex-husband, Lorri Walker moved to a new neighborhood to give herself a fresh start and much needed distance from her past. She finds this freedom to be incredible both for her business as a graphic design artist and in her personal life. Ryder, still destroyed over his loss r seven years prior is not looking for anything, yet when the new girl in Dalton Mills is nearly run over by a cow at the fair, he can’t stop thinking about her. And unfolds the story of these two, not looking for relationships, but finding themselves falling for each other even through some of the most unbelievable circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love Nancy Naigle writing abilities. Each book I read that she writes is better than the one before! This book hits it out of the park. It has it all, romance, trials, friendships, heartwarming healing of hearts. I love the characters. They are each well defined and true to life. I love Ryder and Lorrie and Lorries dog Mister. This is a must read. Have your hankies ready. I was given an advanced reader copy of this very well written book by NetGalley. I am freely leaving my review.

An entertaining second chance/life after divorce romance between a middle aged divorcee and a widower. I thought the mastiff pet stole the show in this cowboy, dual POV romance. Overall just an okay read that was good on audio but didn't do much for me if I'm completely honest. Much thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early digital copy and a physical ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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 sweet, wholesome romance made for an enjoyable read.
The main character Lorri Walker decides to move to a country town from Raleigh after her cheating husband leaves her for the dog trainer hired for Mister, her huge rambunctious mastiff.
In Dalton Mill, Lori meets Ryder Bolt. As if losing his wife and son weren’t bad enough, Ryder is still angry that his parents sold off most of the family farm, on a portion of which Lorri has now settled.
Ryder’s niece & nephew restored a dilapidated barn on Ryder’s remaining property, and it’s become a very successful upscale wedding venue.
Although it was clear from the beginning that Lorri and Ryder would end up together, their journey was sweet and touching and funny. The secondary characters in the small town really added to the story, and I loved the dog Mister. The book was well-written and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I listened to the audible book. The narrator did an excellent job distinguishing the characters and made the book come alive.

The Wedding Ranch is about Lorri a newly divorced woman who moves to Dalton Mill with her Mastiff. And Ryder a man who lost his wife and son 7 years before. Will their friendship lead them to something more?

I truly wanted to love this book because I love a good friends to lovers plot and Hallmark style story. But I felt the chapters were too long which made the book feel long and boring. It also contained a lot of heavy topics that I felt were mentioned quite often which brought down the mood of the story. I also am not a fan of Christian novels that this book was not labeled as. It wasn't a huge part of the story but enough to be a turn off for me.

I give this book a 2 star rating. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy.

The writing style didn't work for me -- it just felt very unrealistic. I didn't finish it.


______________________________________________________________________

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.
While the novel itself didn’t fit for me, Lisa Larsen’s narration was lovely. A definite plus.

The Wedding Ranch is a sweet story of love and loss. The main characters are kind and faithful. Both go through some significant experiences in their lives leaving them to rebuild their lives. Thankfully, through love of family and friends, as well as each other, they are able to heal and move forward.

Unfortunately I did not care for this audiobook. I did not enjoy the narration. I found it to be quite boring, failing to grasp my attention. Similarly, while the characters were likeable, I found the story to be lacking in tension and the substance needed to draw the reader in. Although this book was not for me I believe others may enjoy it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this early release audiobook for an honest review.

The Wedding Ranch is proven as the premiere wedding venue in the area. Even for a local guy turned Nashville star. This property is owned by a family that is struggling daily with family tragedy. What can be only described as fate pulls a newly divorced woman to the area. As she is learning to navigate her new life she crosses paths with the towns nice guy not knowing that both of their tragic pasts may too much for the other to bare. As only friends this story shows just how bumping into someone at the State Fair may change your life.
I love stories that lose the “smut” and give true romance. Building a relationship, mutual respect, and how hard it can be to help someone navigate their baggage. This is an intriguing story. As you follow these peoples paths you see how they can cross, pull apart or come together. We meet so many people later in life not realizing our paths have crossed before.
I received this audiobook for free for my unbiased review. Narration was smooth and the right voice to tell this story. This is my first time reading anything by this author. I couldn’t put this book down! I will definitely give them a follow to read any other titles that have published or future projects.

This one brought me to tears. Lisa Larsen is excellent as the narrator. Such a beautiful story. A devastating tragedy that affected two families. Two strangers, brought together unexpectedly, discover they have a life changing connection. Can they move past the tragedy to build a life together? Lorri Walker is building her life as an independent, single woman. Ryder is trying to move on from the devastating death of his wife and son. Meeting by chance, they discover they have similar interests. It's the first spark Ryder has experienced in seven years. But once the truth comes out can he move forward with Lorri? Can he bury his grief and allow Lorri to thaw his frozen heart? Can Lorri move past the guilt she feels? A very moving, compelling, and beautifully written novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, LLC for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I listened to and read this one. I think I liked the audiobook better.

This was a sweet story of love and forgiveness, in a very difficult set of circumstances.

It also had a religious component to it. I know that’s not always for everyone, so I wanted to mentioned that. It wasn’t anything over the top religious, just a few references throughout.

The beginning of this story pulled me in right away. Lorri’s husband was a really jerk. Honestly, I would’ve enjoyed a bit more of the drama from that storyline thrown into the mix.

I liked the sense of community in the story and the small town feel.

The author did a good job of conveying the emotion behind the tensions between Ryder and Lorri. I thought their chemistry could be felt immediately when they met…but when it unravels, I think the read can truly feel the despair of the characters.

What I didn’t like, was the middle of the book…I thought that it lagged and it was hard to stay interested. The beginning and end were really good though. For me, I’d say it was about 100 pages too long. I think the story would’ve had more impact if it were shortened up a bit.

Wow! What a great listen. This was such a sweet story about finding forgiveness and true love following. You won’t regret reading/listening to The Wedding Ranch!