Sweet is the best word to describe this book.

- Sweet characters.
- Sweet pet.
- Sweet story.
- Sweet baked goods.

Kelly and Andrew were high school sweethearts with a big dream in common, to open their own restaurant where to serve their recipes. But life had other plans for them and when Andrew decieded to stay in France to study with the best Chefs of the World they broke up,leaving an heartbroken Kelly behind. They didn't see each other for a long time and when Andrew comes back to US for a short holiday he notices that his hometown has changed a lot thanks to Kelly's resolve and great ideas.
Is their love still alive?Will they have enough time to find it out?

This book made my heart happy and my stomach growling.

Kelly and Andrew are the ideal young couple, working together, sharing a mutual love of recipe creation and cooking. Kelly loves creating scrumptious desserts, while Andrew prefers savories. They're also engaged.

When Andrew's aunt offers to pay for a course at an exclusive pastry school in France, he feels that he can't refuse. He leaves, with many promises to return, but we all know what happens.

Left alone, Kelly starts her own bakery, reinvests her profits, and creates new jobs for her community.

Suddenly, without notice, Andrew returns to visit his parents. Will Kelly forgive and forget, or will she give Andrew a taste of his own medicine?

This title is a light, entertaining read.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley.

#TheSecretIngredient#NetGalley

There is a little mystery and really great cakes
"The Secret Ingredient" is a romance novel by USA Today best-selling author Nancy Naigle, published by Hallmark Publishing. Seven years ago Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were living in Bailey's Fork, North Carolina. They were engaged when Andrew got the chance to study in Paris for a half year. Their plan was to open a restaurant when he returns.
Now Kelly is still alone and runs her own cake store and famous company. She meets Andrew when he visits town and discovers that her feelings have not died but her mind is on her top-secret preparations for a Valentine's Day bake-off competition in New York. Surprisingly they are both competitors - Kelly being completely self-taught and Andrew having studied and worked in Paris. But there are some questions: Who will be the winner - or will there be more than one? And why does Kelly's pet pig Gray need another name?
Until now I have read very few novels by Nancy Naigle, but I finished this wholesome and clean novel in two days. It contains also some mysteries and plenty of food descriptions. With its loveable and believable characters it can be highly recommended.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheSecretIngredient #NetGalley

I am a huge fan of Nancy Naigle's style of writing. Her descriptions of the setting and especially the food - omg, the food - set the mood so perfectly. I really enjoyed this story about second chances, and I look forward to reading Naigle's next work.

Such a sweet, perfect confection of a romance! I loved it!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book. The food descriptions, the romance, the setting, everything. It was romantic perfection! I can't wait to read more from this author.

3,5 Stars

Andrew once left his high-school sweetheart to pursue his dream of becoming a professional chef in France. 7 years later he is back in town for a visit. Seeing what Kelly has accomplished in their little home-town (owning her nation-wide famous Cake Factory), he asks himself if he has really made the right decision. After all, he is still not having his own restaurant but still works for a choleric chef in Paris.

Their love-story is as sweet as Kellys pastries. They are both very loveable characters, and I liked their scenes together. But I cannot for the life of me understand why it needs to be kept such a secret who is a contestant in the bake-off! What would have been the difference?? I've watched some (celebrity) cooking and baking shows myself, and often the jurors don't know which serving is made by whom. But it was never the case that the contestants had to keep quiet about the fact that they are on the show. Because it makes no sense!
Also, Kelly and Andrew not knowing that they are actually opponents made the whole competition only half as interesting. Maybe even less so... because there is no real competition between them at all!
I was really disappointed with how the baking contest went, especially since it is promoted as the 'main event' of the book in the short description on the cover. This part of the book had so much more potential, in various directions.

At least Nancy Naigle marvels at describing all those cake creating processes, from the first brainstorming, trying out different techniques, adding wonderful decorations til the finished product is presented. It always sounded quite mouthwatering, and I could easily have done with a bit more pictures or illustrations of those masterpieces.

This was a sweet second chance book. I liked the fact that they both realized what truly was important in life.

First off, I love when books have recipes that are delicious. Second, who coukd go wrong with a Hallmark book? I love the clean writing, the witty characters, and the charming setting. Plus, an adorable, mischievous pig throw in, justvsteals the cake!! A must read!!

Kelly McIntyre and Andrew Yale share a past and were once engaged until the summer that he left for pastry school in Paris. A few months later, Kelly realizes that Andrew didn't just leave Bailey Fork, North Carolina behind, but that he is leaving her behind as well. Seven years later, Kelly is a successful business owner of The Cake Factory and Andrew works for an internationally known chef. This is the summer that Kelly and Andrew reconnect with each other and also compete in a well known cooking show bakeoff in New York City. Is there enough chemistry between the two to reignite an old romance?

I enjoyed this story a lot and all of the great food discussions!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this book! The characters were so real and fun and the story was just down right enjoyable. I love to read Nancy Naigle's books, I don't know how you couldn't just love them! Thank you Nancy for writing such a great book!

Nancy Naigle has once again mixed the perfect ingredients to create a war and heart felt story. Two loves that have taken a wrong turn in the past have sweetly been put back together. The past has made them an even sterile get match for the future. They have spread their wings and become even better indivials and now reunited create a fabulous couple. This story is delightful, fun and heart warming. Kelly and Andrew capture your hearts as well as their families and sweet small town in NC. You are sure to want them all to be apart of your life as well.

Andrew and Kelly were high school sweethearts, rarely separate as they worked together at the Main Street Café, created and tested recipes, and had planned on opening their own restaurant. Deeply in love and looking forward to their wedding in a year or so, the two have only one real ‘obstacle’ in their lives; Andrew’s relationship with his father. But, when his aunt, living in Paris, offers him a fully-paid six month apprenticeship under a top pastry chef, Kelly doesn’t tell him not to go – she wants his success as much as he does. But, she never thought that he’d not return at the end of the six months.

Fast forward some seven years and Kelly has made a name for herself in the small North Carolina town – she owns the house on which the tree that carries her and Andrew’s initials are entwined, a pet teacup pig named Gray and has bought and refitted the old ribbon factory as a bakery – running two shifts to fill her online orders for baked treats worldwide. Self-taught but for the facetimed sharing done with Andrew as he learned new techniques in France, she’s managed to make a real going concern of her bakery, and a passing musician’s recommendation on twitter didn’t hurt. But Andrew has just arrived home for a fly-through visit on his way to somewhere else, and she wants nothing more than to avoid him until he leaves. Not that she’s still hurt by his actions so many years ago (No – Really – she’s not) but that she has found her own path and doesn’t want to be distracted. (Really – that’s her loudest voice speaking) For his part, Andrew never thought that he had missed anything when he chose to stay in Paris and work with world-renown chefs. And then he saw Kelly again at a sneakily arranged Welcome Home party his mother and sister arranged – and until she will talk with him and they resume their familiar banter – nothing matters as much. But Kelly is more than reluctatnt – until he catches her in a weak moment and the two work to create a groom’s cake that she was struggling with the concept. A bit of new ‘technique’, the return of their ebb and flow in the kitchen and a groom’s cake to turn heads, and the two have tentatively mended fences, at least for the length of his stay.

But an opportunity to compete in her most favorite ever baking competition arrives in a huge hush-hush package brings Kelly the opportunity of a lifetime – with many firsts. Her first time out of the small North Carolina town, her first flight, her first time away from her parents in her life…. All sorts of firsts. And of course, this being a solid second chance story with a couple that is destined to be together – Andrew is also in the competition. But the two are separated, shuttled back and forth, and under contract to not disclose the reason they are in New York City….until a chance turn down the street puts Kelly and her handler in the sight of Andrew and his – and the two use Andrew’s connections in the restaurant industry to score a table for four in a top hot eatery with special chef’s treatment. Oh all is good and Andrew and Kelly are quietly repairing old hurts and starting to see possibilities – or he is….. Yes, this was sweet and fairly predictable with plenty of delight for imagination with the cakes described and Kelly’s unique use of ingredient combinations. Sure these two are fated to be tougher – but it will take Andrew’s making a real effort to prove to Kelly that he’s in this for the long haul – and that his leaving for so long was on him – never on her -something that only he can give to her. Sweet, engaging and also a made for the channel movie – this is a perfect bit of sweet escapism that everyone needs now and then.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-amq/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Really like the baking elements in this story. A second chance at love doesn’t always happen but in a small town something always does. Thank you NetGalley. Hope to see this in a movie before long.

This new entry from Hallmark Publishing was a refreshing and enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and well-defined people, who behaved in a good-humored and well-intentioned manner towards others. The author gave great description to let me picture things in my mind. The mood was light and fun-loving, and moved predictably (in a good and delightful way) towards the anticipated outcome. The romance aspect is clean and sweet and I can recommend it for teens to seasoned citizens.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

The Secret ingredient is the latest book by Nancy Naigle. Kelly McIntyre had her heart broken by former fiancé Andrew York when he chose the opportunities offered him at French cooking schools while staying with his aunt who lived there. Andrew has done well. In fact, so well he hasn’t been home in 7 years.

Meanwhile in those 7 years, Kelly has followed the dreams they had made together. Although not formally trained, she has not only opened her own bakery, but has also opened a very successful internet presence for her baked goods. She has purchased the dilapidated buildings adjacent to her parent’s Main Street cafe, turning it from an eyesore to her factory and profitable rentals, bringing jobs and renewal to downtown Bailey’s Fork, NC.

The tv food competition Four Square is about to hold their big Valentines bake-off. Chefs from all over have been nominated. Chef Andrew and master baker Kelly have both been tapped but neither knows the other one was. All participants are sworn to secrecy. Before the challenge begins the first week of February, Andrew, unannounced, comes home to Bailey’s Fork to see his family. They are so excited to see him and sister Dawn throws a party to welcome Andrew home. Dawn is sure to order desserts and service from Kelly so that Andrew and Kelly can cross paths. And Dawn is sure to make this happen even more.

Meanwhile, the producers from the competition pay a special visit to Kelly in her bakery. She is in the company of her assistant and friend, Sara, when the offer is made to her to compete. She is sworn to secrecy but at least has her friend in on the ruse.

Both parties head to NYC for the exciting competition. The conclusion is unexpected and the fun of the story will make the reader smile. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

Good story line and very entertaining. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Nancy Naigle. Would love to see this being made into a Hallmark movie.

If you ever want to read a book which can make you crave a CAKE - it is this book. It made want to stuff my face with it, and I am not even a cake lover.

The story was a second chance romance between Andrew and Kelly, high school sweethearts who planned to marry and open their restaurant, till Andrew was offered an opportunity to study baking in Paris, and he never made it back home. Kelly started her own business The Cake Factory which boomed and made their town famous. 7 years on, Andrew was back, and the chemistry between them still burned high. Both were invited to participate in a baking competition in a television series, and the book ended in the bake-off.

Nancy Naigle has written a sweet book which started a bit slow but soon picked up, the story rose like the layers of the cake. The characters were cute and the atmosphere created was warm like an oven. I love books where the romance is light as a butter, and Kelly and Andrew were both so likable and sweet as a muffin. (I like muffins more). Being a Hallmark book, there was love in its pages and a recipe at the end of the book of a Triple Layered Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Creme Fraiche...

The descriptions of the cakes were mouth watering. And I couldn't resist buying one from the bakery. Just a slice with tea and another with my coffee... Ah well.. The cake is all gone now!!

Actual rating: 3.5

I could have given the book 4 stars, but I felt that that might be somewhat misleading.

Don’t get me wrong, The Secret Ingredient has many virtues, but it doesn’t particularly qualify as what I would consider a really good book (which is what I used 4 stars for, as opposed to 5 stars, which I give very rarely nowadays).

The Secret Ingredient is a sweet book about two high school sweethearts who go on different paths soon before getting married and end up seeing each other again 7 years later. This, of course, leads to them re-thinking their lives and the choices they’ve made. Their struggles culminate in a bake-off in New York, in which, unknowingly, they are competing against each other.

It was all very cute and fun to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lengthy descriptions of cakes and other sweets and pastries. My god, I’ve never craved cake as much. So much so, in fact, that I went and bought cake! And I don’t even like desserts that much.

On the other hand, I had an issue with the book which basically boiled down to my distaste for a live not lived. I am well aware that this is a personal view, but I do admit that it influenced the reading process for me. What I mean is that I’ve never been contended with staying in my hometown, never travelling, never seeing the world, never experiencing any of the things that the world has to offer, and the world is a huge place. I know that many people think this is the perfect life and I’m not going to contradict their own feelings, but to me it seems a bit ignorant to never even try to see the magnificent things there are out there. Which is basically what Kelly does the entire book, and she is made out to seem like the good guy, while Andrew is blamed time and again that he left for Paris to become a chef. The other characters good-heartedly mock him for being a “big shot”and “an important chef”, as if it’s a bad thing that he wanted to try more than his small town was offering him. This really frustrated me, because if you really think about it, if all people believed that this was the proper thing to do – stay at home and try to make it work with what you have, I wouldn’t even be able to write this review or read this book, because why would I even need to learn English, when I speak my own language, Bulgarian, perfectly well.

Lastly, and this is a question here: do people really speak like this with their families in America?

“I’m experimenting with a few new flavors (…)”

“I’m sure it will be wonderful,” Mom said. “Everything you make always is.”

“Thank you for always encouraging me. I love you. You’re the best mom a girl could as for.”

I’m not joking. I’m Eastern European, we’re not that affectionate.

Once again, I picked a Hallmark novel and it worked its magic! The Secret Ingredient is about two former high school sweethearts who had big plans as a couple, but life took them on different paths, two culinary roads that will eventually cross again thanks to a fun, mouth-watering baking competition.

I loved how Kelly and Andrew navigated this unexpected reunion, going down memory lane, wondering what would have happened, many “what-ifs” scenarios that are quite relatable. They’re sweet and endearing. I thought they made a great match and as a reader, you root for them to get back together after all this time apart.

I loved the part that unfolds in New York, it’s fast-paced and entertaining. The author draws a vivid picture of glitzy New York. As for the bake-off, it’s going to make you hungry!

It’s a sweet and heartwarming romance. A real feel-good novel. A true indulgence!