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.

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.

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!

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!

This is a typical Hallmark type story with a happy ending and feel good moments.

Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were happy and engaged to be married. They had their future planned out and were happy with their life together. They enjoyed creating new recipes and spending time in the kitchen. Then, Andrew was given the opportunity to go to France for six months to be trained by a world famous pastry chef. He couldn't pass up the opportunity and he promised nothing would change. Then he decided to stay and continue in the culinary training in France. That ended their relationship and broke off their engagement.

Seven years later, Andrew is back in Bailey's Fork, North Carolina, for a short visit and he is determined not to see anyone but his family while he is in town. Then, his meddling sister arranges for a surprise welcome home party and invites most of the town, including Kelly, who had no idea what she would be showing up for, other than to provide the desserts from her business, The Cake Factory.

Kelly had created a wonderfully successful business while staying put in their small hometown. Business was so good that she was invited to compete in a Valentine's Day bakeoff with a winning prize of $100,000. She had been happy with the growth of her local business and its online presence but she wanted to experience the acknowledgement of her success by winning the contest.

Andrew worked under a famous chef in Paris in his flagship restaurant. He was very successful but didn't have his own restaurant as he had always dreamed of. He knew he had really hurt Kelly but being back and seeing her and spending some time with her made him realize even more what matters most and how important love and family are. Would he be happy in such a small town? Would he miss the big city? He is heading to New York to compete in a world class competition and he is convinced that it will help him to make his dreams come true. Is it possible for him to be successful and get the girl or has that ship sailed and no longer possible?

This book was a sweet romance about two people who have a second chance and a small town who longs to support them and see a happy ending. The book has no foul language and is a joy to read.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Nancy has quite the talent for weaving heart-warming stories that are never overly sweet, but quite satiating. I flew through this book and enjoyed the storyline, and particularly the little, uxexpected "conundrum"/coincidence that occurred at the end. (Sparing details to avoid spoilers)

This book is so freakin' cute if the publisher wasn't already Hallmark I'd say it screams Hallmark. I loved the characters, I loved the story, I really enjoyed the baking competition. One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance and this was such a great one. Kelly and Andrew were highschool sweethearts they met at her dad's diner he was the cook and she waited tables and baked they were kindred spirits. They had made plans to open a restaurant together but when the opportunity for Andrew to study baking in Paris came up he took it with a promise he'll be back for their wedding. Andrew was then offered a spot in a culinary school and he never made it back home.

Kelly may not have had Andrew there to help fulfill her dreams but that didn't stop her from going on alone; she started The Cake Factory. A custom cake business that made it big when a rockstar gave her a shout out at a local music festival since then the business has boomed, it's even helped turn Bent Fork from a quaint little town to a place to be. Fast forward seven years Andrew is finally back stateside and visiting his family before he has to go to New York, he wanted to keep the visit quiet but his sister in her usual fashion couldn't let him which turned out to be a good thing because he got to see Kelly again. The first time in seven years they see each other and his feelings for her haven't changed or diminished in any way. Kelly would love nothing more than to give into her feelings for him but she knows he's just going to leave again. He's made a name for himself in France and while he may not have his own restaurant yet his life is in France and she can't let him in to her heart only to watch him walk away again.

To Kelly's surprise she gets invited to compete in her favorite bake-off competition show's Valentine episode. The only stipulation is that she can't tell anyone she going to be on it. Unbeknownst to her Andrew is also going to be on the show. Once in New York, Naigle builds the anticipation and creates the same feeling you get when watching a baking competition on T.V. She describes the action of the competition so well along with the mouth watering confections Kelly and Andrew make. I really wanted cake after reading this book. Overall, Naigle once again creates wonderful characters in a quirky small town and gives us a statifyingly good romance with such a sweet ending.

I’m fairly new to Nancy Naigle’s work, having only read one other book by her. But, that said, let me tell you this: she is amazing! Having the chance to read this delicious novel was so fun! I loved her writing style, the hope and the characters that are woven together, all of it! It was a phenomenal read!

Andrew and Kelly’s characters were awesome. I loved the way they were chiseled, and seeing them interact together really played out like it was a movie on the Hallmark channel. I truly love when a book can do that!

Andrew’s character was my favorite. I loved how he developed throughout the story, and seeing how things were when he returned home. Though I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to think of his breaking their engagement and traveling away. I wanted to shake him! But, I also saw how it needed to be like that to full feel the emotions of these awesome characters, to fully understand that it needed to be done so he could understand his true feelings.

This is most definitely a 4 star novel that I should high praises to. Andrew and Kelly needed just one thing from Naigle for this book……just one secret ingredient……..and she did it beautifully! Well done, Naigle. This is a keeper book on my shelf and I can’t wait to read more of your work!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

#TheSecretIngredient #NetGalley

This book was hard to put down! I loved it! Kelly McIntire and Andrew York, have dated since high school, and both love making up new recipes to cook and share. Kelly loves to bake abd Andrew wants to be a chef. When an opportunity presents itself, Andrew leaves Kelly behind, to head to France, to learn from the best pastry chefs, never guessing that he wouldn't be back in his small town, for years to come. Kelly is devestated, when Andrew does't come back, but decides not to let that get in her way. If you love cooking shows and competition in relationships, you will love this book.

Okay, when I first picked up this book I didn't know what I was in for. I had already read one Nancy Naigle book which to me didn't live up to the hype.

This one left me pleasantly surprised. The story was engaging and the characters relateable. It had me turning the pages until I had come to the end.

Kelly dream of running a bakery with her fiance died when Andrew went off to culinary school and France and never returned. Now she's the owner of her own bakery and is so excited when she is accepted to appear on a national baking TV Show. It's a dream come true. Who needs Andrew York.

Andrew knows that he hurt Kelly when he left. But now he's back and everything can go back to the ways things were, right? Wrong. She's a successful baker loving life and he's hates his job mostly because of his boss. Well, at least he has this upcoming baking contest coming up. What can possibly go wrong?

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves romance and sweets.

Like all Hallmark content, this book is clean and appropriate for all ages. No language, violence, or sexual content are found.