Nancy Naigle is one of my favorite small town romance writers. She creates these wonderful communities that you really wish were real so you could go visit. Her latest, The Secret Ingredient is no exception. This novel read like the movie it is going to be. I can’t wait to see the pinks and greys and blacks jump off the screen. Kelly and Andrew are destined to be one of my favorite Hallmark couples. Though there weren’t any obvious secondary characters in need of an HEA, I hope Naigle takes us back to Bailey’s Fork soon.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

I just finished The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle and I have to say, it was a fun read. The characters of Andrew and Kelly were very easy to like and want to know more about while the supporting cast of characters this small town love story were just as engaging.

The back story of Kelly and Andrew meeting in high school, working in her parents' cafe and trying out all sorts of recipes was perfect. It not only sounded like fun, but that translated very well to the page.

Being a huge fan of the Food Network's cooking shows, the premise that Kelly was chosen to be on a dessert show was something that pulled me right in and got me even more interested in where this book was going.

If you like small towns, HEAs and/or baking shows, this is the book for you. Check it out. I think you'll be glad you did. A huge thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for approving my ARC request. My thoughts in this review are my own.

Love the hallmark movies so the books have just been great. The wholesomeness of these books have been refreshing.I will continue to request a bill ARC from Hallmark Publishing.

Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York had everything going for them— engaged and with plans to open a restaurant. However, when Andrew is offered the chance to study with a pastry chef in Paris, he can’t resist, and the two drift apart. Seven years later, Kelly’s on top of the world with her own bakery that’s so successful she’s offered the chance to compete on a televised baking competition. She’s so focused on her new life that she almost doesn’t care when Andrew waltzes back into town. Almost. They won’t be able to avoid each other forever, though, as Andrew’s also been chosen to compete.

Considering Kelly runs a bakery, it’s no surprise that cakes are mentioned repeatedly. One that plays a pivotal role is a Triple-Layer Honey Almond Cake— a mouthwatering confection that everybody wants a slice of. That cake is a lot like this book. Sweet and rich, but with a ton of depth. And sure, with so many layers, one slice would be enough, but author Nancy Naigle has provided a generous slab with plenty for leftovers.

The characters are completely charming. Kelly is talented and determined, but she also has a playful nature that can only come from someone who perfects sweets all day long. Interestingly, Naigle has crafted Andrew in much the same way. They do have differences, but on the page they read as a perfect pair. This works. Even though it should be easy to dislike Andrew for leaving Kelly, it’s nearly impossible since they’re obvious matches.

This leads to some of the richest layers of the story. Kelly and Andrew had different ideas for obtaining their same high school dream, and it results in the complicated mess of their relationship as the book begins. Their eventual growth, especially for Andrew, stems from not only reconciling their past, but also considering their present. Both appear to be outwardly triumphant in their culinary professions, but Naigle has some insightful comments on dreams and what it actually means to achieve success.

The story does take some time getting to the cooking competition. The bulk of the action takes place in their hometown in North Carolina. Naigle is an expert on crafting idyllic tiny towns, and this one is no exception. It helps carry the plot as Kelly and Andrew stumble into each other again and again, the small size easily forcing them into situations where they’re in close proximity. Of course, it’s populated with a cast of fun supporting characters who are enthused at the prospect of the two ending up together.

However, once the story gets to the cooking competition, it’s a race to the finish. There’s a complete shift of pace, marking a total change from life in the sleepy town to the hustle and bustle of New York City. There also are a ton of fun surprises. Naigle is a master of telegraphing information to the reader that will surely lead to a collision for the main characters at some point. She writes with a wink.

Simply put, The Secret Ingredient is a wonderful treat.

A sweet story full of mentions of delicious desserts. This story is perfect for Valentine’s Dayana any fans of cooking shows and competitions.

This is the story of Andrew York and Kelly McIntyre. They were high school sweethearts who loved to cook and bake together, but became separated. The story chronicles their second chance.
I liked the characters in this story and that there was plenty of background interest too. Kelly is a strong woman who grows stronger through the separation. Andrew is a bit of a dud at the start, but definitely sweetens up.
Kelly’s pet pig steals every scene he is in and the story between Andrew and his father adds interest.
I have to admit I felt like I had read an entire book by the time I got halfway through to where the plot really picked up. I felt as though this could have been two books- their second chance and then their new adventure. However, the plot twist definitely sweetened me on this book! It was a wonderful and delicious twist that made me go awwww.
Anyone who enjoys a second chance romance or anyone who enjoys baking or cooking (like me) will enjoy this book! I loved the detail included about the baking! Made me want to go make something in the kitchen.
Thank you to Nancy Naigle, Hallmark and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Loved it! The desserts all sounded delicious and spectacular. A baking show competition with some clever backstage rules. A charming romance with all the necessary ingredients.

This was a cute story. It was a little predictable but it was sweet. I liked the baking competition backstory. I could see this as a TV movie.

This is a lovely story. Nancy writes so well you just become one with the book. I felt like I was right there with Andrew and Kelly. They were engaged and had so many plans for the future when Andrew was offered a chance in a life time. They meet again yrs. later and end up competing against each other in a baking contest. This is a wonderful romance story. 5* plus

A second chance romance between two chefs. This story was perfection.
Descriptions of fabulous pastries.
Sweetly romantic and deliciously written. I read it in one sitting, it was just that good.

The Secret Ingredient was a great book to kickstart my reading in 2019! This is the perfect addition to the Hallmark Publishing collection and it's the perfect read for Valentine's Day. This book features relatable characters, a charming small town, a few surprises, and desserts that will have your mouth watering. What's not to love? Treat yourself to something wonderful, without all the calories, by picking up this book!

OMG while I was reading this book I was thinking that it played out just like a Hallmark movie. I guess that is only appropriate since they are the publishing company for this book. I fell in love with Kelly and Andrew's story. You could almost guess where this book was going but that was alright with me. I loved how it wrapped up and I think it ended perfectly. This girl loves a HOA and a first love book so this one was perfect for me. Now I just need to know when I need to catch this one on the Hallmark channel.

Awesome book! Wonderful tie in to Valentines Day!
This is a sweet romance with a good matchmaker and a great story line.
This is a must read!

Kelly and Andrew were great main characters. Even tho he went to follow his dream without her, she was able to have her own dreams fulfilled. Now its time for second chances and this makes for a wonderful story. Naigle is a great author.

Almost a decade ago, Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were happily engaged, with big dreams to one day open a restaurant together in the small town they loved so much. When Andrew suddenly jumps at the chance to study under a pastry chef in Paris, he leaves Kelly behind faster than you can say "Michelin Star."

Fast-forwarding to today, Kelly has not only opened the bakery of her dreams in her hometown, but her brand is growing so quickly that she's asked to participate in her favourite baking show in New York City. And the timing is perfect, because Andrew has mysteriously popped back into town for the first time in seven years, and she could really use a distraction.

Andrew can't believe how quickly his feelings for Kelly have come rushing back. When he finds out he's going to be competing against Kelly in the Valentines Day bake-off, he wonders how he got so far off track from the life he imagined for himself.

My musings
I really got a sense of Kelly and Andrew and their families. I understand why they made the decisions they did in their younger years, and I like that we got to see them blossom from young people into mature adults with more at stake. With that being said, I don't find it totally believable that someone has close to his family as Andrew is wouldn't make the time to come back even once in seven years. It sounds as though he and his sister, Dawn, have a really close relationship, and for him to have been gone since they were practically just out of high school means he probably missed some pretty important life events. I also feel like Dawn could have been fleshed out a little bit more to make the crux of the story seem more natural. Despite those little holes, however, there were bits that kept creeping in that surprised me and kept me entertained from beginning to end.

While I liked the fact that the story took place in both Kelly's and Andrew's perspectives, I was disappointed that the bake-off only began in the final third of the book. One of the reasons I was drawn to the book was because of the reality TV element, and even though I found the portion that was depicted was well done, I was longing for more. The love story was satisfying (it truly is a love story more than a romance, in my opinion), and the other relationships in the novel were nicely wrapped at the story's conclusion.

Nancy Naigle has a writing style that I don't normally get to see in typical romance novels—she really takes the time to describe the surroundings and mention tiny details that put me right in the story. When we were taken to The Bake Factory, I could picture everything from the decor to what the staff was wearing, and I could see important aspects of Bailey's Fork and why Kelly would want to build her life there. I really appreciated these details and it is one of the main reasons I kept powering through the pages, asking for more. And the bonus recipe at the end of the book is a really nice touch.

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for the advanced copy.

This review will be posted on my blog, The Modest Reader, on January 28th at 10 a.m.

Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were once an item and planning a life together as well as opening a restaurant together. But, that was years ago and Kelly is a successful baker who is content with her bakery and her life. She is invited to enter a Valentine's Day bake contest and Andrew comes back into town. The two end up competing against each other and old feelings come tumbling in to further complicate the situation. This book is published by Hallmark Publishing and is a sweet, engaging story that I have come to expect, love and admire about the Hallmark trademark. Great addition to contemporary romance!

The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle will be available on February 12, 2019 and published by Hallmark Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Delightful read. So glad to see a romance with suspense, but not conflict, which can so often feel contrived. This was a very original take on a familiar theme. I loved the character development and the story. So sweet, without being cloying.

Sweet and comforting- this book tops the cake! Blend delightful characters, a charming town, a few surprises and voila!- a tasty treat for readers.

Author Nancy Naigle has created a lovely character in Kelly McIntyre. Kelly is a hometown girl from Bailey’s Fork, North Carolina who likes to bake little treats and dream big. Her boyfriend Alex York seemed to share her vision of life in Bailey’s Fork. As young lovers, they were the kind who carved their initials in the town tree. Their future would be a piece of cake! Until…Alex went in a different direction…to Paris to study under a master chef.

Kelly waited for Alex to come home, but when the story begins, seven years have gone by, and Kelly is in Bailey’s Fork and Alex is still in Paris. Kelly is living her dreams and opened The Cake Factory. Her creative use of flavors has made her famous. She has her own house and loves her pet pig, GRAY (which stands for Good Riddance Alex York.) GRAY is one of the stars of the book!

Life changes when Alex gets an opportunity in New York City, so he flies in from Paris a few days early and decides to visit his hometown. He needs to mend some fences with his family, and even though he wanted to avoid her, he begins to rekindle his feelings for Kelly. She insists things are over. Is there anything that can bring them together? Well, sometimes, you need a sweet reminder.

As much as I loved Kelly- a pretty, friendly young woman with talent and business sense, the first part of the book was a bit slow. But, then the most exciting thing happens, and the second part of the book is a delight. No spoilers- but there is a Valentine’s Day Bake-Off.

Will Kelly and Alex finally learn the recipe for a good relationship and marriage? Is there a secret ingredient? (Did you know that James Thurber said, “The most dangerous food is wedding cake.”)

This book is scrumptious. You will be served characters that become your friends, a town that would be fun to visit, and even inspiration to bake creatively. There are added layers of sweet treats in this book as well, as we also get to know Kelly and Alex’s family and friends.

The icing on this “cake”? There’s a Recipe for Triple Layer Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Crème Fraiche, a Hallmark Original Recipe. Showstopper! Highly recommend.

I received an ARC from Hallmark Publishing and this is my honest review.

Nancy Naigle did an amazing job in this page turning story about second chances and finding love again. I loved all the characters! It would make the best Hallmark Movie!

Kelly and Andrew were engaged and dreaming of opening up a restaurant together. Then he chose an opportunity to study in Paris and their relationship ended before it ever started. Seven years later Andrew comes home to visit and happens to run into Kelly, she's the owner of her own bakery. Does Andrew get his second chance ??