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!

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 ??

oh my gosh this is such a sweet, chill, light-hearted romance. This is such a fun read! this is not too mushy mushy for a romance novel, just the right amount, love that! Also I did not anticipate that plot twist at all haha did not know who nominate them, I should've known! they are so many hints dropped around oops

The Secret Ingredient is a lovely small town second chance romance. The story encompasses seven years going back to the time when our couple were living their shared dreams until our hero leaves for pastry school in Paris.
Skip ahead seven years and a visit back home.
Will this reunion of this previously engaged couple lead to a renewal of feelings left behind by an ocean between them.
This Hallmark title is sure to make an excellent movie for the upcoming Valentines or another at a future date.
This gets 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received an arc from netgallery and am voluntarily reviewing it.

The secret ingredient was a wonderful sweet story involving Kelly and Andrew. The couple had history years ago when they were once engaged and Andrew made the choice to go to Paris to study instead of staying for their wedding. As the family medals to get the two back together they end up on a cooking show not knowing that they were competing against each other. I love the ending and I hope that there is a future for those two in another book. This is another win for Nancy Naigle and I definitely could see it as a Hallmark movie

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for this free eARC.

As a lover of Hallmark movies, I quickly requested this book, and really enjoyed it!

This story was set in a small town, and was about second chances. Andrew and Kelly had plans to marry, before Andrew took a call from his Aunt, who offers him a scholarship in Paris. With plans to return, Andrew heads off, but doesn't come home for 7 years.

Kelly is still in their small town and now has her own bakery, when Andrew comes home, seven years later, for a short trip. She is still hurt and upset with him.

They both get a opportunity to do a bake off competition, but they can't say a word about it. Little do they both know, they will end up at the same place, in NYC.

I loved the characters in this story, and all the small town vibes. The story kept me interested, and had the perfect ending. This would be the cutest Hallmark movie.

Pub date Feb 12th, 2019.

Magic and Pie! 2 of my favorite topics to read about. When Susanna gets a cryptic message from her Aunt Erma she travels to Hocus Hills to run the pie shop her aunt has started. Just the name of the town should have given her an idea. The cast of characters are a hoot and the story line is written very well. There are twists and turns along with some humor and romance thrown in. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series to find out what happens with Susanna and Henry and the rest of the Hocus Hills magical community.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I loved this book. A great fun read with wonderful characters, a quirky town and begs everyone to wonder about the one who got away. This needs to be a Hallmark Movie.

High school sweethearts Kelly is a baker and Andrew is a chef, and they have big plans for their future. However, a great opportunity for Andrew causes their plans to get derailed. This is a sweet story of realizing goals, nw opportunities, and second chances, A feel good romance with emotion, laughter, tears, and hope. Highly recommend.
.

received an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much, it was hard to put down. This is a second chance story of Kelly and Andrew who were engaged to be married seven years ago but Andrew was offered an opportunity to study with some of the best chefs in France. When he returned home for a visit they both realized the love they once shared was still alive. Nancy Naigle is a wonderful writer of sweet romantic stories.

I loved Kelly and Andrew.. This book definitely needs to be a Hallmark movie. The descriptive writing style of Naigle's made my mouth water with all the yummy sounding treats. Loved this second chance story and the characters and the town were so endearing. Gray was a real hoot and definitely a different kind of pet. The maturing of the main characters and the relationships with their parents was an interesting storyline. It was nice to see Andrew repair his relationship with his Dad. Cant say enough about how much I loved this book.

The Secret Ingredient is a wonderful small town romance with the added bonus of a Valentine's Day televised bake off competition of four professional bakers. I love to watch that type of show on TV so it added an additional element of fun for me. It was interesting to get a behind the scenes view (whether or not it's that way in reality.) A sweet, easy read that made me smile. My new favorite from Nancy Naigle!

Kelly and Andrew live in a small town in North Carolina. They have lived there all their lives. She bakes in her parent's cafe and he is the chef. They are deeply in love. They have plans. They will own a restaurant, share the duties and live happily ever after.

Then Andrew gets the chance of a lifetime. He has a scholarship to go to Paris and take pastry classes with a world famous chef. He will live free in a relative's carriage house. It is a wonderful chance for him.

They both agree this is too great to ignore. Andrew goes to Paris for a 6 month class. But, life does not always go as we expect. Andrew is gone for 7 years. Kelly has never forgiven him.

When he comes back home, he realizes what he has missed. He has missed his family and the wonderful feeling of being in a place where everyone knows him and cares about him. Most of all, he has missed Kelly.

Now, Andrew is only in town for a few days. He has an obligation in New York.

And Kelly gets an opportunity of a lifetime, she must leave town for at least a week.

It seems that although they are still drawn to one another, there will not be time to explore their feelings for one another. There will not be time to find out if they can build a new relationship.

But, again, life does not always go in a direction we expect.

This is a wonderful story. Kelly and Andrew are 2 very good people. Their families have created 2 adults who are responsible, ambitious, intelligent, kind and fun. The small town has always been supportive of Kelly because she has helped it thrive. Everyone has been proud of Andrew's success, even though it was across an ocean.

All the characters, primary or secondary, are created in depth. Within a few lines we get to really know people.

The plot moves quickly and the reader is drawn into the action. And every reader is fortunate that simply reading about delicious desserts does not add calories to our day.

Ms Naigle has created a terrific story. She is skilled at creating small towns populated by likable people. I think everyone would like to live in Bailey's Fork.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.