This is a new-to-me-author and overall, I liked this story. It took me a while to really get into the story, but as I got to know the characters, I found myself more invested in the story.

There was a few turns of events I did not see coming which helped the story remain interesting.

There was one major problem I had which for me personally kept this from a 3-star. The male lead, Adam, acknowledged previous intimate relationships and he made a comment that he and Mary Anna did not sleep together very loosely, and at the same time he is a Christian and volunteers with the youth. I know we all are sinners, made mistakes, have a past and are forgiven, however, that promise comes with repentance and turning our back to sin. Through what I've read, I did not get that message/feeling that Adam is repentant and in fact turned his back to that life. God made intimacy to enjoy between a husband and wife, but the message I got through Adam is: just be careful, which is not in line with God's word.

Two people setting a path for themselves only to have a surprise turn of events that upends everything they thought they wanted out of life. A beautiful story of new beginnings and finding love when you weren't looking for it.

Another great book by Nancy Naigle! I didn't want to put this book down, but you have to sleep sometime. It definitely held my interest
This is a story about a woman trying to move away from a divorce. She meets a cowboy that has his own problems. They try to remain friends but issues keep getting in the way. Can they stay friends and maybe become more? You will have to read the book to find out.

A story of second chances, folks who take care of each other, and small-town charm are at the heart of What Remains True. Merry Anna (I love her name) sets out to figure out her life after she steps away from the family business and the man who broke her heart. She lands in a charming town with people who want the best for her. Adam is dead set on making his mark on the rodeo circuit, but when he finds out he may have a daughter, his life is turned upside down. I love that Merry Anna's determination to try new things gives her courage as she learns to stand up for herself, and the way Zan wraps Adam around her heart. If you enjoy a sweet romance set in a small town, this one is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What Remains True was a sweet, cowboy romance about 2 people who because of being hurt in the past, have closed themselves off and are searching for their purpose in life. Throw in some curveballs in each of their lives and unexpected characters, and it makes for a complex story. I hope that we will meet these characters again and learn more about their lives.

Thank you NetGalley, Nancy Naigle and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the ARC of What Remains True. This is my personal review.
Merry Anna was trying to become the person she knows she is deep inside herself. The divorce from her unfaithful husband pushed her to resign her position or at least try to resign in the family company. She drove and stopped at a small town only to find this town felt like where she should be.
Adam is a cowboy from the spurs on his boots the top of his cowboy hat. Bull riding his is life.
The twist and turns in each of their lives will bring this story so close to your heart.
I adored everything about this book. I would be doing something else and before I knew it, I was thinking about this story and had to go back and read some more.

I received an ARC of, What Remains True, by Nancy Naigle. I usually love books by Nancy Naigle, but not this one. I could not connect with the characters in this book.

Gifted author Nancy Naigle does not disappoint with this new novel set in a small town in North Carolina.
A chance turn and stop on Main Street in Antler Creek becomes a life changer for Merry Anna, what a blessing in her journey. She had no destination in mind when she left her current life behind, and God must have been leading her hands.
This read offers a bit of everything, along with some sweet romance, we attend rodeo's, a precocious five year old little girl, dear hearted friends and neighbors, and a place you never want to leave.
I will be look for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.

Anything that this author writes is a must read for me. This one is one of those books that grab you from the very beginning. It's hearwarming, interesting and so well written you can literally see the scenes unfold. The small town, Antler Creek is cozy , quaint and everyone seems to be happy and supportive of each other.
This little town might be just what Merry Anna needs to start a new life after her divorce. Living in a little bunk house might not be what she's used to, but she loves it . When she meets her neighbor, Adam, a champion bull rider, everything takes a turn for the better. It's a slow building romance because neither of them are in a hurry, but the chemistry is there. Surprises along the way, heartwarming moments,descriptive writing and sweet romance all kept me quickly turning the pages to see if this charming couple would get their happy ever after.

A heartwarming book that I couldn’t put down. Such a sweet story of finding true happiness in a small town atmosphere. Merry Anna is a newly divorced and over worked, she is ready to find true meaning in her life. She stops in Antler Creek, takes temporary job in a local gift shop, and rents a little bunk house. Read this wonderful book and join Merry Anna on her journey to a new life.

I’m not sure about this book. While it was a great story and was set in a town that I would absolutely love to visit, I didn’t feel the characters were well developed. Also, the wording was so simple that there wasn’t a ton of depth. However, if you like a quick, sweet romance, this one might be for you.

love, love, love this story of Merry Anna and Adam. Adam is a rodeo rider and has to make a choice to keep riding or do the safter thing and quit. Merry Anna found this little town by accident and decided to stay for a while. love the surprise in the middle of the book. really great read.

I LOVED this book.
It has a BIG surprise in the middle.
The characters hook your interest from the beginning.
It was a lovely way to spend a portion of a rainy day AND I can't wait to order a hard copy for some local friends who share books around.
Hoping for and looking forward to a sequel to see what the main characters do.

You know I love a good read that has me engrossed and fully entertained as I go on the journey with the characters.I really loved Merry Anna and Adam's story. I really liked how the scenes of the rodeo played out , it was like watching for real.This story was full of hope , love and surprises .This will definitely go in my top ten reads of 2022.

What a refreshing read! enjoyed how you can sometimes just realize, you've not been True to self. This is well written book that holds lots of truth! Hope it rings true for you.

This is a great book by Nancy Naigle. It is the story of Merry Anna and Adam. Merry Anna who is recently divorced and quit her big corporate job, stops in Antler Creek and doesn't leave. Adam is one of her neighbors whose life is the rodeo and they become very good friends although neither one is looking for a relationship as both have goals in their life that they need to fulfill first. The story has different twists and turns that makes it hard to put the book down. An excellent read.

If you’re looking for a good clean solid read, this is the book for you.
Antler Creek is now home to Merry Anna, who is on a break from her real,life. She becomes fast friends with the local hunk Adam, who also has some major life decisions, namely a daughter he never knew. I liked the town and all the characters. I thought Merry Anna was too accommodating to Kevin who should have been kicked to the curb much sooner. Zan is a cute kid, but a little too,perfect, even in fiction.
It’s a cozy comfortable read.

Such a sweet love story. The story is full of selfless love, draws you in feeling like you know the characters and is real and down to earth not just fairytale like. I highly recommend this book.

Merry Anna (that’s not a typo) has taken a leave from the family business following a rocky divorce from a cheating husband. She stops in the small town of Antler Creek, North Carolina to get gas. On a whim, Merry Anna decides to stay. She rents an old bunkhouse from her new boss, Krissy. The property used to belong to Adam Locklear. He runs the local feed store and has a degree in sports medicine. But his passion is rodeo. In fact, he’s got his eye on this year’s rodeo championship. And nothing else.

Determined to put her ex-husband and that past behind, Merry Anna just wants to remain anonymous. Adam is smarting over a family rift. Neither is looking for a relationship. Both have secrets. In fact, one shows up on Adam’s door step, unannounced. But then…

Oh, wait. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.

And what a delicious read this is! Heartfelt and homespun, this tale of loss, regrets, and another chance at true love will make you want to stand up and cheer. It’s a vibrant and vivacious kind of “baseball, hot dogs, apple and Chevrolet” kind of story, with plenty of warmth and whimsy. Also the most dangerous eight seconds in sports. (You’ll get that if you know rodeo. If not, kindly look it up.)

A robust storyline, idyllic settings, and rich characterizations saturate this dynamic story that has more twists than Rocket Fuel (you’ll still get that if you read the book.) It’s replete with characters we want to know better. Sit down and set a spell and chat over a glass of sweet iced tea.

There’s a family rift between Adam and his parents. Their stonewall of silence make it clear just how much they disapprove of his rodeoing. He’s a whiz in the kitchen. But he’s also not the “borrow a cup of sugar kind of neighbor.”

Wait. Is that a strawberry pie?

Scene stealers: Shorty, Adam’s indomitable Corgi. Chips, Adam’s beautiful buckskin trail horse who loves tortilla chips. Also Tara, Merry Anna’s neighbor and geriatric dynamo.

This gently faith-flavored story and clean romance took me back to days of bits and bridles. Manes and tales. The creak of saddle leather. The tangy pungence of fresh hay. And a welcoming whinny. Loved it!

Set in Antler Creek, North Carolina, What Remains True is a heartwarming, emotionally rich story. This well-crafted, well-researched narrative features engaging characters, a smoothly flowing plot, a gentle faith element, and a sweet slow burn romance. I loved Merry Anna, and five-year old Zan captured my heart. I would love sequels featuring Krissy and Tara. However, to me Adam was a less than honorable hero especially in regard to the life-changing sin in his past that he was repeatedly trying to justify instead of showing repentance. On a lighter note, Ms. Naigle brings the rodeo to life with detailed descriptions that stimulate the senses. Her depiction of small town life is authentic and delightful. I think you will find this to be an inspiring, satisfying read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.