After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

How could you not want to spend Christmas in Chestnut Ridge? The small town community atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. The townspeople are close-knit which is very heartwarming and charming. In this Christmas romance, Sheila comes to Chestnut Ridge to help her friend Natalie decorate a tree for the annual tree decorating contest (adorable!) and winds up quickly catching feelings for the local fire chief. The town also pitches in to help a family that gets displaced by a fire and Sheila really feels the small town giving spirit. This is a great read to sit by the fire and start your Christmas holiday mood off right!
Thank you to both NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This was a cozy, gentle read that is perfect for the holidays. It brings warmth and fun memories of a small town during the holiday season.

The only downside to this is that the characters felt one dimensional. I was hoping for a little more depth to the characters. However, I would read this again as it is reminiscent of a hallmark movie.

If you are looking for a sugary sweet, feel-good Christmas story this book is probably for you.

It was a relatively quick read, but for some reason it was hard for me to get into. While it’s not formally listed as part of a series, CHRISTMAS IN CHESTNUT RIDGE does feel as though you are missing out on understanding some of the setting and characters that get introduced in a different book from Nancy.

Also, the writing style was not my cup of tea. It was a lot of telling details instead of showing which made it hard for me to get into. There were a few scenes I enjoyed (like when Tucker and Sheila go to visit her mom), but a lot of them fell flat in my opinion and way too much time in the plot was dedicated to trivial details and not on the character’s individual developments or relationship.

All in all- this book would probably be the right fit for others, it just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is exactly the heartwarming holiday escape I was hoping for. Nancy Naigle has crafted a story that not only celebrates the magic of Christmas but also explores themes of community, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways love can take root.

Set in the picturesque town of Chestnut Ridge, Naigle paints a world where tree farms and twinkling lights set the perfect holiday scene. From the moment Sheila is persuaded to join the Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, I was drawn into the festive charm of the town. The joy of decorating, the sense of community, and the coziness of hot cocoa in hand – it’s all there, making me wish I could step into Chestnut Ridge myself.

What I loved most about this story is how Sheila’s participation in these community events becomes more than just holiday fun. Her decision to help with the tree stroll marks the beginning of a transformative journey for her. Through her involvement, Sheila finds not just a sense of belonging but also a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. The author beautifully balances this personal growth with the festive backdrop, and I appreciated how Naigle handled Sheila’s evolution with grace and subtlety.

And of course, there’s Tucker. The slow-blooming romance between him and Sheila is written with tenderness and care. Tucker, as the reliable and kind-hearted fire captain, is the perfect partner to show Sheila everything Chestnut Ridge has to offer. Their budding relationship felt organic and sweet, with moments that made me smile. I especially loved the scenes during the Christmas Tree Stroll, where Naigle captures the magic of Christmas lights and community spirit so vividly.

The story takes on a deeper emotional layer with the subplot of the family who lost their home to a fire. Watching the entire town rally around this family, offering support and love in their time of need, really brought out the true spirit of Christmas. It was heartwarming to see how the generosity and kindness of the community played a vital role in the story, reminding us of the importance of coming together during tough times.

In the end, what made Christmas in Chestnut Ridge stand out for me was Sheila’s journey of self-discovery. She learns to combine both parts of her life – her past and her new-found community – in a way that feels authentic and satisfying. It’s a lovely reminder that sometimes, the places and people we least expect can become home.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a Christmas read filled with warmth, romance, and a sense of community, Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is the perfect holiday companion.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of Christmas In Chestnut Ridge.

Sheila gets a call from her best friend Natalie inviting her to come spend Christmas with her in her small town of Chestnut Ridge. Sheila has just gone through a divorce and instead of being alone she decides to spend a few weeks with her friend who she has missed since she moved away. While there Sheila meets Tucker the fire chief of the town and they instantly hit it off. Sheila is a glorified city girl but the small town starts to grow on her. But can she really leave everything she knows?

I loved this book. It was so heartwarming but not in a cheesy way. The book tackles real life situations and struggles. It was so easy to connect with the characters and what they were dealing with. This is a must read!

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC.
I enjoy reading Christmas stories, and this one had the possibility of being a nice, cozy read. However, I felt that it was a little too hokey for my taste. The dialogue read like I was watching Gomer Pyle and with all of the descriptions of this quaint town in Virginia, and the fact that no one had ever seen a Tesla, this person never explained how she could charge her car. I know it seems dumb as the story was not about that, but there was so much over explaining and descriptions, you would think that would be explained.
I think that this might be in a series and honestly, I am not interested. The town seems cute, and everyone ended up happy. The end. Blah

Natalie persuades her best friend, Sheila, to come to Chestnut Ridge for the Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser and put her creative juices to work on a unique theme for their tree, hoping to win the grand prize. Tucker and his fellow firefighters, though, are out to win the coveted prize for their department. In the midst of contest preparations, a local family’s home burns to the ground just weeks before Christmas, and everyone comes together to support the family with donations of time, household items, even gifts for the four young kids.

Nancy Naigle is one of the romance authors whose books don’t make me roll my eyes with every other page, so I was looking forward to reading this book. Yes, much of the plot was predictable, but the characters seemed like people that would be fun to have around, especially at the holidays. While I wasn’t surprised by the feel-good ending of the story, I don’t regret the time I spent with them, and hope to read more about the folks of Chestnut Ridge in another book somewhere down the road. There’s nothing to indicate that this book is part of a series, but some of the characters seem to have been in at least one other Christmas story by this author, so hmmm…

This novel is a standalone sequel to 'And Then There Was You' (June 2023). Sheila is best friends with Natalie, the FMC in the previous book. And when Natalie invites her to come to the small town of Chestnut Ridge for the holidays she agrees. It is only a couple of hours from her home and work in Richmond, VA but it is a new world for her. Everyone knows and cares for each other. When a home burns down the community rallies around the young family. In between town events like the Christmas Tree Stroll and tree decorating competition she meets Tucker. He is the Fire Captain and sparks fly

The story is easy to read and a sweet small town romance. I think I liked it more because I’d read the previous book and was happy to catch up with the previous couple. I like the sense of community but I wasn’t blown away by Tucker and Sheila as a couple. The writing was a little cheesy with him calling her city girl. I think fans of the author will enjoy the story as will those who like clean, Hallmark style romances. (3.5 Stars)

What a wonderful return to Chestnut Ridge. There's just something about a good, heartfelt Christmastime story that brings out the emotions and tears. Chestnut Ridge is a small town with a big heart. Sheila comes to spend time with her friends Natalie and Orena, and to help Natalie's team decorate a tree for the Christmas Tree Stroll. She's expecting to spend a few fun weeks but finds more than what she could have hoped for when she learns the specialness of helping others in need and a romance starts between her and the fire chief, Tucker.

This story is full of community, friendship, love, humor, and Christmas spirit. I loved how Sheila and Tucker enjoyed each other's company while helping others and how it eventually evolved into a relationship.

Who doesn’t love a feel good Christmas story? This is a book that needs to be a hallmark movie because it has all the makings of a small town jolly good Christmas fun time story. I just finished it. It’s cute. It’s a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. Going back to Chestnut springs to see some old friends and meet some new ones made the story of the more lovely. This is a cute slow burn friends to more love story.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge is a lovely and touching trip back to the small town during the holiday season with friends, picking out Christmas trees, hot cocoa, buying gifts, a sense of community, and falling in love. Sheila left Richmond to visit her best friend Natalie, whom we met in the first book, for the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Sheila is a big city girl, making lots of money in real estate. But she is quickly pulled into this small community of caring neighbors who work together to help each other. One example is how everyone helped a family get on their feet after their home burns. And the usual holiday activities are going on to bring the community together., like providing food baskets and cookie bakes. The big event occurs in the high school stadium with a Christmas tree decorating contest. Sheila falls into place into the community life, one thing she did not expect. She also did not expect to fall for the local fire chief. Tucker is a great guy, and he sure did not expect to fall for a city gal. This is a sweet Christmas romantic read sure to bring on the smiles.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. What a delightful, heartwarming story!

I loved the setting! It is a picturesque mountain town full of charming residents and lots of Christmas spirit. The author describes the town, holiday activities, landscape, and decor so beautifully that it comes alive and the town is almost a character in itself. And this is the backdrop for a swoony romance and a woman reconnecting with herself. Sheila is a successful and busy real estate broker and has recently gone through a divorce. When her best friend invites her to participate in a charity tree decorating event, Sheila has no idea that she will meet a handsome firefighter, Tucker, who will change her life along with everyone in this small town. I rooted for Sheila and enjoyed her arc. Her character was well-developed and relatable, and I appreciated that the story focused on her healing and new experiences as much as the romance. The town is close-knit with endearing characters, all of whom add to the overall warm feeling of the book. This book is feel-good and festive, and I enjoyed curling up on the sofa with it and a cup of tea. If you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies and cozy reads, you'll want to add this one to your tbr!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press Griffin for the gifted ARC!

So thankful I was able to read an ARC of this novel courtesy of St. Martins Press, the author and NetGalley.

Cuddle up beside a flickering candle, with a cozy blanket and prepare yourself for all the vibes of this novel! This was such a fun Christmas and winter novel. The small town was so lovable, the people realistic and the story is lovely! This is a longer Christmas read than I’m used to but I loved it so much that it felt quick.

Definitely recommend this novel due to the small town feel.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle is such a cute small town Christmas romance where you have Tucker and Sheila and he is the fire chief and they just have the cutest sweetest holiday romance very Hallmark he very Lifetime network type of Love Story great for the masses great for the holiday season I thoroughly enjoyed it thank you Netgalley ! 🩷🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge
Nancy Naigle
October 08, 2024

We are headed to Chestnut Ridge in the heart of the West Virginia mountains. Sheila is finishing up her last minute real estate work before the holidays. She has accepted her best friend Natalie’s invite to head to Chestnut Ridge to visit for all the holiday excitement. She will be staying with Orene in her large home. She packed her new red Tesla full of all the necessaries for the visit plus items that Natalie or Orene suggested to bring for decorating their theme tree at the Christmas Tree Stroll. Nat has plans to win the competition this year and Sheila will be her secret weapon.
Christmas in Chestnut Ridge will be published by St. Martin’s Publishing Group on October 08, 2024. The second of Naigle’s Chestnut Ridge books was available for me to read and review via NetGalley. As an avid Nancy Naigle reader I was overwhelmed that I was allowed to read her novel ahead of publishing. Once again I was filled with delight as I read this new adventure for Sheila Aldrigge. This story was brimming with pleasure and a joy to read. All readers who are enchanted by a magical holiday novel should read this marvelous story. Do Enjoy!

Chestnut Ridge is your quintessential Hallmark small town. Full of festivals, fun town traditions and feel good emotions. I could easily see this book being a movie.

I loved watching the community come together to rally around a family in need and how the situation not only helped Shelia find a sense of much needed belonging but one of purpose as well. Helping the Jacob family definitely played to her strengths. And it brought her closer to Tucker the town fire chief. Tucker was such a golden retriever MC who thought nothing of always giving of himself. His sense of community was so admirable. As was the whole found family aspect throughout the book. Which always makes for a cozy, heartwarming read. Paired with some descriptive and idyllic scenery this was a perfect holiday read.

This was my very first Nancy Naigle novel, and it won't be my last. This novel was one of the most inspiring Christmas novels I've read in several years.

Sheila is a divorced work-a-holic who works in real estate. Her widowed best friend Natalie moved to Chestnut Ridge for a fresh start. Sheila thought it was a terrible idea, but when Natalie invited her to stay through Christmas, she accepted. Natalie guaranteed she needed a change of scenery and the joy of Christmas to bring her back to life. Sheila wasn't so sure as she prefers city life and retail therapy to being in the woods.

Sheila very quickly learns the true meaning of community and helping others in time of need. Chestnut Ridge is a special town, and the people who live there are even more special.

I knew the moment that Sheila, her mom, & Tucker had me sobbing uncontrollably for over thirty minutes that this was definitely a five-star read. The entire book will warm your heart, but there was just something special about Tucker and Ms. Aldridge, that got me.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nancy Naigle writes cozy Christmas romance books that feel like a cozy Hallmark movie. It’s no surprise then that several of her books have been made into movies. “Christmas in Chestnut Ridge “ is a cozy novel set in the mountainside town of Chestnut Ridge where the neighbours and whole town will go out of their way to help others when down and out, evident when the Jacob family loses everything in a house fire.

This is the story of Sheila who has come to the Ridge to help best friend Natalie with the Christmas Tree stroll, a charming tradition that I think more communities should spearhead. We are also given the opportunity to see firefighter Tucker in command and in his element as fire chief. From the description I’d say Tucker could easily go on the Firefighters calendar though due to his modesty may not agree to pose.

In truth, I binge-watch hallmark movies during the silly season, so for me, this book hits the mark for holiday reads. #christmasinchestnutridge is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good heartfelt, magical Christmas tale filled with romance, Christmas cheer, helping others, and all the holiday vibes. I was completely drawn into this story and suddenly have the urge to bring out my Christmas decorations…

In stores everywhere October 8, 2024 so you can get into the Christmas spirit as the weather cools and the snow is ready to fall. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the #drc.


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This story has all the hallmarks to make the reader feel good. It is set in a small town at Christmas and perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday. It is sweet and endearing with characters that readers will fall in love with. Sheila is at a turning point in her life and visiting with her friend offers her the opportunity to slow down and make some changes. Tucker is the fire chief and a natural care giver. Readers will enjoy the warm banter as these two fall in love. This will make a great Christmas gift.