What do you think?
Rate this book
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
A perfect gift that captures the spirit of the season, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise celebrates the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love between two lost souls who find everything they ever wanted in each other.
Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina―home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA―to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.
Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence―and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.
Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love―and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.
Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina―home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA―to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.
Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence―and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.
Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love―and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2020
96 people are currently reading
4663 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Naigle
62 books2,203 followersNEW RELEASE: A South Hill Christmas Keepsake—out now!
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
September 30, 2020
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle
Small towns have their own rhythm and heart. Vanessa finds herself having fun and realizing her life may not have been all it could be back in the city.
I have to give a Vanessa high marks for wanting to do the right thing. I wasn’t so happy with all the town citizens. Of course it’s understood but maybe there was a bit of prejudice involved as well for the city woman invading their town.
Great writing descriptions and of course, in romance, a happily ever after. Deep breath. Sigh. Peace and joy in the ending.
Excerpt:
“Vanessa’s cheeks stung from the crisp air. She briskly climbed the stairs and grasped the shiny brass door handle. A whoosh of warm air washed over her like a hug, as a set of gleaming brass bells on a leather strap jangled against the heavy door.“
Excerpt from A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
Small towns have their own rhythm and heart. Vanessa finds herself having fun and realizing her life may not have been all it could be back in the city.
I have to give a Vanessa high marks for wanting to do the right thing. I wasn’t so happy with all the town citizens. Of course it’s understood but maybe there was a bit of prejudice involved as well for the city woman invading their town.
Great writing descriptions and of course, in romance, a happily ever after. Deep breath. Sigh. Peace and joy in the ending.
Excerpt:
“Vanessa’s cheeks stung from the crisp air. She briskly climbed the stairs and grasped the shiny brass door handle. A whoosh of warm air washed over her like a hug, as a set of gleaming brass bells on a leather strap jangled against the heavy door.“
Excerpt from A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
September 14, 2021
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle is a standalone contemporary romance novel. The story is holiday themed with it taking place from Thanksgiving and going up until Christmas and definitely is full of Christmas cheer and spirit.
Vanessa Larkin was expecting her company to send her to Paris for the Christmas holiday but instead she gets assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina which isn’t exactly the tourist destination she was hoping for. Vanessa’s job was to go in and assess a local company, Porter’s, a fruitcake factory, that her company had purchased and wants to convert into warehouse space.
Mike Marshall is a horse farmer with special ties to Porter’s, his family had founded the company and owed it for years. However, Mike’s grandfather had made the decision to sell to the Chicago company that Vanessa works for and Mike is worried what that will do to Fraser Hills. The question will be whether Mike can trust Vanessa to do what is best for their town or for her company.
Nancy Naigle is an author that I have read before and really enjoyed so going into this one I had high hopes for wonderful writing and an excellent story and thankfully that is what I found. The city girl coming to the small town story endangering the beloved town factory could make a wonderful Hallmark movie. The small town and cast of characters were full of all the charm I expected and I loved that this one became a family focused story. Great read for the holiday season or any time of year you would like to be reminded of Christmas spirit.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Vanessa Larkin was expecting her company to send her to Paris for the Christmas holiday but instead she gets assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina which isn’t exactly the tourist destination she was hoping for. Vanessa’s job was to go in and assess a local company, Porter’s, a fruitcake factory, that her company had purchased and wants to convert into warehouse space.
Mike Marshall is a horse farmer with special ties to Porter’s, his family had founded the company and owed it for years. However, Mike’s grandfather had made the decision to sell to the Chicago company that Vanessa works for and Mike is worried what that will do to Fraser Hills. The question will be whether Mike can trust Vanessa to do what is best for their town or for her company.
Nancy Naigle is an author that I have read before and really enjoyed so going into this one I had high hopes for wonderful writing and an excellent story and thankfully that is what I found. The city girl coming to the small town story endangering the beloved town factory could make a wonderful Hallmark movie. The small town and cast of characters were full of all the charm I expected and I loved that this one became a family focused story. Great read for the holiday season or any time of year you would like to be reminded of Christmas spirit.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 27, 2020
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a heartwarming holiday read that is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit but it doesn't start off that way. Vanessa Larkin was sure that her next project with the corporation that she works for would be in Paris or Leavenworth, Washington, a Christmas village style town. But she was sent to Fraser Hills, North Carolina just before Thanksgiving to close down the small town's main business, Porter Fruitcake Company, to make room for a sporting goods company to have warehouse space. This was not the first time that corporate had sent someone down so she did not get a warm welcome by some at first. But, her plan was to go in and out as soon as possible. She did not expect to be drawn in by the quaintness of the town and the close knit sense of community, especially when her older cousin Anna joined her for an extended Christmas visit. How can she make both the town and corporate happy? She can't get emotionally attached to the people and town. But will she? Anna falls in love with the town as well and finds a special friend. Vanessa always puts work before personal happiness but Fraser Hills makes her see what she is missing. Lovely story sure to bring a smile and warm feeling of Christmas spirit especially when a little romance is thrown into the mix. Another great holiday story by Nancy Naigle.
I received a complimentary ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine only.
December 4, 2020
4.5 stars.
Nancy Naigle's A Heartfelt Christmas Promise was the perfect book to launch me into Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movie season!!
Vanessa has always put work first. She’s hoping that her long hours will pay off with a plum assignment that will allow her to spend Christmas in Paris, but her boss has other ideas. He sends her to the small town of Fraser Hills, NC, and tasks her with closing Porter’s, makers of the country’s best fruitcake, and converting all the property into warehouse space.
This is a job she’s done countless times. Get in, make assessments, lay people off, and go home. But she quickly realizes Fraser Hills and Porter’s aren’t like every other job she’s done. Shouldn’t she and her company care that Porter’s is the very heart of the city? Shouldn't they take a closer look at the numbers?
Mike’s family built Porter’s, but he’s never forgiven his grandfather for selling the company. Widowed for quite some time, he spends his days raising his teenage daughter and caring for his Percheron horses. When he meets Vanessa, he is completely intrigued—until he realizes why she has come to town.
If you love small towns where everyone knows everyone’s business, meet-cutes at high school football games, the spirit of small-town Christmas, adorable puppies, and romances that flourish despite obstacles, A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is totally for you. Just add hot cocoa and a cozy blanket.
I was so lucky to be part of the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours, Nancy Naigle, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Griffin provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Nancy Naigle's A Heartfelt Christmas Promise was the perfect book to launch me into Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movie season!!
Vanessa has always put work first. She’s hoping that her long hours will pay off with a plum assignment that will allow her to spend Christmas in Paris, but her boss has other ideas. He sends her to the small town of Fraser Hills, NC, and tasks her with closing Porter’s, makers of the country’s best fruitcake, and converting all the property into warehouse space.
This is a job she’s done countless times. Get in, make assessments, lay people off, and go home. But she quickly realizes Fraser Hills and Porter’s aren’t like every other job she’s done. Shouldn’t she and her company care that Porter’s is the very heart of the city? Shouldn't they take a closer look at the numbers?
Mike’s family built Porter’s, but he’s never forgiven his grandfather for selling the company. Widowed for quite some time, he spends his days raising his teenage daughter and caring for his Percheron horses. When he meets Vanessa, he is completely intrigued—until he realizes why she has come to town.
If you love small towns where everyone knows everyone’s business, meet-cutes at high school football games, the spirit of small-town Christmas, adorable puppies, and romances that flourish despite obstacles, A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is totally for you. Just add hot cocoa and a cozy blanket.
I was so lucky to be part of the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours, Nancy Naigle, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Griffin provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
September 29, 2020
I absolutely adore holiday stories and read them throughout the year. There are some that are strictly "holiday themed" but so many others are really wonderful feel-good books that make you happy just reading them. A Heartfelt Christmas Promise, while absolutely revolving around the holidays - it begins with Thanksgiving and goes through Christmas - is, at its roots, a beautiful love story and I LOVED this story!
Vanessa is the consummate over achieving business woman who excels at all that she sets her mind to accomplish. She hasn't made time for friends or romance and rarely has time for family. When a new project in Paris comes up at work, she is positive she will be sent to Paris for the holidays. Her boss, unfortunately has other plans. Vanessa is sent to a small mountain town that makes fruitcake to shut down the company in order to put in a warehouse. Yes, I know this sounds like so many Hallmark Movies and I thought it was going to exactly like that. I was WRONG! I won't divulge how it is different but, please, believe me when I say that it is. Vanessa is not your sappy woman who gets all emotional upon arrival; she sees a solution and she goes about accomplishing her goals - goals that will benefit everyone. Of course there is a snafu - it wouldn't be a holiday story without one - but in the end it all works out! Sniffle Sniffle.... yeah, I cried.
here are so many things to love (!) about A Heartfelt Christmas Promise. First and foremost, Vanessa is intelligent and never makes excuses for being a strong, independent woman nor does she shy away from being a caring one! Second, this book includes so many age groups from Buck and Anna who are older, to Vanessa who is younger, to Misty who is a teen. Each of these people were depicted as able, smart, capable adults. It is so rare to read books that don't make older adults or teens out to be stereotypical and this was very appreciated! Third, there are horses and puppies. Oh, hello!? Naigle did such a great job at depicting the Percheron horses that I swear I could hear their thundering hoofbeats going down my cobblestone street!!
We have llamas pulling our sleigh here in my hometown so I cannot complain but can you imagine these beauties pulling Santa!? WOW! The horses play an integral part of the story and add so much character to the overall book!
What more can I say!? I LOVED A Heartfelt Christmas Promise! Whether you are an early reader of holiday books or just thinking about later, this one definitely should be on to-read list for the holidays!
Vanessa is the consummate over achieving business woman who excels at all that she sets her mind to accomplish. She hasn't made time for friends or romance and rarely has time for family. When a new project in Paris comes up at work, she is positive she will be sent to Paris for the holidays. Her boss, unfortunately has other plans. Vanessa is sent to a small mountain town that makes fruitcake to shut down the company in order to put in a warehouse. Yes, I know this sounds like so many Hallmark Movies and I thought it was going to exactly like that. I was WRONG! I won't divulge how it is different but, please, believe me when I say that it is. Vanessa is not your sappy woman who gets all emotional upon arrival; she sees a solution and she goes about accomplishing her goals - goals that will benefit everyone. Of course there is a snafu - it wouldn't be a holiday story without one - but in the end it all works out! Sniffle Sniffle.... yeah, I cried.
here are so many things to love (!) about A Heartfelt Christmas Promise. First and foremost, Vanessa is intelligent and never makes excuses for being a strong, independent woman nor does she shy away from being a caring one! Second, this book includes so many age groups from Buck and Anna who are older, to Vanessa who is younger, to Misty who is a teen. Each of these people were depicted as able, smart, capable adults. It is so rare to read books that don't make older adults or teens out to be stereotypical and this was very appreciated! Third, there are horses and puppies. Oh, hello!? Naigle did such a great job at depicting the Percheron horses that I swear I could hear their thundering hoofbeats going down my cobblestone street!!
We have llamas pulling our sleigh here in my hometown so I cannot complain but can you imagine these beauties pulling Santa!? WOW! The horses play an integral part of the story and add so much character to the overall book!
What more can I say!? I LOVED A Heartfelt Christmas Promise! Whether you are an early reader of holiday books or just thinking about later, this one definitely should be on to-read list for the holidays!
December 20, 2020
Cosy, festive, and spirited!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a charming, uplifting tale set in the quaint town of Fraser Hills, North Carolina that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Vanessa Larkin, a young businesswoman sent right before Christmas to closedown and restructure the largest employer of the town, Porter’s fruit cake factory, and Mike Marshall, a single father who spends his time raising his daughter and training his magnificent horses.
The prose is light and sweet. The characters are hardworking, savvy, and considerate. And the plot is a delightful blend of family, friendship, community, self-discovery, tender moments, merry preparations, and of course a touch of romance!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is the first novel I’ve read by Naigle, but after reading this big-hearted, heartwarming, holiday treat I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a charming, uplifting tale set in the quaint town of Fraser Hills, North Carolina that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Vanessa Larkin, a young businesswoman sent right before Christmas to closedown and restructure the largest employer of the town, Porter’s fruit cake factory, and Mike Marshall, a single father who spends his time raising his daughter and training his magnificent horses.
The prose is light and sweet. The characters are hardworking, savvy, and considerate. And the plot is a delightful blend of family, friendship, community, self-discovery, tender moments, merry preparations, and of course a touch of romance!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is the first novel I’ve read by Naigle, but after reading this big-hearted, heartwarming, holiday treat I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
This is another fantastic book from Nancy Naigle! She is one of my favorite authors and this book is a great example why I love her writing so much. She creates characters that are so life-life. Her scene settings are very picturesque. Her stories are heartwarming and stay with you long after you finish reading the book. While I am reading, it is almost like a movie is being shown in my mind. I love the small town setting and the residents that care deeply about where they live.
I happen to be a person that loves fruitcake and do not understand why it is always made to be the brunt of a joke. I love that this book centers around a fruitcake factory, especially that it is a beloved part of the town.
The story is sweet romance, but so much more. It is about making good decisions for the future, trusting the proper people, forgiveness for past hurts and learning self worth and independence. Also there is an adorable little puppy. What more can you ask for!
I enjoyed this book so much and I highly recommend it. I read it during the time of Covid19 and it definitely helped me escape real life for a while and look forward to happier times.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the immense pleasure of receiving the Advanced Reader Copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC. @SMPRomance
I happen to be a person that loves fruitcake and do not understand why it is always made to be the brunt of a joke. I love that this book centers around a fruitcake factory, especially that it is a beloved part of the town.
The story is sweet romance, but so much more. It is about making good decisions for the future, trusting the proper people, forgiveness for past hurts and learning self worth and independence. Also there is an adorable little puppy. What more can you ask for!
I enjoyed this book so much and I highly recommend it. I read it during the time of Covid19 and it definitely helped me escape real life for a while and look forward to happier times.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the immense pleasure of receiving the Advanced Reader Copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC. @SMPRomance
November 22, 2021
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise, by Nancy Naigle, is an absolute joy to read! I loved every aspect of it: the slow-burn romance, the Christmasy atmosphere, the family ties and strong sense of community, and each and every one of the characters…especially the animals!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a small town, clean romance taking place in a historic Fruitcake Factory. Porters is an enterprising company that offers so much more than fruitcake. It’s a close knit group and the company employees and town residents band together to support one another from meddlesome outsiders.
Vanessa Larkin is sent from Chicago to Fraser Hills, North Carolina to close down the Porter Fruitcake Company, a staple of employment in the town, right before Christmas, with the plan of converting it to warehouse space. After some inspection, and connecting with the townspeople, she attempts to find a way to save Porters and accomplish her company’s goal. Of course, there are sub-plots that intertwine and add emotion, depth, and stir your heartstrings.
I loved the creative descriptions of town happenings. I enjoyed the teen daughter in the story as well as the sweet bond between the two cousins visiting town. The animals are precious and Vanessa’s change of perspective, and her willingness to find and forge a plan that benefits all, is inspiring. Every page was a festive, feel-good delight!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a small town, clean romance taking place in a historic Fruitcake Factory. Porters is an enterprising company that offers so much more than fruitcake. It’s a close knit group and the company employees and town residents band together to support one another from meddlesome outsiders.
Vanessa Larkin is sent from Chicago to Fraser Hills, North Carolina to close down the Porter Fruitcake Company, a staple of employment in the town, right before Christmas, with the plan of converting it to warehouse space. After some inspection, and connecting with the townspeople, she attempts to find a way to save Porters and accomplish her company’s goal. Of course, there are sub-plots that intertwine and add emotion, depth, and stir your heartstrings.
I loved the creative descriptions of town happenings. I enjoyed the teen daughter in the story as well as the sweet bond between the two cousins visiting town. The animals are precious and Vanessa’s change of perspective, and her willingness to find and forge a plan that benefits all, is inspiring. Every page was a festive, feel-good delight!
September 27, 2020
The perfect Christmas read for an escape. I read it in almost one sitting.
High powered executive Vanessa is sure she will be sent to Paris for a
work assignment over Christmas but things don't go as planned.
In actuality she gets an assignment in Frasier Hills,North Carolina to close a fruitcake factory before the new year to make room for a sporting goods company.
If she succeeds a nice fat bonus will be coming her way.
This workaholic has no time for family or friends , this is a working vacation.
What she doesn't count on is coming to know the town's people and having her cousin come to stay with her as well.
When two lonely and hurting hearts come together a Christmas miracle can happen.
Very sweet small town feeling romance with a cheerful Christmas feel.
Expected publication: September 29th 2020 by St. Martin's Griffin
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
High powered executive Vanessa is sure she will be sent to Paris for a
work assignment over Christmas but things don't go as planned.
In actuality she gets an assignment in Frasier Hills,North Carolina to close a fruitcake factory before the new year to make room for a sporting goods company.
If she succeeds a nice fat bonus will be coming her way.
This workaholic has no time for family or friends , this is a working vacation.
What she doesn't count on is coming to know the town's people and having her cousin come to stay with her as well.
When two lonely and hurting hearts come together a Christmas miracle can happen.
Very sweet small town feeling romance with a cheerful Christmas feel.
Expected publication: September 29th 2020 by St. Martin's Griffin
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Want to read
September 13, 20203.5 TV Movie In The Making Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
So let's see what we think of when we think of Christmas...It may not be the first thing you think of but eventually, the long-standing traditional gift we all at one time or another get will be thought of...What could that be?
FRUITCAKE
Yes, that gift that will make some extremely happy and others mot so much. Vanessa Larkin's Paris Christmas plans were sabotaged by her boss sending her instead to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA. She received a directive to convert the new warehouse space they acquired when purchasing Porter's Fruitcake. The company will be closed and it will be Vanessa's job to figure out the retirement packages and convince the remaining people new jobs aren't hard to find.
Mike Marshall is a horse rancher. Has a teenage daughter and is trying to do right by her. He was never involved in the family business yet when the family sold Porter's to a Chicago firm, it hurt a little. The factory was the life's blood of the town.
These two meet, the town intervenes, cute moments, small-town love, and a big happily ever after.
Quick, get a screenwriter, and make that movie happen.
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
So let's see what we think of when we think of Christmas...It may not be the first thing you think of but eventually, the long-standing traditional gift we all at one time or another get will be thought of...What could that be?
FRUITCAKE
Yes, that gift that will make some extremely happy and others mot so much. Vanessa Larkin's Paris Christmas plans were sabotaged by her boss sending her instead to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA. She received a directive to convert the new warehouse space they acquired when purchasing Porter's Fruitcake. The company will be closed and it will be Vanessa's job to figure out the retirement packages and convince the remaining people new jobs aren't hard to find.
Mike Marshall is a horse rancher. Has a teenage daughter and is trying to do right by her. He was never involved in the family business yet when the family sold Porter's to a Chicago firm, it hurt a little. The factory was the life's blood of the town.
These two meet, the town intervenes, cute moments, small-town love, and a big happily ever after.
Quick, get a screenwriter, and make that movie happen.
A Heartfelt Christmas Promisehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 5, 2020
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a sincere holiday romance about a city girl who learns to love and appreciate all the unique and memorable parts of a small town. Nancy Naigle is one of my go-to authors for holiday romance as she balances romance and heart with ease and perfection.
Vanessa Larkin is work driven. She has always been dedicated to work and is excited for an upcoming business trip. She hopes it's Paris or somewhere out of the country, but it turns out that she is headed to Fraser Hills, North Carolina. She doesn't know that much about the small town but hopes it will be an in and out assignment.
When she arrives in town, she befriends a man named Buck who is kind and full of advice. From the very first moment that she is enveloped by the town at a high school football game she knows this town is different in a good way. She is sitting next to an attractive man named Mike. She told herself that she was going to let go more and she is doing just that as she agrees to meet up with him after the game. When Mike and the town find out why she is in town, it brings unease.
Vanessa was tasked with shutting down Porter's, the local fruitcake company. But as she starts to see how profitable the business is and how nice the townspeople are she fights for this company like it's her own. She doesn't want to disappoint the town, but will she be able to save Porter's?
I loved the small town and all the characters that Nancy created. Every character introduced was memorable and significant to the story. I also loved the relationship between Vanessa and Mike. It was so adorable and yet so real with their ups and downs. With added characters like Buck, Misty, and Anna this story was unputdownable.
I give A Heartfelt Christmas Promise 5 stars. Nancy did an amazing job with the details of a small town including the friendly community, the heart of local support, and picture-perfect imagery. If Hallmark is looking for its next book to screen movie, they have found a winner in A Heartfelt Christmas Promise.
Vanessa Larkin is work driven. She has always been dedicated to work and is excited for an upcoming business trip. She hopes it's Paris or somewhere out of the country, but it turns out that she is headed to Fraser Hills, North Carolina. She doesn't know that much about the small town but hopes it will be an in and out assignment.
When she arrives in town, she befriends a man named Buck who is kind and full of advice. From the very first moment that she is enveloped by the town at a high school football game she knows this town is different in a good way. She is sitting next to an attractive man named Mike. She told herself that she was going to let go more and she is doing just that as she agrees to meet up with him after the game. When Mike and the town find out why she is in town, it brings unease.
Vanessa was tasked with shutting down Porter's, the local fruitcake company. But as she starts to see how profitable the business is and how nice the townspeople are she fights for this company like it's her own. She doesn't want to disappoint the town, but will she be able to save Porter's?
I loved the small town and all the characters that Nancy created. Every character introduced was memorable and significant to the story. I also loved the relationship between Vanessa and Mike. It was so adorable and yet so real with their ups and downs. With added characters like Buck, Misty, and Anna this story was unputdownable.
I give A Heartfelt Christmas Promise 5 stars. Nancy did an amazing job with the details of a small town including the friendly community, the heart of local support, and picture-perfect imagery. If Hallmark is looking for its next book to screen movie, they have found a winner in A Heartfelt Christmas Promise.
August 8, 2021
I am a sucker for Christmas stories! I especially love them during the holiday, of course, but since Christmas lives in my heart all year I will choose them any time. This story was beautiful! Our heroine has big plans for the holidays, Paris. (swoon) But her boss has other plans for her. She is sent to shut down a Fruit Cake Factory! (Oh the Scrooge of it all!)
The town has other ideas and tries to get her to change her mind. I love the interaction between all the characters, not just our hero and heroine. This story doesn't follow the conventional Hallmark move trope, but we still come to the HCEA (That's Happily Christmas Ever After)
Lovely book and a welcome addition to my Christmas Collection.
Thank you #NetGalley and Nancy Naigle for the gift of this book!!
The town has other ideas and tries to get her to change her mind. I love the interaction between all the characters, not just our hero and heroine. This story doesn't follow the conventional Hallmark move trope, but we still come to the HCEA (That's Happily Christmas Ever After)
Lovely book and a welcome addition to my Christmas Collection.
Thank you #NetGalley and Nancy Naigle for the gift of this book!!
August 20, 2020
Let the Holiday reading begin!
Fruitcake? Vanessa was supposed to have earned the job in Paris, instead she is sent to a small North Carolina town whose claim to fame was fruitcake. Her job, to close down the fruitcake factory and prep the building to become a warehouse, oh, and she had to do it all right before Christmas. Talk about being a clueless Scrooge, but she is about to see there is more to life than the bottom line as dictated by a glass and steel high rise.
Mike has faced enough loss in his life and now the legacy of town, Porter’s Fruitcake Factory was going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Vanessa was the enemy, until he found there was more to her than her big city flash revealed.
Who would have thought Vanessa would learn to slow down and smell the fruitcake, or that her conscience would stab at her heart like a red hot poker? Nancy Naigle’s A HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS PROMISE is a story of love, friendship and learning that it is people who make life have value.
Sweet, warm and filled with that “Holiday Feeling,” this is a wonderful way to let the seasonal reading begin!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 29, 2020)
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Fruitcake? Vanessa was supposed to have earned the job in Paris, instead she is sent to a small North Carolina town whose claim to fame was fruitcake. Her job, to close down the fruitcake factory and prep the building to become a warehouse, oh, and she had to do it all right before Christmas. Talk about being a clueless Scrooge, but she is about to see there is more to life than the bottom line as dictated by a glass and steel high rise.
Mike has faced enough loss in his life and now the legacy of town, Porter’s Fruitcake Factory was going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Vanessa was the enemy, until he found there was more to her than her big city flash revealed.
Who would have thought Vanessa would learn to slow down and smell the fruitcake, or that her conscience would stab at her heart like a red hot poker? Nancy Naigle’s A HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS PROMISE is a story of love, friendship and learning that it is people who make life have value.
Sweet, warm and filled with that “Holiday Feeling,” this is a wonderful way to let the seasonal reading begin!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 29, 2020)
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 28, 2023
Setting: Chicago & Fraser Hills, NC
Primarily a small town romance .. with heroine’s work as a business woman playing a prominent role.
This is my first read of this author’s books.
Lots of great secondary characters.
Primarily a small town romance .. with heroine’s work as a business woman playing a prominent role.
This is my first read of this author’s books.
Lots of great secondary characters.
September 8, 2020
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a story of career driven woman gaining a new perspective on life once she spends some time in a small town. I enjoyed the small-town setting, the townspeople who were deeply rooted in the community, a hint of Christmas magic, and the descriptive writing. A good story to start off your holiday reading.
October 19, 2020
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is another Nancy Naigle hit; I think if you're already a fan of hers, this is another one you'll enjoy and if you're new to her and in the mood for small town Christmas romance, this isn't a bad choice to start with.
In a nutshell: Vanessa is a city girl from Chicago whose company sends her to small town North Carolina for business which in the end could ruin the livelihood of the townspeople and surrounding townspeople.
In true small town romance fashion, Vanessa begins to meet and befriend the townspeople and along with this learn about the town and how important this fruitcake company is to it. She also finds romance along the way with single dad Mike. This isn't easy though; Mike is apprehensive and not a fan of Vanessa's at first. Their romance is pretty slow building, I remember being over the halfway mark before the apprehensiveness began to lift a bit and the story started to move forward. This book had a strong familial aspect to it which I enjoyed and most importantly; it felt like Christmas. 2019 was not a good christmas romance year; there were a lot of titles marketed as such, and didn't feel like Christmas at all! I can't wait for more from Nancy Naigle, she is becoming a queen of Christmas romance for me.
In a nutshell: Vanessa is a city girl from Chicago whose company sends her to small town North Carolina for business which in the end could ruin the livelihood of the townspeople and surrounding townspeople.
In true small town romance fashion, Vanessa begins to meet and befriend the townspeople and along with this learn about the town and how important this fruitcake company is to it. She also finds romance along the way with single dad Mike. This isn't easy though; Mike is apprehensive and not a fan of Vanessa's at first. Their romance is pretty slow building, I remember being over the halfway mark before the apprehensiveness began to lift a bit and the story started to move forward. This book had a strong familial aspect to it which I enjoyed and most importantly; it felt like Christmas. 2019 was not a good christmas romance year; there were a lot of titles marketed as such, and didn't feel like Christmas at all! I can't wait for more from Nancy Naigle, she is becoming a queen of Christmas romance for me.
September 29, 2020
This book was a cute holiday read! I was even left with a hankering for a piece of fruitcake:) Small town dynamics, a touch of Christmas magic, and a really cute fur baby made Vanessa and Mike’s story feel like a charming Hallmark movie.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review.
December 29, 2020
4.5 stars
Just about every holiday season, I read one of Nancy Naigle’s holiday romances and I have never been disappointed. It’s like reading a Hallmark Movie, you just know without a doubt that you are going to read something sweet, fun, romantic, and full of holiday cheer!
When this book was released in October, I just didn’t have room on my calendar to review it. But this year I did something I never do. I left my December calendar really open so that I could read a bunch of holiday romances!
And this one was at the top of my list to read! I could easily have finished it in a day but then of course life got in the way so it took me a couple of days to read, but I was happy because that meant I got to drag it out a little more and enjoy all the wonderful words inside a little longer!
Of all the Christmas books I have read from Naigle, I have to say this one is my absolute favorite. I think I said that about the last one, but this one was so wonderful! I adore Percheron horses and to have them featured so predominantly in this story just made it for me! I adored the setting and the small town charm of Fraser Hills. It really got me in the mood for Christmas!
While I might not have loved Vanessa at the beginning, I loved watching her transform and come to realize the importance of slowing down and seeing the beauty in life rather than just work was such a great message to readers. I know that having just returned to work in a more professional and management role, as a young mom, it’s hard to find that work/life balance! I tend to run to the extreme and would work all day if I was allowed but I have to force myself to step away and focus on other things and that work will be there—it’s not like I’m the president or queen or something.
So I thought that this was a great message to the mid twenties to late thirties reader demographic and Vanessa would appeal to many readers of this book. WhileI might not have loved her, I could easily see myself in her character and appreciated her as the story went on.
Now let’s get to the real question of the story—-the hero? Mike was wonderful! I loved his charm, honesty, and of course the fact that he loved horses just melted me. I adored him and I think readers will fall in love with him just like I did. I mean, he has Percherons for god sake. How can you not love a man with gorgeous horse?!
If you are a fan of holiday romances and Hallmark movies, this is the book for you. I adored it and I can’t wait to read the next holiday novel from Nancy Naigle. She has a talented hand at Christmas and this book is full of romance, snow, adorable animals, small town charm, and of course SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS. I loved it!
See my full review here
Just about every holiday season, I read one of Nancy Naigle’s holiday romances and I have never been disappointed. It’s like reading a Hallmark Movie, you just know without a doubt that you are going to read something sweet, fun, romantic, and full of holiday cheer!
When this book was released in October, I just didn’t have room on my calendar to review it. But this year I did something I never do. I left my December calendar really open so that I could read a bunch of holiday romances!
And this one was at the top of my list to read! I could easily have finished it in a day but then of course life got in the way so it took me a couple of days to read, but I was happy because that meant I got to drag it out a little more and enjoy all the wonderful words inside a little longer!
Of all the Christmas books I have read from Naigle, I have to say this one is my absolute favorite. I think I said that about the last one, but this one was so wonderful! I adore Percheron horses and to have them featured so predominantly in this story just made it for me! I adored the setting and the small town charm of Fraser Hills. It really got me in the mood for Christmas!
While I might not have loved Vanessa at the beginning, I loved watching her transform and come to realize the importance of slowing down and seeing the beauty in life rather than just work was such a great message to readers. I know that having just returned to work in a more professional and management role, as a young mom, it’s hard to find that work/life balance! I tend to run to the extreme and would work all day if I was allowed but I have to force myself to step away and focus on other things and that work will be there—it’s not like I’m the president or queen or something.
So I thought that this was a great message to the mid twenties to late thirties reader demographic and Vanessa would appeal to many readers of this book. WhileI might not have loved her, I could easily see myself in her character and appreciated her as the story went on.
Now let’s get to the real question of the story—-the hero? Mike was wonderful! I loved his charm, honesty, and of course the fact that he loved horses just melted me. I adored him and I think readers will fall in love with him just like I did. I mean, he has Percherons for god sake. How can you not love a man with gorgeous horse?!
If you are a fan of holiday romances and Hallmark movies, this is the book for you. I adored it and I can’t wait to read the next holiday novel from Nancy Naigle. She has a talented hand at Christmas and this book is full of romance, snow, adorable animals, small town charm, and of course SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS. I loved it!
See my full review here
November 28, 2020
This was a delightful Christmas story. Yes, there is romance, there is some angst, there is the evil company that wants to close the local fruitcake company, but there is more. This would make a perfect Hallmark movie. Vanessa Larkin is sent to Fraser Hills, North Carolina to convert space belonging to Porter's Fruitcake Company into warehouse space for a sporting goods business their company owns. What she finds is that she can do that without closing Porter's. She will need some fancy footwork to convince her boss that the person who recommended closing Porter's did not do his due diligence. Throw in the small town vibe, wonderful characters and Christmas spirit and this is a lovely story full of Christmas Spirit, family, friendship and some Christmas Magic.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit more than the normal Christmas romance that I love. Vanessa is intelligent, strong, and independent. She has not returned to her hometown with her tail between her legs, but is in Fraser Hills to do a job, in this case a job that should make everyone happy. I loved the additional storyline of Buck, Mike and Anna and how this family is estranged, yet hopefully able to heal. Throw in some horses and puppies and you have a book that will appeal to many. I was interested to see how and why a company that wants to make money would close a profitable business. So often these businesses are failing, but not his one. The townsfolk were wonderful. There were some fans of Anna and some that disliked her and tried to undermine her efforts. There were smart and capable people living in Fraser Hills and Nancy Naigle highlights them. I liked that there were multi-generational characters involved in the turnaround. Overall, this was a wonderful Christmas story, which, considering Nancy Naigle often pens my favourite Christmas story each year, did not surprise me. Pick this one up if you are looking for some Christmas magic, some Christmas romance and some family and community festivities, you won't be disappointed. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit more than the normal Christmas romance that I love. Vanessa is intelligent, strong, and independent. She has not returned to her hometown with her tail between her legs, but is in Fraser Hills to do a job, in this case a job that should make everyone happy. I loved the additional storyline of Buck, Mike and Anna and how this family is estranged, yet hopefully able to heal. Throw in some horses and puppies and you have a book that will appeal to many. I was interested to see how and why a company that wants to make money would close a profitable business. So often these businesses are failing, but not his one. The townsfolk were wonderful. There were some fans of Anna and some that disliked her and tried to undermine her efforts. There were smart and capable people living in Fraser Hills and Nancy Naigle highlights them. I liked that there were multi-generational characters involved in the turnaround. Overall, this was a wonderful Christmas story, which, considering Nancy Naigle often pens my favourite Christmas story each year, did not surprise me. Pick this one up if you are looking for some Christmas magic, some Christmas romance and some family and community festivities, you won't be disappointed. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
November 30, 2020
Grab your Snuggie, your warm fuzzy slippers, and your hot beverage of choice, because its time for a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book! You think I’m exaggerating?? No way, this fabulous read A HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS PROMISE was written by none other than Nancy Naigle, who’s already had 5 of her books made into Hallmark movies!!! I’m not kidding. Head to her blog to see the schedule for all of them being aired throughout the month of December.
When Vanessa Larkin is sent to small town Frasier Hills NC for work instead of Paris, she’s not exactly thrilled. Hoping for a mini working vacation, she gets stuck in a nowhere town tasked to shut down a Fruitcake factory and give out retirement packages. Once she gets there she unexpectedly falls in love with the charming town and its quirky townspeople, especially Mike, a widower with a teenage daughter and strong ties to the community. As Vanessa continues to enjoy holiday festivities and making memories in this lovely little community, she finds herself hoping to somehow uncover a Christmas miracle for the townspeople that will sustain them for many more holidays to come.
This is the epitome of a Christmas novel right here, it has all the holiday feels, a little bit of small town drama, some sweet romance, and an ending that makes everyone jump for joy. With a wonderful cast of characters, and a ton of festivities, you are sure to get yourself right in the mood to start some Christmas carols and put up your own tree. It’s no wonder Nancy Naigle has had some of her books already made into Hallmark movies with stories like this. It is truly the heartwarming Christmas read you are looking for to put you in the mood, and will leave you feeling cheery and bright. Highly recommend. There is no way you can’t help but love this one, even if you are the biggest grinch!
When Vanessa Larkin is sent to small town Frasier Hills NC for work instead of Paris, she’s not exactly thrilled. Hoping for a mini working vacation, she gets stuck in a nowhere town tasked to shut down a Fruitcake factory and give out retirement packages. Once she gets there she unexpectedly falls in love with the charming town and its quirky townspeople, especially Mike, a widower with a teenage daughter and strong ties to the community. As Vanessa continues to enjoy holiday festivities and making memories in this lovely little community, she finds herself hoping to somehow uncover a Christmas miracle for the townspeople that will sustain them for many more holidays to come.
This is the epitome of a Christmas novel right here, it has all the holiday feels, a little bit of small town drama, some sweet romance, and an ending that makes everyone jump for joy. With a wonderful cast of characters, and a ton of festivities, you are sure to get yourself right in the mood to start some Christmas carols and put up your own tree. It’s no wonder Nancy Naigle has had some of her books already made into Hallmark movies with stories like this. It is truly the heartwarming Christmas read you are looking for to put you in the mood, and will leave you feeling cheery and bright. Highly recommend. There is no way you can’t help but love this one, even if you are the biggest grinch!
December 27, 2022
Oh my gosh, this is terrible! I loved it!
Vanessa is sent to a small town in North Carolina because the whatever conglomerate corporation she works for needs more warehouse space for one of their other businesses, so Vanessa needs to close down the local factory. What do they make? FRUITCAKE! Makes perfect sense to shut down an actually profitable fruitcake factory a month before Christmas, right? Right!
Soon Vanessa is caught up in all the small-town drama, and falls for widower Mike, who raises and sells beautiful draft horses along with his 16-year-old daughter, Misty, who is also perfect in every way, including the fact that she's better at business management than most people in their 40s.
It turns out that the factory - thanks to Misty's suggestions!!!! - actually has become more efficient with their space, meaning that there are now two giant buildings standing empty!!! Exactly what they need for the warehouses!!!! Surely corporate will be pleased to find out that they can literally have their cake and eat it, too, with warehouse space AND continuing the fruitcake factory's profitable business as well, right? RIGHT???
Look, if you're thinking about reading this, it's because you like cheesy Christmas romances. If you like cheesy Christmas romances, you'll probably enjoy this one. It wasn't my favorite; a solid 3.5* from me, but it was perfectly entertaining, if 100% predictable a smidge ridiculous.
Vanessa is sent to a small town in North Carolina because the whatever conglomerate corporation she works for needs more warehouse space for one of their other businesses, so Vanessa needs to close down the local factory. What do they make? FRUITCAKE! Makes perfect sense to shut down an actually profitable fruitcake factory a month before Christmas, right? Right!
Soon Vanessa is caught up in all the small-town drama, and falls for widower Mike, who raises and sells beautiful draft horses along with his 16-year-old daughter, Misty, who is also perfect in every way, including the fact that she's better at business management than most people in their 40s.
It turns out that the factory - thanks to Misty's suggestions!!!! - actually has become more efficient with their space, meaning that there are now two giant buildings standing empty!!! Exactly what they need for the warehouses!!!! Surely corporate will be pleased to find out that they can literally have their cake and eat it, too, with warehouse space AND continuing the fruitcake factory's profitable business as well, right? RIGHT???
Look, if you're thinking about reading this, it's because you like cheesy Christmas romances. If you like cheesy Christmas romances, you'll probably enjoy this one. It wasn't my favorite; a solid 3.5* from me, but it was perfectly entertaining, if 100% predictable a smidge ridiculous.
December 27, 2022
“perfect gift to capture the spirit of the season and celebrate the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love.”
Personal review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fruitcake factory, big city girl, rugged horse rancher, and missed chance to visit Paris, because of corporate restructuring in small town North Carolina at Christmas time? Sign me up. This book was cute and perfect for the Christmas time holiday. Loved the growth of the main character, Vanessa, through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, plus the lab puppy was so adorable!
Synopsis : Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina - home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA - to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.
Personal review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fruitcake factory, big city girl, rugged horse rancher, and missed chance to visit Paris, because of corporate restructuring in small town North Carolina at Christmas time? Sign me up. This book was cute and perfect for the Christmas time holiday. Loved the growth of the main character, Vanessa, through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, plus the lab puppy was so adorable!
Synopsis : Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina - home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA - to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.
January 14, 2021
NetGalley ARC.
This was a cute, Christmassy fluffy little chaste romance novel and I really liked it. It was innocent of anything untoward and still enjoyable! ;) My only problem, which I hope hope hope was fixed prior to release, as this is a review for the ARC, is that I am not wholly sure what Mike and Buck's relationship was. Were they father and son or grandfather and grandson? It changed throughout the book!! It went back and forth and back and forth and I got really confused. I do believe that Buck was Mike's grandfather, whose wife died and Edna was Mike's mother, nary a mention of Mike's father ever. But I really hope that all got picked up on final edits and was resolved in the published version. I'm not curious enough to spend money to find out. But all in all, it was a good holiday book and the puppy on the cover has the smallest part in the book but obviously is a very cute cheap shot to draw you into the book. lol.
This was a cute, Christmassy fluffy little chaste romance novel and I really liked it. It was innocent of anything untoward and still enjoyable! ;) My only problem, which I hope hope hope was fixed prior to release, as this is a review for the ARC, is that I am not wholly sure what Mike and Buck's relationship was. Were they father and son or grandfather and grandson? It changed throughout the book!! It went back and forth and back and forth and I got really confused. I do believe that Buck was Mike's grandfather, whose wife died and Edna was Mike's mother, nary a mention of Mike's father ever. But I really hope that all got picked up on final edits and was resolved in the published version. I'm not curious enough to spend money to find out. But all in all, it was a good holiday book and the puppy on the cover has the smallest part in the book but obviously is a very cute cheap shot to draw you into the book. lol.
November 29, 2020
3.5 stras
This is the first book I've read by Naigle. I'm not really a fan of romance novels, but this blurb caught my attention. I'm glad a read it. (And thankfully, there's not an overwhelming sappy romance factor to it, though there is a romance angle.)
The book reminded me of some sweet holiday movies I've seen on Hallmark, which is what I hoped for. Characters are well-developed, and the story is crafted in such a way that the reader feels a part of the story. I really liked Vanessa. She's a strong, determined woman, and you can't help but root for her.
Naigle's latest is a great way to get you in the holiday mood.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a review.
This is the first book I've read by Naigle. I'm not really a fan of romance novels, but this blurb caught my attention. I'm glad a read it. (And thankfully, there's not an overwhelming sappy romance factor to it, though there is a romance angle.)
The book reminded me of some sweet holiday movies I've seen on Hallmark, which is what I hoped for. Characters are well-developed, and the story is crafted in such a way that the reader feels a part of the story. I really liked Vanessa. She's a strong, determined woman, and you can't help but root for her.
Naigle's latest is a great way to get you in the holiday mood.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a review.
September 10, 2020
Vanessa is a big city girl who had her heart set on spending Christmas in Paris this year. Instead she was sent to the mountains of North Carolina to shut down a local fruit cake factory called Porter's. Mike's family has owned Porter's for generations and he was shocked when his grandfather sold the company to a corporate conglomerate in Chicago. After losing his wife, losing Porter's was just too much for him to bear. When Vanessa swoops into town, clearly unaware of what Porter's means to the community, Mike and the rest of the town set out to show her how special Fraser Hills, North Carolina, really is.
I take back every time I ever called another book a Hallmark Movie because this one TAKES THE (fruit) CAKE! We are talking city girl and grumpy country hero, a widower raising a teenage girl, high school football, old ladies who make delicious holiday meals, puppies, and FINDING THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS.
Someone get me a hot chocolate and cozy blanket STAT.
(3 stars for the holiday cheer. but it was a typical hallmarkian romance. nothing out of the ordinary, but sure to hit the spot if you're looking for something sweet.)
Thank you to Netgally, Nancy Naigle, and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I take back every time I ever called another book a Hallmark Movie because this one TAKES THE (fruit) CAKE! We are talking city girl and grumpy country hero, a widower raising a teenage girl, high school football, old ladies who make delicious holiday meals, puppies, and FINDING THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS.
Someone get me a hot chocolate and cozy blanket STAT.
(3 stars for the holiday cheer. but it was a typical hallmarkian romance. nothing out of the ordinary, but sure to hit the spot if you're looking for something sweet.)
Thank you to Netgally, Nancy Naigle, and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2020
Reads exactly like a hallmark book which isn’t surprising since at least one of her past books has been turned into a hallmark movie. It’s a cute wholesome romance featuring a cute puppy...what’s not to love?
December 24, 2020
Calling all you Hallmark book / movie lovers - this is a book for you! It was soo cute and heartfelt that I just adored reading it.
I can see why Nancy is the queen of having her books turned into hallmark movies ❤️ the story just swept me away. The details she provides can paint the motion picture reel in your mind.
I can see why Nancy is the queen of having her books turned into hallmark movies ❤️ the story just swept me away. The details she provides can paint the motion picture reel in your mind.
September 15, 2020
E-galley from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
When a Chicago company acquires a North Carolina fruitcake company they send Vanessa to transition the small company into, well, she has one idea and the employees have another. Things are tense. She’s been a city girl all her life and has plans for a nice vacation when this assignment is completed. She didn’t expect to fall in love with the place!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is my kind of Christmas novel. It has a charming small town, a little drama, a little romance and an adorable puppy. Recommended!
When a Chicago company acquires a North Carolina fruitcake company they send Vanessa to transition the small company into, well, she has one idea and the employees have another. Things are tense. She’s been a city girl all her life and has plans for a nice vacation when this assignment is completed. She didn’t expect to fall in love with the place!
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is my kind of Christmas novel. It has a charming small town, a little drama, a little romance and an adorable puppy. Recommended!
September 23, 2020
Much like the Hallmark Christmas Movies I fill my DVR with every winter, A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is a sweet, charming, small-town romance that had me dreaming of the scent of pine trees in the air and rich, sugary cookies in the oven. It's a story of life choices, starting over, forgiveness, slowing down enough to rediscover the joys that have been there waiting for you all along, and realizing it's never too late to give love a chance.
Naigle has brought the town of Fraser Hills to life, along with her citizens. She has me wanting to drive into the mountains to try the banana pudding at the Blue Bicycle Bistro, pick up a bouquet of flowers at The Stalk Market, sing along at the Christmas Parade, hang out with an enterprising teen while sampling a piece of fruitcake at Porter's (and I don't even like fruitcake), snuggle an adorable, mischievous Lab puppy (with a very big best friend), share a cup of coffee with the goodhearted folks who call Fraser Hills home, talk Mike Marshall into a wagon ride pulled by his magnificent Percherons, and meet the woman who saved a town and discovered everything she didn't know she needed in the most unlikely of places.
If you enjoy charming, heart-tugging, Christmas romances set in scenic mountain towns, with lively townspeople, adorable animals, a business in peril, more than one romance brewing, and, of course, happy endings all around, pick up a copy of Nancy Naigle's A Heartfelt Christmas Promise.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
Naigle has brought the town of Fraser Hills to life, along with her citizens. She has me wanting to drive into the mountains to try the banana pudding at the Blue Bicycle Bistro, pick up a bouquet of flowers at The Stalk Market, sing along at the Christmas Parade, hang out with an enterprising teen while sampling a piece of fruitcake at Porter's (and I don't even like fruitcake), snuggle an adorable, mischievous Lab puppy (with a very big best friend), share a cup of coffee with the goodhearted folks who call Fraser Hills home, talk Mike Marshall into a wagon ride pulled by his magnificent Percherons, and meet the woman who saved a town and discovered everything she didn't know she needed in the most unlikely of places.
If you enjoy charming, heart-tugging, Christmas romances set in scenic mountain towns, with lively townspeople, adorable animals, a business in peril, more than one romance brewing, and, of course, happy endings all around, pick up a copy of Nancy Naigle's A Heartfelt Christmas Promise.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
November 20, 2020
A truly special thank you to Nancy, Kate Rock and St Martins Press for this Christmas work of art. And stay tuned, on Sunday, I’ll be doing a Book Tour for this wonderful novel!
Vanessa Larkin, a corporate account executive is supposed to be headed to beautiful Paris or Washington for the upcoming Christmas holiday for work. Her dear cousin, Anna has been longing to spend time together and due to Vanessa’s workaholic tendencies that hasn’t happened. Vanessa gets the shock of her life when her boss sends her to Frasier Hills instead. A beautifully quaint small town with loads of character. What will this job force her to do or will the town help her decide how to handle things.
I truly loved this, a Hallmark movie type book and a great moral. You all should grab it and read it! Where can I find a small town like this? Such a dream to live in a place like this. A town that sticks and works together. Beauty in this crazy, pandemic life were living in now. That’s what I want.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vanessa Larkin, a corporate account executive is supposed to be headed to beautiful Paris or Washington for the upcoming Christmas holiday for work. Her dear cousin, Anna has been longing to spend time together and due to Vanessa’s workaholic tendencies that hasn’t happened. Vanessa gets the shock of her life when her boss sends her to Frasier Hills instead. A beautifully quaint small town with loads of character. What will this job force her to do or will the town help her decide how to handle things.
I truly loved this, a Hallmark movie type book and a great moral. You all should grab it and read it! Where can I find a small town like this? Such a dream to live in a place like this. A town that sticks and works together. Beauty in this crazy, pandemic life were living in now. That’s what I want.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews