🎄👼🏻🎁 Christmas Angels (2019) 🎁 👼🏻🎄 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Griffin (October 15,
2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250312620
ISBN-13: 978-1250312624
A heartwarming Christmas story filled with
the magic and miracles of the holiday season by USA Today Bestselling
author, Nancy Naigle.
“Growing
up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents’ inn located in
the small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever
got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for
what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places
a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there, she finds
the property in significant disrepair.
When Matt
Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it
wasn't another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous
owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the
sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the
inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where
he made so many fond memories.
I’m sure you’ve seen the post about “Christmas Angels” and the giveaway.
Well, as promised in that … here’s my review, rambling as it is …
If you’re not into the “Hallmark”-esque movies, then this isn’t a book for you. It is a clean read, clean romance which means there is not much more interaction beyond kissing, holding hands – those things. There are some “Christian” elements, but the author isn’t preachy in her tone.
This is my first introduction to author Nancy Naigle. I LOVE a good, clean romance. I LOVE Christmas stories even more. And, when this was released in October, I HAD to have it. I could tell by the cover and the description (see this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-angels-nancy-naigle-2019.html) – this was a book I was going to LOVE!
After trying to get technology to work with an eBook version; and it not working (it may have been laughing at me by this point) – I opted to look at my local library. And, the “city” library had it in stock – no holds. I can’t imagine why not – this is a CUTE little read!
Rather than to have it sent to my closest branch, which is four (4) miles away – I braved 40° (F) weather, about six (6) miles of traffic, and went after it! I also did a “Christmassy” thing after. And, I think that added to the charm of wanting to bust right into this book.
For those who don’t know – I live VERY close to Ethel M Chocolates, and I only visit once a year. They also have a cactus garden, which they dress up in holiday lights! Gorgeous! And, free “tasting” samples of their chocolates. It wasn’t too busy so my mom and I each got a second “coin” – her first was white, mine was dark. Second time through we got the opposite.
 |
| [Christmas Angels - Nancy Naigle. Thank you to Henderson Libraries] |
Now, that I’m off the topic … but, it was a “Christmas”
thing …
The premise of this book is so cute! If you don’t
want to read the other blog – in a “nutshell” …
“Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking
over her grandparents’ inn located in the small mountain town of Antler Creek
only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the
internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn
and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the
auction. But when she gets there, she finds the property in significant
disrepair.
When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and
property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn't another city slicker
coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an
art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from
his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to
help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.
While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover
her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels
start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as
reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she's meant to do. But when an
accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the
residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz that she's found a home? And
possibly true love as well?”
The cover is darling! Almost instantly I want
to run off with it and curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and stare at the
pictures of those lights as I read this.
And, remember my visit to Ethel M? It was like
part of this novel coming to life. Christmas lights at Angels Rest? Perfection.
This book has a “Hallmark Movie” vibe about it –
in a good way, complete with a small town with the cutest name – Antler Creek.
You can almost close your eyes and hear/see it as it moves along. And, even one
of the characters makes a “Hallmark Movie” remark in it. There are references
to Hallmark in it. But, that didn’t detract from this cozy read.
I love how positive Liz was, despite the
warnings from her co-worker about buying it sight unseen, and even after seeing
the disrepair – still held out hope. There are some sad moments after the “accident”,
but she had friends who wouldn’t let her give up.
It is a true “you know who your friends are
when you face adversity” scenario with an honest “small town” scenario.
Not every character is perfect; then again, no
real person is either. The characters are written like some people I’ve known
and been around. Obviously the good/bad equal each other out.
There is a scene where Liz has to “bounce down”
some steps on her butt due to an injury and I could definitely relate to that,
having done it myself numerous times.
And, one of my favorite things to cook is –
chili. I have my own recipe, so when I read about Matt’s, I could almost smell
my own cooking in the background.
I almost HATE taking this back to the library.
It’s due back on January 7th (2020), and even though I’ve finished
reading it, I want to keep it until I can get my own copy.
Rarely have I felt that way about a book – but,
this is a sweet read! The characters are real for the geographic area, and I
could almost picture the town in my mind with the writer’s vivid writing style.
This is a simple little “feel-good” read for
the holidays.
Release Date: October 15, 2019
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐–
Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐–
Bookbub
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author NANCY
NAIGLE whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot
of heart. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and
the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she currently
calls North Carolina home.
She can be found on the following social media
accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancynaigle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyNaigle
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