The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

Review:

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful standalone second chance romance novel.  We meet, Lorri Walker, our heroine at the start, when her husband surprises her with dog on Valentine’s Day. Lorri had suspected her husband of having an affair last year, and when he denied it, she accepted the dog, as his proving that he loves her.  However, many months later, her husband leaves her for another woman, who he claims he loves.  Lorri decides she needs to move, and ends up in Dalton Mill, with her dog, Mister (a huge mastiff); with 5 acres of land for Mister to enjoy.  In a short time, Lorri gets to meet many of the friendly local people, finding herself content & happy, not to mention her graphic design business was growing rapidly.  

Ryder Bolt, our hero, has lived in this small country town of Dalton Mill all his life, and was not happy with his father having sold the land; and resented those who moved to the new development, but he tries to move on past that.  He does support his niece and nephew in running The Wedding Ranch, which has become a successful event planning business.  Ryder has never gotten over the death of his wife and child in a tragic car accident that happened 7 years ago. 

Lorri’s neighbor friend, Tinsley invites her to go to the county fair, which has lots of activity, craft, baking, competitions and cotton candy.  While looking around, she is tackled to safety by a handsome stranger, as cows escaped and heading right her.  Ryder and Lorri became friends from that point on, with them enjoying each other’s company, with both having their own traumas.

What follows is a slow build second chance romance, with two wonderful people, who deserve to move on in love and forgiveness.  I loved Ryder and Lorri together, though the terrible past does come haunting back that threatens to destroy their possible future. Will they be able to stay together?  

I adored Mister, who though at 180 lbs., was a wonderful dog.  Lorri’s friends, especially her bestie Pam, were always there for her; and it was fun for both of them to see an old friend, who was a major country music star.   I did enjoy so many of the secondary characters who were awesome, especially Ryder’s sister, Diane and Ross/Reese who ran The Wedding Ranch. 

The Wedding Ranch was a wonderful, refreshing story, so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  The story line was very good, with a number of issues, including tragedy, divorce, love, second chances, emotional, forgiveness, family and happiness.  I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher