What Remains True

Title: What Remains True

Author: Nancy Naigle

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Source: Net Galley

My Review:

What Remains True was my first introduction to Nancy Naigle. The cover of the book drew me in, as did the small-town feel. 

I felt that the story had a slow start. While I liked the characters, I did not connect with them. I did admire Merry Anna's journey of self-discovery and her character growth.

At times the writing flowed well, but at other times it was stilted. There was one scene where Merry Anna gets to work, then goes to Adam's store to buy something. Once she gets back, Krissy tells her to close down the store and get on with her evening. That should not have been the whole day, and it struck me odd. The end of the story seemed rushed, and that is where I felt there could have been more to the story.

Adam finds himself in an unexpected situation and trying to make the most of it. I admired his tenacity with his goal, but that should be all to end all. The story did a good job of telling you what to feel or what was going on, but you couldn't actually feel it, if that makes sense. Adam and Merry Anna's romance did not feel authentic, it also felt stilted at times.

Fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, and Amy Clipston will enjoy Nancy Naigle's writing as well.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives--and lead to love--from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She's made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she's giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He's also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He's got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn't involve a woman just yet. It doesn't involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan--the daughter Adam didn't know he had--in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love--not just for each other but for Zan too.