Hope At Christmas by Nancy Naigle | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

NOW A HALLMARK ORIGINAL MOVIE!

Nancy Naigle delivers a heartwarming Christmas story that proves you can always go home again in Hope at Christmas.

Sydney Ragsdale is looking for a fresh start far away from her controlling ex-husband and the self-doubt that has plagued her since the divorce. Returning to her childhood home in Hopewell, North Carolina is just what her soul needs. Praying some Christmas magic will follow her she moves with her daughter to a farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents. While there Sydney finds solace working at The Book Bea, her favorite bookstore.

Single dad Kevin MacAlea, Mac to his friends, is the local high school history teacher and baseball coach. He is also the towns best kept secret—he has been playing Santa since his son was born twelve years ago. Mac loves the enchantment of the season and wants his son to share in his joy.

When a catastrophe forces The Book Bea to close before the end of the year, everyone in the small town is feeling the loss. While Sydney is already off-balance by the bad news, her ex-husband breaks a promise to their daughter that sends her running away and threatens the relationship that she has begun with Mac.

As Sydney and Mac try to figure out what their next steps are together they will soon discover that there’s always hope at Christmas.

What Did I Think Of Hope At Christmas by Nancy Naigle?

I really genuinely enjoyed Hope At Christmas by Nancy Naigle. It’s my second holiday themed book by Naigle and the experience of this book was plenty satisfying. This story hits some really great notes for me, which I guess lead to some outsized expectations for the Hallmark movie adaptation. Which y’all, was serendipity because it was on tv the same weekend that I was reading this book.

So, Hope At Christmas follows Sydney Ragsdale, a divorcee who is moving to the town of Hopewell to stay in an inherited farmhouse with her daughter Ray Anne. Sydney is on a budget so she gets a part time job at the Book Bea. A store which is so special to her as she used to visit it as a child. Bea is the current owner of The Book Bea and a wonderful character in her own right. So, Sydney is dealing with the impact of her divorce on her daughter Ray Anne and coming to terms with being alone for Christmas. She ends up making friends in her new town, joining in traditions and meeting/being attracted to Mac, a local teacher with a son, Seth who is just a bit older than Ray Anne. Mac has a side job over the holidays that he’s keeping secret.

This book is so sweet. I liked that it was a listen that did not ask a ton out of me. This was the easiest book to just do house work and relax to. Most of the characters were pleasant. I never had to feel awkward while listening because there’s no adult times (I can no longer listen to that in the car while driving as my passenger has little ears). The town of Hopewell is so charming and there’s one tradition that’s superb.

As for the movie, I am not sure why it’s called Hope At Christmas when the only things that are the same are Sydney, Ray Anne, the Book Bea, and Mac. There’s no Seth in the movie. A certain dramatic scene is missing. I hate to be cliche but the book was much better than the movie. There was just so much missing from the movie. I did feel let down, having read the book so close to watching the movie.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Nancy Naigle’s Hope At Christmas is narrated by Kristin Kalbli and is 9 hours long. I listened to it sped up via Hoopla. It’s actually really easy to follow. It’s enjoyable. Kalbi has a good narration style – she’s not over the top, but you can tell the characters apart. She has great pacing too. I think this is an audiobook worth checking out to get into the spirit of the holiday.

On A Scale Of One To Buddy The Elf – How Much Christmas Spirit Does Hope At Christmas Have?

This book is brimming with spirit – from making a Christmas display at the Book Bea to a progressive caroling event to the wonderful ending. I really think this is a book that you should read when you are feeling down and need something to make you feel happy.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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