The Secret Ingredient: Now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie

Hallmark Publishing, please tell Hallmark Movies that we need to have this book made into a movie now! A fresh idea with a delightful, heartwarming take on second-chance romance, this one hits the heart in the best of ways. I loved every part of this book, down to the tiniest details, and hated to see it end!Andrew and Kelly had big plans for their small-town life together. He may be a cook at Kelly's parents' diner where Kelly is a waitress, but with his skills in the kitchen and her talent for baking, they plan to open their own restaurant one day. Recently engaged with a wedding a year away, Andrew gets the opportunity to study under one of the best pastry chefs in France. Then somehow, six months away from home turns into seven years, and Andrew returns home for a short visit on his way to New York City. His emotions are scattered as he discovers that, not only has Kelly made her dreams come true without him, but her cake factory is well known across the country and a vital part of the community by employing locals and revitalizing Main Street.Naigle gives us one of the most clever plot twists I've ever seen that has Andrew and Kelly unknowingly competing against each other in the midst of their getting reacquainted, healing old hurts and rekindling their old love. In spite of the developments being predictable, since the reader is in on the secret, this book had me fully involved and reading eagerly to devour the details. We've all likely watched baking competitions on television, but this competition was far more exciting and effortlessly held me captive every step of the way, and all without commercial interruptions.With a little of everything, this book has something to offer any reader. Phenomenal descriptions of baked goods so vibrant you can taste them. A sweet but angsty romance between admirable, endearing characters with great chemistry while still maintaining a Hallmark rating. Colorful, loveable secondary characters who can’t help but interfere (thankfully). A fresh twist on an old trope with plenty of action and excitement to keep the reader riveted to the page. And let's not forget Grey, the teacup pig with a hog-sized personality. You’re sure to find a lot to love in this delightful, humorous, heartwarming read!*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

This was a sweet love story that make you fall in love all over again. It shows the growth in maturity of both Kelly & Andrew.

I haven't watched the Hallmark movie, but there's no doubt in my mind why this story was made into a movie. It had all the classic Hallmark elements. I emerge story. My favorite part of the book was the baking competition. Great work by this author.

Such a happy read I didn't want to put it down. Enjoyable from beginning to end. I would definitely read a sequel to this if one is written.

I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I've read by Nancy Naigle and was it a TREAT! YES!!! Her writing style is so natural and authentic, Southern, and true! I loved her characters and the settings, plot...the whole town of Bailey Fork! I could keep on and on about how much I couldn't put this one down once I started. I've always been a fan of cooking shows, too, so I know it also contributed to how much I adored this story. It was a sweet romance we should all encourage our friends to add to their TBR list. It's so worth the read!