Let's talk about Home Cooking! Home cooking is more than just preparing meals; it's about creating an experience, nurturing relationships, and embracing a lifestyle that promotes health and wellbeing. In recent years, more people have turned to home cooking, rediscovering the joy of making meals from scratch. This blog post will delve into the art of home cooking, the benefits it brings, practical tips to enhance your skills, and how it transforms family dynamics. The Benefits of Home Cooking There are numerous benefits to cooking at home. For some, it's the freedom to experiment with flavors and ingredients. For others, it can lead to healthier eating habits and improved nutrition. According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, individuals who cook at home tend to consume fewer calories and lower levels of carbohydrates and sugars. This trend is promising for anyone looking to make healthier choices. That's something I'm trying to focus on the remainder of this year. Another significant benefit of home cooking is cost savings. Dining out, even at the fast food drive-thru, has skyrocketed and can add up quickly, while preparing food at home is generally more budget-friendly. By planning meals and purchasing ingredients in bulk, families can stretch their dollars further. This savings allows for creativity in cooking; the more money saved, the more one can experiment with unique ingredients or gourmet items. A well-stocked kitchen counter ready for cooking. ENJOY FREE RECIPE DOWNLOADS from my books on my website under Posts&Freebies https://www.nancynaigle.com/

Inspired by Sweet Tea and Secrets ~ Book 1 of the Adams Grove Novels. (Available in print, digital, and audio)

It's RELEASE WEEK for the second novel in the Shell Collector series! I’m thrilled to share the journey back to the charming coastal town of Whelk's Island. In this post, you can read about the book, enjoy the free prologue, and download a reader guide to share with your book club. Discover the Story Behind the Novel Back Cover Copy: In the wake of losing her husband, Rosemary feels directionless. Seeking solace, she embarks on a trip to Whelk’s Island to visit an old friend, undeterred by a looming hurricane. Before the storm arrives, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner, where an instant connection forms with the owner, Tug. However, the hurricane devastates the diner, deepening Tug’s heartache from a previous loss. As Rosemary becomes part of Tug’s life, she begins to see his profound sadness. Determined to help him heal, she teams up with Tug and their friends Amanda and Paul. Together, they strive to help their tight-knit community recover and rebuild. A Romance Rekindled While Rosemary and Tug assist Amanda and Paul in mending their relationship, the young couple navigates the challenges posed by the storm. Their plans to take things slow start to unravel, revealing a stronger bond that was perhaps always meant to be. Simultaneously, Rosemary and Tug cultivate a friendship that begins to mend their own broken spirits. Can this blossoming relationship convince them that love can be reclaimed, even for those hesitant to open their hearts again? One thing becomes clear: Love is a risk worth taking. Download the Free Reader Guide for Your Book Club Make your book discussions more enriching! Download the FREE READER GUIDE to explore themes, character development, and discussion questions with your friends and book club members. Reader Guide Link: Enjoy the Prologue Now, let's dive into the prologue where we get a glimpse of Tug, the owner of Tug's Diner. You might just catch a hint of the emotional connection that drives this heartwarming story. Prologue Link: As a bonus, download a free checklist of all of Nancy's novels at www.nancynaigle.com . Get ready to experience the magic of redemption, friendship, and love as you delve into the world of Whelk’s Island!

❤️ THE JOY MAKER You’re the one who shows up early, sets out the cookies, and cheers loudest for the parade. You love happy chaos, community fun, and stories with sparkle, humor, and good-hearted folks who pitch in when needed. Matched Book: Christmas Joy - https://amzn.to/44aaOCI as seen on Hallmark Channel (or Mission: Merry Christmas  if you’d like a warm, joyful, tropical option) https://amzn.to/48ikAoM Why These Books Fit You: This story is warm, bright, and filled with good cheer. If you crave lighthearted fun, sweet romance, and Christmas magic that refuses to sit still, you’ll feel right at home. Your Holiday Mantra: “Kindness is the true magic.” Your Bonus Activity: Do a Joy Drop .Leave one small kindness today, maybe a note, a treat, or a warm hug if the moment calls for it. Your Personal Small-Town Title on Your Sash in the Christmas Parade: Chief of Christmas Cheer read. relax. repeat. with novels by Nancy Naigle Thanks for joining in the fun! You can share this quiz with friends. https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/ugc/story.php?title=discover-your-christmas-book-vibe

Hey friends, we're on the final countdown to the release of the second Shell Collector novel TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD Here's a sneak peek at the prologue: TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD - new in 2025 Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again? Get your copy today at your favorite etailer!

To Light The Way Forward is on sale at ChristianBook.com 25% off....grab this deal today!

With the new book coming out here in the next week or so, I'm excited to be out on the road visiting readers and friends to celebrate. I hope I'll see you at one of these stops. COME SEE ME ON THE ROAD!   4/23 - Bermuda Run, NC Bermuda Run Living Room OPEN TO PUBLIC - FREE   4/27 - ONLINE FB Get Together with Sheila Roberts 8p eastern Mark your calendar -   4/29 RELEASE DAY TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD   South Hill, VA Colonial Theater, South Hill, VA 5:30p-7p OPEN TO PUBLIC - FREE   5/1 - Stuart, VA Mattie B's on Main Street, Stuart, VA. 4p-6p OPEN TO PUBLIC - FREE   5/3 - Burlington, NC Banner's Hallmark Alamance Crossing Burlington, NC OPEN TO PUBLIC - FREE   5/10 - Wake Forest, NC Page 158 Books 415 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC OPEN TO PUBLIC - FREE   5/15-17 Las Vegas Book Lovers Con TICKETED Multi-Day Event GET TICKET NOW

And this girl is gonna have a story! Size 12 Dress Form just ready for a GLOW-UP! Over the past few years, several of my readers have been so sweet to have gifted me the most amazing "book page" art. Christmas ornaments, picture frames, those cool books with the folded pages and even an angel. I treasure every single one of them, and it amazes me that all of them are so different. While cruising Pinterest one weekend for cool ideas and some tips on how to make those ornaments I ran across dress forms that had been dressed up in gowns made from book pages.              You know where this is headed, right? You've been there! An idea began to brew... You see, during my last move from Patrick Springs to the city of Franklin, VA I had a few boxes of books damaged. And I don't mean just a bent corner but some of them got wet. Yikes! I've given most of the gently damaged ones away, or dropped them in the Little Free Libraries, but I still have a few that are beyond repair. So, I thought why not try some of those cool book page crafts?   Well, a little Pinterest scrolling can get a girl in trouble and I came across these super clever antique dress forms with book page dresses on them! Yep, the ones in the picture above (on the right) are on my inspiration board. Oh my gosh! They are so cool. My bestie was at the Brimfield Auction up North this past summer and found me one sweet deal on this dress form. She's on a great wrought iron rolling base, and I can't wait to doll her up. Yes, that's really her in the picture above on the left. Naked as a jaybird and bless her heart she appears a little man-handled, but when I get done with her I hope she's elegant as those pretty inspiration pics from my motivation board. I plan to start with the bodice, because it just seems right, plus it is sort of the only part I've got figured out so far. I think I'm going to cut butterfly shapes out of my book pages so that I can decoupage them and have some of them 3D like they are beginning to flutter away. I can't wait to get started. I'll try to upload some pics each month of her journey. But first, I do feel like she needs a name, do you? Here's what we know about her. Born in 1965 to the S.M. Benjamin Model Co. Dress Size: 12. Last known address: Brimfield. Massachusetts 1=Drop your suggestions in the comments below. 2=And if you're feeling really creative, give me some ideas on how I can work her into a book! ;) Thanks for joining me on this little crafting adventure.

You Are Loved – A Valentine’s Day Reminder Valentine’s Day often gets wrapped up in images of chocolates, roses, candlelit dinners, and grand romantic gestures. But love is so much bigger than that. It’s in the friendships that make us laugh until we cry, the kindness of a stranger holding the door, the warmth of a handwritten note. It’s in the memories of those we’ve loved and lost, in the dreams we still hold close to our hearts. If you’re spending this Valentine’s Day alone, I want you to remember—you are valued, cherished, and loved in more ways than you may even realize. Spread love and joy everywhere you go! Love isn’t limited to one day or one kind of relationship. It’s woven into everyday moments, into the way you care for yourself, and your friends. In the way you show up for others, and the way your heart carries hope. So this week, celebrate the love that exists all around you. Yes, 360 degrees around you. Treat yourself with kindness. Be the sunshine in someone else's day. Buy yourself flowers, or sneak a single rose into someone's mailbox who may need that cheerful surprise. If you're alone, give yourself grace and dream a little. Count your blessings and be grateful for the quiet time to reflect and position yourself to fulfill those dreams in your heart. And if you need a cozy escape, I’d love to share a little FREE story. It'll only take you a few minutes to read. Just a little something specialfrom me to you—my very first published short story,  Forever In My Heart . I had no idea when I wrote this for a collection of Valentine's short stories that the man in this story, Derek, would become the hero of Life After Perfect (Book1 of the Boot Creek Novels) published four years later where he finds love again. 💕  Download your free copy of Forever in My Heart here Wishing you a day filled with love in all its beautiful forms. You are a special treasure, just as you are. With love, Nancy 💖

Letting you know that Barnes & Noble Premium & Rewards Members are being offered 25% off all  online  preorders from  Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 7 , including audiobooks and eBooks. Premium Members will receive an additional 10% off their print book preorders and becoming a B&N rewards member is totally free!  That means you can PREORDER To Light The Way Forward and SAVE. SAVE SAVE SAVE Not only is To Light The Way Forward on SALE...you can preorder all your favorite authors upcoming novels. Here are a few more you might want to order while you're there. To Light The Way Forward https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-light-the-way-forward-nancy-naigle/1146673463?ean=9780593601044 All of these amazing authors have books coming out later in 2025 too...so use that B&N preorder savings on their books.... and don't forget your Rakuten button for an extra kickback, too ....here's a quick list and links:   Sheila Roberts   The Man Next Door https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-next-door-sheila-roberts/1146736160?ean=9780778360285   Miranda Liasson   The Summer of Second Chances in mass market paperback https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-of-second-chances-miranda-liasson/1142631933?ean=9781538759370   RaeAnne Thayne The Lost Book of First Loves https://www.barnesandn oble.com/w/the-lost-book-of-first-loves-raeanne-thayne/1146285012?ean=9781335467713   Rachel Hauck The Sands of Sea Blue Beach https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sands-of-sea-blue-beach-rachel-hauck/1146440680?ean=9780764240997

...and can be every day! You choose. :) Isn't it a wonderful feeling? The extra moments of kindness and high spirits of the season never go out of style. Here's another favorite coloring page for you. What's in the snow globe of your heart today? Download the printable image here! Hugs and happiness, Nancy www.nancynaigle.com If you're hungering for a sweet Christmas read to carry you through let me suggest CHRISTMAS JOY - https://amzn.to/407TrRo also a Hallmark movie. THE CHRISTMAS SHOP - https://amzn.to/4iPMbkm set on the beach. If you loved You've Got Mail, you're going to love this one for sure! or CHRISTMAS ANGELS - https://amzn.to/3PfX55r set in the mountains of North Carolina. HAPPY READING.

I hope this coloring page brings you JOY, too! Exercise your creativity. Nancy www.nancynaigle.com Download your free bookchecklist here!