Life After Perfect

Boot Creek #1

by Nancy Naigle

Katherine Barclift had it all: the perfect job, the perfect car, and what she thought was the perfect marriage. But when her entire world collapses in one stomach-churning instant, she hits the road and keeps driving until that so-called “perfect life” is just a dot in her rearview mirror.

A chance encounter leads her to make a pit stop in Boot Creek, a drowsy little North Carolina town where she can call herself Katy, soak up the peace and quiet…and drink in the bluer-than-blue eyes of Derek Hansen, a local doctor still wrestling with his own painful past. Both Katy and Derek are wary about giving romance another shot, but they can’t deny the intense attraction between them. And if being in Boot Creek has taught them anything, it’s to take life as it comes and never pass up a chance at true love…no matter how wounded your heart may be.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Womens Fiction

278 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

NEW RELEASE: A South Hill Christmas Keepsake—out now!
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.

Reviews

[Luv_a_good_story · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part of the book was really good then it seemed to turn preachy, talking about faith and god, etc. Next they were praying. This wasn't what I expected and if it had been labeled a Christian romance then I would not have chosen to read it. Beware.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Jam packed with great characters and various storylines. It was a hell of a week for Katherine Barclift. Her good friend's husband dies, another friend decides to divorce her cheating husband, and then she is faced with her own husbands infidelity. When her seemingly perfect world begins to crumble she decides to just get away from it all. When she lands in Boot Creek, NC she has no idea the impact the little town and it's residents will have on her. This is a wonderfully written story, and if you love small town romances this is an absolute must read. I highly recommend it.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life After Perfect by Nancy Naigle is...well...perfect! I devoured this story. Kathering Barclift (Katy) unexpectedly has her life flipped upside down. Not knowing what to do or where to turn, she gets in the car and drives. Stopping for gas leads to a chance meeting with Derek Hansen. Derek immediately feels a connection to Katy that he can't explain, and he talks her into checking out the Boot Creek, North Carolina blackberry festival.

This is such a poignant story. I first fell in love with Derek Hansen in a short story Nancy penned in the Wrapped Around Your Heart collection. I could not wait to read more of Derek and to visit Boot Creek, NC. I pre-ordered Life After Perfect and anxiously awaited its arrival on my Kindle. This story was everything I'd hoped it would be. It was heart-wrenching, it was sweet, it was funny and sexy. Everything I love about Nancy Naigle's writing comes through loud and clear in Life After Perfect.

Nancy gives great depth to every character in Life After Perfect. I didn't want the story to end because I absolutely loved spending time in Boot Creek. I hope there is more to come in Boot Creek. This made for a perfect warm weather read. But don't be surprised if you end up craving blackberry cobbler. :)

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book. I downloaded Life After Perfect by Nancy Naigle back when it came out in May. I started it. Then stopped. I started it again and stopped. Why? Because it has a LOT of emotion in it. Emotion I wasn't ready for. I typically read books that sweep me up in the romance or the suspense of it. The ones that take me out of my personal reality. Life After Perfect is real. The characters are real. The struggles are real. They hit home. I am sure everyone that reads this has a friend or family member that has gone through or is going through something in this book. It's an emotional, heart-tugging, tearful read. But it's also a beautiful and heartwarming read.

Katherine "Katy" Barclift is watching one friend bury her husband and another friend go through some infidelity in her marriage. She is looking at this from her own "perfect" life. When that perfect life of hers hits a bump, it rocks her world. Rocks it right out of town. And right into Dr. Derek Hansen and the friendly faces in Boot Creek, North Carolina.

As in all of Naigle's books, the descriptions of settings in Life After Perfect make you feel as though you have been to the town. You taste the yummy blackberry cobbler. You feel the water from the creek on your feet. She does a fabulous job of setting the scene. I enjoy how Naigle is able to bring out the small town charm in her books and makes you want to move into those towns! In Life After Perfect, small town hospitality is at it's finest when Katy needs it most.

She also gives you real and flawed characters.Through the people in Boot Creek, and with some time to reflect, Katy is able to find herself again. Derek comes home to Boot Creek after his world is turned upside down and is able to feel hope for the first time in a very long time. I so enjoyed watching Derek and Katy's personal growth and their relationship. Getting to know Katy's friends like Angie, Naomi and Shaleigh were just icing on the book cake.

Life After Perfect is a book that you need to read with a box of tissues next to you. It's a book that will inspire you not to give up in life when tragedy happens. It makes you believe that there is still love in the world even among strangers. It's a story that will leave your heart overflowing with hope. I sincerely recommend you give it a read.

[Lucinda Race · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book from Nancy Naigle has it all, laughs, tears, smiles and above all - it's real life with all the messy ups and downs and heart aches but love wins.

Derek was going through the motions of life until a chance meeting with Katy at a gas station. She's walked away from her life and as they say the most wonderful things happen when they're least expected.
The residents of Boot Creek were like old friends by the time I reached the end of the novel.
Each page was a treat. This should be on your TBR if its not.
Thank you Ms. Naigle for another wonderful romance.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life After Perfect by Nancy Naigle made me want to move to small town Boot Creek and eat blackberries!

Boot Creek is where Katy ends up after the life she thought was perfect suddenly wasn't and she needed space. Boot Creek is where Derek has come back to after suffering his own devastating loss. Neither were looking for anything, but in Boot Creek they find each other.

Katy is independent, strong and stands up for herself. She is a very capable woman who is determined to move on from perfect. I felt that there was a strong sense of realism in how she dealt with her situation. I also got the strong feeling that she grew so much, opened her eyes to life around her, and gained a lot of perspective as Life After Perfect progressed. Derek has been stuck in his own past, struggling to find meaning and move on. A chance meeting with Katy sets off sparks neither expected, and in small town Boot Creek it's easy to see a lot of each other. I felt like they had a connection that grew steadily and the romance between them rapidly picked up speed through Life After Perfect. It did feel like the romance was rather quick after what Katy had been through, but I liked both of these characters - even if I felt like Katy still expected a bit of perfect, and she was keeping a big something about herself from Derek.

I wasn't sure how this story would end...would Katy go back to 'perfect' or move on to what and who she really wanted?

Nancy drew me in quickly and kept me engrossed in Katy and Derek's story. The pace is perfect and I was never bored. I really enjoyed the secondary character who each had something to add to Life After Perfect.

I'd recommend Life After Perfect to romance readers who especially like small towns and second chance romances!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes things fall apart so that the correct things can fall into place. Katherine walks away from what could be looked at as the perfect life when reality comes crashing down upon her that she's been living is a lie. She ends up in Boot Creek to find herself and allow her divorce to proceed. Derek is living back in Boot Creek after leaving his incredible job at Duke University's hospital for his own reason, I liked Katherine and Derek, both apart and together.

Katherine needed to find herself since she let her ex husband define her. with Derek, Katherine didn't have to be someone she wasn't and the experience is liberating. Derek was trying to move on with his life but didn't expect to feel such a connection to Katherine. She makes him want to try again, feel again, and live life fully. The two make each other comfortable and happy and I loved that.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is unfair. Hearts get broken. But love, the most powerful healer can mend even the most broken of us. In Nancy Naigle's newest novel she describes in detail with such depth and emotion the stages of loves healing. A powerful soul touching story that will have you turning the pages till the very end. Not your average romance and certainly not one to be missed!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great book. I don't normally enjoy women's fiction at much, but this book is very well-written. I'll be looking for other books written by this talented author. Happy reading!

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-town life, books really make it look like it is the way to go, not that I'm ever going to move to a small town, but still....
Obviously I enjoyed the setting of this book, I like the ideal quaintness of small-town life, not sure if that is really how it is though??? Really liked the characters Katie was a strong smart woman, but because of this I had a slight problem with the premise of this book.... I understand people are in bad marriages where they don't realize it, because it is comfortable and it is what you are used to, however I seriously doubt if you got out of the situation you would immediately fall in love with another guy the next weekend, really? The timeline of this book I found unbelievable, especially for a woman who was as smart as Katie... but other than that it was truly enjoyable, Derek was a great guy, and I was glad to see he was able to find someone and I loved The idea of this retreat, and I'm hoping to see it touched upon in future books in the series... this author really does write books that catch your attention and keep it throughout the book, they are sweet, quick, fun reads a nice little getaway....

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting story. My first book by this author - although i've been meaning to get to reading her books for a long time. This story is very uplifting and has positive messages woven throughout about how precious life is, and how to pick ourselves up and guide our own course in life. Boot Creek sounds like a lovely community. Katy/Katherine sure got lucky when she landed there. The story takes place in a very short amount of time - which makes it a bit hard to believe but then... that's part of the story line. I look forward to reading more books by Nancy Naigle.

[Sharon Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

A truly compelling read, I like thrillers and decided to change and read this sweet little book, Totally loved it

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of heart...

There are many hard subjects in this story but the author handles them very well. Under the sadness, and sometimes anger at events, there is hope and there is love. Good story.

[deb22luvsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes when you think your life is going along smoothly, life throws you for a loop and you have to begin again. In this story the characters are realistic and it is a great story of starting over, falling in love again A+ Read!

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine 'Katy' Barclift always believed her life was perfect but witnessing her husband kissing another woman has shattered that belief. Deciding not to confront him about his infidelity, she instead leaves town and soon arrives in a place called Boot Creek looking for a fresh start once she starts divorce proceedings.

After losing his wife to cancer, Derek Hansen has moved back to Boot Creek and is working as a doctor at his father's medical practice. When he treats a cancer patient, it starts to bring back painful memories of his wife. But his patient also makes him realize that life is too short, and maybe it's time to find someone else to share his life with.

I loved this story from start to finish, and I couldn't believe how little time it took me to read it. The plot was amazing, and I loved how the emotional struggles -- of both the hero and heroine -- set the medium pace of the story. At first, I thought Katy was a bit of a drama queen. But it seemed the more I read, the more she needed to get free of her husband, because he was never going to stop his cheating ways. As for the dialogue, I liked the banter between Derek and Katy, especially when they first met and he was trying to get her to enjoy the festivities happening in his hometown. It illustrated the strong chemistry this pair had throughout the story, which turned into a really good and mild sex scene between them.

What I liked so much about the heroine was that once she realized her life wasn't perfect like she thought; that she started living for her again. Instead of living like the robot it felt like she was; where most of the decisions were controlled by her husband, including the sort of car she drove and when they would finally have kids. While with Derek, I liked his gentle nature. He really showed how much he enjoyed his work and that by helping the cancer patient he was caring for, it also helped heal him in the end so that he could move on to be with someone else.

Overall, Ms. Naigle has done a wonderful job of penning this novel, but just be warned that you’ll need a box of tissues nearby as this is a rather emotional story from the hero’s point-of-view. And lastly, I hope that Angie – one of the secondary characters – gets a story of her own because she too deserves a little happiness; just as Katy and Derek have found theirs in this one.

[Tabitha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, Fabulous read!

This book is about loved lost and loved gained. You never know what kind of curve ball life will throw at you. Katy learned this the hard way. While finding out that a dear friend of hers had been cheated on she went on with her marriage thinking it was wonderful until one day she went to surprise her husband and she got the surprise of her life when the tables were turned. Knowing that she had to get out of town she hopped in her Mercedes and ended up in a sweet little town and was told by a handsome young man named Derek about the Blackberry festival.

I adored being taken to the little town of Boots Creek, NC. The people were so warm, inviting and friendly. Katy stayed at the local B&B and just loved it and the people. Katy is very determined to finally stand up for herself and let every know exactly what she wants. The longer she stayed the more she too fell in love with the little town and it's people. be sure to have a tissue with you as you read this sweet book. It is full of emotion and heartfelt struggles of love and life.

I was given a copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest opinion.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read a book with so many affairs at the beginning. With that said I actually started out not liking this book, but as it progressed I fell in love with the characters especially Derek. I thought he was just so amazing and such a great guy. From the moment he sees Katy you can tell he feels something and when he is with her he doesn't want it to end but yet he is taking it slow for her. I like how Katy grew in the story and became a person that I ended up really liking. I love how she learned that life is short and something's just don't matter. By her going to this town was the best thing for her and she got to see who her real friends really were. It was well written. I didn't want it to end. I wanted more Katy and Derek getting together and movie forward. I hope Angie gets a book next and I hope Todd will as well and move on from the heartbreak that he went through. The characters is the town were so likable I want to see them all happy with weddings in the future.

[KathyB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out really strong, but unfortunately went downhill with a plot/romance that moved too quickly.

Katherine finds out her husband Ron is cheating, she's shocked and decides to leave him. They supposedly have a perfect marriage, so she is understandably devastated. She takes off without speaking to her husband and plans on divorcing him. Okay that's all fine, but she winds up meeting the hero (Derek) within a couple of days, and is basically in love within two weeks... really?! This was so unbelievable it ruined the story for me.

I love cheating books where the heroine divorces the sleazeball husband and ends up with a wonderful hero. Unfortunately this one fell short.

**I wouldn't consider this a Christian book, but it has some "inspirational" elements. A few moments where the secondary characters pray and references of "God's plan", etc. It's not a totally clean book, but the one detailed sex scene is very tame.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of finding a new life after what you thought was perfect. Katy, thought she had it all, perfect job, house and husband, until she caught her husband with another woman. Katy up and leaves everything and drives until she finds this quaint little town, Boot Creek NC. Katy begins to grow and make new friends, including Derek, the new town doctor, who also dealing with his own grief of loosing his wife. Can these two wounded hearts find trust and love again.
I can not say enough of about this wonderful story written by Nancy Naigle, there really is life after perfect. I just met her at RT last week, and I can hear her reading me this story. A true voice in her story telling. You will laugh and cry with Katy's journey of finding her new life. I highly recommend this book.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that begins with Katherine Barclift and her husband, Ron, at the funeral of a friend. A few of the ladies are standing around discussing whether or not the deceased cheated on his wife. One friend, Peggy, mentions how she, Peggy, would want to know if her husband was cheating on her and asks Katherine if she would want to know. Katherine seems to think she would know if Ron was cheating on her. And, thus, begins the story of how one woman has to come to terms with what she had thought was a perfect marriage. I really enjoyed how Nancy led us through and showed us how two marriages were falling apart and how each wife handled their circumstances. I also loved how she didn't drag it out over months or years. Made for a tighter, better story! Kudos to Nancy Naigle!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from the wonderful Nancy Naigle! A very interesting storyline.......Katy discovers her husband is cheating and runs away. She arrives in Boot Creek on the weekend of the Blackberry Festival. There she meets Derek, a man with his own troubled past.

The inhabitants of Boot Creek are real characters and make Katy very welcome. As does Derek! She soon makes herself at home there and settles into the quiet town. When her ex turns up, he is loud and demanding and this really stands out and creates a clashing tension!

Nancy's books are always lovely gentle stories about lovely gentle folk and I always look forward to reading her new books. If you haven't read any of her work, this predominately peaceful romance is a great place to start.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!
This was a great book by Nancy Naigle. I am a big fan of Nancy’s and this book was just as good as her other books. Katherine had the perfect job, car, and marriage, and then her world collapses. She doesn’t know what to do so she takes off on a road trip. She ends up in a small town called Boot Creek, NC; while there she meets the sexy doctor Derek, who has a painful past of his own. This is such a sweet story about a love lost and finding new love. This book is well written with a wonderful story and characters.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Chris N · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this I thought that something was in the water with all the infidelity and the illnesses it seems like a bit much. But as the story unfolded and you got more into it, you realise that this is not only a story about a woman trying to find herself but of one of deep love in the face of heatbreak and of finding peace in that love.

I love Nancy's books and this one was no exception. I did find it hard to get into Katy's character but once I did it flowed better for me. It's a sweet story about love and acceptance.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Carmen Burris-thomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy did an awesome job with life after perfect. She brought forth some difficult subjects that people deal with everyday. Took their sufferings and renewed faith in the fact our plan is mapped out for us ahead of time. No matter what we think is our perfect we have ultimately no control over what our destiny has in store for us.

[Beverly]

Satisfying Read

Life After Perfect is a most satisfying read. It touched my heart deeply; tears and smiles abounded. This is a story filled with heartache and heart healing. Kudos to Nancy Naigle for giving readers a story with such a strong life's message and endearing characters to bring life to that message!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life isn't perfect and neither are people. This book isn't perfect, but it certainly captivated and held my interest throughout. I generally read cozy mysteries and very few romances. Nancy Naigle is one of my few exceptions. I do so enjoy her writing. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about two people trying to put their lives back together. Katherine realizes her life isn't as perfect as she thought it was. Derek is still getting over his late wife. The two find each other accidentally. The story is both sad and hopeful. I really enjoyed it.

[Linda Dunn chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Beautiful Story

Life sometimes seems perfect until things go wrong and you find it wasn't really perfect. But you can rebuild and find a new and maybe better life. Katy and Derek find each other when both were pretty low together they find a new life.

[Christine Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

New state, New adventures

As always, Nancy delivers. I think. I'm going to like Boot Creek as much as Adams Grove! I'm assuming this won't be the last we hear of these new friends...

[tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great character's

Needed a good summer read. Love the way Nancy tells a story. Feels like you belong in the little town, as the story progresses.