The Shell Collector

The Shell Collector #1

by Nancy Naigle

"The Shell Collector is a beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances."--#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Two years after her husband's death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he's convinced he's not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning--alone--through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk's Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that's bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Christian

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2021

About the author

NEW RELEASE: TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD!

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle, writes small town love stories and women’s fiction with eight of those novels also 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.

With a career spent on the cutting edge of technology in the banking industry, in 2014 following the loss of her husband she took an early retirement to write. Now she works full-time writing stories that are a calming blend of community, family, and the simple things in life. She writes the kind of stories that provide an escape from the hectic day-to-day in the make believe worlds she creates.


THE WEDDING RANCH
COMING 2023: AND THEN THERE WAS YOU

ANTLER CREEK NOVELS:
Christmas Angels
What Remains True


BEACH BOOKS:
Sand Dollar Cove
THE SHELL COLLECTOR now a movie streaming on FOX Nation

Christmas Books by Nancy:
Christmas Joy
Hope at Christmas
Christmas in Evergreen
The Christmas Shop
Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa
Christmas Angels
Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
MISSION: Merry Christmas
COMING: Christmas in Chestnut Ridge
COMING: Jingle Sails


Look for Nancy's titles in the Adams Grove series.
Sweet Tea and Secrets
Out of Focus
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes
Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies
Mint Juleps and Justice
Barbecue and Bad News
~coming soon Porch Swings and Promises

Boot Creek Novels
Life After Perfect
Every Yesterday
Until Tomorrow

Aside from writing she enjoys hunting for treasures in antique shoppes, and getting crafty no matter what the medium from painting and digitizing embroidery designs, to weaving pine needle baskets.

A Virginia native, and spending most of her life in the Tidewater area, she now calls the Blue Ridge Mountains home.

Nancy also has co-written books with:
Phyllis C. Johnson ~ inkBLOT
Kelsey Browning ~ The Granny Series
Book 1- In For A Penny
Book 2 - Collard Greens and Catfishing
Book 3 - Deviled Eggs and Deception
Book 4 - Fried Pickles and a Funeral
Book 5 - Wedding Mints and Witnesses
+ 2 novellas including Christmas Cookies & a Confession

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
Contemporary fiction. Partly Romance.
Amanda lost her husband to the armed services two years ago. She moves with her children to a cottage on the beach and to start a new business. They spend the summer on the beach and getting to know their new small town.
Mauve is an older widow they meet on the beach that teaches the children about shells and sea glass.

So emotional! I loved this story so very much. Yes, lots of tears. Life, death, love, loss, acceptance and moving on.
I’ll recommend this to anyone that needs a story that touches the heart.

“Live. Love. Laugh. And keep that sand beneath your feet. “

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration was done by Erin Cahill who is also an actor. I think she did a phenomenal job with voice variations and emotions. The elderly, slightly southern voice of Mauve was distinct and clear and just a bit husky. The children's voice were a bit high pitched but fit the ages. The difference between Amanda and Mauve and other characters were unmistakable.
Overall a wonderful performance that has me searching the catalog for other books narrated by Cahill.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful and emotional story of loss, love, and healing. Nancy Naigle makes the characters so real and lovable. They jump off the page. When Amanda loses her Marine husband and is left with two small children, she moves to a lovely island on the North Carolina coast where they got married for a new start. She soon meets Maeve, an older widow, who is wise and a great listener. Maeve falls in love with the small family as they do her. She is able to minister to Amanda because of her own loss. This has a great setting with the beach and shells playing a big part, including shells showing up to people with messages that they need at just the right time. A lovely story that pulls on the heartstrings but a message of hope, knowing that God is in control and watching over us. I enjoyed the secondary characters in this close knit town. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. All thoughts an opinions are mine only.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then, I come across a story that simply fills my heart. The Shell Collector is a beautiful, heartwarming, and inspirational story. When I started reading, I soon realized I was following a journey of God’s love as I watched and listened to all the characters as their lives were unveiled through the author’s beautiful characterizations. I felt their heartbreak and pain; and their faith, joy, and love as Author Nancy Naigle so eloquently penned the words of this magical story. Keep a soft tissue close by because you’ll need it. The writing shines as bright as the stars twinkling in the sky making this book a keeper to read again and again. “Your presence is a gift”.

I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multnomah. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read. I could not put it down. I laughed and I cried. Amanda and Maeve were the perfect characters and their friendship was such a gift. I really love The wife and I can't wait for you all to read this and meet these fantastic characters.
5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this book!
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Whittier buys a cottage by the sea. It needs work and she hopes to restore it while also caring for her two young children. So once again her dreams of starting a business are put on hold as she takes a teaching position at the local school where Hailey will go.
Former Marine, Paul Grant, works with former military dogs that need rehabilitation. He owns the business. He is relatively new to the town but has made a good impact on people with his business. Widow Maeve Lindsay is the other main character. Born and raised on Whelk’s Island, elderly Maeve knows about loss and grief and community. She has a heart for people and it shows. But she also carries a secret. What could these three three have in common and what impact will they have on each others lives?
This is a book not to rush through but to savour. So many things I loved about this book. Maeve is a beautiful person and the impact she has on others is lovely to see. She is a woman full of godly wisdom. Amanda is very easy to sympathise with and feel for as she cares for her young children after the death of her Marine husband Jack. The children, Hailey and Jesse are cuteness personified. The setting is gorgeous. The writing is beautiful and ‘The Wife’ is an amusing addition. Plus there is the lovely Tug with his cafe and the charming Paul.
This is a story of loss, grief and how people deal with it, friendship, community, family, love and choices. I loved all the description of shells and sea glass. This is a book filled with emotion. If you can read this book without tears you are tougher than this reader.
I adored everything about this book and have no hesitation in giving it five stars.

[Nancy Naigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you'll pick up a copy of The Shell Collector to read.

This story is so special to me. After losing my husband in 2014, I knew I had to write this story.
Based loosely on a story about a friend of the family I created this fictional town in North Carolina where mysteriously shells with messages written on them appeared at just the right time for folks. It's a story of real friendships and community that I hope will remind you to pick up the phone and check in with your best friends, and make some new ones too.

There's so much hope in this world, and we can lift each other up ... let's do that!
Hugs and happy reading,
Nancy

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give a character a hug through a book I would choose a character in this book.
This book is warm and welcoming. An excellent woman's fiction book that welcomes you in to Whelk's Island and you automatically will feel as though you've been a long time resident of the island. Widower Maeve Lindsay is a lifelong resident and this older woman will make you feel right at home just as she makes everyone feel comfortable around her with her gentle but spirited attitude.
Her life becomes intertwined with young Mom, Amanda Whittier mom of two who lost her military husband on his last mission.
Maeve and Amanda are kindred spirits and help each other out without even realizing they are doing so.
A must read that will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling!

Pub Date 11 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this game . Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of love, loss and moving forward that was really endearing. Amanda has lost her husband Jack and now must raise her two small children on her own. She has cut herself off from many of her family and friends including her parents, and Paul who was not only Amanda’s best friend but her husband Jack’s as well. Amanda decides to move to Whelk Island, a small beach town in North Carolina to start over. Still grieving the loss of her husband after two years, the beach and small town atmosphere is good for the soul. She soon meets a spunky elderly neighbor who has a calming effect on her and begins to pull Amanda out of her shell. And speaking of shells…the small town is almost famous for the mysterious shells that are sometimes found bearing messages that meet the finder at just the right time in their lives. A chance encounter on the beach brings more surprises into Amanda’s life and the story unfolds as Amanda works to move past her heartache. I enjoyed this easy to read heartwarming story of finding the way forward after life gets you down and finding joy in everyday experiences.

[Susan C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounding it to 5. This is a story about family, friends, love and seashells- but its the two main characters Amanda and Maeve who form a very strong bond of friendship. Both women are very strong in similar ways and they give each other the support the other needs. Lately I have been reading in the morning so its taken me longer to read this story. But I think it took me longer because I did not want to say goodbye to the people in this novel.

The author Nancy Naigle has taken hold of my life because of this book!! This story takes place in a charming small town on the coast of SC. I gave that quite a bit of thought one morning and questioned “is there still small quaint southern towns? So I did my research and sure enough I found an amazing one!! I shared what I found out about this town and community with my husband. We were in our car not 2 weeks later to go see it. And a few weeks later we put our house up for sale and sold it in 2 days and now are in the process of moving!! So I want to personally thank Nancy Naigle for this sweet story. Little did I know because of this book our lives would change!!! So Nancy Naigle - your book has had a MAJOR impact on our lives because we are moving to a small town!!! And I honestly had never heard of you or any of your books until now - but I certainly I won’t forget you now! Thank you SO much for writing this book. We look forward to moving to this quaint southern town, Because we are not far from the coast…I will be sure to collect some shells while walking the beach and writing messages in them like Maeve did in your novel - messages that will bring a smile to others that find them. Both my husband and myself grew up in small towns in New England - I think if you grow up that way it never quite leaves you. I miss the small town feel so much - and now we both will be back living out the rest of our lives in another small town - only without snow!!!

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes watching a Hallmark movie is just what you need. For a book equivalent, I recommend The Shell Collector.

Amanda moves to Whelk's Island with her two young children for a fresh start. The three of them enjoy walks along the beach as Amanda figures out next steps. They meet widow Maeve Lindsay, the local shell collector. The two become friends and just what the other needs in this season of life.

There's a little romance as well. Definitely a feel good tale.

My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah ⚘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

《 four stars 》

⭒˚.⋆ ❝ our character is often most evident in our highs and lows. be humble at the mountaintops, be strong in the valleys, and be faithful in between. ❞ ⋆.˚⭒

The Shell Collector has everything I like to see in contemporary fiction. From a charming, cozy coastal town

A charming, cozy coastal town, family bonds, multi-generational friendships, learning to, and quiet elements of faith. <3

While I was initially hesitant going into The Shell Collector, having recently read a few other "heartwarming" contemporary romances that completely missed the mark for me, I soon found myself being swept away to Whelk's Island,

The Shell Collector


𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⤸

I was a little confused at first, as the first few chapters kept jumping around the timeline, but they faded into the main one soon enough, and from there, I was hooked. This book just has such a dark, twisty regency vibe that's absolutely lovely, not to mention reminiscent of a Dickens or Bronte novel. Seeing as how I am such a huge classic literature lover, perhaps it isn't surprising that the immersive writing and the imagery it conjured are high on the list of my favorite things included within these pages.

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⤸

⚜ the folkloric atmosphere
⚜ the beautiful prose
⚜ the magical libraries
⚜ the wintery landscapes
⚜ the dark and twisty manors
⚜ the chilly-yet-cozy vibes

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⤸

𝚗𝚊𝚗: soft, timid, and quiet, but not in a way I liked. entirely too submissive

𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑:

𝚐𝚒𝚕𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚝:

𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎:

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎: lively, precocious, and at times a bit of a brat, but still an entertaining little stinker with a heart of gold

d, yes, even a bit of a brat,

But not in a loveable way,

but not in a positive way



i mean she’s not bad by any means. she got annoying quite a bit at times but for the most part she was good. idk i felt she overreacted at times but then again she’s a 13 year old with out a mum. but truly i do like her

n a n

𝚛𝚘𝚍𝚎𝚘: aww this man i love him🤍 he’s such a sweet dad who doesn’t believe in contention and wrong. he’s sweet and he cares so much for those he loves

𝚜𝚊𝚕𝚟𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚛: heheh it may just be my hopeless romantic mind but i was waiting for him and coyote to kiss like i was begging 😭 ✧𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 and then i found out he had a girlfriend and all my hopes went down the drain😩(it didn’t happen—the kiss(or anything: handholding, etc)—btw) 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳✧ but he was so cute and sweet and there were so many cute scenes

𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 & 𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦: they were all so cute omg i loved them. i adored wally with my whole heart tho. adored isn’t even a word that represents how much i loved wally
(p.s. i may or may not have forgotten dorianne’s name so we’re just gonna roll with dorianne till i remember)

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 ⤸

Though I was somewhat confused at first, my initial disorientation was cleared up after the first few chapters, and I was quickly drawn in by the alluring writing style and dark Regency vibe, both of which struck me as quite reminiscent of a Bronte or Dickens novel. Of course, being the classic literature fanatic that I am, that was a point in this book's favor. However, most of the characters weren't my favorite, and there were a few things content-wise that bothered me, making it an overall four-star read, as opposed to five.

⚜ Nan. Soft, timid, and quiet.
⚜ Heath.
⚜ Gilbert. Strong yet gentle, wealthy yet down-to-earth,
⚜ Temperance.
⚜ Charlotte.


⚜ nan: soft, timid, and quiet

.ೃ࿐ 🥀 Nan Soft, timid, and quiet... but not

⚜ folkloric atmosphere
⚜ beautiful prose
⚜ magical libraries
⚜ wintery landscapes
⚜ dark and twisty manors
⚜ chilly-yet-cozy vibes

If you love twisty fairytales with beautiful prose, wintery landscapes, and a folkloric atmosphere, then look no further. Echo North is



wintery fairytale retellings with beautiful prose and a folkloric atmosphere, then look no further.



Have I convinced you to read this book yet?

What a sweet heartfelt story this turned out to be. Full review to come. 😭💕

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a charming book. Readers will delight in the characters as I know I did. My personal favorite is Maeve. She is like the grandma that everyone needs and wants. In fact, she kind of reminded me of another character...Mrs. Miracle from author, Debbie Macomber.

All of the characters in this story are what made it so enjoyable. They are very relatable. The romance between Paul and Amanda is sweet and "real". The pace at which Paul and Amanda took their relationship is what I would expect from two people finding "second chance" love again.

A shout out to Amanda's two children, Jesse and Hailey. Children are a weakness of mine in stories. They are adorable and help keep the story entertaining.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty in prose, this book will reach into your soul and heal at the same time it reaches into your heart and wrecks you. The best sort of book, don't you think?
This is the second time this year that I met a "seasoned" woman who made me fall in love with her, but more than that, made me want to make the best use of the life the Lord has given me.
Rich characters, hard truths, deep sorrows, unbelievable joy, and trust in the Lord--just a few things this book touches on. Honestly, I don't think a review can do it justice. It produces such complicated emotions that you don't know where to begin. All I can say is if you love rich storytelling that doesn't pull punches when they're needed, you'll love it.
If the sorrows of life are too much right now, maybe wait for a while, but don't miss it indefinitely.

For those that do read it, if you love The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle, be sure to give The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs.Kip a read.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story that will melt your heart. It will make you laugh and cry. A story about family, second chances and letting go of the past. I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end.

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Nancy Naigle. I really fell in love with everybody and the place, too!!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of love, loss, friendship, and second chances. The story opens with an emotional scene as Amanda bids farewell to her Marine husband, Jack, as he leaves on another deployment. Fast forward two years and Amanda still struggles with the grief of losing her husband. Tired of being the object of pity, Amanda takes her children and moves to Whelk's Island in North Carolina, looking for a chance to start fresh. She buys a fixer-upper cottage on the beach, puts aside her home-based business dreams for a teaching position, and concentrates on her children Hailey and Jesse. Then a chance encounter with long-time resident Maeve changes her life.

Born and raised on Whelk's Island, octogenarian Maeve is like the matriarch of the island. She loves her community and is actively involved in all aspects of it, including attending town council meetings. She carefully considers supporting new businesses such as Paws Town Square, looking for ones that will serve the community best. Maeve spends hours each day walking the beach and collecting unique shells. There she meets Amanda and her children, and their connection fills a hole she didn't know she had.

Owner of Paws Town Square, Paul is one of the many people Maeve helped. After leaving the Marines, Paul searched for a purpose in his life and found it helping military working dogs and veterans suffering from PTSD. Having lost the woman he loved to his best friend, he is content to focus on his business instead.

I ached for Amanda as the story opened. Though her grief is better than it had been, Hailey and Jesse are still her reasons for getting up in the mornings. Constantly missing Jack makes it impossible to feel joy in her life; she survives each day instead of living it. From the moment Amanda and the kids met Maeve, that grief began to lift. Because Maeve had experienced a similar loss, she was able to help Amanda by sharing her own story. She didn't lecture; she simply led by example. Amanda slowly regained her desire to live life fully again.

Through Maeve, an old friend comes back into Amanda's life. Paul's appearance, jogging on the beach, stunned Amanda. Paul had been Jack's best friend, whose friendship had spilled over onto Amanda and the children. Jack's death hit Paul hard also, sending him into a spiral of grief that ended when he found a purpose in helping the dogs and veterans. After her grief-stricken breakdown and screaming accusations at him, Amanda never thought she'd see Paul again. Amanda never knew that Paul had fallen in love with her the first time he met her, as he refused to come between her and Jack. Paul sees their reunion as a second chance to win the woman he still loves. I loved watching the development of their relationship as Amanda works past the guilty feelings of loving again. I enjoyed seeing Paul become part of their lives. There were sweet scenes with the children and emotional ones as Paul and Amanda dealt with their memories of Jack and their growing feelings for each other.

As the summer turned to fall, the secret Maeve has hidden all summer becomes painfully apparent. I hurt for Amanda and the kids, who face the loss of the woman who means so much to them. I loved watching Maeve face what's coming with the serenity she demonstrated throughout the book. The depth of the bond between Maeve and Amanda is beautifully illustrated in the trip they took together. I loved the ending and how the connection between the women lived on.

I loved the use of seashells in the story, both as a way to connect people and as inspirations. The seashells with the inspirational quotes made significant impressions on those who found them. I loved the one that Paul found and how it ended up having double meaning to him. Amanda's discovery was the catalyst that started her moving forward. Eventually, the story behind them was revealed, and I loved how they came to be and that they continued to live on.

#netgalley

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will put you in touch with your emotions, so much love and loss.

A young mother trying to keep life a bit normal for her two young children after the loss of her husband, and we are here to walk in her shoes.

Add a wonderful seasoned woman who lost her husband at a young age, and we are in for a page turner of a read.

God's hand placed Amanda where she would meet Maeve, and they blessed one another, in more ways than one. We are given unconditional love at all levels, and the gifts keep giving.

When Paul enters this book, you will need the tissues handy, oh, how I wished it could have been whom the little one wanted it to be, but again Paul blesses all we come to love.

You don't want to miss this beautifully written story of love and loss, and love again.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher WaterBrook & Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Nora Wolfenbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel good book for sure. Based on the loss of her own husband, the author shows the different aspects of grief and how one person's way of coping is not the same as another. At times I found the story moved a bit slow. I did love the children and how the author developed those characters. Very predictable, but a sweet read.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book. The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle takes you on a beautiful, heart-wrenching journey through grief and coming out on the other side of it. Amanda Whittier lost her husband and is struggling to find herself and some happiness two years later. She moves to a small house on Whelk's Island and meets Maeve - a lifelong resident and a quick friend to Amanda. Maeve lost her own husband several years ago and is determined to help Amanda see that her life can have joy in it again.

I loved every single character in this book. This is a book that had me crying multiple times - both tears of heartache and tears of joy. Nancy has written a perfect story. It is absolutely worth the sadness of reading it. There were so many wonderful moments. If you are looking for a moving story then this is it. I can totally see this being a Hallmark movie.

I'd give this more than five stars if I could. I received an advanced reader copy for review purposes. My honest review is not influenced in any way.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, inspiring story. It is one of those novels that makes you feel good. It is the perfect type of book to read while relaxing by the pool or while on vacation. We get to meet Amanda Whittier and her children along with Paul Grant and Maeve Lindsay. I just loved Maeve who is a free-spirited woman who enjoys life to the fullest. The friendship between Maeve and Amanda was touching. The point-of-view switches between Maeve, Amanda, and Paul. This allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives. The Shell Collector is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings. I thought The Shell Collector was well-written with developed characters and a beautiful setting. I just loved the sound of Whelk’s Island. I liked the small-town community as well as the beautiful beach. The shell descriptions allowed me to imagine what they looked like. I thought it was creative for someone to write inspirational messages inside shells and leave them where they can be found. It seemed the right shell was found by the person who needed it at that time. I did feel the story was a tad too long. It could have been fifty pages shorter. I also felt the characters were too perfect especially Paul and the kids. I cannot imagine kids behaving as good as Amanda’s two children (they were polite, corrected themselves if they made an error, played together nicely). One of my favorite quotes from The Shell Collector is, “Unfortunately no life is free of sadness, be it from pain, loss, ill, or…, well, you get the idea. It’s all a necessary part of a life well lived.” In life we need both the good and the bad so that we have balance. The other is, “When the tide goes out, we get to appreciate the treasures it reveals. And when it comes in, new life is washed ashore. There’s beauty in both.” Faith is at the forefront of The Shell Collector. Our three main characters are Christians who knows God is there for them. They pray for his guidance and know that all things happen in His timing. This is a story about wisdom, friendship, a second chance at love, and finding joy in nature’s beauty. The Shell Collector is a touching tale with cute kids, a playful pooch, special seashells, a mournful mother, a free-spirited friend, superannuated soldier, and a gracious God.

[taylor tippett · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was way too corny & predictable for me :( it felt like a hallmark movie and then i read the back of the book and the author has had her book adapted into hallmark movies lol

[Margaret Dombrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author via NetGalley.

A story of two women that have experienced loss and realize their lives are mirrored in how they've reacted to their loss. Maeve is a strong lead character that "guides" Amanda in hopes that she grabs onto happiness, but she must learn to forgive herself and others.

You'll need kleenex throughout this story. Rounding to 4-1/2 Stars.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A moving take on grief and loss, sad but not depressing, “The Shell Collector”, by Nancy Naigle (Waterbrook & Multnomah), features a grieving heroine and how she heals, due to her inner strength and with the help of new and old friends.
Amanda is a wonderful heroine, valiantly trying to overcome loss, beloved memories either painfully present or just fading, while raising two precious children.
Starting over during summer in a small-town atmosphere is proving to be the right choice for Amanda when she meets and befriends an older, sage woman, Maeve, and other residents of Whelk’s Island, North Carolina.
I really liked how the author wrote the process of mourning and healing and the way fate gave Paul and Amanda a second chance at love.
I also liked seeing Amanda from other characters’ perspectives, it gave her personality depth.
Paul felt sometimes as a too-good-to-be-true, too perfect hero. He was so smitten and his devotion to Amanda and her kids was in such a high level that often he didn’t seem a real person.
As for Amanda and Maeve, their relationship was interesting but some aspects of it seemed a bit rushed.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a gobsmacker for me! I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is my very first Nancy Naigle book, so I went in without any preconceived ideas and was immediately swept into the story. Definitely an emotional read. I teared up in many places, and cried buckets twice. But I also laughed and swooned and just plain delighted in these characters and this quaint seaside town! I'd tag it as Women's Fiction with a solid romance thread.

And while this story does deal with some heavy subject matter -- grief in all it's forms -- it's laced with so much hope and joy as well that it doesn't feel heavy.

"There is a difference between grief and suffering. You see, suffering is solitary, but you share your grief with good people. It's the way you release the pain and adjust to the loss." (p 164, Large Print Edition)

These are words of wisdom from octogenarian Maeve as she helps Amanda navigate the rough waters of her grief. So many beautiful truths like this to touch a reader's heart.

And there's even a beautiful second chance love story when Amanda unexpectedly meets up with someone very dear from her past. The Shell Collector turned out to be just what I needed at just the right time -- an emotionally engaging, soul-stirring journey out of darkness into light.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me ALL the feels! I really enjoyed this sweet story chock full of lots of heart and fantastic characters. From Amanda and Paul, to Tug and Maeve, to sweet Jesse and Hailey, these characters made the story. I was rooting for these characters from the first page and the ending was pretty much a perfect one for the characters and for me as the reader. I really really loved this story and I think it would make an excellent Hallmark movie. Here’s hoping!!

I purchased a copy of the audiobook on Audible and it was very well done. Great narrator and enjoyable listening experience.

I received a copy of the ebook as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Nora-adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has had me laughing and crying on the same page. Amanda a military widow moves to a beach town to start over. Her plan to start a home business is shot down by the local government because she has a dog in the house so Amanda will have to get a job teaching to pay the bills. Her daughter and son are a pair of caring children who miss their father and they do all they can to help their mother deal with their new life. They meet Maeve, an older woman who teaches them about life on the beach and shore while they share their love with her. Maeve lives in her family home just next to Amanda's cottage and the foursome become very close. I'd tell you more but I don't have enough tissues to do a good enough job.

Just read the book.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story, and I found myself feeling many of the emotions that a well-written novel can evoke. I was washed in sadness as Amanda and her children adjusted to life without a husband and father, and I rejoiced as they began to feel moments of joy even in their grieving. I also loved the friendship that developed between Amanda and Maeve, despite the fact that they were years apart in age. Maeve had lived through much of what Amanda was experiencing, and the fact that she'd never had her own children, made the love and attention that she lavished on Hailey and Jesse even more poignant. Watching her patiently show them the satisfaction in searching for shells along the beach warmed my heart, and her kindness and wisdom was special, indeed. We all need a Maeve in our lives!

"I'm an excellent listener. I won't ask or push. Just let be there for you a you're ready. Don't make the mistakes I made. I wasted so many years buried in suffering."

The Shell Collector has a perfect setting, an assurance that, even after loss, life does go on, and a faith-revealing message that God is always with us. It also reminds us that love comes in many forms, and each one is equally important. Romantic love is wonderful, but the love between friends can be life-altering and life-sustaining! Nancy Naigle has written an exceptional book and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary women's fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Nancy Naigle book! I enjoyed this sweet story about an older lady who befriends a young widow. There is a light romance with precious characters. The children are the best. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Hallmark style book with a happy ending.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Anneliese Grassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a bit stingy with doling out 5 star reviews, a book really needs to touch me and/or knock my socks off, and that’s exactly what this book did! Have your tissues ready when reading this book!

When Amanda moves with her two kids to a small beach town in NC to start over after losing her husband she isn’t quite ready for all that she encounters. She spends her days on the beach with her kids where she meets another widow in her elder years, and they become fast friends. Also enter Paul, the best man and best friend of her late husband, who happens to have opened a business in this same beach town. There are also these mysterious shells that people find around town with sayings or quotes on them, and it is always when they need to hear those words the most that they appear.

The love, emotion, heartbreak, warmth, friendship in this book are really what makes this story so wonderful. I seriously cried for a good part of this book - both happy and sad tears. It read like a Hallmark movie and was so beautifully done that I would not be surprised if I see it one day on the Hallmark Channel. I highly recommend this book but be sure to have a box of tissues handy.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend compared the experience of reading The Shell Collector to watching a heart-warming Hallmark movie, and I wholeheartedly agree. The concept of shells with special messages found just when they are needed is captivating, and the fact that no one knows who is responsible for them gives it a neat twist.

This story also touches on the idea that sometimes someone comes into your life for a short time, but there is a sweetness to the friendship despite its brevity. I have found that to be true in life as well, when there is a certain closeness with someone, but then, for one reason or another, that season of life has passed.

Amanda has moved to Whelk's Island after a devastating loss and meets the local Shell Collector, Maeve. Maeve bonds instantly with Amanda and her young children, while Amanda navigates what is next for her and her family. Though the story is not without loss, it’s gently told, and there is ultimately a happily ever after. Things do feel a bit too easy, and I could have used a bit of higher stakes, but not every story has that, and that’s okay. The romance is not the main focus, but rather friendship, which is a welcome change of pace.

I recommend this novel for readers looking for an easy, breezy summer read, with a lot of heart behind it.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.