Why, hello, Nancy Naigle! This is the first book I have read by this author. Let me tell you, it was a great one to start with! It's set in North Carolina close to Camp Lejeune. My brother in law is currently stationed there. The book talks about PTSD and how service dogs can help. The book includes loss, forgiveness, reunion, love, food, and all the things that make up a completely captivating story! I was completely sucked in from the first chapter. How she writes paints such a clear picture in your mind. I truly enjoyed reading this book!

This may be the best Nancy Naigle book I’ve read yet and I’ve read a bunch. I loved this story and felt so many emotions as I read it. There is sadness, grief, love, humor, new experiences and adventures. What really stands out to me is the love. I can’t even type this without feeling some of the emotions I felt as I read this book. I think one of the best relationships was that between Maeve and Amanda. If we could all have that kind of friendship and love, we would be better people. This story is so awesome and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did. I think you will fall in love with these folks just like I did. I would also like to say I appreciate our veterans and their families so much. I received this book from NetGalley, but opinion is my own.

This book had me crying so many times, but I couldn’t put it down. Amanda was trying to be strong for her kids, but some days it was hard for her to get out of bed. She moved and was trying to stay over after her husband died while be deployed. Maeve is a woman who collects shells on the beach that Amanda and her kids become close to. I honestly thought I was going to be crying because she louder her husband, but that wasn’t the reason why.

Beautifully written and heartbreakingly honest this is a book that will have you asking yourself some hard questions. Amanda struggled with moving on after her husband died, especially with Paul. Maeve turned out to be a wonderful person who helped Amanda more than she knew she needed. The shells were an added bonus and Paul ended up being one of the sweetest men. I only wish that Maeve and Tug would have had a different outcome, even if I understand why it was the way it was.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

I feel like with this book its not your ordinary "loves" story. I feel like this book was more about finding healing then finding love. However grab some tissues this book has some moments that will have you in tears and pulls at the heart strings for sure. I felt like With Paul and Amanda and Mauve and Tug you were looking at pretty much some of the same similarities but also two very different situations. I loved the kids in this story while they were young and sassy they seemed so wise beyond there years. Overall this book was slow but it was steady and it really keeps you drawn in and very good.

I couldn't put this book down. I read it in one setting. I laughed. I cried. This is a wonderful story about friendship, death, second chances, and building a new life. Life affirming. Well done Nancy Naigle.

The Shell Collector, by Nancy Naigle, is such a good book. This story helps reinforce that God finds a way and has a reason for everything, even if we don’t see it. Amanda’s husband bought the children a dog she didn’t want, and he turned out to be a great source of comfort after her husband’s death. Amanda befriends an elderly lady who doesn’t have long to live, who gives her a chance to fulfill her dream. And for Paul, his struggle with losing his best friend helps him with his new business. God’s hand is in each of these people’s lives.

This story is full of emotions with loss of spouse and friend and starting over and fulfilling dreams. The characters are so strong and likeable. I enjoyed this story and found it hard to put down. I totally enjoyed reading this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the book launch. This is my honest review.

I was very curious about this book when I was invited to read it. It's not my usual genre of choice, but I was happy to give it a try.

Oh my! The characters, the storyline, the triumphs, the tragedies, the tears, the happiness, the friendships and second-chances all combined to reach through the pages of this book and touch my heart. Thank you Ms. Naigle for writing a beautiful novel I didn't know I needed to read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher, WaterBrook & Multnomah along with NetGalley, for sending me a copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Nancy Naigle is really an amazing author! This book is really inspiring and heartwarming. It contains many important topics and emotions, The romance is cute. Definitely recommending to everyone who loves characters that never gives up hope and sees the beauty in life.

A incredible story about finding hope after loss and learning that healing takes time, but it’s there. The Shell Collector is a wonderful story that will keep wanting more until the very end. You will smile, cry and believe that healing and hope after tragedies are possible.

I graciously received an advance e-copy WaterBrook & Multnomah publishing through Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this novel of healing of grief through relationships. I like how the two women, though a generation apart, help each other as they navigate loss in life. I like Maeve's wisdom and that she is a good listener. I like Amanda's determination to do what is best for her children. And my favorite characters by far, Amanda's children. They are so sweet and their enthusiasm for life is contagious. Would that all children could be so delightful after experiencing tragedy. But then, this is fiction.

I liked the setting and the times on the beach. Living on an island, there is something special about the ocean meeting land and Naigle has done well in portraying it. The possibility of romance is done well, contrasting an impending opportunity for Amanda and a missed opportunity for Maeve. I liked Paul, bringing gentle healing to Amanda's children. I do wish he would have been a little slower and more gentle in his pursuit of romance. Recovery in that area takes time and cannot be rushed.

This is a touching story about healing from grief. It highlights the importance of relationships and being open to asking for help. It explores the difficult task of letting go of the past and looking toward the future. While death is a major theme in this novel, its happening and recovery from it was handled well. Engaging characters and a touching plot make this a good summer read.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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.

Going through my own loss I could very well relate with this book. The story was captivating and has a slow build.

I admired Amanda's strength despite her pain and loss. I admired how she chose to build a great future for her kids even though that meant leaving what she knew.

The friendship between herself and Maeve was the highlight of the book for me. I love deep and meaningful friendships like theirs.

The book is about love, friendships in the midst of storms and the help God sends to us in the most beautiful of ways.
The settings of the book was also a huge plus for me.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy reading the clean romance books from this author. She writes stories that you don’t mind sharing with your Mather and her friends or talking about with others.

This was such a wonderful book that had a few sad components but it was woven together into a beautiful story about living each day with loved ones in your heart. If you like wholesome stories about being kind to others - this is for you!

Thank you Nancy!

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.

I was not expecting what Nancy Naigle gave me with this book. This is such a touching story about women becoming friends and the support system for each other with no exclusions for the generation gap between them.

Maeve was someone I wish I had really known. All she did was uplift others, even though she was the one who probably needed it the most. Amanda was really floundering in her grief and in trying to move on after the death of her husband that left her with two small children. She pretty sure she's done the right thing by moving to the little cottage by the shore, but meeting Maeve makes her sure of it. She doesn't think she'll ever love another man like she did Adam, but sometimes fate has other ideas.

I loved the forgiveness and the healing that took place in this book. Moving on can come in a lot of different forms and it certainly did in this book. Grief is a huge part of the story and I had to put it down numerous times until I could staunch my tears. The story destroyed me, but then it built me back up. Incredible read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This book is more than a great beach read. It’s a perfect anywhere read! The Shell Collector shares the story of a military widow with two young children who moves to a small town where she knows no one to find solace in the beach that has held a special place in her heart for many years.

Nancy Naigle writes a delightful story of how cross-generational friendships can be a godsend for hope and healing from life’s tragic experiences. You will enjoy the supporting characters as much as those in the central love story. I love Tug! I’m always excited to read a good story set on the beach, and this one does not disappoint! If you enjoy clean and wholesome romances full of friendship and second chances, you’ll want to read The Shell Collector!

A beautifully written story centered around two courageous women, Amanda and Maeve. Their brief but poignant friendship brings out every emotion-lost love, pure joy, intense grief but mostly hope. My absolute favorite part of the book was being transported to the serenity and enjoyment of the beach. It brought back so many magical memories of flying kites, building castles and crab hunting. I believe I might have a little bit of Maeve in me and I just adored her. I was honored to be part of the launch team and received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley ,these are my honest opinions. I highly recommend putting this uplifting novel in your beach bag, put your toes in the sand and enjoy!

Loved it! There is so much love in this story. Mother and children, dogs, new friends and old friends, all showing love to one another in special ways. There is laughter and tears. A heartwarming tale from beginning to end. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

This was such a lovely story of moving through grief after the loss of a loved one - be it spouse or friend. Nancy Naigle lived that journey and was inspired to write this novel. Amanda, a young widow and mother of two young children is beginning that journey in a new community. It's there she meets an elderly woman, Maeve, on the beach. An instant connection is formed between Maeve and the young family. There are more people whose importance to this core group is apparent. I enjoyed them all and loved the message of living each day in the moments. Recommended.

The Shell Collector
Nancy NaigIe
May 11, 2021s

Another beautiful spring day in New Mexico. Planned to read in my favorite spot in the backyard but by the time the chores and baking were done it was a bit too breezy. I settled down in my comfortable reading chair and opened my Kindle to Nancy Naigle’s The Shell Collector. She tells the most magical story of Amanda Whittier and her two children, Hailey and Jesse. They chose to move to Whelks Island off the coast of North Carolina. After her beloved Jack’s death in the military, she struggled. The first year was difficult, but as the children grew she found it so hard to help them remember their father, yet move on. As time moved on she felt it best to move somewhere to start again. After seeing photos of the island home in the realtor’s office she placed her bid and bought the home. Getting there with all they owned was a struggle with kids and their dog, Denali in tow they pulled up to the abandoned home next to a large dune of sand. Amanda knew that refurbishing the home by herself would be tough but partially furnished they would make do, They would tough it out and make it their home.
She met Maeve Lyndsey walking the beach one morning, an older woman in a beautiful flowered skirt. She sheltered her face from the sun with a well worn sunbonnet. Maeve always carried a beautiful bag to hold the shells, sea glass, and other treasures she found on her walks. Amanda’s children were completely taken by her. Eventually Amanda shared her story of Jack’s loss. Maeve too, spoke of her husband’s passing. The two became immediate companions spending mornings walking the beach or enjoying a picnic lunch with the children.
On the other side of Whelks another newcomer made his home. Paul Grant had retired from the Marines and picked the island to develop a space for combat dogs to be returned to their Veteran partners, most troubled with PTSD. He also developed a trail system for locals and tourists to kennel their pets while on holiday.
This is truly a warm-hearted novel. I have been so overwhelmed by the comfort and love the story brings me each time I continued on with the story. I have read many of Ms. Naigle’s books, this one is a work of art. The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle will be published on May 11, 2021 by Waterbrook of Random House Books. I am grateful for them allowing me to read and review the ARC courtesy of NetGalley. It’s been a couple of days since I began Nancy’s newest story. I vowed to keep all spoilers to myself. Reading this book has been a treasure. This novel is magical, please don’t miss it. Enjoy!