The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful heartwarming story. Amanda Whittier, our heroine, lost her marine husband 2 years ago, leaving her distraught, with two young children, desperately trying to move forward in her life. She decides to take her two children (Hailey and Jesse) and move to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; purchasing a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. Originally, Amanda planned to start her own home business, but when the local ordinances do not allow to use her home, if she has a dog, which she does (bulldog Denali). Amanda enjoys fixing up her home, and especially taking daily walks to the nearby beach area by the sea. It is there that she and the children meet Maeve, an older widowed woman who has lived in Whelk’s Island all her life, as well as living in a huge mansion close to their cottage.

Maeve Lindsay, another wonderful heroine, is loved by everyone in their small town; she walks the beach every morning, and collects all kinds of shells. Maeve immediately finds herself adoring both Hailey and Jesse, and recognizing a kindred spirit like herself in Amanda. Soon, Maeve becomes very close to Amanda and the kids, as they begin to spend much time on the beach, as well as in town, giving Amanda a chance to meet some of the wonderful local people. The close friendship between Maeve and Amanda, changes both of their lives, especially with Maeve helping Amanda with her grief and ability to move forward.

Maeve was also very much a part of the town, and attending the meetings. She got to know the latest member, Paul, a former marine, who has successfully opened his dog resort business that rehabilitates former military dogs and return them to former soldiers; not to mention he hires military veterans to work there. The place has become very popular, as residents also visit to walk their own dogs, and use the various additions. Paul has convinced himself he will never marry, as he lost the woman of his dreams years ago.

One morning, Hailey is outside when she sees a man by the beach, and starts running towards him and screaming, shouting “Daddy”. Amanda runs out trying to stop her daughter, and to her shock, it is Paul, who was her and her husband best friend; whom she treated badly, while grieving for her husband. Paul was shocked seeing Hailey and Amanda, as he did not know she lived in Whelk’s Island. This was an emotional moment, when Amana apologizes to her treatment of Paul during those rough days; and he was understanding, but very happy to see them again.

What follows was a heart-warming story with Amanda’s life completing turning around, as Maeve was always there for her, convincing her to accept the grief and move on; and Paul’s determination to slowly open his feelings for Amanda. I did think the meeting of Paul and Amanda took a bit too long, almost half the book.
Another element of this wonderful story, was the collecting of sea shells that Maeve had, and taught to Hailey and Jesse. There were also shells that had printed quotes on them, with no one knowing who did that. Amanda got a few, giving her meaning in her life to open her heart again. I loved Maeve, as she was such a wonderful character, who was always there for Amanda and the kids. There was closer to the end, where Maeve and Amanda bond even closer to the end, which pulls on our heart.

The Shell Collector was so very well written by Nancy Naigle. This was a story of family, love, grief, second chances, with fantastic characters. I suggest you read this book.

This is a lovely story about a newly widowed mom of two who searches for meaning in her grief, her first steps toward healing, and ultimately finding new love. It's not just a story of growth but of friendship and learning to stand on her own merits while leaning on the arms of God.

Bring the tissues. This is a sweet story that touches the heart. Loss, faith, renewal, friends, and family play center roles in this wonderful story. I will forever look for messages in shells I find on the beach. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Having gone through a similar situation, this book was especially endearing to me. I loved how the author writes about grief, loss, and starting over. This book definitely has a healing touch.
Many thanks to Waterbrook & Multnomah and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first book by Nancy Naigle, but it will not be my last. Just a note of caution, make sure that you have Tissues close at hand when you read this novel. Do not let this warning keep you from reading one of the best stories you will read all year. I can not recommend it enough. It contains love and loss, heartache and healing, family, faith and second chances. There is not one thing it lacked, you will not be disappointed.
I thank Waterbrook Press for allowing me, through NetGalley, to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

WOW! This is a heartfelt story of love, friendship, second chances, grief and how to find healing. Keep the tissues near by. I cried sad and happy tears as I read. I love Nancy Naigle's books but this is her best and now my favorite, really touched my soul.
Amanda trying to figure out her life without her husband.
Maeve collecting treasures on her beach walks facing an uncertain future. Paul who is trying to move on, and has loved Amanda since he first met her.
Love the beach setting and the wonderful small town.

Thank you NetGalley and WaterBrook for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow, Wow, Wow! What an amazing, emotional, I can’t put down, spectacular, all the feels then some read!! I’ve always loved Ms Naigle’s stories but this one tops them all! My emotions were all over the place. From laughing to crying, to happy to sad to bawling my eyes out. Kleenex couldn’t keep up production of tissues for me! Deep thinking, warm hearted, lovable characters and a storyline that melted the heart of hearts. I cannot say enough about this book. Each chapter captivated me even more. Whelks Island is a place I want to go and meet everyone and walk in the sandy beach and find my own shell. Oh my goodness, the loss, the grieving, the happy times, the sad, the second chances, the love...all packed into a read of a lifetime!

Even though I always get excited when Nancy Naigle has a new book, this one was of special significance to me because of the recent death of my husband, the love of my life. I believe the author stated at the beginning that the seed for the story was planted after the death of her husband, and it took her four years to write all of it. It was, indeed, emotional, but even more so for one who has suffered a recent loss.

The two main characters meet on the beach and quickly connect. Both are widows who have struggled with the death of their sweethearts. One is a young mother with children, while the other is elderly and hasn't been able to bear children.

So one would think that they have nothing in common and could not become fast friends. One would be wrong! Their shared grief (and love of the beach, maybe) connected them. There is much wisdom in the pages, and one doesn't have to have lost a loved one to enjoy it! Thanks, Nancy Naigle, for the compassion and understanding!

A beach replete with shells and sea glass. Heavenly. The Shell Collector is a touching, soft read. Amanda is navigating life without her beloved husband. Maeve faces an uncertain future. Paul has loved Amanda since he met her. The story flowed well and the reading was easy. I love the beach setting. The community was close and the 3 characters grow closer to each other. Really, there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book. Make site to grab a copy when you’re headed for the beach.

Set on the beach, The Shell Collector takes you on Amanda’s emotional road of mourning and emergence into a new life with her children. Beach walks and quality time with her family and town locals, enrich the storyline. Inspirational messages left throughout town inspire locals and attract visitors to their town. Very intriguing
storyline that will make you not want to put the book down.

Looking for the perfect beach read for Summer plans? You've found it! It has romance, family, hard truths, and a modern take on grit, wrapped up in Southern charm. It is one of those books where you can see the plot line coming, but Nancy adds just enough little hooks to keep you reading, just to see how things DO turn out. The sayings left on the shells are ones you may want to frame around your house, as reminders for when you need a voice to cheer you on. The characters are all charming, and you relate to them as people you would know in real life. They have real problems, not ones that go away magically. Yet there is magic in this story- and it will charm its way into your heart and make you look at shells a whole lot differently this Summer and hopefully remind you of what is truly important in life!

Grateful to the author and publisher for an advanced copy to review!

This is my first book by Nancy Naigle, but will NOT be my last. It was such as sweet story and had to put down! A much needed escape for every type of reader.

This is a story of loss, navigating next steps, friendships and new love. Amanda lost her husband and is learning to live and raise her kids without her husband. Making a move to the beach, she comes across an unlikely friend in Maeve, an older widow who lives on the beach as well.

The friendship between these two women is magical and God brought them together at a time when it was most needed. Maeve helps Amanda navigate her "new" life and even encourages a new love when an old friend shows back up in her life.

The characters personalities were so well developed as was the landscape and background the story was set in. It's easy to fall in love with all the characters in this story and want the best for all of them!

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle was a beautifully written story about grief and how a family deals with grief. I loved the characters especially Amanda and Mauve. The descriptions of the beach and the shells made you feel like you were right there with them. If you love books by Nancy Naigle you will love this book make sure you read this one.

This is an excellent book! It is about 2 neighbors who offer each other emotional and physical support. There are many twists and turns in this book and some great surprises. It started a little slow, but once you're into it you will not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book!

WOW! Author Nancy Naigle has written one of the best books I have read in along time! This book is about loss, forgiveness, friendship and love. I fell in love with the characters, and I wanted to be in the story with them. The book is set along the beach and how messages of hope, inspiration and love are written inside seashells. A person seems to find a seashell with a message, just when they need some uplifting.
New friendships are formed and old friends come back to each other. I highly recommend this book and all of Nancy Naigles books!
She has a way of bringing every book and it’s characters to life. Hats off to you Nancy for a wonderful book! When I go to the beach, I’m definitely going to be paying the seashells more attention. I hope to find one with a message!

I adore The Shell Collector. This is one of those rare novels that drips with wisdom in the midst of living and appreciating life. Set on Whelk’s Island, much of the novel takes place along a gorgeous beach with sea gulls swooping and sea glass washing to shore. Widowed two years ago, Amanda is raising two delightful children in a cottage near the beach. She cherishes the memories of her husband’s love even as she tries to start over. As she and her children play on the beach, she meets Maeve, a lovely 80 something woman, who has dealt with her own sorrow. Mauve is the mentor Amanda needs to help her move forward. I love the respect Amanda and Mauve have for each other. It’s wonderful to read a book portraying an older adult with such dignity. Then comes Paul. His story will melt your heart along with his kind personality. The Shell Collector is a beautiful story of friendship, faith, love, heartbreak, and joy. Naigle has written a story to be savored and read again and again. 5+ stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I just finished reading The Shell Collector, and WOW! This was such a wonderful book! I have never read any of Nancy Naigle's books, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was provided with a copy from the publisher for my honest opinion, and I am so glad I signed up to be on the launch team. This is one of those stories that would be perfect for the beach, but you might want to bring a box of tissue because the story will definitely touch you emotionally. It is a tale of surviving grief and learning to live again after the loss of a spouse. When Amanda with her two small children move to the small town of Whelk's Island, North Carolina for a fresh start after losing her husband, she never expects to meet Maeve, an elderly neighbor who walks the beach daily to find beautiful shells and seaglass. Amanda is a single mother struggling to grieve while providing her children with a safe, stable home full of love. When she and the children meet Maeve on the beach, they have no idea what an influence she will become in their lives. I found myself wishing I could walk the beaches with Maeve and listen to her wisdom. Each chapter is told from the perspective of Amanda, Maeve, or Paul, who was bestfriends with her deceased husband, Jack. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I loved how the relationship between Amanda and Paul developed. This was such a beautiful story, and I hated to see it end. I highly recommend it, and I look forward to reading more books by Nancy Naigle.

What a good book! Amanda and her kids have moved to a new town for a new start. They meet their neighbor Maeve who quickly becomes a new friend. Carefree days on the beach, looking for shells and finding old friends help Amanda get on with her life.
It was an enjoyable story! Definitely recommend this author’s books.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this early copy

Since I have never read anything by Nancy Naigle I was happy when I was approved to read her novel. I love reading books by authors I am nut familiar with.
A young widow and her two young children leave the comforts of home to move to Whelk's Island, North Carolina to start a new life after the tragic loss of her husband Jack who was a Marine. As Amanda tries to navigate her new life with her two children Amanda meets Maeve , a local women who has lived on the island forever and happens to be Amanda's neighbor. The two become the best of friends and find that they have a lot in common especially when it comes to loss.
Nancy Naigle writes a story of loss and what you must do to try and push on. She also writes a beautiful story of love and how two women built new lives for themselves and yet were very afraid of finding new love..
Enter Paul who has loved Amanda forever and just happened to be her husband Jack's best friend in the Marines. He re-entered Amanda's life while she was at a cross roads. How will she support her children be their for them once she is back to work and yet how will she grieve Jack. Enter her friend Maeve who show Amanada that asking for help and to take care of her shelf is not wrong. I loved the story between these two women how it developed and grew. Ms Naigle wrote strong characters with these woment which I loved reading. How you can move on from the grieving process and find happiness.
I loved how the name Shell Collector came into play and how they celebrated the life of a stranger turned friend and what she taught Amanda and her children in such a short time.
Thank you Ms. Naigle for a wonderful book of love and friendship and how to find happiness after grief.. Than you Waterbrook and Multnomah for approving me to read this wonderful story. I look forward to more by Ms.. Naigle.

All I can say is, WOW! This was a five-Kleenex tear-jerker with so much love, and so much heartache, and so much healing. I don't think I can recommend it enough!

Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk's Island. Known for her kindness, sweet spirit, and independence, it's no surprise to anyone when she befriends the young mother living next door to her with her two children. She recognizes a kindred spirit in Amanda Whittier, and especially in Amanda's daughter, Hailey. In the short time she has, can she help Amanda see that grief is only a stopping point, not a destination she has to be stuck in

When Amanda Whittier said goodbye to her husband, Jack, she had no idea this deployment would be his last. Widowed for two years, she is tired of being "the widowed friend" and wants people to see her without the veil of grief that has surrounded her. She moves to Whelk's Island, hoping to recapture some of the joy she felt when she and Jack married on the beach there. Her plans to finally start the business she and Jack had been dreaming about fall through so she takes a teaching position at the island school. As she and her children spend time each day on the beach, the ocean works its magic, soothing her heart. Meeting Maeve and having her love on her children proves to be the catalyst she needs to finally heal her broken heart.

Paul Grant has loved one woman in his life, and he lost her to his best friend. He has poured his heart into his business of rehabilitating former military dogs, as well as former soldiers. When Maeve offers "her" beach as an alternative running route to the busy town beach, he doesn't expect to find the woman he loved and her children on that beach. Can he convince Amanda that his love for her never died, even though his best friend, and her husband did?

This book was un-put-downable! It took a while for Paul and Amanda to meet on the island, and learn that they had both been living there for quite a while. Maeve and Amanda's friendship was such a thing of beauty to watch it develop, and the similarities between the two women were apparent early on. In many ways, I hope there is a sequel to this. I'd like to know so much more about the lives of the characters!

Readers who love books that are filled with emotion, will love this one. I'm pretty sure I went through about half a box of Kleenex in the reading of this story, which tells me that my own emotions were very involved. I loved the romance between Paul and Amanda, so I think sweet romance readers will also love this. I absolutely, whole-heartedly recommend this book! It gets all the stars from me!