Loved ! This is one of those everyone should read! So much wisdom is given to the reader in here that I think required READING! Enjoyed every minute !

I absolutely loved this second chance at love times 2. Paul and Amanda reconnected a few years after the death of Amanda’s husband / Paul’s best friend. Rosemary sets out to visit her high school friend who she found on social media. She didn’t pay mind to the hurricane that was heading to the island she is going to be visiting. In her path south she meets Amanda and the kids heading north to get away from the Hurricane. The exchange contact information that turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Somehow Rosemary manages to still have cell service when most of the town doesn’t. Poor Amanda can’t get through to Paul or Tug. Tug runs the local diner. He stayed on the island with Paul. Rosemary runs into Paul the day of the evacuations but they never exchanged names. It wasn’t until after the storm that the met again and started helping feed peoplethat suffered from the storm.
Rosemary who had been feeling adrift since her husband died needed something to do to feel useful. She helped Tug feed all the locals on the Island They discovered the had a connection. Tug is thrilled when Rosemary decides to buy a house on the Island and live there permanently.

Great book! Couldn’t put it down!

We are back on Whelk's Island with Tug, Paul, Amanda, and the kids and we have a new character, Rosemary who came into town to visit a friend from high school. A hurricane is coming into town and everyone is preparing and leaving while Rosemary is coming into town. Once the hurricane is gone, Rosemary becomes part of the community there helping recover and she especially connects with Tug who is still struggling after the lose of Maeve.

This was such a sweet story and I loved getting to see more about Tug. Paul, Amanda, and the kids are as cute as ever and I love seeing where they are going in life. The hurricane hits close to home since we have quite a few of those in NC. I just love this story about friendship and love.

To Light the Way Forward is the first book I've read by this author, but she has quickly become a favorite of mine. The story is very touching and uplifting, touching my heart many times. The characters are well-rounded, with compassion and love but also have flaws. Each is trying to come to terms with what their future will bring. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

Growing up in an ocean town, I loved the setting of Whelk's Island. Although it is a fictional town, it has a lovely community of heartwarming and caring residents; it appears very real throughout the story. I laughed many times as I read because of Rosemary. She was a joy to read about and my favorite character. And then there was Tug, whom I liked immediately. The struggles, love, and faith shown by all the characters left a lasting impression on me. I didn't want the story to end, but the ending wrapped everything nicely and was perfect.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through NetGalley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Such a wonderful book!

First, let me say that I haven't read the prior book in the series, but I am wishing that I had....not because I felt lost, but because this one was so great that I feel like I've missed out on the other!

Whelk's Island, NC sounds like a place where I'd love to vacation, except during a hurricane, which happens in this book. Despite the hurricane, the town pulls together, as do Amanda, her children, Paul and Tug, welcoming visitor Rosemary with open arms and hearts. Rosemary is a bit lost, grieving her husband and missing the ocean since she left Hawaii. The island and its magic weave their spell on Rosemary and she finally feels at peace and where she belongs.

There's a bit of family drama with Rosemary's bratty adult daughter, but even that doesn't pale the story. I will definitely look for other books by this author in the future!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Thank you for this fabulous ARC for my honest review. Nancy Naigle you have such a special way of touching my heart. Tug and Rosemary’s story is so heartwarming. Two strangers meet in the path of a hurricane on the beach at Whelks Island and travel through a journey of loss together. This journey takes them places they never dreamed of from hardship to a happily ever after that neither of them saw coming. Thank you Nancy Naigle for this this passionate heartfelt story of love, friendship and family. You must put this one on your to be read list.

Some books I believe I am meant to read, and they come into my life. This was one of those books. I could understand the younger generation because I have been there, and the older generation I thought some of the things they are struggling with I am struggling with, and it was nice to see what they did to make it through. One thing stood out for me, and that was, you'll find your gift for this season of your life. When they start to think of their life that way, things begin to change, and they see changes in their life, the way they think, and it seems they have a more positive attitude. That is, the light that will shine and move you forward.
I received an ARC from WaterBrook through NetGalley and this was a book meant for me to read, and it was uplifting, a reminder that every season in life has gifts that moves us on to what is to come.We just have to find the light that brings us to what we need now, adventure, and finding our way, where from where we are now.

This was book was as comfortable as a warm blanket that enveloped me with its warmth. For Rosemarie and Tug, it is filled with taking chances, facing a hurricane, falling for each other and finding the light of home. Nancy Nagile has written another wonderful book of community, friendship and late love. Thank you Netgalley and Waterbrook Publishing for the early copy. This review is my honest opinion.

To Light the Way Forward
Nancy Naigle
April 29, 2025

Tug Basnight listened to the forecast and began to worry what the next few days would bring. He had not long ago lost his best friend, Maeve. It concerned him that during this hurricane he could possibly lose his business, Tug´s Diner as well. Business was steady and he intended to do as always during weather extremes. Until the authorities ordered the locals and visitors to evacuate, he would continue to cook and provide food to whomever needed it.
Rosemary was home in Pennsylvania packing. She heard the news about Whelk´s Island in North Carolina. Forecasters were predicting the path of hurricane Edwina off the coast of North Carolina. She called her friend, Kathleen. She lives on Whelk´s Island and was used to reporting about the weather. She had advised Rosemary to pack the car and head down. They could batten the hatches together in her home, and enjoy each other's company when the threat was gone.
To Light the Way Forward will be published on April 29, 2025 by Penguin Random House. I was able to read and review Naigle´s latest novel via NetGalley. Once again I thoroughly enjoy her story writing capabilities. She takes the reader to the plot location, provides great descriptions and sets us right in the middle of her characterś scenario. It is a delightful tale of Rosemary´s journey to find new friendships and extend her life past the recent loss of her beloved husband, Kai. Don´t miss this exceptional sequel to The Shell Collector from Nancy Naigle.

A modern day novel about second chances. Once I started reading, I realized that this was book 2 in a series. What a pleasant surprise to get reacquainted with old friends. I love the wholesome atmosphere of the book, the way people treat each other and the friendships, both new and old. A big event happens at the beginning and the rest of the book keeps on chugging. However, it is not boring! It's a very enjoyable “feel good” read where people struggle through real life events that could happen to anyone and we see them work their way through it. Favorite lines, “We have kids before we even know how to live our lives” and “Any time you think you’re young, you should rent a set of kids to remind yourself you’re old and tired.” In need of a relaxing and clean read? You’ve found it!

Many thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for making an ARC available to me, I was not required to leave a positive review.

tle: To Light the Way
Series: To Light The Way
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Romance & Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
My Rating: 4 Fell good Stars!
Pages: 368

Although there is the possibility of hurricane Edwina on the way, Rosemary has reconnected with Kathleen her high school friend whom she hasn’t seen in fifty years and is determined to visit her on Whelk’s Island, NC.
Before Rosemary arrives she had stopped for gas, - it seems everyone from Whelk Island is leaving and needs gas. Rosemary meets Amanda, and children who are traveling in a Hummer Limousine belonging to a friend also traveling to Ohio. The children pretend they are British Royalty. Rosemary thinks it is delightful that the children have such a great imagination and knows she is going to enjoy Whelk's Island.

When Rosemary arrives she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with Tug Basnight, the owner of Tug’s Diner; turns out Tug still is missing his dear friend, Maeve Lindy.
<i> (I did not read Book #1, “The Shell Collector’ – but the three main characters from that story are Maeve and ~
Amanda Whittier with her two young children had moved to the island after losings Jack her Marine husband while deployed. Jack and Paul were best friends and Paul vowed to keep Amanda and the children safe.
Paul Grant works with former military dogs and owns Paws Town Square.) </i>

Tug and Paul plus several other town residents stay and ride out the storm. Amanda and the children Jesse and Hailey are heading to her parents’ home in Ohio for safety – in the Hummer limousine - as per Paul’s suggestion –Yes! Amanda and Paul are a couple but going slowly in their relationship.

Hurricane Edwina does hit and causes a lot of damage and Tug’s Diner is destroyed, which adds to the grief he is still experiencing from losing the love of his life last year.

Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and wants to help him heal- Paul also wants to help his friend.
Rosemary ends up staying on the island (longer than her daughter Nina likes) and assists with the cleanup.
Of course, there is more to this story and as well as the characters.
I hope you enjoy it as much I as did.
Whelk Island is fiction but the Putter Banks are not which is the inspiration for this story. We have been living on the West Coast for years but we loved our vacations at Nags Heads.

I read a lot of thrillers – although I love psycho characters, it was a treat reading this sweet story!😘

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 You may find a complete list of the movies as well as checklist of all her books in series order on her website- www.nancynaigle.com


Thank You NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinmah/WaterBrook for this this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 29, 2025.

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful heartwarming story; that brings together friendships, as well as an elder romance. This is a sequel (The Shell Collector), which brings together some of the main characters into this new book (Amanda, Tug, Paul, Hailey, Jesse). With a dangerous Hurricane Edwina finding their way to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; Amanda takes her two kids (and dog, Denali) to safety, and Paul gets Tug (owns Tugs Diner) to stay at his Paws land, to be safe.

Newcomer, Rosemary is not happy staying with her daughter, after the death of her husband. She decides to visit a friend in Whelk’s Island, and packs her car; along the way she runs into Amanda, Hailey and Jesse, leaving for safety. Rosemary’s first friendship on Whelk’s Island. As she enters Whelk’s Island, she stops at Tug’s Diner, and though he was closing the diner, Tug does go out of his way to cook a hamburger for Rosemary to take. Another friendship will bond.

Later on, Rosemary tries to help people during the storm, especially when Paul cannot contact Amanda; with her phone working, she gets in touch with Amanda, allowing Paul to talk to her. As the hurricane comes, the devastation is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, who diner was destroyed. Rosemary will work alongside Tug, Paul and herself to help provide meals to support the community.

Having enjoyed the main characters in The Shell Collector, I loved seeing Amanda, Paul, Tug, Hailey and Jesse again. The messages used on the shells continued to be a great addition, with quotes printed, and no one who knew who did it. I did early on get a kick out of “the Wife”, Tugs talking bird. I thought Rosemary was a wonderful addition to this story. It was great to see Amanda and Paul finally get married. And I loved that Tug and Rosemary would discover that love would be perfect for them too.

To Light the Way Forward was a wonderful sweet heartwarming, delightful story, with hope, romance, restoration, relationship and passion. To Light the Way Forward was once again, written so very well by Nancy Naigle. If you read The Shell Collector, you will love this book, too.

If you love a book series, because the characters you wonder about and loved in the first book often show up in the second book, then this is the book for you. This time the story combines a happily ever after for the main characters in The Shell Collectors with a new love story for a favorite character from the same book There is a tragedy to survive, and difficulties to overcome. It also shows you that no matter what happens, there are people around you who love you and support you. It's an easy read and well worth it.

Rosemary has moved to her daughters' home after the death of her husband. They had owned a farm in Hawaii, and she sold it to move in with her daughter. They are not getting along and when a old friend from high school invites her to Whelk’s Island she jumps at the chance to leave. There is a hurricane predicted for the island, but she is going anyway. Amanda and her two children live on the island, but Paul her boyfriend is sending her to her parents' home in Ohio to avoid the storm. When Rosemary arrives on the island, she meets Tug at his diner, and they seem to click right away. Tug works with Rosemary and Paul to help the island after the disastrous storm. Tug has lost his diner and now is adrift since he can't see rebuilding it. Paul can't wait for Amanda to come back so he can ask her to marry him and Rosemary is find the life on the island what she has been missing.

I liked this book and I like this author. Naigle weaves a story that is intriguing and reflecting. What will happen next? In the midst of chaos, friends come together to help each other. New friends, along with the old, work diligently to help others begin again. Romance… family…a storm…widowhood….love lost…new love…enjoy this quick read. Thanks Netgalley.

"To Light the Way Forward" is a sweet novel of second chances. The characters in this story are of different generations and they are all picking up the pieces of their lives after various losses. I hadn't read the first book in this series, "The Shell Collector" (published in 2021), but was able to pick up where that left off fairly easily in this story without having read that one. This book gives the reader a good idea of what happened in the previous book so a reader starting here wouldn't be lost.. I may end up going back to read or listen to that book because it also seems like a good story.

The main story is about Tug and Kathleen, older adults dealing with the loss of a good friend and husband respectively. They meet just before a hurricane batters the island where they are staying and are there afterwards to pick up the pieces left from the storm. There is also a secondary storyline that continues from the first book about a young widow Amanda with two children and her love interest Paul from the first book. Kathleen is new to Whelk Island and how she meets all of the residents featured in this book is wonderful.

This book has a slower pace to it, despite the hurricane at the beginning. This book really centers on picking up the pieces after the storm and figuring out what's next. I can see this book being interesting to readers of all ages, but for anyone looking for a romance between senior citizens, this one definitely fits the bill.

The book is light on faith and focuses more on the messages found in the shells being found by the right person. Mentions of attending church and a poignant sermon are affecting the characters, but faith is not a focus despite this being from a publisher that features a lot of Christian fiction. With it being light on faith, I feel people of all backgrounds may enjoy this book, even if church is not a huge part of their lives.

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A heartwarming, inspirational story of love lost and found. It includes lots of warm, fuzzy moments of joy and memories; however, readers will want to keep tissues nearby for sad moments. Author Nancy Naigle is the #1 author, in my humble opinion, at creating beautiful, poignant, positive, faith-based contemporary stories that lift your spirits and touch your heart and soul.

In Whelks Island, NC, Tug Basnight, owner of Tug’s Diner; misses his dear friend, Maeve. He adores the young widow, Amanda, and her children, Hailey and Jesse, who Maeve left her house, The Shell Collector, too. Amanda is in love with Paul, a hero who owns Paws Town Square.

The Island is in the path of Hurricane Edwina, and Tug and Paul plus several other town residents are going to stay and ride out it out there, while Amanda and the children are evacuated and go to her parents home for safety.

God’s plans are very much in work in the character’s lives as the story progresses. There is sorrow when the Hurricane causes major damage. A visitor who arrives just before the storm-Rosemary-spreads her positivity and trust in God to everyone she meets, and she and Tug seem destined to be together. Maeve (from Book #1, The Shell Collector) is still smiling down in spirit through her shell messages.

“To Light the Way Forward” is a beautiful story and touches the heart. The people of Whelk’s Island are very blessed. Open the book and enter their world of joy mixed with sadness. “Trust the light to lead you home”.

I honestly reviewed a digital archive provided by NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinomah. All opinions are my own.

Just the best book. If you haven't read the Shell Collector you definitely should read before this book. It will come together so much better. I'm so glad Tug got his story. You just feel like you could feel the sea breeze and hear the ocean. Rosemary came to town at a time when she felt lost. Then Tug comes into her life at the perfect time. I do believe that you are where you should be at the right moment. Such a lovely story of finding love at any age. Especially when your not looking for it.

This is such a special book. We’ve all navigated loss and some point in our life. This book has such wonderful messages and sentiment. Rosemary and Tug’s story is so uplifting. I couldn’t put the book down.. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Such a lovely story! Whelk's Island sounds like the perfect place to visit time and again. You have the beauty of the ocean and the love and friendship from so many in the community.

I didn't read the first book in the series, but was easily acquainted with the characters. Each character in the story was so wonderful and left an impact on me. My particular favorites were Tug and Rosemary. They seem like the perfect grandparents to have.

I loved the messages that were used in the shells and how they touched each person when they needed it most.

Thanks to netgalley and WaterBrook Publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.