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.

Sand between my toes, the ocean waves storming the shore, the heat of the south, and friendships that journey into special relationships. This heartwarming story brought tears, smiles, and peace. With every page, I felt as if I was there with the characters and experiencing their lives. What a wonderful story! I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Such a heart warming read, from beginning to the epilogue, this book pulled on my heart strings, and didn't let go.
We are offered a devastating hurricane, loss of love ones, and building new relationships.
I loved how everyone shared here, especially the meals, and through this bonding lives change.
It is hard after the loss of a spouse to try and move in with family, some people make it work, but others are at a loss, so our main character Rosemary decides to visit an old high school friend, only problem when she leaves there is a hurricane on its way. Talking about walking into a storm.
I loved how the author places people, actually a mother and her children, in the path of Rosemary, she is on her way in and they are on their way out, but such a sweet relationship is formed!
How to rebuild after loosing everything, or how to just go. These kind of decisions are made, and yet, there is such a rebirth here.
I loved how the author wraps up this read, like I wanted, maybe! Be ready for a page turner, and then when the last page is turned, I didn't want to leave!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher WaterBrook & Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a heart warming book. This is about people helping people find their way in rebuilding their life. With two wonderful love stories.

The story drew me in from the first page. It brought back fond memories of my time in Florida. I felt terrible for the people who lived on Whelk's Island because I remember waiting to see which way the storm would head. They too were worried about the storm and where it was headed. As predicted, the storm strengthened into a hurricane and was forecasted to make landfall somewhere around the Carolina coast. People stood by, waiting to hear if an evacuation was needed.

Before the storm and the evacuation order, Tug, the owner of the busy restaurant, tried to serve as many customers as he could. Even those who had experienced previous storms grappled with the difficult decision of staying or leaving. It was great to see Amanda and Paul, a couple I loved in the first book, The Shell Collector, and how their romance grew. Being with Tug, Paul, and the others who stayed during the storm gave each other hope.

Rosemary goes to Whelks Island to visit her old school friend Kathleen, even though her daughter has advised against it. Rosemary fits right in as she helps Tug and the others hunker down as they face being hit by a Cat 1 hurricane. Nobody is entirely prepared for the impact the storm would have on the land. Nor could they imagine the effect it would have on their relationships.

Rosemary decides to stay on the island (longer than her daughter likes) and assists with the cleanup. It was wonderful to see everyone working together and how Rosemary became fast friends with Tug, whose restaurant is damaged along with everyone else’s property. Rosemary shares with Tug her experiences with lost love and her bucket list; she invites him to think about making his own list.

Overcoming loss and learning to forgive are important themes of the novel. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else's life in the safety of a deeply connected community. This story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but it’s a richer experience if you read book one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

after the loss of her husband Rosemary goes to visit a friend on whelk's island. she finds herself at Tugs Diner. a hurricane hits and destroys the diner. she decides to stay and help rebuild the community. good book

Although it's not necessary to read the first book in the series, The Shell Collector, I recommend it. Widow Rosemary is not happy living with her daughter after the death of her husband. On impulse she travels to Whelk's Island to stay with and old high school friend. There she will get a new lease on life. Meeting new friends who will become family. Heartwarming lovely story.

I knew this would be a book I would enjoy. I’ve never been disappointed with a Nancy Naigle book. I love the folks on Whelk’s Island. Hurricanes are no joke and the way these folks all pulled together is so special. As you follow the stories of these folks, I think you will be as pulled in as I was. I felt like I was right there with them. I honestly didn’t want it to end. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I first met Nancy Naigle's writings when I read The Shell Collector and she became one of my favorite authors. Her writings have a depth to them that is not often encountered in other authors.
To Light the Way Forward continues The Shell Collector with some new characters introduced, as well. At the beginning of the book Hurricane Edwina is on her way toward Whelk's Island, North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, Rosemary is at loggerheads with her daughter who is playing the role of a helicopter parent to her mom. Rosemary has reconnected with a high school friend who has invited her down to visit her in Whelk's Island. So Rosemary packs up her car and goes south. When Rosemary stops for gas, she runs into Amanda, Hailey, and Jesse. Hailey and Jesse pretend they are British Royalty and thus begins Rosemary's first friendship on Whelk's Island. Soon after arriving on the Island, she meets a plethora of Island folk and forges relationships with many that she meets.

When the hurricane comes, the devastation it brings is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, the diner owner. It's been all he's done for most of his life. He's at loose ends and doesn't quite know what to do with himself, his time, or his skills.

Nancy Naigle has written a book that takes friendships to a whole new level, throws in a touch of elder romance, and gives the reader a lot to think about. Life is a lot more than just working a job or dealing with family drama. It's about relationships that build and make us better people. This is a strong four star book that hits all the feels for the reader.

WaterBrook and Multnomah provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

It has been an adventure being back in Whelk’s Island, oh how I’d love to live there! And how Ms. Naigle sure knows how to pen a romance to make a grown gal cry her eyes out! In a good way, that is. I have admired these characters in their first story, The Shell Collector, and was so anxious for Tug to have his own story. Ms. Naigle, you knocked it out of the park! I fell in love with Tug all over again. The depth in the characters and the eloquent way the scenes play out with the picturesque views described, made this a page turner I could not put down. How a simple shell can guide a path in our lives to help shine a little light to get us through, I love that concept. And mixing that with a romance story of a second chance at love for an elderly couple, just the sweetest gift I’ve read in quite a while. And it’s always a delight to reunite with “the Wife”. He’s a character! Great catching up with Paul, Amanda and the kids too. Their story intertwined so beautifully with Tugs and even had a surprise or two for them also, loved that! You can’t go wrong with a Ms. Naigle story, and Tug’s story is no exception! I could read stories about Whelk’s Island forever! Messages of hope, faith, love, understanding and the love of our Father and how in His timing, the way forward will bring us great joy.

RESTORATION, HOPE, AND LOVE

“Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.”

Author Nancy Naigle has a gift for writing heartwarming stories filled with delightful, realistic characters who face routine, everyday problems yet come out stronger on the other side. In Naigle’s latest release, To Light the Way Forward, her characters endure what could have been a life-threatening situation, yet it solidifies their feelings for each other. Hurricane Edwina comes to Whelkins Island and with it comes the introduction of a new friend whose friendship will change all their lives, the decision of a couple realizing they cannot go through the future without the other, and one man’s loss of everything causes him to find the one thing he truly was missing in his life.

What I liked best about this book was the stranger who came to town and became the friend everyone needed. She was the glue that held everyone together during the dark days of rebuilding. She embraced the quote, “Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.” She ran to the hurricane. She was looking for a home, and she found it. This is a beautiful story of restoration, hope, romance, and a sense of community.

Waterbrook and Multnomah and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.

Sweet story but make sure you read the book before this one. I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a series so I was a little lost at times.

hui hou….until we see each other again

“Home is a feeling and doesn’t have a thing to do with how fancy a place is.”

“Our hearts are so fragile, but nothing can take our memories.”

“Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.”

How do you heal from grief and go on with your life? Find a new beginning, fall in love again? That is what Rosemary, Amanda and Tug are trying to figure out.
A story of love, friendship, forgiveness, second chances and rebuilding with the help of a community on Whelk’s Island. These characters really pulled at my heart.

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

A wonderful companion book to the Shell Collector.
Honestly, after reading the Shell Collector, I was hoping the author would write a sequel to it and lo and behold she did. This book is definitely the epitome of second chances and you will quite see that as you read the events that have happen in this story.

So come, catch back up with Tug, Amanda, Paul, Hailey, Jesse and meet some new characters that will pull your heart and leave you feeling good.




I graciously received an advance e-copy from the Publisher on Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

As with all this author's books I loved this one too. I was surprised we were going back to Whelk's Island. In the Shell seeker , Mauve has passed away a year ago. Rosemary, who hasn't quite gotten over her husband's death. She had moved in with her daughter and granddaughter and that wasn't working out so even with the threat of a hurricane, she took off for the island to visit an old friend. She ran into Tug and had met Amanda as she was traveling inland with her children. They exchanged numbers and became friends. See how Rosemary fit in, made new friends and is enjoying life, feeling needed. Follow her on the way to see if she decided this is the place she wants to be. A GREAT READ.

I received a free copy of, To Light the Way Forward, by Nancy Naigle, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rosemary goes to Whelks Island to visit friends, while there a horrible storm occurs, destroying her friends diner. This is a sweet story about love, friendship, and rebuilding.

To Light The Way Forward by Nancy Naigle is a sequel to The Shell Collector but is a stand alone read. It centers around a widow in her golden years as she is trying to find her way after being married for over 50 years.

Rosemary visits her high school friend Kathleen in Whelks Island. A small town in North Carolina. But a Cat 1 hurricane hits the island and destroys a lot of the local place. Rosemary decides to stay and help with the clean up. She meets Tug whose restaurant is blown away by Hurricane Edwina. They form a sweet friendship.

The story is about overcoming grief and forgiveness. And the joy that comes with helping others in a close knit community.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This one follows The Shell Collector but stand alone as well.
Amanda is a widow raising 2 children after losing her husband to war. Paul is his closest friend, no longer serving. Now he cares for retired service dogs as well as general boarding of pets in the area. This is their story and also the story of Rosemary, a widow from Hawaii and Tug who owns and cooks in the diner most popular place in town.
Everyone comes together after a hurricane and the best things happen. I loved it as much as I loved The Shell Collector.
Warm, lovely and memorable.

I really loved this book! Imagine knowing a hurricane is coming and you might lose everything that you think is important. The emotions in this story are much like the realities of the hurricane’s arrival - strong emotional interactions within the families in a small town setting - love, grief, loss and joy all play a part in this story. I couldn't put it down! Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinions

TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD is the sequel to The Shell Collector by NANCY NAIGLE but it can easily stand alone. It is a lovely romantic read with the story taking place at Whelk’s Island against the backdrop of the devastating hurricane Edwina. The title is most apt with the light of love and hope for the future dispelling the darkness of the past.
I love to see the close knit community, and the characters are delightful.
It is a story about overcoming grief, second chances, families, and the joy of helping others live life life to the full. There is a gentle Christian message underlined by shells on which uplifting messages have been written.
I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a really good romance novel.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from WaterBrook & Multnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.