I am never disappointed by Nancy Naigle's books and The Shell Collector is no exception. It is the story of Amanda, whose husband died while in the military, her two children and Maeve, who is in her 80's and walks the beach every day looking for shells and other treasures, in a town called Whelk's Island.

They meet on the beach and Amanda and her family become close friends with Maeve. Paul, who was close to Amanda and her husband happens to be on the same beach one day as he had also moved to that town. Paul has always cared deeply for Amanda and wants to be in her life.

It's a story about how friendship can mend your heart and give you hope for the future. Make sure you have plenty of Kleenex handy when you are reading this book. You won't be able to put it down.

A touching story of Amanda who is still trying to get her feet under her after loosing her husband. She has moved herself and her children to a new home and is just trying to keep her head above water. When she meets Maeve on the beach, she finds a kindred spirit.
A generational story that will make you realize that family doesn't always mean blood relatives and that friendship can save you when you least expect it to.
Just a tender story that was a joy to read.

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.

I love reading different genres of books and I will freely admit that I enjoy a good beach read - espeially this time of year when after a long winter I cant wait for a beach visit. This is my first book read by Nancy Naigle and I enjoyed it. It deals with grief, loss, starting over, and new beginnings.

While the storyline is simple and a bit predictable there is also a depth that touches the soul. I wasnt surprised to learn that the author had experienced deep grief herself. You could tell she knew about grief and the deep places it touches. There is a richness and a sweetness to this book that I found deeply enjoyable. That said, I did find some of the characters, mainly the children, a little too syrupy sweet and unrealistic. I run a daycare/preschool and have never met children so perfect! But it is fiction and a beach read so really, how serious do you want to get. I appreciated that while being a Christian book, it was not preachy and Christianity is treated as just a way of life - very normal and everyday like. Overall, I enjoyed this book and have chosen it to be one of our churchs summer book club picks.
This e book was sent to me for free in exchange for my honest review.

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.