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!

I just spent a few days with the residents of Whelk's Island. I loved spending time with each one of them. Nancy Naigle created a town with residents we would all love to have as neighbors.

Amanda moved to Whelk's Island to start a new life and to heal. She couldn't have picked any place better. It was evident that GOD had a plan for her and her children.

Maeve was a lifetime resident of the town. She was loved by many. She was a good friend to all. Maeve and Amanda became friends by meeting on the beach. Both gained so much from their friendship.

I will admit I cried some. There is no way you couldn't but it was so worth it. I loved the story. It clearly demonstrated how a small gesture of kindness can make significant changes to others and for you.



I will be on the lookout for future releases from Nancy Naigle.



I received this for free from WaterBrook and Multinomah to give a honest review.

The writing in this book is wonderful. Nancy Naigle weaves a story that is connected, beautiful, and touching. Her descriptive words made me feel like I was on the beach with them, and I appreciate how she creates characters you become invested in and want to meet. I would love a Maeve in my life. The sadness in this book, however bittersweet, was a bit hard to deal with at times. Just when you settle in, another curveball comes at you. Perhaps the thing I liked the least was the timeline was a bit unrealistic. I know life happens and sometimes things move quick, but a few parts of the story were almost unbelievable which made the story not ring completely true. This author is new to me and one I will definitely read again. I enjoyed this book but wish the author had developed the timeline more thoroughly. I appreciate Nancy Naigle and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book. Opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship, and moving on. I loved the characters and reading their story. Heartwarming and compelling. I loved it!

This book. This beautifully written book has stolen my heart. I am in love with Maeve, the Shell Collector. A woman as wise and wonderful at 81 as anyone could be. She changes lives as she lives and moves along the beach of Whelk’s Island collecting her shells. I could only hope to find a friend like her in my life. She talks about gifts. Everyone has a gift. Amanda comes to live on the same beach as Maeve, and their friendship becomes life changing for each of them. With Maeve’s love and wise advice, Amanda comes full circle after her loss. She and her children love Maeve with all their hearts. I absolutely loved every single page of this lovely story. I am honestly hoping the author has a sequel planned. I would love to visit Whelk’s Island again. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful book! Amanda Whittier and her two children buy a fixer upper on the beach. She is hoping it will bring peace to her grief for her husband who died two years ago. She makes friends with an elderly lady Maeve who is known as the shell collector and they share a bond with each other. A touching story of grief, friendship and second chances for happiness!


Thanks to Nancy Naigle and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the book!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Amanda moves to a quiet island with her two children after losing her husband a few years ago. While there she befriended Maeve who is in her eighties and becomes good friends. She also meets Paul. Neither Paul or Amanda are interested in a relationship, but life has other ideas. I enjoyed the different characters. This book was well written.

This story is so special to me! While I loved all of the characters in the book, the one that stands out the most to me is that of the wise, open-hearted, full of life, lovable, elderly woman named Maeve. She reminds me so much of one of the best gifts that God has given to me in my life, my friend Pat. She was such a blessing to me.

If you have not had a close relationship with an older, wiser person in your life (not blood related), I pray this blessing will come your way. In the meantime, you can read The Shell Collector and catch a glimpse of what this unique friendship is like. The author, Nancy Naigle, is a fantastic author. I have read and enjoyed several of her books in the past, but this one deeply touched my soul!

The story deals with moving on after the loss of a love one, going through grief and being strong enough to go on and live fully. Two people that share the common loss of a loved one, have their paths cross again two years after his death. Is this a coincidence? Or is it all in God’s plan? Sometimes what you need appears at exactly the perfect time. Also in the story, are two beautifully created children and an English bulldog named Denali that bring some comic relief at intense moments.

This is a lovely Christian Romance book. It is the story of Amanda and Paul reconnecting, but also so much more. It was a story of community, healing, friendship, growth, faith and hope.

I want to thank NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC

TEN STARS! Absolutely amazing book. My favorite book this year. Laughed and cried during this journey of love and grief. Wow wow wow! Amanda moved to a small town where she meets Maeve. They became fast friends and Maeve is teaching Amanda how to get thru her grief of loosing her husband 2 years prior. Then Paul is Amanda’s husband best friend who finds her on the beach and realize he still loves her. My favorite character is Maeve and her wisdom.

An absolutely heart touching book. Young military family touched by tragedy and an older women meet on the beach. How they get to know and depend on each other becomes a thing of beauty. You must read this book. One of the best I have read this year.

BOOK REVIEW
The Shell Collector
By Nancy Naigle


“ An angel on earth” best describes Maeve, the 81 year old women who stole my heart while reading this book.
I was captivated by her generous spirit, her warmth, her love of the ocean, and her gift of listening to those around her.

Yes this book is a “romance” but that plotline felt secondary to the friendship that is cultivated between Maeve and Amanda. Amanda is on a journey of healing after the death of her husband and has recently relocated to Whelk Island with her 2 young children. Her children stumble into Maeve on the beach (literally) while looking for treasures. Their curiosity and innocence capture Maeve’s attention and heart, filling a void she didn’t know was there. Amanda needs a friend, someone she cant trust to share her sorrows and dreams for the future. Maeve steps in with wisdom and experience and offer to help.

Faith features prominently in this book. It is an integral part of Amanda and Maeve’s characters, their deep faith and religious beliefs, upholding them during times of emotional turmoil.

Amanda’s love story happens towards the end of this book, it is short and sweet and to the point. I could have done without it to be honest. It was a nice to have not a have to have. Maeve and Amanda’s friendship stole the show.

As it was my first from this author I would definitely read Nancy Naigle again.

This is a beautiful, heartfelt story of friendship, love, grief and healing.
I believe that people are introduced in our lives at a time when we need them, and this is so true for
Maeve and Amanda, the two main characters here.
They have both suffered loss.
Maeve, in her eighties, enjoys life now; to the fullest and spends her days walking the beach and collecting special shells from the shoreline. It is a gift.
Some even have messages! How can that be?
Maeve did not always feel this way about her life, but she has trusted and learned.

Amanda has moved her young family to Whelk's Island in North Carolina to start fresh after her husband's sudden death. She hopes that she and her two young children, can start fresh after her loss in an area where nobody knows of her past.
Maeve and Amanda meet on the beach one day and the friendship between these two lovely ladies and Amanda's children begins.
They both need each other and realize that as Maeve says: "Everything is so connected if you look close enough."
I love all of the characters that I met in this novel, and they had me moved to tears many times while I was with them.
You will fall in love with these people and I am quite sure not forget this story anytime soon.
Truly a loving, family book that in these difficult times, we can all use.
Ten stars!

Beautifully told story of grief. love and friendship . Set on the coast in a beach town Amanda is a widow with two young children and a broken heart. The way she finds her way is both wonderful and heartbreaking. The friendship with an older woman she meets on the beach becomes her saving grace.
The writing is beautiful. The story is as well. She made me feel the grief of losing a loved one. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't want it to end. I fell in love with Amanda and her children and most especially with Maeve. Absolutely riveting.

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – 5 Stars
I’ve not read anything by Nancy Naigle but I sure would do so again. I heartily enjoyed this book. I loved the character Maeve, the older woman who makes friends with Amanda and her two children. Amanda moved to a small home on the beach near where she married her husband. He’s been gone two years, he died while on duty as a Marine.
Seashells keep popping up all over town on the beach after the water goes out and they have writing in them. All types of messages that give the finder a great piece of advice or tells them what they need to hear at the time they find them.
Maeve spends her time ever day walking the seashore collecting shells, Amanda and her kids start looking for shells with her. Amanda had thought she would start a business at home, but found out due to her dog living there it wouldn’t be approved. A big disappointment. So she decides in the fall she is going to teach, so she’ll be at home when her kids are home.
This book is full of love, loss and believe it or not second chances. It’s a great read. If you ever had a friendship or connection with an older woman, you will love reading about the friendship between Amanda and Maeve. The book pulls at your heartstrings!

I received this book through NetGalley.com at no charge in the kindle format. I was not required to write a review, I like doing them for good books and this one was great! The thoughts and opinions above are my own freely given.

Description from NetGalley.com:
“A beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

A touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good, from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

Still struggling to deal with her husband’s death two years earlier, Amanda and her two children move to the waterfront community where she and her late husband married. Disappointed that she will not be able to start a home-based business at this time, Amanda accepts a teaching position scheduled to start when summer ends.

Paul, a former Marine, opens a new business which helps former service dogs acclimate to live outside of the service so that they can become pets for their former handlers. Paul’s best friend married the woman he loved years earlier. As a result, he doesn’t believe that he will ever love again and decides to focus his life on his business.

Maeve has lived in the same waterfront community her entire life. Although few know it, 81-year-old Maeve doesn’t have long to live. She has lived alone in the large waterfront home in which she grew up since her husband’s death 25 years earlier. Although she has been deeply involved in her community since her husband’s death, she regrets not having had children and is lonely.

What happens when Maeve enters Amanda’s and Paul’s lives and how do Amanda and Paul react after meeting again after many years apart? Can these lonely souls find peace and perhaps happiness again?

I absolutely adored this book.
A beautifully written, heartwarming
& emotional story that will pull at
your heart-strings.
Everything you want in a true romance.
Amanda, Hailey, Jesse, Maeve & Paul, steal your heart from the very first pages to the last. It has great characters, small town charm & the comfort of friends & family. 
Highly Recommend!!

This is the first book I have read by Nancy Naigle, but it certainly won't be my last! This is beautiful story about love, and loss, and finding the strength to move on and live again after a big tragedy. Amanda loses her Marine husband at war, and is left to try and put the pieces of her life together after her family is shattered; she has 2 young children that give her a reason to push forward. Amanda moves the children to a small beach bungalow in North Carolina and meets Maeve, an older woman who becomes a friend to lean on.

One of the recurring happenings in the book is finding shells; the kids enjoy hunting for shells on the beach as does Maeve. Also, there are shells with writing on them that pop up all over town and deliver a message to people, seemingly the ones that need that message at the time. Maeve also helps Amanda connect with Paul, another new arrival in town that is looking to heal, as well.

The kids and their relationship made me smile, amd I enjoyed reading the wisdom that Maeve shares with Amanda. Just like the shells in the story, this book came to me at a time when I really needed to hear its message. 5 stars, for a nice, uplifting and heartfwlt story.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you are is fortunate to have formed a strong friendship with someone much older than yourself, then this story will confirm the treasure you have been given. Amanda is slowly accepting the tragedy of losing her Marine husband but she can't wallow despair--she has two young children to raise. She buys a cottage on Whelk''s Island in North Carolina, right on the Atlantic Ocean. As she and her children spend much of the summer days on the beach, they meet Maeve, an older woman who lives nearby and walks the beach daily collecting special shells and sea glass. As the summer progresses, their friendship grows and each gives the other the support needed. There are many twists in life, and by coincidence Amanda reconnects with Paul, her husband's best friend , and one whom she had rejected after Jack's death. Slowly they are finding their way back, a healing process for both .

Belief in God and and afterlife is central to the story. This is a book that reaffirms the importance of belief, family and friendship to bring meaning to our lives.