To Light the Way Forward is the second book in The Shell Collector series and while I haven't read the first book in this series (I definitely want to now!), I had no issue with jumping right into this one and enjoying it fully.

Whelk's Island is preparing for Hurricane Edwina to come on shore and the residents are doing their best have everything in place before it does. Tug, the owner of the diner, has done what he can to prepare and Paul, who owns a local business is helping everyone he can as they get closer to the storm roaring ashore. Paul has convinced his love, Amanda, and her two children to evacuate to her parents, but she isn't thrilled she has to leave Paul until the storm passes.

Rosemary has come to visit her high school friend on Whelk's Island after losing her husband. She is trying to figure out what her new life is going to look like. What Rosemary doesn't expect is how the people in Whelk's Island band together following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Edwina and how that is going to affect her.

This story is about second chances, picking up the pieces when things don't go the way you expect, chosen family and most importantly love. I very much enjoyed the way this story unfolded and the message of trusting that you will end up exactly where you are meant to be.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I am always in awe of Nancy Naigle's writing. She draws the reader into the story so effortlessly. She makes the reader feel as if they are right there alongside her characters and experiencing what they are. She really knows how to "spin a good yarn". This is the second book in her Whelk Island stories; even if it isn't noted as a series. I did not read the first book, The Shell Collector yet; but, I do have it on my TBR list. Not having read that story did not in any way detract from this story. So, in that sense, they can be considered "stand alone".
In this story we meet Rosemary, a widow of 4 years, that has moved in with her daughter and grand-daughter. Things are tense, and not at all what Rosemary had hoped for. In an attempt to gain some freedom and clarity; she agrees to meet one of her old high school friends who lives on Whelk Island. Even though there is a hurricane churning in the Atlantic Ocean nearing this North Carolina island; Rosemary goes anyway. Thus begins Rosemary's journey of self-discovery and regaining independence and a few new friends along the way.

Heartwarming story of people coming together after a hurricane. I wasn’t sure that I would like this book, even though I know I enjoy the author. I suffered the effects of a hurricane and am sensitive to seeing others going through that. The sense of community we felt when going through recovery was the same as was expressed in the book. Yes, the story may have been a little schmalzy in places, but emotions do run high when faced with a natural disaster. I do recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book.

This is my first read by Nancy Naigle. I found her writing to be average or a tad better, but I will say she did a great job fleshing out her characters!
The book kept me engaged enough to finish but I can’t say I’m dying to read another of her books.
Three and a half stars.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for an advanced copy of To Light The Way Forward.

Rosemary has set out to travel to meet her friend even though a tropical storm is on its way. She stops at Tug’s Diner and meets the owner Tug. She forms a quick bond with Tug and is devastated when the storm destroys his diner. They band together to help support the community.

I wanted to like this book but it was just a little too cheesy for me.

i feel really bad saying this was a joy to read because of the subject matter lol. and in this case that would be a hurricane turning the community over. but it was. that is the stuff of brilliant authors for me. when they can make a book on any subject be full of such gorgeous human connections. they can be kind,and feel for each other and come together so that a book just feels a delight.
its not cliched or full of easy answers. its not full of too much devastation so it takes over the book. but its full of hope. and its full of what many people find in these situations and that is so much awe inspiring courage to rebuild and carry on. and when you have good people to do so than that is all the better.
when Rosemary finds herself travelling into the eye of the storm she doesnt stop. instead she finds a diner owner, a couple who have lost touch and a few other motley crew that change her life forever. she helps and is helped in equal measure. and might just find the place itself is healing her too.
i certainly would like to be enveloped into this community. it made me want to visit(not in a hurricane) and be amongst all the characters. please Tug let me sit in your diner all day so you can make me feel better. they all had their own story and i loved how the ages were all given there time and place in the book.
such a good read. i was googling more of Nancys books before i even finished this one.

The characters and the location make me wish to visit the area. Not during a hurricane, of course. All ages are included. There is even a dog and a cat, but especially the bird. Romance the second time around. Many heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is a heartwarming story about a North Carolina Outer Banks community coming together after a hurricane to put their lives back together, in many different ways, plus a little romance. (For the backstory of some of the characters, read The Shell Collector first.) It's Christian-forward, which isn't usually my thing, but I had a very difficult week and this was a balm for the soul, in that way when a friend with different spiritual beliefs offers you their prayers. You may not share their beliefs, but it's comforting anyway. And it has a wonderful beach setting, so felt like a much-needed vacation. Thanks to NetGalley and WaterBrook for the advance digital copy!

I loved The Shell Collector so when I heard about the sequel coming out, I knew that I wanted to read it. This is another heartwarming, sweet story of love, faith, community closeness, and overcoming grief and loss. We travel back to Whelk's Island on the Outer Banks where we see characters from the first book, Amanda, Paul, Tug, and others and meet Rosemary, who is visiting an old friend from her high school years and quickly becomes a new friend to the friend group. Lovely with a happy ending with new beginnings.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

A series of events brings a group of people together at a time when they needed it most. A hurricane is heading for Whelk’s Island, yet Rosemary is determined to get there to visit an old friend. Along the way, she meets Amanda and her children who are evacuating from Whelk’s Island because of the hurricane. When Rosemary arrives in Whelk’s Island, she meets several residents who have stayed behind to watch over their homes and businesses while helping others. She comes to love the small town and the friends she’s met and is delighted to reunite with Amanda and her children when they return.

A heartwarming story about friendships, new and old, loss, second chances, moving on, helping others, and so much more. I loved this story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I truly love Nancy Naigle's books and this one has fast became my favorite book! If you read The Shell Collector and loved it then you are really going to love this one. Thank you so much Nancy for giving us such a wonderful book to read!

I really enjoyed this book. It was lighthearted, clean, and romantic. I loved the ending. I thought the children in the book were adorable. I look forward to reading the next book that Nancy Naigle writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review

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.

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.