Title: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: A
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.
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.
Review:
The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a deeply moving novel about friendship and new beginnings.
Two years after the loss of her Marine husband, Jack, Amanda Whittier and her two darling children, Hailey and Jesse, relocate to Whelk’s Island, N.C. Their bungalow by the sea needs a little TLC but it is a cozy haven for Amanda and the kids. She and the children take full advantage of the beach where they spend a good part of their days. But the very best part of their new life is the unexpected friendship of island native, Maeve Lindsay.
Maeve enjoys daily walks on the beach where she also picks up seashells and other gifts from the sea. She shares an immediate rapport with the Whittier family and she hits it off with the kids as well as Amanda. Maeve’s calming presence is a balm to Amanda’s aching heart and through their newfound friendship, she begins to truly heal from her loss.
Amanda also surprisingly reconnects with her and Jack’s best friend, Paul Grant. Unbeknownst to Amanda, Paul has made a few changes in his life since they last spoke. She is grateful for the opportunity to repair the damage she wrought on their relationship during her grief over Jack’s death. Paul is unwavering in his support and she is caught off guard by how much she loves spending time with him.
The Shell Collector is a heartfelt novel with a cast of charming characters and an endearing storyline. Amanda is a wonderful woman whose loss has shaped her life but she does not want it to define her. Maeve is quite wise and she does not hesitate to share her advice with the grieving family. Paul is thrilled to be back in Amanda’s life and he does not push her to make a decision she is not quite ready to make. Whelk’s Island is an idyllic setting and the beach is a soothing location for the Whittier family to begin anew. Keep the tissues handy as Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to an intensely emotional conclusion.
