The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle Series: The Shell Collector #1
Published by PRH Christian Publishing on May 11, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Friendship, Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: eBook
Amazon|Barnes&Noble|Goodreads
“The Shell Collector is a beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
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.
As we gear up to the May read for the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge, we have to go back to the beginning. Home no Matter Where is the 3rd book in the Shell Collector series, and just released back on the 5th. And since I’m a sucker for a series, here we are at the very beginning with The Shell Collector. I jumped through hoops to get this book. Library – nope. Libby – sorry. Hoopla – out of luck. And money right now – nonexistent. BUT, I do have a considerable amount in Amazon gift cards, and I waited just long enough for a pretty good sale. Equals – I finally got my hands on this book!
Just for awareness, this book is equal parts heartbreak and loss, coupled with hope and fulfillment. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I would have been able to read it a year ago, and even now, it was a bit tender for my heart. Despite the visceral connection to loss (not husband material, but ya know), I still had some things that took me a bit out of the story. Some things, i.e., relationships, felt rushed. Like I’ve seen you three times, but here watch my children rushed. Or I’ve not seen you in years, but let’s fall right back into place, rushed. Or . . . spoiler alert! . . . I’ve known you a summer, but here’s a free house rushed. There were also some things that I felt deserved more explanation, like they were somewhat assumed by the time they were told, and it felt a bit disjointed with moments of confusion.
However, the themes of hope and faith kept me engaged and grounded. The idea that it’s OK to feel the hard feelings, but don’t stay there. The idea that you can be at the edge of giving up, but toss that stone in the sea and keep going. That sometimes, that relationship (friend, romance, any relationship) is just meant to be. Sometimes you find your person, and it’s insta. Sometimes you take forever to realize that they are your person. Either way, you have to take the leap to understand that you have found your person. This book gives you all the right feels and light moments of love and friendship with a side of tissues.
About Nancy Naigle
USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career as an SVP for Bank of America and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm.
Now enjoying an early retirement from the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she now calls the small town of Franklin, Virginia home.
Nancy’s 2021 release of The Shell Collector debuted in the top #20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was optioned in a book-to-movie deal as the first Fox Original movie. The Shell Collector can be watched on FOXNation.
Several of Nancy’s books have inspired made-for-television movies. Watch Christmas Joy, Sand Dollar Cove and The Secret Ingredient on the Hallmark Channel and Hope at Christmas on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Nancy also wrote the novelization for the first three Hallmark Original Movies in the popular Christmas in Evergreen series.
Wanna share your thoughts? Leave a comment!