The Shell Collector (2021)

About the Book

Book: The Shell Collector

Author: Nancy Naigle

Release Date: May 11, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Lit, Inspirational, Beach Read

“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.

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My Thoughts

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is an outstanding story. I’ve never read a book by Naigle before, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to get. What I got were all the feels. I cried quite a few times so make sure you have a box of Kleenex when you read this one. I also laughed, hoped, self-reflected, and felt so inspired. So, what did I love about this story? First, the setting is magical. I want SO badly to move to Whelk’s Island. I experienced the beach as if I was there with the characters. The feel of the sand under my feet, the sound of the waves crashing onshore, the heat of a humid morning, and the sudden onset of a summer storm — I experienced it all and it was glorious. Now I need a beach getaway myself. Second, I adore the characters in this story. Maeve is my favorite character. She is the beautiful and wise grandma everyone should have in her life. I love her zeal for life, her loyalty to her hometown and community, and her innate ability to help others through their tough times. What a wonderful example of a Titus 2 woman! Amanda and Peter are good as heroine and hero. I appreciate that they already had an established and deep friendship before this story begins as it allows for their somewhat quick romance to be more realistic and believable. My favorite aspect of their relationship is how much they want to help each other and their ability to consider each other’s needs before their own. It’s a great illustration of a solid relationship. The final thing I loved about this novel is how it got me to self-reflect on my own feelings of grief. Both Maeve and Amanda have grief issues they deal with in this story. I LOVE how they become strong towers of support for one another. It’s such a beautiful picture of that deep friendship discussed in Proverbs 18:24b: “There is a friend who stays closer than a brother.” And, this is actually a theme explored quite a bit — the fact that sometimes “family” is created by the friends you surround yourself with rather than by the people you share DNA with. Maeve’s and Amanda’s dynamics as best friends reminded me of my relationship with my best friend, Lara. Lara was always there for me, always gave it to me straight, and never let me get away with anything. She made me a better woman, mother, and friend. I will always love her for her Titus 2 illustration to me. Lara was the Maeve to my Amanda. We should all be fortunate to have a Maeve in our lives.

There is so much to love about The Shell Collector. Honestly, I hardly covered a thing in this review. This book must be experienced and my words can’t do it justice. Purchase yourself a copy today! You won’t be disappointed that you did.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, WaterBrook Press, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.