The Shell Collector: A Novel

Nancy Naigle

May 2021 · Sold by WaterBrook

About this ebook

“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.

Ratings and reviews

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, inspiring story. It is one of those novels that makes you feel good. It is the perfect type of book to read while relaxing by the pool or while on vacation. We get to meet Amanda Whittier and her children along with Paul Grant and Maeve Lindsay. I just loved Maeve who is a free-spirited woman who enjoys life to the fullest. The friendship between Maeve and Amanda was touching. The point-of-view switches between Maeve, Amanda, and Paul. This allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives. The Shell Collector is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings. I thought The Shell Collector was well-written with developed characters and a beautiful setting. I just loved the sound of Whelk’s Island. I liked the small-town community as well as the beautiful beach. The shell descriptions allowed me to imagine what they looked like. I thought it was creative for someone to write inspirational messages inside shells and leave them where they can be found. It seemed the right shell was found by the person who needed it at that time. One of my favorite quotes from The Shell Collector is, “Unfortunately no life is free of sadness, be it from pain, loss, ill, or…, well, you get the idea. It’s all a necessary part of a life well lived.” In life we need both the good and the bad so that we have balance. The other is, “When the tide goes out, we get to appreciate the treasures it reveals. And when it comes in, new life is washed ashore. There’s beauty in both.” I did feel the story was a tad too long. It could have been fifty pages shorter. I also felt the characters were too perfect especially Paul and the kids. I cannot imagine kids behaving as good as Amanda’s two children (they were polite, corrected themselves if they made an error, played together nicely). Faith is at the forefront of The Shell Collector. Our three main characters are Christians who knows God is there for them. They pray for his guidance and know that all things happen in His timing. This is a story about wisdom, friendship, a second chance at love, and finding joy in nature’s beauty. The Shell Collector is a touching tale with cute kids, a playful pooch, special seashells, a mournful mother, a free-spirited friend, superannuated soldier, and a gracious God.

What a beautifully written, emotional story. This story is centered around Amanda and her two young children, Hailey and Jesse. Two years after her husband, Jack, was killed in action, she moves her family to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina, where Jack and her married. While at the beach, they meet Maeve, an older woman that has moved back to her family home. I’m not going to leave any spoilers because I hope everyone will grab this amazing story and read it for themselves. I will say there’s romance, shells with written messages inside, and tears involved. I really love The Wife, Tug’s African gray parrot.. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

An amazing story of friendship across all generations, a story of moving on after the death of a spouse. Amanda has lost her spouse and decides to relocate to Whelk's Island with her two small children. She buys a fixer upper small cottage on the beach where she meets long time resident, Mauve. Mauve has many words of wisdom and shares her inspirations. Paul is also new to town, but is a long time friend of Amanda's deceased husband. Mauve, Amanda and Paul will gain so much in life from this friendship that is formed. A true delight to read, Ms. Naigle has poured her heart into this book. I had a hard time putting it down, so much love that forms from this friendship. Everyone needs a little bit of Mauve in their lives. I shed so many tears, happy and sad through this story. One of the best books that I have read this year, I highly recommend.

About the author

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author whose many contemporary romance novels include the Adams Grove, Boot Creek, and Christmas in Evergreen series. Several of her novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on the Hallmark Channel and on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, including the popular Christmas Joy and Hope at Christmas. Nancy makes her home in North Carolina.