The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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Description:
A touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good, from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

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 wonderful heartwarming story. Amanda Whittier, our heroine, lost her marine husband 2 years ago, leaving her distraught, with two young children, desperately trying to move forward in her life.  She decides to take her two children (Hailey and Jesse) and move to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; purchasing a fixer-upper cottage by the sea.  Originally, Amanda planned to start her own home business, but when the local ordinances do not allow to use her home, if she has a dog, which she does (bulldog Denali).  Amanda enjoys fixing up her home, and especially taking daily walks to the nearby beach area by the sea.  It is there that she and the children meet Maeve, an older widowed woman who has lived in Whelk’s Island all her life, as well as living in a huge mansion close to their cottage.

Maeve Lindsay, another wonderful heroine, is loved by everyone in their small town; she walks the beach every morning, and collects all kinds of shells.  Maeve immediately finds herself adoring both Hailey and Jesse, and recognizing a kindred spirit like herself in Amanda.  Soon, Maeve becomes very close to Amanda and the kids, as they begin to spend much time on the beach, as well as in town, giving Amanda a chance to meet some of the wonderful local people.  The close friendship between Maeve and Amanda, changes both of their lives, especially with Maeve helping Amanda with her grief and ability to move forward.

Maeve was also very much a part of the town, and attending the meetings.  She got to know the latest member, Paul, a former marine, who has successfully opened his dog resort business that rehabilitates former military dogs and return them to former soldiers; not to mention he hires military veterans to work there.  The place has become very popular, as residents also visit to walk their own dogs, and use the various additions.  Paul has convinced himself he will never marry, as he lost the woman of his dreams years ago. 

One morning, Hailey is outside when she sees a man by the beach, and starts running towards him and screaming, shouting “Daddy”.  Amanda runs out trying to stop her daughter, and to her shock, it is Paul, who was her and her husband best friend; whom she treated badly, while grieving for her husband.  Paul was shocked seeing Hailey and Amanda, as he did not know she lived in Whelk’s Island. This was an emotional moment, when Amana apologizes to her treatment of Paul during those rough days; and he was understanding, but very happy to see them again.

What follows was a heart-warming story with Amanda’s life completing turning around, as Maeve was always there for her, convincing her to accept the grief and move on; and Paul’s determination to slowly open his feelings for Amanda.  I did think the meeting of Paul and Amanda took a bit too long, almost half the book.

Another element of this wonderful story, was the collecting of sea shells that Maeve had, and taught to Hailey and Jesse.  There were also shells that had printed quotes on them, with no one knowing who did that.  Amanda got a few, giving her meaning in her life to open her heart again.  I loved Maeve, as she was such a wonderful character, who was always there for Amanda and the kids.  There was closer to the end, where Maeve and Amanda bond even closer to the end, which pulls on our heart.

The Shell Collector was so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  This was a story of family, love, grief, second chances, with fantastic characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review