The Shell Collector

GIVEAWAY

NAIGLE, NANCY

THE SHELL COLLECTOR

From USA Today Bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of 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. Spirted, 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.

My Review:

This one was a gobsmacker for me! I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is my very first Nancy Naigle book, so I went in without any preconceived ideas and was immediately swept into the story. Definitely an emotional read. I teared up in many places, and cried buckets twice. But I also laughed and swooned and just plain delighted in these characters and this quaint seaside town! I'd tag it as Women's Fiction with a solid romance thread. 

And while this story does deal with some heavy subject matter -- grief in all it's forms -- it's laced with so much hope and joy as well that it doesn't feel heavy.

"There is a difference between grief and suffering. You see, suffering is solitary, but you share your grief with good people. It's the way you release the pain and adjust to the loss." (p 164, Large Print Edition)

These are words of wisdom from octogenarian Maeve as she helps Amanda navigate the rough waters of her grief. So many beautiful truths like this to touch a reader's heart. 

And there's even a beautiful second chance love story when Amanda unexpectedly meets up with someone very dear from her past. The Shell Collector turned out to be just what I needed at just the right time -- an emotionally engaging, soul-stirring journey out of darkness into light.

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me authors

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Shell Collector, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 16  2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck