🐚 🏖️ "The Shell Collector" (2021) 🏖️ 🐚 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Waterbrook (May 11, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593193598
ISBN-13: 978-0593193594
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Waterbrook; along with NetGalley; for providing an advanced review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.
I am definitely not new to the author’s writing. I had an opportunity to read Christmas Angels in December of 2019. I loved it! Through a “host” promotion, I won The Secret Ingredient along with The Christmas Shop (also known as Dear Santa). For my birthday in April 2020, I was given Christmas Joy and Hope at Christmas. Those four books are still on my leisure TBR, but I do plant to get to them.
As a result, when I saw an opportunity to be on the launch team for this book – I jumped at it.
The cover is absolutely stunning and gorgeous. It looks like a relaxing beach read. And, over all while it is a beautiful story, this deals with a military death, grieving, mention of suicide, and cancer. Those sensitive to those elements might re-think reading this.
Descriptive, vivid, and realistic; Naigle’s writing puts the reader right into the heart of the story. It is almost like being right there with the characters as they go through their own life and adjustments. There were times I almost cried and found a few tears in reading this. It is THAT moving.
The Shell Collector, is a multi-faceted read – sad, heart-breaking, poignant, uplifting, inspiring, tragic, and beautiful. Every emotion can be felt – anger, sadness, happiness, relief. Told from three point of views – Amanda, the young military widow; Maeve, the older resident widow; and Paul, a returning war vet who feels like he failed his friend and his friend’s wife.
Amanda’s kids – Hailey (6) and Jesse (4) are adorable as can be as well. There’s also Tug and “The Wife” (a bird of all things). Even a mention of naked campers to add a laugh.
This definitely has a Hallmark movie vibe to it, and it is no wonder. Three of the Evergreen books are based on Hallmark Movies. Christmas Joy, Hope at Christmas, and The Secret Ingredient are also Hallmark movies. The Shell Collector definitely has that same vibe so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on The Hallmark Channel someday.
It begins with Amanda saying goodbye to her husband Jack as he is shipping out for a six (6) month deployment. And, no, he doesn’t make it home.
Chapter two begins with Amanda, widowed for two (2) years, starting over with daughter Hailey, who is now 6; and son Jesse who is now 4. Amanda’s is still grieving. She doesn’t want the memory of Jesse to fade. Admits that the first year she was on auto-pilot, second year was the worst.
It is clear that Amanda is managing on her own and has some issues with her parents who do not understand how to support her.
It is during a visit to the beach that Jesse nearly mows down poor 80 year old Maeve. But, rather than being upset by it, Maeve finds a new purpose. She and Amanda strike up an instant friendship that is endearing and inspiring.
Maeve is, as the title says, The Shell Collector. But, there is so much more to her. And, there is so much more to the shells being found on the beach.
Through Maeve, Amanda is learning to accept the help that is shown to her.
Paul Grant is in Whelk’s Island to open another Paws Town location; not only is is boarding kennel with indoor and outdoor trails, but it helps rehabilitate military dogs along with helping vets. He had one love – lost her, that was it. By chapter nine (9), I pretty much knew right away who it was. Paul even finds a shell with a message: “if you don’t give up, you still have a chance”.
Amanda and Maeve click right away, and it is as a result of the friendship that Amanda finally goes to a book her friend gave her just after losing Jack. The lessons are so spot on. She finds the art of living is a fine mingling of letting go and moving on.
Amanda’s admission about being a widow is a stark reality – whispers, being looked at, being felt sorry for. Maeve’s advice is to not let grief turn into suffering.
Maeve is the voice of reason and advice that Amanda has been needing. And, it is enough of a push without being forceful to get Amanda (and her kids) back into life. She does so through understanding, friendship, and conversation. Only listening, never telling.
A super sweet moment is at church when a little boy (Matthew) approaches Hailey. Their story someday might be just as cute and sweet. But, they are six (6) right now.
Amanda comes to a moment, about halfway into the story where she realizes it is okay to ask for help, want help, and accept help. And, it is just after that Paul enters her life.
I had a feeling from the beginning where this was going.
Amanda and Paul connect (or is that reconnect). Thanks to Maeve, Paul becomes an integral part of Amanda’s life; especially with the kids.
As I read this, it did become quite the predictable read. I knew where it was going, but it was still enjoyable and I found myself wanting to be wrong when it came to certain sub-plots.
At times this was difficult to read and yet hard to put down. After chapter 18, I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late just to finish it. It is one of those that you only want to read once because of the tone and certain themes, but will be drawn back to re-reading it.
By almost the end of the book, the title and message become clear. And, as Amanda learns – people come into our life for a season, however short or long it is.
I definitely understood Maeve when it came to the journal. I too don’t like using fancy ones despite collecting them, I prefer to use cheaper ones. And, I am drawn to those “BACK 2 SCHOOL” sales sadly. I still have supplies that are 15-20+ years old.
Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait to get a physical copy of it. It is one to cherish.
There is SO much good stuff I’d love to share, but it would spoil some of the beautiful and endearing moments along with the story.
Maeve and Amanda’s friendship came along at the right time and was what each of them needed.
While distributed by Christian publisher Waterbrook/Multnomah, there will be references to God and some biblical quotes. There are no overt religious tones, and they are not central to the story.
Anyone who loves clean reads with good values, along with the author’s other works (and she is definite a “must read” author), won’t be disappointed in this latest release.
“Life is rarely predictable if we’re doing it right” – Maeve
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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 in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, cooking, and the occasional spa day with friends. Several of Nancy's novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
You can also find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NancyNaigleAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancynaigle/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NancyNaigle
Website: https://www.nancynaigle.com/
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