My favorite place in the world is the beach. This is where I feel the most at peace. I crave sand between my toes and the sound of the waves breaking against the shore. Perhaps this is why the latest book, published by Waterbrook and Multnomah, struck such a chord with me. The Shell Collector, written by Nancy Naigle, brought me so much joy as I read the story and connected with the characters in the novel, rooting them on to find peace and renewal as the story unfolded at my favorite beach location, North Carolina.
I received an advance copy of the novel from Waterbrook and Multnomah as of the launch team, in exchange for an honest review.
The book begins with a poignant farewell, as Amanda and Jack (a United States Marine)share time together, with their two children and new Christmas puppy, Denali. Jack is leaving for a tour of duty and Amanda is left to care for their two small children and new puppy. Flash forward two years later, Amanda, now a single mother, is working at building a new home for her children on Whelk's Island North Carolina, as she deals with the tragic loss of her beloved husband, Jack.
The reader experiences the journey of Amanda and her children as she experiences a regrowth of life and love while making friendships and a home on the beach. One special character in the story is Maeve. A widow herself and avid shell collector. Maeve becomes an integral part of the story as she helps Amanda find her way, learning to heal from loss, embrace new life and opportunities and come a full circle that life is about loss and renewal, and it is a constantly evolving circumstance.
I had not read Nancy Naigle's books prior to receiving, The Shell Collector. However, after. reading this one, I promptly went to my favorite ebook site and chose another. I was particularly captivated by the way she used her writer's gift to make her characters come to life in the story. I found myself rooting for Amanda, shadowing her as she experienced her loss, and falling in love with all the people who live on Whelk's Island in the story. For an author to be able to invest a reader's emotions is a true gift. A gift I wholly appreciate.
Reader, I heartily encourage you to read The Shell Collector, by Nancy Naigle. I feel certain you will be pleased with the story and you might just find a hidden treasure of truth to the tale of Amanda and her life's journey, much like finding a special shell as you walk along a beautiful beach.
