Book Review: The Shell Collector

 

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. 

My Review

This is such a charming book. Readers will delight in the characters as I know I did. My personal favorite is Maeve. She is like the grandma that everyone needs and wants. In fact, she kind of reminded me of another character...Mrs. Miracle from author, Debbie Macomber.

All of the characters in this story are what made it so enjoyable. They are very relatable. The romance between Paul and Amanda is sweet and "real". The pace at which Paul and Amanda took their relationship is what I would expect from two people finding "second chance" love again. 

A shout out to Amanda's two children, Jesse and Hailey. Children are a weakness of mine in stories. They are adorable and help keep the story entertaining.