The Shell Collector

A Novel

By: Nancy Naigle

Narrated by: Erin Cahill

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

"The Shell Collector is a beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances." (Number one New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber)

From USA Today best-selling 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.

©2021 Nancy Naigle (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“This is a beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances. A collection of vivid characters, an inspiring setting, and heart-held hope for a better tomorrow.” (Debbie Macomber, number-one New York Times best-selling author)

“As an avid shell seeker, I enjoyed this tale of surprises deposited among the tides, with its underlying message of finding just the shells we are meant to discover. A tender story of faith, love, and friendship that will warm the hearts of beachgoers and lovers of the sea.” (Lisa Wingate, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours and The Book of Lost Friends)

“In The Shell Collector, Naigle takes readers on a hopeful journey of healing after unimaginable loss. A tragic past, lovable characters, and a charming small-town setting align for a meaningful beach read. Don’t miss this tender tale full of wisdom and insight!” (Denise Hunter, best-selling author of Bookshop by the Sea)

The Shell Collector

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
Contemporary fiction. Partly Romance.
Amanda lost her husband to the armed services two years ago. She moves with her children to a cottage on the beach and to start a new business. They spend the summer on the beach and getting to know their new small town.
Mauve is an older widow they meet on the beach that teaches the children about shells and sea glass.

So emotional! I loved this story so very much. Yes, lots of tears. Life, death, love, loss, acceptance and moving on.
I’ll recommend this to anyone that needs a story that touches the heart.

“Live. Love. Laugh. And keep that sand beneath your feet. “

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration was done by Erin Cahill who is also an actor. I think she did a phenomenal job with voice variations and emotions. The elderly, slightly southern voice of Mauve was distinct and clear and just a bit husky. The children's voice were a bit high pitched but fit the ages. The difference between Amanda and Mauve and other characters were unmistakable.
Overall a wonderful performance that has me searching the catalog for other books narrated by Cahill.

Excellent

Well developed story and characters. Not too syrupy- heart felt and believable sequence of events. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Oh! The narrator was great too!

A wonderful listen

What an incredibly kind and lovely listen. It’s about love, loss, moving on and all that can happen when you keep your heart open. Everyone should have a Maeve in their life to be their friend, guide through the tough times and leave them with a full heart.

Great

Beautiful story, beautiful performance, wonderful characters. I really enjoyed everything about this book. Hope others will like it as well as I did. Will look for other books ,both to read and to listen to.I mmm

sweet

the narrator was a bit too bubbly, but seemed appropriate for this sweet Christian story. it was predictable. would make a great Hallmark movie.

great summer read

Fantastic character development and reminder that hope is always possible! People can have such a huge impact on us, even if the moment is brief.

What a wonderful, sweet story...I loved it!

What a wonderful, sweet story...I loved it! So nice to read something where older characters are treated with respect!