The Shell Collector, by Nancy Naigle, tells the story of Amanda Whittier. Amanda is a young widow, who after the death of her Marine husband, is looking for a start-over in life with her two young children. Amanda decides to relocate her family to live in a cottage along the shores of a beachtown. Amanda will soon meet some interesting people in her new location who will help her on her journey of recovery!
First, Amanda meets Maeve Lindsay, an elderly widow, who has already walked this path of the loss of a spouse. The friendship that grows, not only touches Amanda's heart, but also that of her children. Next. Amanda encounters Paul Grant, a face from her past; not only is Paul a former friend of Amanda's, but also the best-friend of her late husband. You wonder how this friendship will affect her life now!
When seashells, with special messages, start showing-up at odd places in Amanda's world, you wonder who is the author of these gifts. When Amanda learns that multiple individuals in town have also received these shells, the mystery seems to deepen. Hang on until the final pages of this tale to learn not only the origin of these shells, but also how Amanda's life is touched by these special friendships in her life!
I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.