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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leslie Calhoun, Publicity Associate
lcalhoun@penguinrandomhouse.com
(719) 268-1932
 
From USA Today Bestselling Author Nancy Naigle Comes a Personal Story of Lost Love and Found Healing through the Gifts of Friendship and Surprising Miracles

“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.” 
— #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
 
 
In the same heartwarming and graceful style that has earned her so many accolades and thousands of loyal fans, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle weaves an inspiring story about three broken souls who find their paths converging as they learn the value in finding—and in being found. The Shell Collector (WaterBrook, 5/11/21), a quintessential summer beach read highlighting the value of intergenerational friendships, invites readers to quaint Whelk’s Island and takes them on a journey that reveals the power of how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good and bring healing, renewal, and redemption.
 
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 only man she ever loved.
 
Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has transformed a neglected box store into a thriving center of community. 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 on the island.
 
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.
 
In describing the journey of writing this story, Naigle explains, “A family friend once found a shell near her home in the Outer Banks that had a scripture written inside. The timing was profound, yet she never discovered how the shell found its way to her. After I lost my husband, I was reminded of my friend’s story, and The Shell Collector tale came to me. I found comfort in this story and its characters, and I can’t wait to share it with others.”
 
Fans of sweet romances and summer beach reads will find themselves transported along for a heartwarming story that uncovers beautiful lessons on how simply being known and seen can heal a heart full of sorrows and how the best friendships are often found in the most surprising places. As one of the characters notes, “We might be an unlikely pair to anyone looking at us, but we’ve kind of rescued each other.”
 
For more information, visit https://www.nancynaigle.com/theshellcollector or www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NANCY NAIGLE is a USA Today bestselling author whose many contemporary romance novels include the Adams Grove, Boot Creek, and Christmas in Evergreen series. Several of her novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on the Hallmark Channel and on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, including the popular Christmas Joy and Hope at Christmas. Nancy makes her home in North Carolina. For more information, visit https://www.nancynaigle.com/.  
 
Facebook: @NancyNaigleAuthor
Twitter/Instagram: @NancyNaigle
 
 

 

Praise for The Shell Collector
 
“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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours and The Book of Lost Friends
 
“A touching story of hope and renewal—proof that you can find more at the beach than shells.”
—Sheila Roberts, USA Today bestselling author
 
“An amazing emotional story of putting one foot in front of the other, of overcoming heartache, and of learning to live—and love—again. You’ll cry—and smile—and you’ll close the book with a very full heart.”
—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author
 
“Nancy Naigle is at the top of her game with The Shell Collector. A compelling cast of characters—all acting in accord with their best lights—tackles the issues of loss and grief with wit and grace. ‘The Wife’ is my favorite new character. An uplifting, hopeful page-turner that shouldn’t be missed!”
—Barbara Hinske, author of the Rosemont series and Guiding Emily
 
“A touching story about love, loss, and healing, The Shell Collector gives you all the feels. I enjoyed spending time at the beach collecting seashells—and pondering the encouraging messages inside them—right along with the characters. Don’t miss this uplifting, faith-affirming read!”
—Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author
 
“The Shell Collector is a beautiful, emotional story about the glorious sunrise that can come after a dark night, about surviving loss and finding hope and joy again. Amanda, Maeve, and the entire cast will break your heart and then heal it all over again. I loved every word.”
—RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
 
 “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, bestselling author of Bookshop by the Sea
 
“The Shell Collector is utterly charming. Naigle’s story of restoration, love, and hope is a perfect read any time of the year. The characters are fun if not a bit quirky, and the setting evokes so much peace. Well done. I loved it.”
—Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author
 
“The Shell Collector is an unforgettable story of love, hope, and healing. This inspiring novel has found a place in my heart.”
—Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling author
 
“The Shell Collector gives voice to the profound truth of grieving and learning to come alive again. Nancy Naigle beautifully shows how love can come in so many different forms, as long as you’re open to the unexpected miracles life has to offer. In her own words, ‘Life is rarely predictable if we’re doing it right.’”
—Erin Cahill, actress
 


 
Suggested Questions
The Shell Collector
by Nancy Naigle
 
 
 
1.     What is the inspiration behind The Shell Collector?
2.     Even though The Shell Collector is an uplifting story, it incorporates some deeper themes, such as experiencing and learning to heal from personal loss. Why were these important for you to include?
3.     Are any of the characters based on real people?
4.     Who was your favorite character to write? Which character did you resonate with the most?
5.     How did you choose which messages to include in the shells? Is there one “shell message” that means more to you personally than the others?
6.     One of the traits that makes this novel so delightful is the beach town setting of Whelk’s Island. Are there specific places you’ve traveled to that helped inspire the location?
7.     What made you decide to feature the military so prominently in this story—both with Amanda’s life as a marine wife and the rehabilitation center for military dogs?
8.     Have you ever been to Denali National Park or to Charleston, South Carolina, to see the Spanish moss?
9.     What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
 
 

Contact Publicist

lcalhoun@penguinrandomhouse.com