A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector.

After losing his diner in a devasting storm and the love of his life, Tug is overwhelmed with the cleanup and is still buried in his grief. But when Diane, a woman on her own journey for hope and purpose, lands in Whelk’s Island and discovers a shell with a message it eventually leads her to Tug. She can see the sadness that weighs heavy on him and she wonders if she might be able to help him through his pain.

When Tug’s friends, Amanda and Paul, reunite after being out of contact because of the storm, the take-it-slow plans they’d committed to feel unrealistic, but neither know the next steps to take. Is this another opportunity for Diane to give encouragement to a young couple in love?

As Paul and Amanda make big steps in their relationship, Diane and Tug realize that love might even be possible for them and that life is meant to be lived in one direction—forward.