What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shell Collector #2
To Light the Way Forward
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.
On a journey to find hope and purpose, Rosemary is determined to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, despite the possibility of a tropical storm. On the way, she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with the kind and helpful owner, Tug.
But soon, Tug’s diner is a destroyed by the storm, adding to his grief from losing the love of his life last year. In the aftermath, Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and is determined to help him heal. Alongside Tug and his friend Paul, Rosemary helps them provide meals and support to the community.
When Amanda and Paul reunite after being out of contact because of the storm, the take-it-slow plans they’d committed to feel unrealistic. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple move forward in their relationship, they discover that love might be possible for them too, reminding everyone that life is meant to be lived in one direction…forward.
On a journey to find hope and purpose, Rosemary is determined to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, despite the possibility of a tropical storm. On the way, she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with the kind and helpful owner, Tug.
But soon, Tug’s diner is a destroyed by the storm, adding to his grief from losing the love of his life last year. In the aftermath, Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and is determined to help him heal. Alongside Tug and his friend Paul, Rosemary helps them provide meals and support to the community.
When Amanda and Paul reunite after being out of contact because of the storm, the take-it-slow plans they’d committed to feel unrealistic. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple move forward in their relationship, they discover that love might be possible for them too, reminding everyone that life is meant to be lived in one direction…forward.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2025
47 people are currently reading
4294 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Naigle
60 books2,179 followersNEW RELEASE: A South Hill Christmas Keepsake—out now!
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 20, 2025
I loved The Shell Collector so when I heard about the sequel coming out, I knew that I wanted to read it. This is another heartwarming, sweet story of love, faith, community closeness, and overcoming grief and loss. We travel back to Whelk's Island on the Outer Banks where we see characters from the first book, Amanda, Paul, Tug, and others and meet Rosemary, who is visiting an old friend from her high school years and quickly becomes a new friend to the friend group. Lovely with a happy ending with new beginnings. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.
January 16, 2025
I received a free copy of, To Light the Way Forward, by Nancy Naigle, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rosemary goes to Whelks Island to visit friends, while there a horrible storm occurs, destroying her friends diner. This is a sweet story about love, friendship, and rebuilding.
May 2, 2025
To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle
The Shell Collector series #2. Christian contemporary romance. Best read after the first book.
A hurricane threatens Whelk’s Island in North Carolina and the residents must prepare for the disruption. Stay or go? Will it pass by or will it hit causing untold damage or somewhere in between.
Amanda takes the children to visit family during the storm while Paul stays behind to help.
Tug has always stayed to run the diner and keep others fed. But he’s missing Maeve and feeling his age. He doesn’t have a good feeling about the incoming storm.
Rosemary moved into her daughter’s home after her husband died, but the transition is not going smoothly. She decides to visit an old friend on the island even though the storm is approaching. She meets Tug and is soon helping to feed people on the island and helping support the community.
A storm can be disruptive but it can also be renewing and that’s the case for many of the people on Whelk’s island.
A thoughtful story of change, resilience, and love.
Especially lovely for anyone that already knows these characters and easily followed if not. It’s a community that comes together with respect, love and a bit of faith. It’s a late-in-life new love. It’s family growing together.
Beautiful. Ultimately peaceful. Content and happy.
Strongly recommended to read The Shell Collector first to fully appreciate the community, the shells and the people.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased a copy to keep.
The Shell Collector series #2. Christian contemporary romance. Best read after the first book.
A hurricane threatens Whelk’s Island in North Carolina and the residents must prepare for the disruption. Stay or go? Will it pass by or will it hit causing untold damage or somewhere in between.
Amanda takes the children to visit family during the storm while Paul stays behind to help.
Tug has always stayed to run the diner and keep others fed. But he’s missing Maeve and feeling his age. He doesn’t have a good feeling about the incoming storm.
Rosemary moved into her daughter’s home after her husband died, but the transition is not going smoothly. She decides to visit an old friend on the island even though the storm is approaching. She meets Tug and is soon helping to feed people on the island and helping support the community.
A storm can be disruptive but it can also be renewing and that’s the case for many of the people on Whelk’s island.
A thoughtful story of change, resilience, and love.
Especially lovely for anyone that already knows these characters and easily followed if not. It’s a community that comes together with respect, love and a bit of faith. It’s a late-in-life new love. It’s family growing together.
Beautiful. Ultimately peaceful. Content and happy.
Strongly recommended to read The Shell Collector first to fully appreciate the community, the shells and the people.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased a copy to keep.
March 21, 2025
A heartwarming, inspirational story of love lost and found. It includes lots of warm, fuzzy moments of joy and memories; however, readers will want to keep tissues nearby for sad moments. Author Nancy Naigle is the #1 author, in my humble opinion, at creating beautiful, poignant, positive, faith-based contemporary stories that lift your spirits and touch your heart and soul.
In Whelks Island, NC, Tug Basnight, owner of Tug’s Diner; misses his dear friend, Maeve. He adores the young widow, Amanda, and her children, Hailey and Jesse, who Maeve left her house, The Shell Collector, too. Amanda is in love with Paul, a hero who owns Paws Town Square.
The Island is in the path of Hurricane Edwina, and Tug and Paul plus several other town residents are going to stay and ride out it out there, while Amanda and the children are evacuated and go to her parents home for safety.
God’s plans are very much in work in the character’s lives as the story progresses. There is sorrow when the Hurricane causes major damage. A visitor who arrives just before the storm-Rosemary-spreads her positivity and trust in God to everyone she meets, and she and Tug seem destined to be together. Maeve (from Book #1, The Shell Collector) is still smiling down in spirit through her shell messages.
“To Light the Way Forward” is a beautiful story and touches the heart. The people of Whelk’s Island are very blessed. Open the book and enter their world of joy mixed with sadness. “Trust the light to lead you home”.
I honestly reviewed a digital archive provided by NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinomah. All opinions are my own.
In Whelks Island, NC, Tug Basnight, owner of Tug’s Diner; misses his dear friend, Maeve. He adores the young widow, Amanda, and her children, Hailey and Jesse, who Maeve left her house, The Shell Collector, too. Amanda is in love with Paul, a hero who owns Paws Town Square.
The Island is in the path of Hurricane Edwina, and Tug and Paul plus several other town residents are going to stay and ride out it out there, while Amanda and the children are evacuated and go to her parents home for safety.
God’s plans are very much in work in the character’s lives as the story progresses. There is sorrow when the Hurricane causes major damage. A visitor who arrives just before the storm-Rosemary-spreads her positivity and trust in God to everyone she meets, and she and Tug seem destined to be together. Maeve (from Book #1, The Shell Collector) is still smiling down in spirit through her shell messages.
“To Light the Way Forward” is a beautiful story and touches the heart. The people of Whelk’s Island are very blessed. Open the book and enter their world of joy mixed with sadness. “Trust the light to lead you home”.
I honestly reviewed a digital archive provided by NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinomah. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
“Our tomorrows may look nothing like our yesterdays, but God has a plan, and if we embrace each day for what it offers, we find that both are equally beautiful.”
Author Nancy Naigle’s focus on characters in their golden years and the struggles they face resonated with me this week as (1) my husband and I pivoted to increase care for his elderly mom in her late 80s and (2) my parents reminded me that “they’re not old, they’re only in their early eighties.”
It was good for me to arrive in Welk’s Island, a small town in North Carolina, this week and read about characters in their seventies and eighties who chose daily to see life as an adventure.
“It’s different when our life is upended at this age. When we are in our forties, even our sixties, it’s like, whatever - we’ll just pull ourselves up by our bootstraps … again. But now we’re older, smarter, wiser about how fragile our lives are. I think it’s important we really consider what’s important to us and let that lead the way.”
I’ve also never experienced a hurricane, so reading about how fictional Hurricane Edwina affected this fictional town and how the community pulled together to navigate the tragedy with grace really held my interest as it pulled on my heartstrings. Naigle’s revelation that sometimes it takes a storm to clear the way for new beginnings has me viewing ‘challenges’ in a different way.
Things I won’t forget in a hurry:
💜Tug Basnight and The Wife
💜The reminder to treasure every day and moment
💜The value of trusting the light we cannot see
💜The reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan, but it’s how we pivot that matters
💜Helping and uplifting others in their time of need
💜The reminder that moments are comprised of either actions, thoughts, dreams, memories, or choices and that it’s up to us what we focus on.
💜“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”
After reading the first two books in the Chestnut Ridge series (both 5-star) and this Shell Collector novel (also 5-star), Nancy Naigle is now an auto-read author for me. I need to source The Shell Collector next while I wait for the third novel in this series out next Spring!
I was gifted this novel by WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Nancy Naigle’s focus on characters in their golden years and the struggles they face resonated with me this week as (1) my husband and I pivoted to increase care for his elderly mom in her late 80s and (2) my parents reminded me that “they’re not old, they’re only in their early eighties.”
It was good for me to arrive in Welk’s Island, a small town in North Carolina, this week and read about characters in their seventies and eighties who chose daily to see life as an adventure.
“It’s different when our life is upended at this age. When we are in our forties, even our sixties, it’s like, whatever - we’ll just pull ourselves up by our bootstraps … again. But now we’re older, smarter, wiser about how fragile our lives are. I think it’s important we really consider what’s important to us and let that lead the way.”
I’ve also never experienced a hurricane, so reading about how fictional Hurricane Edwina affected this fictional town and how the community pulled together to navigate the tragedy with grace really held my interest as it pulled on my heartstrings. Naigle’s revelation that sometimes it takes a storm to clear the way for new beginnings has me viewing ‘challenges’ in a different way.
Things I won’t forget in a hurry:
💜Tug Basnight and The Wife
💜The reminder to treasure every day and moment
💜The value of trusting the light we cannot see
💜The reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan, but it’s how we pivot that matters
💜Helping and uplifting others in their time of need
💜The reminder that moments are comprised of either actions, thoughts, dreams, memories, or choices and that it’s up to us what we focus on.
💜“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”
After reading the first two books in the Chestnut Ridge series (both 5-star) and this Shell Collector novel (also 5-star), Nancy Naigle is now an auto-read author for me. I need to source The Shell Collector next while I wait for the third novel in this series out next Spring!
I was gifted this novel by WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 29, 2025
Rosemary is a widow who is searching for a new purpose in life, but she doesn’t know where to begin to find it. She is just fairly certain that living with her newly divorced daughter Nina is not going to fulfill her, so she sets out on a trip to visit Whelk Island, a little town in the Outer Banks where she can visit her high school friend Kathleen and have some time on the beach to reflect on her past and her future. Having spent almost fifty years with her husband in Hawaii, Rosemary hears the call of the ocean and really thinks that time there will ground her and show her what she should do to continue her life without her beloved husband Kai. Once there, she meets Tug, the owner of a renowned diner and an all-around good guy and friend to everyone. The two hit it off immediately, and their friendship is encouraged when a hurricane comes through and forces people to work together to prepare and then to clean up. I really enjoyed the realistic setting of the beach town facing a natural disaster and the fact that the characters all pulled together and watched out for each other. I also liked the dual romances in the story and the way the author seamlessly wove the two stories together in an engaging and moderately paced plot. My favorite parts were the humor and the ones where the characters just enjoyed being together, enjoying a meal and dancing or strolling on the beach. I also liked the themes of a hopeful future and living in the present instead of dwelling in the past. Forward together is a good and memorable theme for this novel and I enjoyed how this happened for the youngest to the oldest characters. This book is a sequel to the first novel set on Whelk Island, The Shell Collector, but this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone as new characters and a whole new story is told here.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2025
I wrote this one, so no fair me reviewing, but I do want you to know that this story follows THE SHELL COLLECTOR. Beautiful stories set on the east coast--full of hope and happiness even when things seem impossible.
READ RELAX REPEAT and share with your friends.
READ RELAX REPEAT and share with your friends.
February 18, 2025
Such a lovely story! Whelk's Island sounds like the perfect place to visit time and again. You have the beauty of the ocean and the love and friendship from so many in the community.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but was easily acquainted with the characters. Each character in the story was so wonderful and left an impact on me. My particular favorites were Tug and Rosemary. They seem like the perfect grandparents to have.
I loved the messages that were used in the shells and how they touched each person when they needed it most.
Thanks to netgalley and WaterBrook Publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but was easily acquainted with the characters. Each character in the story was so wonderful and left an impact on me. My particular favorites were Tug and Rosemary. They seem like the perfect grandparents to have.
I loved the messages that were used in the shells and how they touched each person when they needed it most.
Thanks to netgalley and WaterBrook Publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
July 15, 2025
Nancy Naigle delivers a wonderful story in To Light the Way Forward. It takes place on Whelks Island in North Carolina. A tropical storm/hurricane is on the way and Rosemary is heading to the Island for a reunion with her friend despite the storm. Amanda and her kids are packing up to evacuate and stay with her parents at the urging of her boyfriend Paul. Tug is securing his diner in anticipation of the storm and hoping to be able to support the community with food. The beach and seashells also play a part in this story which I loved. The characters and the relationships were heartwarming. Don’t miss this one. Enjoy!
July 17, 2025
After loving “The Shell Collector” a few years ago, I was excited for another story with those characters. This story was charming. I liked reconnecting with Tug and the gang and Rosemary is a wonderful addition to the cast of characters. The premise with the hurricane and Rosemary finding her place after the death of her husband made for a wonderful story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
August 1, 2025
love is in the air
What a beautiful follow up to the She'll Collecter. I am so glad Tug got his story and it tied up so well.
This is an awesome book and everyone should read it
What a beautiful follow up to the She'll Collecter. I am so glad Tug got his story and it tied up so well.
This is an awesome book and everyone should read it
May 5, 2025
As a fan of The Shell Collector, I was so excited to see that Tug was getting his own story. To Light the Way Forward is beautifully written and shows that even in our darkest times, we can always find a way. Rosemary was the perfect character to introduce to Whelk’s Island and I loved the growth she had. I would love for Fisher to get his story next.
December 27, 2024
**I was fortunate to read the ARC thanks to NetGalley! **
What a fun, family and community-central book! It was fun to get to know various characters who come together to form such a tight and welcoming community, especially after a terrible hurricane. Tug and Rosemary were my favorite characters, although Maeve deserves an honorable mention for the significance of her impact on so many people.
I think this is a wonderful read for anyone interested in a non-cringey Hallmark sort of book. There are moments of sweetness and intimacy between male and female characters, but in a G-rated way, unlike many other romance novels out there.
No matter your age or stage of life, this book will surely have something that you could relate to, or at least draw some inspiration from. Now I can't wait to read more from this author!
What a fun, family and community-central book! It was fun to get to know various characters who come together to form such a tight and welcoming community, especially after a terrible hurricane. Tug and Rosemary were my favorite characters, although Maeve deserves an honorable mention for the significance of her impact on so many people.
I think this is a wonderful read for anyone interested in a non-cringey Hallmark sort of book. There are moments of sweetness and intimacy between male and female characters, but in a G-rated way, unlike many other romance novels out there.
No matter your age or stage of life, this book will surely have something that you could relate to, or at least draw some inspiration from. Now I can't wait to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
To Light the Way Forward is a heartwarming, beautifully written story about resilience, healing, and the power of community. Nancy Naigle brings Whelk’s Island to life, crafting characters you can’t help but root for as they find hope and love after loss. Rosemary and Tug’s bond feels genuine and will melt your heart, and the way they rally around their town reminds us of the incredible strength that comes from kindness and connection. Full of tender moments, second chances, and heartfelt lessons, this book is an important reminder that no matter the storms we face, there’s always a path forward — lit by love, hope, and friendship.
December 25, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by WaterBrook & Multnomah via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A very sweet story about loss, hope and new beginnings, “To Light the Way Forward”, by Nancy Naigle, shows vibrant, older people falling in love again.
I loved how the author wrote Rosemary and Tug; no condescension here, just two mature adults making the most of their lives.
They’re both formidable characters in different ways. Tug is going through a hard experience with the diner’s destruction. Energetic and grounding, Rosemary might be the right person at the right time for Tug.
Their romance is sweet and believable, their relationship full of kindness, honesty and a different kind of passion.
I loved that the author didn’t apply the usual way with older couples and characters, avoiding to focus on wrinkles and ageing as synonym of loss of function or incapability.
Rosemary is such a sunny character. A providential woman and just the person Whelk’s Island needed. The relationship with her daughter was irritating while still very familiar in her patronizing attitude.
I loved returning to the beautiful Whelk’s Island setting and meeting again Paul, Amanda, her children, and Tug, of course.
I found the story to be a bit dialogue heavy and sometimes I felt the mutual complimenting was too much.
3.5 stars.
A very sweet story about loss, hope and new beginnings, “To Light the Way Forward”, by Nancy Naigle, shows vibrant, older people falling in love again.
I loved how the author wrote Rosemary and Tug; no condescension here, just two mature adults making the most of their lives.
They’re both formidable characters in different ways. Tug is going through a hard experience with the diner’s destruction. Energetic and grounding, Rosemary might be the right person at the right time for Tug.
Their romance is sweet and believable, their relationship full of kindness, honesty and a different kind of passion.
I loved that the author didn’t apply the usual way with older couples and characters, avoiding to focus on wrinkles and ageing as synonym of loss of function or incapability.
Rosemary is such a sunny character. A providential woman and just the person Whelk’s Island needed. The relationship with her daughter was irritating while still very familiar in her patronizing attitude.
I loved returning to the beautiful Whelk’s Island setting and meeting again Paul, Amanda, her children, and Tug, of course.
I found the story to be a bit dialogue heavy and sometimes I felt the mutual complimenting was too much.
April 2, 2025
tle: To Light the Way
Series: To Light The Way
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Romance & Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
My Rating: 😘😘😘😘Feel good Stars!
Pages: 368
Although there is the possibility of hurricane Edwina on the way, Rosemary has reconnected with Kathleen her high school friend whom she hasn’t seen in fifty years and is determined to visit her on Whelk’s Island, NC.
Before Rosemary arrives she had stopped for gas, - it seems everyone from Whelk Island is leaving and needs gas. Rosemary meets Amanda, and children who are traveling in a Hummer Limousine belonging to a friend also traveling to Ohio. The children pretend they are British Royalty. Rosemary thinks it is delightful that the children have such a great imagination and knows she is going to enjoy Whelk's Island.
When Rosemary arrives she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with Tug Basnight, the owner of Tug’s Diner; turns out Tug still is missing his dear friend, Maeve Lindy.
(I did not read Book #1, “The Shell Collector’ – but the three main characters from that story are Maeve and ~
Amanda Whittier with her two young children had moved to the island after losings Jack her Marine husband while deployed. Jack and Paul were best friends and Paul vowed to keep Amanda and the children safe.
Paul Grant works with former military dogs and owns Paws Town Square.)
Tug and Paul plus several other town residents stay and ride out the storm. Amanda and the children Jesse and Hailey are heading to her parents’ home in Ohio for safety – in the Hummer limousine - as per Paul’s suggestion –Yes! Amanda and Paul are a couple but going slowly in their relationship.
Hurricane Edwina does hit and causes a lot of damage and Tug’s Diner is destroyed, which adds to the grief he is still experiencing from losing the love of his life last year.
Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and wants to help him heal- Paul also wants to help his friend.
Rosemary ends up staying on the island (longer than her daughter Nina likes) and assists with the cleanup.
Of course, there is more to this story and as well as the characters.
I hope you enjoy it as much I as did.
Whelk Island is fiction but the Putter Banks are not which is the inspiration for this story. We have been living on the West Coast for years but we loved our vacations at Nags Heads.
I read a lot of thrillers – although I love psycho characters, it was a treat reading this sweet story!😘
Nancy Naigle, writes small town love stories and women’s fiction with eight of those novels also adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and FOX Nation You may find a complete list of the movies as well as checklist of all her books in series order on her website- www.nancynaigle.com
Thank You NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinmah/WaterBrook for this this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 29, 2025.
Series: To Light The Way
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Romance & Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
My Rating: 😘😘😘😘Feel good Stars!
Pages: 368
Although there is the possibility of hurricane Edwina on the way, Rosemary has reconnected with Kathleen her high school friend whom she hasn’t seen in fifty years and is determined to visit her on Whelk’s Island, NC.
Before Rosemary arrives she had stopped for gas, - it seems everyone from Whelk Island is leaving and needs gas. Rosemary meets Amanda, and children who are traveling in a Hummer Limousine belonging to a friend also traveling to Ohio. The children pretend they are British Royalty. Rosemary thinks it is delightful that the children have such a great imagination and knows she is going to enjoy Whelk's Island.
When Rosemary arrives she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with Tug Basnight, the owner of Tug’s Diner; turns out Tug still is missing his dear friend, Maeve Lindy.
(I did not read Book #1, “The Shell Collector’ – but the three main characters from that story are Maeve and ~
Amanda Whittier with her two young children had moved to the island after losings Jack her Marine husband while deployed. Jack and Paul were best friends and Paul vowed to keep Amanda and the children safe.
Paul Grant works with former military dogs and owns Paws Town Square.)
Tug and Paul plus several other town residents stay and ride out the storm. Amanda and the children Jesse and Hailey are heading to her parents’ home in Ohio for safety – in the Hummer limousine - as per Paul’s suggestion –Yes! Amanda and Paul are a couple but going slowly in their relationship.
Hurricane Edwina does hit and causes a lot of damage and Tug’s Diner is destroyed, which adds to the grief he is still experiencing from losing the love of his life last year.
Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and wants to help him heal- Paul also wants to help his friend.
Rosemary ends up staying on the island (longer than her daughter Nina likes) and assists with the cleanup.
Of course, there is more to this story and as well as the characters.
I hope you enjoy it as much I as did.
Whelk Island is fiction but the Putter Banks are not which is the inspiration for this story. We have been living on the West Coast for years but we loved our vacations at Nags Heads.
I read a lot of thrillers – although I love psycho characters, it was a treat reading this sweet story!😘
Nancy Naigle, writes small town love stories and women’s fiction with eight of those novels also adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and FOX Nation You may find a complete list of the movies as well as checklist of all her books in series order on her website- www.nancynaigle.com
Thank You NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multinmah/WaterBrook for this this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 29, 2025.
June 20, 2025
Amanda is a widow who is raising two children after her husband was killed in combat. She is fortunate to have a home on Whelk’s Island that was left to her by Maeve. Maeve had been like a grandmother and mentor to Amanda and her children really miss her.
Paul was Amanda husband’s best friend. He now runs a business that helps raise dogs to be service dogs for active military and veterans. He and Amanda have a relationship that is growing very slowly. They both are afraid of being too quick to not honor Amanda’s husband’s memory.
Tug has a diner on Whelk’s Island that is his life as he loves to cook. He knows just about all the year round residents favorites.
Rosemary lost her husband Kai several years ago. They had been married 50 years and ran a macadamia farm in Hawaii. Rosemary decides it’s too hard to run the farm on her own and sells it. Her daughter is recently divorced and having a rough time. Rosemary decides to move in with her and her granddaughter. Things don’t go well and Rosemary feels her daughter is trying control her. When an opportunity to visit Kathleen, a friend from college who now lives on Whelk’s Island, Rosemary decides this is the perfect time to get away. Even though the weather is predicting a hurricane in that area, Rosemary thinks it won’t be bad. She drives away from her family problems in high spirits. When she stops for gas, Rosemary meets Amanda and children who are leaving Whelk’s Island heading for Amanda’s parents. Neither know this meeting will change all their lives.
Those who evacuated the island were smart. A huge powerful hurricane hits directly where damage from water and sand wreck havoc. Most of the rest of the story deals with how lives are changed and new bonds are formed after the catastrophe.
This novel is a tale of faith, love and courage that can help deal with the past and lead to a brighter tomorrow. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the setting to life. All the talk of food made me drool a little. As you get to know the characters better, it makes you want to find or deepen relationships.
Although this book works well on its own, the reader should probably find a copy of THE SHELL COLLECTOR that shows many of the characters from this tale. There is even a movie available adapted from THE SHELL COLLECTOR. Many of Nancy Naigle’s other past works have been made into lovely Hallmark movies and are perfect for renewing your faith in people.
Paul was Amanda husband’s best friend. He now runs a business that helps raise dogs to be service dogs for active military and veterans. He and Amanda have a relationship that is growing very slowly. They both are afraid of being too quick to not honor Amanda’s husband’s memory.
Tug has a diner on Whelk’s Island that is his life as he loves to cook. He knows just about all the year round residents favorites.
Rosemary lost her husband Kai several years ago. They had been married 50 years and ran a macadamia farm in Hawaii. Rosemary decides it’s too hard to run the farm on her own and sells it. Her daughter is recently divorced and having a rough time. Rosemary decides to move in with her and her granddaughter. Things don’t go well and Rosemary feels her daughter is trying control her. When an opportunity to visit Kathleen, a friend from college who now lives on Whelk’s Island, Rosemary decides this is the perfect time to get away. Even though the weather is predicting a hurricane in that area, Rosemary thinks it won’t be bad. She drives away from her family problems in high spirits. When she stops for gas, Rosemary meets Amanda and children who are leaving Whelk’s Island heading for Amanda’s parents. Neither know this meeting will change all their lives.
Those who evacuated the island were smart. A huge powerful hurricane hits directly where damage from water and sand wreck havoc. Most of the rest of the story deals with how lives are changed and new bonds are formed after the catastrophe.
This novel is a tale of faith, love and courage that can help deal with the past and lead to a brighter tomorrow. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the setting to life. All the talk of food made me drool a little. As you get to know the characters better, it makes you want to find or deepen relationships.
Although this book works well on its own, the reader should probably find a copy of THE SHELL COLLECTOR that shows many of the characters from this tale. There is even a movie available adapted from THE SHELL COLLECTOR. Many of Nancy Naigle’s other past works have been made into lovely Hallmark movies and are perfect for renewing your faith in people.
April 28, 2025
To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful heartwarming story; that brings together friendships, as well as an elder romance. This is a sequel (The Shell Collector), which brings together some of the main characters into this new book (Amanda, Tug, Paul, Hailey, Jesse). With a dangerous Hurricane Edwina finding their way to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; Amanda takes her two kids (and dog, Denali) to safety, and Paul gets Tug (owns Tugs Diner) to stay at his Paws land, to be safe.
Newcomer, Rosemary is not happy staying with her daughter, after the death of her husband. She decides to visit a friend in Whelk’s Island, and packs her car; along the way she runs into Amanda, Hailey and Jesse, leaving for safety. Rosemary’s first friendship on Whelk’s Island. As she enters Whelk’s Island, she stops at Tug’s Diner, and though he was closing the diner, Tug does go out of his way to cook a hamburger for Rosemary to take. Another friendship will bond.
Later on, Rosemary tries to help people during the storm, especially when Paul cannot contact Amanda; with her phone working, she gets in touch with Amanda, allowing Paul to talk to her. As the hurricane comes, the devastation is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, who diner was destroyed. Rosemary will work alongside Tug, Paul and herself to help provide meals to support the community.
Having enjoyed the main characters in The Shell Collector, I loved seeing Amanda, Paul, Tug, Hailey and Jesse again. The messages used on the shells continued to be a great addition, with quotes printed, and no one who knew who did it. I did early on get a kick out of “the Wife”, Tugs talking bird. I thought Rosemary was a wonderful addition to this story. It was great to see Amanda and Paul finally get married. And I loved that Tug and Rosemary would discover that love would be perfect for them too.
To Light the Way Forward was a wonderful sweet heartwarming, delightful story, with hope, romance, restoration, relationship and passion. To Light the Way Forward was once again, written so very well by Nancy Naigle. If you read The Shell Collector, you will love this book, too.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Newcomer, Rosemary is not happy staying with her daughter, after the death of her husband. She decides to visit a friend in Whelk’s Island, and packs her car; along the way she runs into Amanda, Hailey and Jesse, leaving for safety. Rosemary’s first friendship on Whelk’s Island. As she enters Whelk’s Island, she stops at Tug’s Diner, and though he was closing the diner, Tug does go out of his way to cook a hamburger for Rosemary to take. Another friendship will bond.
Later on, Rosemary tries to help people during the storm, especially when Paul cannot contact Amanda; with her phone working, she gets in touch with Amanda, allowing Paul to talk to her. As the hurricane comes, the devastation is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, who diner was destroyed. Rosemary will work alongside Tug, Paul and herself to help provide meals to support the community.
Having enjoyed the main characters in The Shell Collector, I loved seeing Amanda, Paul, Tug, Hailey and Jesse again. The messages used on the shells continued to be a great addition, with quotes printed, and no one who knew who did it. I did early on get a kick out of “the Wife”, Tugs talking bird. I thought Rosemary was a wonderful addition to this story. It was great to see Amanda and Paul finally get married. And I loved that Tug and Rosemary would discover that love would be perfect for them too.
To Light the Way Forward was a wonderful sweet heartwarming, delightful story, with hope, romance, restoration, relationship and passion. To Light the Way Forward was once again, written so very well by Nancy Naigle. If you read The Shell Collector, you will love this book, too.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
April 29, 2025
To Light the Way Forward is a beautifully written continuation of The Shell Collector, written by Nancy Naigle. This is a wonderful story about friendships, love, community, and overcoming loss while learning to live and take risks again.
Rosemary has reconnected with an old friend (Kathleen) and is scheduled to visit her on Whelk's Island. Her daughter Nina wants her to put it off due to a tropical storm/possible hurricane there, but Rosemary is determined she can get there before the storm. On the way to Kathleen's, Rosemary stops at Tug's Diner and she feels an instant connection to Tug.
Tug is still dealing with his grief from losing Maeve. Taking it one day at a time, he has to now put his focus on the upcoming storm and protecting his diner. He was not expecting a newcomer to walk into his diner just as he was closing...and he was even more surprised at how he immediately felt drawn to her.
The story that unfolds is simply amazing and has wonderful messaging throughout. This is a story that will definitely tug at your heartstrings because it is so well-written. The characters are well-developed and draw you into their lives...you will feel as if you actually know them. My favorite is Tug, and of course, The Wife steals every single scene she appears in. I felt for Rosemary at the beginning and was happy to see her finally do something even with knowing her daughter would not approve. I especially loved the interaction and developing relationship between Tug and Rosemary.
Overall, this is a heartwarming story that is beautifully written. I loved being able to reconnect with the characters from The Shell Collector, and especially enjoyed the comical scenes with Amanda's children when they met Rosemary for the first time. This story has a bit of everything in it...love, loss, overcoming grief, friendship (old and new), and learning to take chances and living life to the fullest!
I received an ARC of To Light the Way Forward from WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishing and also NetGalley. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Rosemary has reconnected with an old friend (Kathleen) and is scheduled to visit her on Whelk's Island. Her daughter Nina wants her to put it off due to a tropical storm/possible hurricane there, but Rosemary is determined she can get there before the storm. On the way to Kathleen's, Rosemary stops at Tug's Diner and she feels an instant connection to Tug.
Tug is still dealing with his grief from losing Maeve. Taking it one day at a time, he has to now put his focus on the upcoming storm and protecting his diner. He was not expecting a newcomer to walk into his diner just as he was closing...and he was even more surprised at how he immediately felt drawn to her.
The story that unfolds is simply amazing and has wonderful messaging throughout. This is a story that will definitely tug at your heartstrings because it is so well-written. The characters are well-developed and draw you into their lives...you will feel as if you actually know them. My favorite is Tug, and of course, The Wife steals every single scene she appears in. I felt for Rosemary at the beginning and was happy to see her finally do something even with knowing her daughter would not approve. I especially loved the interaction and developing relationship between Tug and Rosemary.
Overall, this is a heartwarming story that is beautifully written. I loved being able to reconnect with the characters from The Shell Collector, and especially enjoyed the comical scenes with Amanda's children when they met Rosemary for the first time. This story has a bit of everything in it...love, loss, overcoming grief, friendship (old and new), and learning to take chances and living life to the fullest!
I received an ARC of To Light the Way Forward from WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishing and also NetGalley. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
April 30, 2025
To Light the Way Forward is the second book in Nancy Naigle’s A Shell Collector series. It is not necessary to have read the first novel in the series, The Shell Collector, but having done so will add so much to the experience.
Whelk’s Island, NC, residents are carefully watching, then preparing for, landfall of Hurricane Edwina. The hurricane has bounced off the Georgia coast and many expected it to head out to sea when it actually bounces back toward the North Carolina barrier islands. As the storm approaches, Amanda Whittier and her children Hailey and Jesse, plus dog Denali, prepare to head to her parents Ohio home while her not quite fiancé Paul Grant stays behind, helping prepare the island by boarding up windows and preparing his business, Paws Town Square to act as a shelter.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Palakiko is traveling toward Whelk’s Island from her daughter’s home in Philadelphia. After her husband Kai passed and she sold their Hawaiian macadamia farm, it seemed wise to move to Philadelphia to share in her daughter’s large house and help with expenses and her granddaughter Kendra as her daughter was dealing with both her father’s death and the death of her marriage. However, the constant clashing has made it so Rosemary needs a break and is going to visit her high school friend Kathleen on the island even though it’s been over 50 years since they’ve seen each other.
A chance service station encounter with Amanda and the kids propels Rosemary forward after the two exchange phone numbers. Another chance encounter with Tug a short time before the storm hits and then meeting Paul brings Rosemary on a very new adventure.
This is a wonderful story written by a true storyteller. It is so refreshing to read a book in which the main characters, Rosemary and Tug, are senior citizens and the secondary characters are close to middle age. There are too few stories directed at this demographic. The characters are well drawn, the action so well described you can almost hear the wind blow, and setting descriptions are top notch. I very much enjoyed this book and am so in hopes there will be a third book in the future! I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
Whelk’s Island, NC, residents are carefully watching, then preparing for, landfall of Hurricane Edwina. The hurricane has bounced off the Georgia coast and many expected it to head out to sea when it actually bounces back toward the North Carolina barrier islands. As the storm approaches, Amanda Whittier and her children Hailey and Jesse, plus dog Denali, prepare to head to her parents Ohio home while her not quite fiancé Paul Grant stays behind, helping prepare the island by boarding up windows and preparing his business, Paws Town Square to act as a shelter.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Palakiko is traveling toward Whelk’s Island from her daughter’s home in Philadelphia. After her husband Kai passed and she sold their Hawaiian macadamia farm, it seemed wise to move to Philadelphia to share in her daughter’s large house and help with expenses and her granddaughter Kendra as her daughter was dealing with both her father’s death and the death of her marriage. However, the constant clashing has made it so Rosemary needs a break and is going to visit her high school friend Kathleen on the island even though it’s been over 50 years since they’ve seen each other.
A chance service station encounter with Amanda and the kids propels Rosemary forward after the two exchange phone numbers. Another chance encounter with Tug a short time before the storm hits and then meeting Paul brings Rosemary on a very new adventure.
This is a wonderful story written by a true storyteller. It is so refreshing to read a book in which the main characters, Rosemary and Tug, are senior citizens and the secondary characters are close to middle age. There are too few stories directed at this demographic. The characters are well drawn, the action so well described you can almost hear the wind blow, and setting descriptions are top notch. I very much enjoyed this book and am so in hopes there will be a third book in the future! I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
March 26, 2025
"To Light the Way Forward" is a sweet novel of second chances. The characters in this story are of different generations and they are all picking up the pieces of their lives after various losses. I hadn't read the first book in this series, "The Shell Collector" (published in 2021), but was able to pick up where that left off fairly easily in this story without having read that one. This book gives the reader a good idea of what happened in the previous book so a reader starting here wouldn't be lost.. I may end up going back to read or listen to that book because it also seems like a good story.
The main story is about Tug and Kathleen, older adults dealing with the loss of a good friend and husband respectively. They meet just before a hurricane batters the island where they are staying and are there afterwards to pick up the pieces left from the storm. There is also a secondary storyline that continues from the first book about a young widow Amanda with two children and her love interest Paul from the first book. Kathleen is new to Whelk Island and how she meets all of the residents featured in this book is wonderful.
This book has a slower pace to it, despite the hurricane at the beginning. This book really centers on picking up the pieces after the storm and figuring out what's next. I can see this book being interesting to readers of all ages, but for anyone looking for a romance between senior citizens, this one definitely fits the bill.
The book is light on faith and focuses more on the messages found in the shells being found by the right person. Mentions of attending church and a poignant sermon are affecting the characters, but faith is not a focus despite this being from a publisher that features a lot of Christian fiction. With it being light on faith, I feel people of all backgrounds may enjoy this book, even if church is not a huge part of their lives.
Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The main story is about Tug and Kathleen, older adults dealing with the loss of a good friend and husband respectively. They meet just before a hurricane batters the island where they are staying and are there afterwards to pick up the pieces left from the storm. There is also a secondary storyline that continues from the first book about a young widow Amanda with two children and her love interest Paul from the first book. Kathleen is new to Whelk Island and how she meets all of the residents featured in this book is wonderful.
This book has a slower pace to it, despite the hurricane at the beginning. This book really centers on picking up the pieces after the storm and figuring out what's next. I can see this book being interesting to readers of all ages, but for anyone looking for a romance between senior citizens, this one definitely fits the bill.
The book is light on faith and focuses more on the messages found in the shells being found by the right person. Mentions of attending church and a poignant sermon are affecting the characters, but faith is not a focus despite this being from a publisher that features a lot of Christian fiction. With it being light on faith, I feel people of all backgrounds may enjoy this book, even if church is not a huge part of their lives.
Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 29, 2025
Rosemary is widowed and living with her daughter. She misses her husband terribly and needs some purpose in her life. Although she loves her daughter dearly, they are constantly butting heads. Rosemary decides to visit her high school friend on Whelks Island. She knows a hurricane is bearing down on this lovely island, but she still heads that way, much to the chagrin of her daughter.
Tug has owned and operated Tug's Diner for many years on Whelk's Island. Everyone knows and loves Tug. Tug has been suffering and grieving the loss of his good friend, Maeve. He is basically going through the motions each day. However, you would never know it if you encountered Tug. He is giving and loves his community. When he gets an unexpected visitor right before he shuts down for the hurricane, he never dreams that his life is about to be drastically changed. Who knew that giving a burger to a sweet lady named Rosemary would be a catalyst in his life?
This lovely story will pull on your heartstrings. It provides a great lesson in that fact that people are often put in our pathway at a time when we need them there the most. Tug and Rosemary do not realize that divine providence is at work with their chance meeting.
This golden age story of love lost, grieving and almost losing hope when all seems dark will warm your heart. As Tug and Rosemary together find a glimmer of light in the darkness and hope for tomorrow, you will find yourself cheering them on. You are never too old to find love, and sometimes it knocks on the door when you least expect it. This tale as old as time love story with an inspirational thread delighted my soul in every way. Home is not just about four walls. It is where your heart resides. This thought resonated for me as I read this sweet story of second chances. I could write for days about the many things I liked about this book. It was that good.
Thank you to Waterbrook and Multnomah and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tug has owned and operated Tug's Diner for many years on Whelk's Island. Everyone knows and loves Tug. Tug has been suffering and grieving the loss of his good friend, Maeve. He is basically going through the motions each day. However, you would never know it if you encountered Tug. He is giving and loves his community. When he gets an unexpected visitor right before he shuts down for the hurricane, he never dreams that his life is about to be drastically changed. Who knew that giving a burger to a sweet lady named Rosemary would be a catalyst in his life?
This lovely story will pull on your heartstrings. It provides a great lesson in that fact that people are often put in our pathway at a time when we need them there the most. Tug and Rosemary do not realize that divine providence is at work with their chance meeting.
This golden age story of love lost, grieving and almost losing hope when all seems dark will warm your heart. As Tug and Rosemary together find a glimmer of light in the darkness and hope for tomorrow, you will find yourself cheering them on. You are never too old to find love, and sometimes it knocks on the door when you least expect it. This tale as old as time love story with an inspirational thread delighted my soul in every way. Home is not just about four walls. It is where your heart resides. This thought resonated for me as I read this sweet story of second chances. I could write for days about the many things I liked about this book. It was that good.
Thank you to Waterbrook and Multnomah and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2025
To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle was a good story with great characters. If anything, it was a little too righteous. I love Christian books but this was more than that. These characters were unrealistically perfect. That said, I enjoyed it and them. There was to be a hurricane, not an unusual scenario for Whelk’s Island on the Outer Banks. But Paul did’t want to take chances with those he cared about so he sent Amanda and the kids to Ohio to visit her parents and he rented them a bright green Hummer limo in which to make the journey. Then, he set about making sure everyone on the island was as safe as he could make them. He went and got Tug and The Wife (Tug’s parrot) and brought them back to his place, a huge establishment similar to a shopping center. On her trip north, Amanda met a lovely older woman named Rosemary on her way to Whelk’s Island. They exchanged phone numbers and were to become best friends.
Wonderful characters with human problems. Some of them were far from ordinary as was Whelk’s Island where seashells inscribed with messages turned up just as a person needed one. It was eery. Hurricanes cannot be predicted and this one certainly not. It totally destroyed Tug’s cafe and buried his pickup in sand. In fact, there was sand everywhere. And cell towers were down. The island came together to help and mostly they did. Tug emptied his walk-in to feed everyone for days. Rosemary eventually met Tug and they became fast friends, something he had missed since Maeve died. It was a wonderful story of love and resilience. And fear which no one let paralyze them. And rebuilding, bigger, better. Good read.
I was invited to read To Light the Way Forward by Waterbrook & Multnomah. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WaterbrookAndMultnomah #NancyNaigle #ToLightTheWayForward
Wonderful characters with human problems. Some of them were far from ordinary as was Whelk’s Island where seashells inscribed with messages turned up just as a person needed one. It was eery. Hurricanes cannot be predicted and this one certainly not. It totally destroyed Tug’s cafe and buried his pickup in sand. In fact, there was sand everywhere. And cell towers were down. The island came together to help and mostly they did. Tug emptied his walk-in to feed everyone for days. Rosemary eventually met Tug and they became fast friends, something he had missed since Maeve died. It was a wonderful story of love and resilience. And fear which no one let paralyze them. And rebuilding, bigger, better. Good read.
I was invited to read To Light the Way Forward by Waterbrook & Multnomah. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WaterbrookAndMultnomah #NancyNaigle #ToLightTheWayForward
October 20, 2025
Whelk’s island is the destination of Rosemary which is going to visit an old friend after feeling lost after the loss of her husband and wasn’t discouraged by the threat of a hurricane. Right before the storm, she comes upon Tug’s diner and links up with Tug the owner.
The year before Tug had lost his love of his life and now compounded by him losing his business, Tug’s diner, by the storm. Rosemary finds the longer she remains there the more she sees Tug’s depth of sadness and wants to come up with a resolution. Rosemary with Tug and their friends Amanda and Paul all lend a hand in the recovery of the storm damage of the tight community.
After losing contact during the storm Amanda and Paul get re-established, their plans to take things gradually is sidetracked therefore deemed more and more impractical. Rosemary and Tug are simply becoming friends as they maneuver the budding relationship of the young couple which has helped recover both of them. Can they become persuaded that their friendship can make love probable for anyone willing to take a risk in life even for those who may not believe in finding it again in their lifetime.
This story covers friendships, love, family and relationships. I really enjoyed this story! It was heartfelt and heartwarming. Made you feel very comfy and warm inside! The characters were fabulous and really seemed like they were real people! You had to root for them. The situations seemed real too! This is my first book by Nancy Naigle that I’ve read. Will definitely go back to read the first in the series and more of her books! Looking forward to the next in this series if there is one! We can only hope! You won’t want to pass this one up! A must read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review
The year before Tug had lost his love of his life and now compounded by him losing his business, Tug’s diner, by the storm. Rosemary finds the longer she remains there the more she sees Tug’s depth of sadness and wants to come up with a resolution. Rosemary with Tug and their friends Amanda and Paul all lend a hand in the recovery of the storm damage of the tight community.
After losing contact during the storm Amanda and Paul get re-established, their plans to take things gradually is sidetracked therefore deemed more and more impractical. Rosemary and Tug are simply becoming friends as they maneuver the budding relationship of the young couple which has helped recover both of them. Can they become persuaded that their friendship can make love probable for anyone willing to take a risk in life even for those who may not believe in finding it again in their lifetime.
This story covers friendships, love, family and relationships. I really enjoyed this story! It was heartfelt and heartwarming. Made you feel very comfy and warm inside! The characters were fabulous and really seemed like they were real people! You had to root for them. The situations seemed real too! This is my first book by Nancy Naigle that I’ve read. Will definitely go back to read the first in the series and more of her books! Looking forward to the next in this series if there is one! We can only hope! You won’t want to pass this one up! A must read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review
Read
February 14, 2025 I first met Nancy Naigle's writings when I read The Shell Collector and she became one of my favorite authors. Her writings have a depth to them that is not often encountered in other authors.
To Light the Way Forward continues The Shell Collector with some new characters introduced, as well. At the beginning of the book Hurricane Edwina is on her way toward Whelk's Island, North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, Rosemary is at loggerheads with her daughter who is playing the role of a helicopter parent to her mom. Rosemary has reconnected with a high school friend who has invited her down to visit her in Whelk's Island. So Rosemary packs up her car and goes south. When Rosemary stops for gas, she runs into Amanda, Hailey, and Jesse. Hailey and Jesse pretend they are British Royalty and thus begins Rosemary's first friendship on Whelk's Island. Soon after arriving on the Island, she meets a plethora of Island folk and forges relationships with many that she meets.
When the hurricane comes, the devastation it brings is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, the diner owner. It's been all he's done for most of his life. He's at loose ends and doesn't quite know what to do with himself, his time, or his skills.
Nancy Naigle has written a book that takes friendships to a whole new level, throws in a touch of elder romance, and gives the reader a lot to think about. Life is a lot more than just working a job or dealing with family drama. It's about relationships that build and make us better people. This is a strong four star book that hits all the feels for the reader.
WaterBrook and Multnomah provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
To Light the Way Forward continues The Shell Collector with some new characters introduced, as well. At the beginning of the book Hurricane Edwina is on her way toward Whelk's Island, North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, Rosemary is at loggerheads with her daughter who is playing the role of a helicopter parent to her mom. Rosemary has reconnected with a high school friend who has invited her down to visit her in Whelk's Island. So Rosemary packs up her car and goes south. When Rosemary stops for gas, she runs into Amanda, Hailey, and Jesse. Hailey and Jesse pretend they are British Royalty and thus begins Rosemary's first friendship on Whelk's Island. Soon after arriving on the Island, she meets a plethora of Island folk and forges relationships with many that she meets.
When the hurricane comes, the devastation it brings is heartbreaking, especially for Tug, the diner owner. It's been all he's done for most of his life. He's at loose ends and doesn't quite know what to do with himself, his time, or his skills.
Nancy Naigle has written a book that takes friendships to a whole new level, throws in a touch of elder romance, and gives the reader a lot to think about. Life is a lot more than just working a job or dealing with family drama. It's about relationships that build and make us better people. This is a strong four star book that hits all the feels for the reader.
WaterBrook and Multnomah provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 5, 2025
To Light the Way Forward
Nancy Naigle
April 29, 2025
Tug Basnight listened to the forecast and began to worry what the next few days would bring. He had not long ago lost his best friend, Maeve. It concerned him that during this hurricane he could possibly lose his business, Tug´s Diner as well. Business was steady and he intended to do as always during weather extremes. Until the authorities ordered the locals and visitors to evacuate, he would continue to cook and provide food to whomever needed it.
Rosemary was home in Pennsylvania packing. She heard the news about Whelk´s Island in North Carolina. Forecasters were predicting the path of hurricane Edwina off the coast of North Carolina. She called her friend, Kathleen. She lives on Whelk´s Island and was used to reporting about the weather. She had advised Rosemary to pack the car and head down. They could batten the hatches together in her home, and enjoy each other's company when the threat was gone.
To Light the Way Forward will be published on April 29, 2025 by Penguin Random House. I was able to read and review Naigle´s latest novel via NetGalley. Once again I thoroughly enjoy her story writing capabilities. She takes the reader to the plot location, provides great descriptions and sets us right in the middle of her characterś scenario. It is a delightful tale of Rosemary´s journey to find new friendships and extend her life past the recent loss of her beloved husband, Kai. Don´t miss this exceptional sequel to The Shell Collector from Nancy Naigle.
Nancy Naigle
April 29, 2025
Tug Basnight listened to the forecast and began to worry what the next few days would bring. He had not long ago lost his best friend, Maeve. It concerned him that during this hurricane he could possibly lose his business, Tug´s Diner as well. Business was steady and he intended to do as always during weather extremes. Until the authorities ordered the locals and visitors to evacuate, he would continue to cook and provide food to whomever needed it.
Rosemary was home in Pennsylvania packing. She heard the news about Whelk´s Island in North Carolina. Forecasters were predicting the path of hurricane Edwina off the coast of North Carolina. She called her friend, Kathleen. She lives on Whelk´s Island and was used to reporting about the weather. She had advised Rosemary to pack the car and head down. They could batten the hatches together in her home, and enjoy each other's company when the threat was gone.
To Light the Way Forward will be published on April 29, 2025 by Penguin Random House. I was able to read and review Naigle´s latest novel via NetGalley. Once again I thoroughly enjoy her story writing capabilities. She takes the reader to the plot location, provides great descriptions and sets us right in the middle of her characterś scenario. It is a delightful tale of Rosemary´s journey to find new friendships and extend her life past the recent loss of her beloved husband, Kai. Don´t miss this exceptional sequel to The Shell Collector from Nancy Naigle.
February 17, 2025
The story drew me in from the first page. It brought back fond memories of my time in Florida. I felt terrible for the people who lived on Whelk's Island because I remember waiting to see which way the storm would head. They too were worried about the storm and where it was headed. As predicted, the storm strengthened into a hurricane and was forecasted to make landfall somewhere around the Carolina coast. People stood by, waiting to hear if an evacuation was needed.
Before the storm and the evacuation order, Tug, the owner of the busy restaurant, tried to serve as many customers as he could. Even those who had experienced previous storms grappled with the difficult decision of staying or leaving. It was great to see Amanda and Paul, a couple I loved in the first book, The Shell Collector, and how their romance grew. Being with Tug, Paul, and the others who stayed during the storm gave each other hope.
Rosemary goes to Whelks Island to visit her old school friend Kathleen, even though her daughter has advised against it. Rosemary fits right in as she helps Tug and the others hunker down as they face being hit by a Cat 1 hurricane. Nobody is entirely prepared for the impact the storm would have on the land. Nor could they imagine the effect it would have on their relationships.
Rosemary decides to stay on the island (longer than her daughter likes) and assists with the cleanup. It was wonderful to see everyone working together and how Rosemary became fast friends with Tug, whose restaurant is damaged along with everyone else’s property. Rosemary shares with Tug her experiences with lost love and her bucket list; she invites him to think about making his own list.
Overcoming loss and learning to forgive are important themes of the novel. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else's life in the safety of a deeply connected community. This story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but it’s a richer experience if you read book one.
Before the storm and the evacuation order, Tug, the owner of the busy restaurant, tried to serve as many customers as he could. Even those who had experienced previous storms grappled with the difficult decision of staying or leaving. It was great to see Amanda and Paul, a couple I loved in the first book, The Shell Collector, and how their romance grew. Being with Tug, Paul, and the others who stayed during the storm gave each other hope.
Rosemary goes to Whelks Island to visit her old school friend Kathleen, even though her daughter has advised against it. Rosemary fits right in as she helps Tug and the others hunker down as they face being hit by a Cat 1 hurricane. Nobody is entirely prepared for the impact the storm would have on the land. Nor could they imagine the effect it would have on their relationships.
Rosemary decides to stay on the island (longer than her daughter likes) and assists with the cleanup. It was wonderful to see everyone working together and how Rosemary became fast friends with Tug, whose restaurant is damaged along with everyone else’s property. Rosemary shares with Tug her experiences with lost love and her bucket list; she invites him to think about making his own list.
Overcoming loss and learning to forgive are important themes of the novel. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else's life in the safety of a deeply connected community. This story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but it’s a richer experience if you read book one.
April 27, 2025
To Light the Way Forward is the second book in The Shell Collector series and while I haven't read the first book in this series (I definitely want to now!), I had no issue with jumping right into this one and enjoying it fully.
Whelk's Island is preparing for Hurricane Edwina to come on shore and the residents are doing their best have everything in place before it does. Tug, the owner of the diner, has done what he can to prepare and Paul, who owns a local business is helping everyone he can as they get closer to the storm roaring ashore. Paul has convinced his love, Amanda, and her two children to evacuate to her parents, but she isn't thrilled she has to leave Paul until the storm passes.
Rosemary has come to visit her high school friend on Whelk's Island after losing her husband. She is trying to figure out what her new life is going to look like. What Rosemary doesn't expect is how the people in Whelk's Island band together following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Edwina and how that is going to affect her.
This story is about second chances, picking up the pieces when things don't go the way you expect, chosen family and most importantly love. I very much enjoyed the way this story unfolded and the message of trusting that you will end up exactly where you are meant to be.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Whelk's Island is preparing for Hurricane Edwina to come on shore and the residents are doing their best have everything in place before it does. Tug, the owner of the diner, has done what he can to prepare and Paul, who owns a local business is helping everyone he can as they get closer to the storm roaring ashore. Paul has convinced his love, Amanda, and her two children to evacuate to her parents, but she isn't thrilled she has to leave Paul until the storm passes.
Rosemary has come to visit her high school friend on Whelk's Island after losing her husband. She is trying to figure out what her new life is going to look like. What Rosemary doesn't expect is how the people in Whelk's Island band together following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Edwina and how that is going to affect her.
This story is about second chances, picking up the pieces when things don't go the way you expect, chosen family and most importantly love. I very much enjoyed the way this story unfolded and the message of trusting that you will end up exactly where you are meant to be.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 4, 2025
RESTORATION, HOPE, AND ROMANCE
“Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.”
Author Nancy Naigle has a gift for writing heartwarming stories filled with delightful, realistic characters who face routine, everyday problems yet come out stronger on the other side. In Naigle’s latest release, To Light the Way Forward, her characters endure what could have been a life-threatening situation, yet it solidifies their feelings for each other. Hurricane Edwina comes to
Whelkins Island, and with it comes the introduction of a new friend whose friendship will change all their lives, the decision of a couple realizing they cannot go through the future without the other, and one man’s loss of everything causes him to find the one thing he truly was missing in his life.
What I liked best about this book was the stranger who came to town and became the friend everyone needed. She was the glue that held everyone together during the dark days of rebuilding. She embraced the quote, “Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.” She ran to the hurricane. She was looking for a home, and she found it. This is a beautiful story of restoration, hope, romance, and a sense of community.
Waterbrook and Multnomah and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.
“Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.”
Author Nancy Naigle has a gift for writing heartwarming stories filled with delightful, realistic characters who face routine, everyday problems yet come out stronger on the other side. In Naigle’s latest release, To Light the Way Forward, her characters endure what could have been a life-threatening situation, yet it solidifies their feelings for each other. Hurricane Edwina comes to
Whelkins Island, and with it comes the introduction of a new friend whose friendship will change all their lives, the decision of a couple realizing they cannot go through the future without the other, and one man’s loss of everything causes him to find the one thing he truly was missing in his life.
What I liked best about this book was the stranger who came to town and became the friend everyone needed. She was the glue that held everyone together during the dark days of rebuilding. She embraced the quote, “Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.” She ran to the hurricane. She was looking for a home, and she found it. This is a beautiful story of restoration, hope, romance, and a sense of community.
Waterbrook and Multnomah and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.
February 12, 2025
It has been an adventure being back in Whelk’s Island, oh how I’d love to live there! And how Ms. Naigle sure knows how to pen a romance to make a grown gal cry her eyes out! In a good way, that is. I have admired these characters in their first story, The Shell Collector, and was so anxious for Tug to have his own story. Ms. Naigle, you knocked it out of the park! I fell in love with Tug all over again. The depth in the characters and the eloquent way the scenes play out with the picturesque views described, made this a page turner I could not put down. How a simple shell can guide a path in our lives to help shine a little light to get us through, I love that concept. And mixing that with a romance story of a second chance at love for an elderly couple, just the sweetest gift I’ve read in quite a while. And it’s always a delight to reunite with “the Wife”. He’s a character! Great catching up with Paul, Amanda and the kids too. Their story intertwined so beautifully with Tugs and even had a surprise or two for them also, loved that! You can’t go wrong with a Ms. Naigle story, and Tug’s story is no exception! I could read stories about Whelk’s Island forever! Messages of hope, faith, love, understanding and the love of our Father and how in His timing, the way forward will bring us great joy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews