Home No Matter Where

The Shell Collector #3

by Nancy Naigle

Three generations of women confront their pasts and discover it's never too late for new beginnings in this heartwarming novel of second chances and unconditional love—from the bestselling author of The Shell Collector.

“In Home No Matter Where we travel to beautiful Whelk’s Island, where a close-knit community puts us right at home. Along the way we meet compelling characters caught in realistic storms and learn faith-filled lessons about weathering them.” —Denise Hunter, bestselling author of More Than Friends

Nina is at her wit's end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk's Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island's charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life.

Kendra's reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy.

As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn't follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Womens Fiction

Audible Audio

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

I did something new! I wrote a short story about Tug and Rosemary from The Shell Collector Novels...and it was so much fun. You can read A Whelk's Island Valentine 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.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

5 ⭐

“I’ve been so focused on what’s fallen apart that I forget to appreciate what’s still whole.”

This is a wonderful novel highlighting the many forms of second chances, of love, and of finding where we belong.

It’s been so good reading about this wonderful community, the town of Whelk’s Island, and watching the families and friendships grow.

As the title suggests, home is wherever loved ones are together, no matter where. The three generations highlighted in his sequel, Rosemary, Nina and Kendra, all have a different concept of home and what it means to belong. I loved reading from the sidelines as they each found where they belonged and found a way back to a better version of themselves. Naigle explores second chances in romance, in parenting a fractured family, and in achieving a once-shelved dream. She nails the teenage mindset and buffers it perfectly with Fisher and Tug.

I appreciated the reminder to focus on living one day at a time and bringing my best to each hour as much as I appreciated a chance to pivot and focus on what’s going right instead of dwelling on what’s not going according to ‘my’ plan.

I hope there are more books planned in this series as I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet…

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where is the third book of The Shell Collector series set on Whelk's Island on the coast of North Carolina. Nina and her daughter Kendra are having a tough time following a divorce. Kendra is feeling left out with her dad and his new wife and takes it out on Nina. So they travel to the island to stay with Rosemary, Nina's mom, for a change of scenery and hope of healing. This story seems so real and spot on for the situation. With help of friends, this family pulls together to support each other and try to make a new start. Rosemary and her fiancé Tug are so sweet together. Nina finds a new friend in Fisher, who has a calm, steady presence and is very supportive. This is a lovely, inspirational, and emotional read with great characters, in a wonderful setting.
I received a copy for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle
The Shell Collector series #3. Christian small town romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as characters and location span the three stories.
Recently divorced, Nina Langley takes her teenage daughter Kendra, to Whelk’s Island for the summer, hoping they can reconnect and reassess. They move in with Nina’s mother, Rosemary (book 2) at her newly purchased beach house.
Struggling with the divorce and her father’s absence, Kendra makes rude comments and bad decisions. As a teenager, she’s given a bit of leeway, but the adults will make sure she’s safe.
Whelk’s Island is recovering from a recent storm but the people always come first and help each other. It’s the best place for Nina, Kendra, and Rosemary to make decisions to live their best lives.

Charming and lovely. Heartfelt friendships.
Plus funny talking African Gray that adds plenty of humor throughout.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful story by Nancy Naigle in her Shell Collector series. I found myself really appreciating the intensity of the characters’ determination to make their family whole after several traumatic events which altered their life plan. It really does make a difference when you choose not to give up and keep moving forward with friendship, love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book, and in fact the three book series. I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ava Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Family has a way of being real no matter what the family tree looks like."

3.5 stars!

Home No Matter Where follows the story of Nina and Kendra, a mother and daughter who are searching for a fresh start after a divorce shocks the family's sense of comfort. Kendra struggles with her identity and where she fits into this new family dynamic, and Nina struggles with helping Kendra (especially since Kendra wants nothing to do with her). They resort to staying with Nina's mother (Kendra's grandmother) on Whelk's Island--a place that is quickly their source of peace. As the two settle into their summer home, they are able to relearn what it means to be family, draw closer together, and watch those around them truly experience life. Plus, Nina meets Fisher, a man on the island who has a greater impact on the family than they could have ever imagined. And when Kendra's father--Nina's ex-husband--makes a decision that rocks Kendra's temporary stability, their new friends and family on Whelk's Island come together to prove to Kendra and Nina that they matter and that they're never alone.

"But sometimes that's where the real lessons are. They're in the messes we make, not in the pretty parts."

This story shows the raw parts of tough family dynamics, internal struggles of worth and purpose, and friendships developing after heartbreak, all while keeping a somewhat "Hallmark-ish" feel. Home No Matter Where is a great summer read with a fun coastal setting (bonus points for surfing scenes). The characters have relatable depth as well as lighthearted chemistry.

The reason that I gave it three stars is that I had a bit of a hard time relating to Kendra's part of the story. I understood picking up this book that the target audience was Christian adult women, but as a teenager/young adult, there were a few parts that were unrealistic and unrelatable considering my own relationships with those around me. I felt that Kendra's character was very stereotypical. Additionally, some of the jokes and attempts at flirting just didn't seem to land, so it felt a bit awkward at times.

Conversely, Fisher and Tug's characters complimented each other so well! There was also so much wisdom packed into this book, and I took away so many lessons that I think a lot of people need to hear. The author really handled some tough dynamics, and she did so in a very wholesome and inspiring way.

"That love wasn't in grand gestures; it was in small, quiet acts that built the strongest bonds."

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was a good escape from all of the winter weather lately, and it definitely put me in the mood to go to the beach (and now I want to go surfing). It reminded me of The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate and The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh.

I would recommend this book to Christian women (or older teenagers who enjoy adult fiction) who love:
- found family
- beach town settings
- three generations (and the dynamics within)
- multiple POVs
- romance after divorce
- a total green flag love interest
- have i mentioned surfing?

"'I know what it feels like to want someone's attention so bad it hurts,' Fisher said. 'But you know what I figured out? Sometimes the people who truly see us were right beside us all along.'"

Content to note:
- a few mildly descriptive kiss scenes

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sans Washington]

I have been that rebellious teenager like Kendra visiting a favorite grandmother when gentle guidance is needed. I've also been the middle-aged daughter like Nina returning to her tidal childhood nest when times get tough. I haven't been the matriarch like Rosemary...yet, but I'm sure my time will come. Hopefully, I'll be up for the task of helping my family discover hope and "home". Given its setting, this would make a particularly good beach read. What a great way to relax on vacation!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sea gives, the sea takes, but it always leaves something to be thankful for.

“I’ve been so focused on what’s falling apart that I forget to appreciate what’s still whole.”

Embrace the journey

“Some things don’t need matchmaking. Just…patience.”

“The man you are today is all that matters.”

“Family has a way of being real no matter what the family tree looks like.”

“I know what it feels like to want someone’s attention so bad it hurts, Fisher said. But you know what I figured out? Sometimes the people who truly see us were right beside us all along.”

There is something so special about Whelk’s Island.
Nina has been through a messy divorce and her daughter Kendra being a teenager has become very difficult. So Nina takes them to Whelk’s Island to visit with her mom for a few weeks.
This truly was an emotional and heartwarming journey for Nina and Kendra. I have loved this series and these characters have a special place in my heart.
Second chances, new beginnings, three generations. I really felt like I was on the beach at Whelk’s Island.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House/WaterBrook for the opportunity to read this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle is an entertaining story of a woman struggling with a fourteen-year-old daughter and repercussions from a divorce. Nina and her daughter, Kendra, are joining her mother, Rosemary, on Whelks’s Island for part of the summer. Nina can work remotely and she is hopping that a change in setting will help Kendra’s attitude. Rosemary has retired to this lovely area and has found a new love, a man named Tug. They are now engaged. Nina is still not sure, but it is obvious the two are in love and so she is coming around. Plenty of things happen with Kendra, who is a relatively typical teen, but thankfully it is a small community and there are lots of people looking out.

Nina is an uptight, focused career career woman which may or may not have forced the divorce and this rift in her relationship with her daughter. Rosemary is a relaxed and open seventy-something woman who has definitely come into her own since moving to Whelk’s Island. One of the things that makes the island unique is that people discover seashells with short messages carved into them. They always seem to arrive when the person in question needs them the most. A friend of Rosemary’s, Fisher, owns a bar and some rental properties on the island and is extremely helpful to Kendra and her introduction into adulthood. As always, most of Nancy’s characters are deeply Christian and that contributes subtly to the story. It is a good read. Very comfortable. Good characters, Gorgeous setting.

I was invited to read Home No Matter Where by Penguin Random House Christian Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenguinRandomHouseChristianPublishing #NancyNaigle #HomeNoMatterWhere

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, the place you run to ends up being exactly where you’re meant to heal… 🌊

No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle was an emotional, layered journey about motherhood, second chances, and learning to let go.

Reading from Nina’s point of view, I felt the weight she carries as a single mom trying to hold everything together while her daughter, Kendra, is slipping further out of reach. That quiet desperation? It felt incredibly real. As a reader, I could feel her fear, her frustration, and her fierce love all tangled together.

Whelk’s Island itself almost becomes a character calm, reflective, and full of the kind of stillness that forces you to confront what you’ve been avoiding. The multigenerational dynamic between Nina, Kendra, and Rosemary was one of my favorite parts. Watching those relationships stretch, break, and slowly mend added so much emotional depth to the story.

Kendra’s storyline, though messy at times, felt honest. She’s not an easy character, but that’s what made her growth meaningful. And Fisher? He brought this steady, grounding presence that balanced the chaos beautifully plus just enough romance to make my heart happy without overshadowing the core family story.

What really stayed with me after finishing this book was its message: sometimes love means loosening your grip, trusting the process, and allowing people, including yourself, to grow in their own way. It’s not always neat or easy, but it’s worth it.

If you love emotional women’s fiction with coastal charm, complex family dynamics, and a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth the read.

Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours and Nancy Naigle for sharing this story with me! 💙

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being a Christian story, I don’t believe in the authors use of divination regarding the seashells. Only the one true God can change the course of one’s life.
This is not for me. Seems to hypocritical.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related a lot to Nina and her love of spreadsheets, and how she's struggling with a teen daughter and their relationship as it grieves, heals, and finds redemption.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina is one minor inconvenience away from screaming into the void when Home No Matter Where opens, and honestly, I have never felt more seen. Freshly divorced, white knuckling motherhood, and trying to parent a teenage daughter who is operating at full volcanic eruption levels, she does what any overwhelmed woman with a complicated relationship with control would do. She packs a bag and retreats to her mother’s house on a charming coastal island.

Whelk’s Island is back, which means ocean breezes, small town meddling disguised as kindness, and the kind of community that will absolutely notice if your mascara is running. Nina drags Kendra there hoping the salt air will fix what therapy and deep breathing have not. Kendra, meanwhile, is furious at the universe, at her mom, and especially at her dad who keeps breaking promises like it is a competitive sport.

And here is the thing. Kendra could have easily been written as "That Stereotypical Teenager," but her anger actually has teeth. Her dad’s inconsistency hurts. She feels displaced. She feels like she was not chosen. So yes, she acts out. Yes, she makes reckless choices. But underneath it is that very specific teenage heartbreak of wanting someone to show up and actually mean it. I wanted to shake her and hug her at the same time, which is apparently the official parenting mood.

Rosemary, the grandmother, is the quiet MVP of this whole situation. She has lived enough life to know that you cannot strong arm someone into healing. She is building her own future with Tug, proving that love does not expire at a certain age, and she is letting Nina and Kendra fall apart just enough to figure themselves out. There is something deeply comforting about watching three generations of women confront their baggage in the same house without it turning into a melodramatic shouting match every five minutes.

Now let us discuss Fisher. This man is a steady, thoughtful, surfer bar owner with a complicated past and the emotional intelligence of someone who has done actual inner work. I know. I was also shocked. He steps in during a critical moment with Kendra, not in a macho hero way, but in a calm, grounded way that says, I see you and you matter. That is his whole brand. He sees people. Nina especially. And watching her slowly unclench around him is like witnessing a woman remember she is allowed to exhale.

The romance is not fireworks and dramatic declarations. It is quieter. Conversations. Small kindnesses. A hand extended when Nina is too proud to ask for help. He has his own history of growing up underprivileged, and instead of turning that into bitterness, he built himself into someone solid. A green flag with saltwater in his veins. I love a man who can surf and communicate.

What really got me though is how the book keeps circling back to the idea of home. Nina thinks she lost hers when her marriage collapsed. Kendra thinks hers shattered when her dad chose someone else over her stability. But Whelk’s Island gently keeps asking, what if home is not the place that hurt you? What if it is the people who stay? That hit. I was not prepared to be emotionally clotheslined by a beach town.

Is it cozy? Yes. Is it a little Hallmark adjacent? Also yes. But it is not shallow. It deals with disappointment, fractured families, and that suffocating fear that you are messing up your kid beyond repair. And it lets healing be slow. It lets forgiveness feel earned. It lets Nina rediscover parts of herself that were buried under resentment and fear.

Four stars. This is emotional recalibration with ocean views. It made me want to call my mom, forgive my past self, and possibly relocate to a coastal town where a handsome surfer gently tells me to stop spiraling.

Huge thank you to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing like processing generational trauma with a side of sea breeze and swoony surfer energy a little early.

[Vee ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Home No Matter Where, and wow, what a journey! It's one of those books that pulls you in right from the start, especially if you've ever felt like you're one small thing away from just screaming. Nina, a recently divorced mom, is barely holding it together while trying to raise her teenage daughter, Kendra, who's going through a major rebellious phase. So, Nina does what any overwhelmed person might do: she escapes with Kendra to her mother Rosemary's house on Whelk's Island.

Whelk's Island itself is a character in the story—think ocean breezes, that small-town charm where everyone knows your business (but mostly in a kind way). Nina hopes the island's air will magically fix things, but it's not smooth sailing, especially with Kendra. Kendra's anger isn't just typical teen angst; it really resonated with me. Her dad's broken promises have deeply hurt her, and she feels displaced and unchosen. Her acting out and reckless choices come from a very real place of wanting to be seen and for someone to truly show up for her. I found myself wanting to shake her and hug her at the same time, which apparently is the universal parent feeling!

Rosemary, the grandmother, is such a gem. She's seen enough life to know you can't force healing. She's building her own new life with Tug, showing that love doesn't have an age limit, and she gives Nina and Kendra the space to fall apart and figure things out. It's comforting to see three generations of women tackle their issues under one roof without it turning into constant yelling.

Then there's Fisher, the steady, thoughtful surfer who owns a bar. He's surprisingly emotionally intelligent and steps in to help Kendra at a crucial moment, not as a hero, but in a grounded way that truly sees her. He's the kind of man who makes Nina slowly start to relax and remember who she is. Their romance is quiet and builds through conversations and small gestures of kindness. He's a "green flag" with a solid past, someone who built himself up from humble beginnings without becoming bitter. I mean, a man who can surf and communicate? Sign me up!

What really struck me was how the book keeps coming back to the idea of "home." Nina feels like she lost hers after her divorce, and Kendra feels like hers shattered. But Whelk's Island subtly suggests that maybe home isn't about a place that caused you pain, but about the people who stick by you. That concept really hit me hard.

Yes, it's a cozy read, and maybe a little like a Hallmark movie, but it's not shallow. It delves into disappointment, broken families, and that fear of messing up your kids. It allows healing to be a slow process and forgiveness to feel earned. Nina really gets to rediscover herself under all the old fears and resentments.

This book felt like an emotional reset with beautiful ocean views. It made me want to connect with my own family, reflect on my past, and maybe even dream about moving to a charming coastal town. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series (which I didn't realize it was until later!), it stands perfectly well on its own, with enough details to understand the returning characters. The author's writing flows beautifully, and the different points of view really let you get inside each character's head. It's a wonderful story about second chances, family bonds, and ultimately, finding where you truly belong.

Thank you Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the ARC copy.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having read The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle, book one in The Shell Collector series, I was very excited to read Home No Matter Where. I wanted to love this story so badly. Unfortunately, it fell flat with me. I come to this book with a lot of bona fides: I am a child of divorce, I am a child whose mother remarried when I was 14, I am a high school teacher — specifically to Freshmen and Seniors, and I have a 14 year old daughter. This story deals with divorce, a rebellious 14-year old, and the trials of navigating life through hardships. All of this should make for a really compelling read. But I was so frustrated with this book on multiple levels. Kendra, the 14-year old, made me want to throw the book out the window. I know 14-year olds. I’ve been teaching them for 21 years. Kendra behaves more like a tween than a teen. I dislike vehemently when adults make stereotypical caricatures of teens. That’s what Kendra feels like. A caricature of a brat. I also struggled to understand what exactly Kendra was so upset about. She was never abused or mistreated. Her father never beat her or her mother. Her mother and father simply grew apart, then went their separate ways. It happens. It stinks, sure, but it’s not an earth-shattering problem, all things considered. But Kendra acts like the world is literally falling apart. Like her parents are evil. I’m a big proponent of picking your battles. Kendra feels like she’s making nothing-burgers into WWIII. Teens can be overly dramatic, but Kendra takes it to a tween-level when she is supposed to be a teen. I have a sensitive spot when it comes to how teens are described in all forms of media. They often get a bad rap and are oddly stereotyped as a certain thing, and I hate that. When it comes to Nina, I was completely frustrated. I couldn’t make a single connection with her. I wanted to shake her and tell her to woman-up and to stop making mountains out of molehills. I also struggled with Nina and Fisher’s relationship. I felt absolutely no chemistry between the two. I think my issue is that for 82% of the story, it’s all about adults tiptoeing around a teenager. The relationship between Nina and Fisher doesn’t really take off until after the 82% mark. It just was too little too late for me. I will say that Fisher is a pretty cool guy. He seems genuine from page one. I totally bought his desire to be friends with Nina and Kendra. And I really loved his messaging to Nina that most of the time we don’t fail, we simply try to figure our way out of situations. Sometimes we get positive results. Sometimes we don’t. But it’s really not a fail either way. I liked this idea. It’s a really good perspective shift for a type-A gal like myself.

While Home No Matter Where is not my cup of tea, it definitely is a home-run for a ton of readers. Do a quick glance at Goodreads and Amazon and you will see that readers are loving this story. For most readers so far, this book is stellar. So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet, beachy, contemporary romance then this book is definitely for you.

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on May 4, 2026, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book doesn’t just hit… it holds you 🥺🌊. This one sat with me in a way I wasn’t ready for.

📖 Home No Matter Where – Nancy Naigle

First of all… let me just say this as a mom… as a woman… as someone who is constantly trying to hold everything together while quietly falling apart…
I saw myself in Nina.
Like DEEPLY saw myself.

That feeling of trying to be strong for everyone else…trying to fix everything…trying to not mess up the people you love the most…
…and still feeling like you’re failing anyway.

Yeah. That.💔

Nina isn’t just overwhelmed, she’s drowning.
And Kendra is not just being a difficult teenager.
She’s hurting. Loudly. Messily.
In that way that makes you want to hug her and scream at the same time.
And I think that’s what broke me the most…

Because sometimes love doesn’t look like soft moments and pretty words…
sometimes it looks like showing up when everything is hard.
Even when they push you away.
Even when they don’t choose you back.🥺

And then there’s Whelk’s Island…
This place felt like a breath.
Like the kind of peace you don’t realize you need until you finally stop running.

Watching three generations of women
a daughter, a mother, a grandmother
all trying to heal in their own ways…
It did something to me.

Because healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. And sometimes… it doesn’t look pretty at all.

But it’s still happening.
Quietly.
Softly.
One moment at a time.

And Fisher…
Listen.
This man didn’t come in loud. He didn’t try to fix everything. He just… stayed. He saw them. He showed up. He reminded them that they mattered.

That kind of love…
That quiet, steady, “I’m not going anywhere” kind of love
That’s the kind that heals you. 🥹

This book reminded me that:
✨ you can’t control everything
✨ you won’t always get it right
✨ your kids won’t always understand your love right away
✨ and sometimes… you have to let things fall apart a little so they can come back together the right way

But most importantly…
✨ home isn’t a place
It’s the people who stay.
The ones who choose you.
The ones who see you when you’re at your worst and don’t walk away.

And that hit me harder than I expected.
I cried.
Like real tears.
The kind that sit in your chest for a while after.
Because this didn’t just feel like a story…
it felt like life.

If you’ve ever:
🤍 felt like you’re not doing enough as a mom
🤍 struggled with letting go of control
🤍 loved someone who’s hurting and didn’t know how to reach them
🤍 needed a reminder that it’s not too late to start again
…this book is going to wreck you.
And I mean that.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a delight to visit Whelk's Island. Three generations of women from Rosemary to Nina to Nina's teenage daughter, Kendra, are at different places in their lives. One thing is immediately evident and that is even though Kendra is being a typical teenage girl, she is very loved by both her grandmother, Rosemary and her mom. Nina wants peace in her life with Kendra, but Kendra is making it very hard for her. Nina's divorce has been hard for her and Kendra. Nina loves her daughter dearly and wants to find a place where they can bond together. She is hopeful visiting the island will be just what the doctor ordered. It is not going to be smooth sailing.

Second chances are always on the menu for visitors to Whelk's Island, which is exactly what both Nina and Kendra needed. There is nothing more soothing than the ocean waves and the beautiful beach. The community of individuals on Whelk's Island know how to be a true community and take care of one another, both financially and emotionally.

The author really hit the nail on the head writing about Kendra's teenage angst. I could not help but feel sorry for Kendra, even though she was misbehaving. She needed to find a place where she felt like she belonged. Her world had been rocked by her parents' divorce. She was drifting along with no place to land.

As always in the Shell Collector collection, the returning characters are like seeing a friend you have not seen in a long time. This book was emotional and touching as this family learns that home is where the heart is and where love abounds. The address makes no difference.

This will put you in the mood for long summer days, as well as make you yearn for a trip to the beach.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINDING HOME

Author Nancy Naigle is taking readers back to the wonderful setting of Whelk’s Island in “Home No Matter Where” ( A Shell Collector Novel, Book 3). In this novel, Naigle tells the story of three generations of women who confront their pasts, discover new depths in their relationships, find their place in a new community, and discover that myriad second chances await them all. Whelk’s Island proves that each of them ends up finding home after all. I highly recommend it!

Rosemary opens her beach home on Whelk’s Island to her daughter Nina and her teenage daughter, Kendra. Nina and Kendra are at odds because Kendra is lashing out at her parents' divorce and her father’s many failed promises. Rosemary has found healing at Whelk’s Island through the peaceful setting and the support of the many wonderful people in the community. She has even met her second love and is engaged.

After a rocky start, Nina and Kendra settle in. Kendra begins to see what it means to be surrounded by a group of people who love you, support you, and have your best interests at heart. Kendra meets someone who breaks down her barriers and allows her to believe that there is still one good man who will be loyal, supportive, encouraging, love both her and Kendra, and see that they are taken care of.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by WaterBrook and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own and without influence.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Home No Matter Where" by Nancy Naigle is the third book in "The Shell Collector" series. I absolutely love this addition to the series and am so honored to have had the chance to read it early. I enjoyed visiting Whelk's Island again and reading the newest visitors' story. Nina came back to visit her mother, Rosemary, to see if she could get some help with her daughter, Kendra. Kendra has started acting up, and Nina is hanging on by a thread. Nina hopes that surrounding Kendra with people who love and support her will turn her in the right direction. There were so many scenes in this story that I absolutely loved, but my all-time favorite was the bike scene. I enjoyed seeing the characters from the other two books make an appearance. I love it when I get to see what the characters have been up to. You just can't help but fall in love with this town. I enjoyed getting to see more about Fisher and how he is such a down to earth guy. He is the type of person that you want in your corner and was just the right person to help Nina see what life could really be like. I look forward to reading this book again. I read "The Shell Collector" every year and will definitely be adding "To Light the Way Forward" and "Home No Matter Where" to my re-read list each year from now on. This series just brings a smile to my face.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where is the third book in the Shell Collector Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend the entire series.

Nina is completely frustrated and at wits end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Running out of options, she decides to spend the summer at her mother Rosemary's house located in Whelk's Island. Nina is hoping that this will be a much needed fresh start, but as we all know, life often has other ideas.

This is truly a beautifully written story about three generations of women within one family, all trying to get through this crazy thing called life. Through all of the ups, downs, and unexpected twists, these three women are on a journey of second chances and self-discovery.

The characters are are well-written and well-developed. I truly enjoyed following the journey of these three women as they not only had to navigate living under one roof, but they also had to address past hurts in order to heal and move forward. This is a story that is both heartfelt and heartwarming. I saw a bit of myself in all three women, and because of that, I was completely invested in seeing how the story ended. I absolutely loved this story and how it focused on second chances, love, courage, and what really matters the most...family!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional and heartwarming withs lots of angst and humor! I highly recommend you read this series in the order it was written because each book builds on the original. In the second book, more was shared about the original foundation of the story than happens in this one, so I think you will come in feeling slightly lost if you don't already know the characters and the town. We already knew Nina and Fisher from the previous book, so the familiarity of them as well as the town made it an easy transition back into Whelks Island. I felt like this book came across as highly faith based more so than the first two in the series. The characters were great with plenty of back story on her, but not a huge amount on him. The angst of having a teen in turmoil was powerfully written. I loved this series as a whole, but this book was my least favorite of the three. It's still great and I definitely recommend a read of it, I just didn't feel quite as attached to the love story of Nina and Fisher as I did to the main characters in the first two books.

I recommend this book as well as the first two in the series to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story of healing, reconnection and warmth. This town has a whole lot of heart and humor.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Nina's messy divorce where she fought to have full custody for her daughter, Nina's relationship with her daughter has become strained. While being the mother of a teenager is never easy, Kendra holds every fault in her life as something Nina caused herself. At her wits end, Nina takes Kendra to whelks island and the smartest woman she knows: her own mother, Rosemary. When a local man also catches her attention, Nina tries to remind herself that shes done with men and this summer is about repairing her relationship with her daughter, but when he keeps showing up for her when she needs him most she feels like maybe the magic of whelks island is rubbing off on her too.
I did receive an advance copy of this book and I knew I had read other books by this other but had forgotten I read the first book on this series until I was already part way through the story. If I could make a suggestion, i would recommend people read the first 2 books in the series before this one because this story was well written but made a lot of allusions to the first 2 stories that weren't fully explained in this story that would make more sense to the reader.

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely beach read!

I haven't read the previous books (I didn't realize this was a series), but it didn't detract from reading this story. There's just enough detail from the previous books that gave me a sense of the relationships between the secondary cast.

Nina is trying to start over with her fourteen-year-old daughter on Whelk’s Island. There’s quite a bit of drama that unfolds for them, but in the end, it’s a lovely story of mother-daughter relationships, the bond of family, and friendship. These two characters are relatable - almost felt like I knew them personally by the end of the story!

The story is filled with a lovely supporting cast – some are downright loveable, whereas others make life miserable for everyone they meet. One of the main supporting characters reminded me of Jason Lee’s character in Heartbreakers – kind, cool, and owns a beachside restaurant where all the locals hang out. Fisher provides the stability that both Nina and Kendra need.

This is a feel-good story with just enough conflict to make it a perfect beachside read (with the perfect setting!).

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wishing I could go on vacation and started reading this book. It took me back to Whelk's Island and I so enjoyed my time there before. It felt like I was vacationing there. Nina and her daughter Kendra, came for the summer to visit her mom/grandmother. Nina has gotten a divorce and Kendra was really struggling. Whelk's Island is known for having healing power, the waves washing away the chaos and what isn't meant to be and brining in the peace, the quiet, and soothes the soul.
The people who live on Whelk’s Island, have been through storms, hurricanes, but they always come together, to rebuild, heal, and welcome everyone who comes to Whelk's Island for a visit. There is a sprinkling of history, walks on the beach, discovering shells, and discovering yourself again. This story is amazing because just reading it, I could feel it all, the sense of healing, the nourishing on my soul, and the connection of this very special place. Sometimes, Nancy Naigle writes her stories, so I feel like I am there, and my soul just soaks it up.
I received an ARC from WaterBrook through NetGalley.

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where
Nancy Naigle
May 05, 2026

Single mother Nina found herself depressed over her young teen, Kendra. She is at the age where all is wrong and her mother didn’t understand her and didn't love her. Her father, David was great. His new wife is young and put down Nina when the subject came up. In a way to help work things out, Nina decided to pack up and take Kendra to visit her mother, Rosemary at Whelk’s Island for the summer. She works from home so it would be easy to carry on and give them both a chance for change. Rosemary and Tug were making wedding plans for late summer so they would be a part of the celebration.
Home No Matter Where will be published by WaterBrook of Penguin Random House on May 05, 2026. I was able to read and review Naigle’s latest Shell Collector novel via NetGalley. It has been a true pleasure to read another from this wonderful series. Her descriptions of the Island and all its beauty were terrific. The characters were family, all of them. It was a delightful, heart-warming story. I do hope Ms. Naigle will give us another in the series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where is the third book in the Shell Collector series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I do feel that reading the other books gives you insight into the other characters who are part of the story.

Nina has been through a challenging divorce and her teenaged daughter, Kendra, is acting out and their relationship has become strained. Nina decides that a change in scenery might help, so they head to Whelk's Island where Nina's mother, Rosemary, has moved. Nina also hopes that the influence of her own mother will help her daughter.

While Nina's focus is on her daughter and repairing their relationship, Fisher, a local business owner catches her attention. They spend time together and he is a friend to her when she needs it most and while she has sworn off men, she realizes that just maybe the magic that is Whelk's Island is affecting her too.

I enjoyed this book and how it all unfolded. I was very glad that Tug was such a big part of this book again as he is such a great character. This is a perfect read for the summer!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle is book three of a Shell Collector series. In this story we follow up with the characters from the previous story while getting to know Rosemary’s daughter Nina and granddaughter Kendra.

This series is so good! I enjoyed this story and finding out how the area has recovered after the storm. Nina and Kendra go for a long visit to Rosemary and recover from Nina’s recent divorce. This story is so good with pointing out the emotions that both Nina and Kendra are dealing with. I especially enjoyed getting to know more about Fisher and his past. He has become so helpful to Nina and helps her with getting Kendra involved in things that will help her heal. I also enjoyed how when Nina is truthful to her ex, that he tries to become the father Kendra needs. While this is part of a series, each of the books would be good stand alone stories as the author does a great job of filling in background information. This story shows how God helps people heal and move forward from.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes clean books, Christian themes (but not too heavily), family stories/drama, the North Carolina coast and small towns! This is the third book in the series, you don't have to read the first 2 to appreciate this one, but it does make it easier to understand the characters backstories to where they are today.

When Nina brings her daughter Kendra to spend time with her Mom Rosemary on Whelk's Island, things are tense. Kendra is a typical teenager, but made more uncertain by her parents' divorce and her father's remarriage. The trip has its ups and downs, Kendra acting up and Nina doubting her parenting skills. Always there to prop her up is neighbor and family friend Fisher.

There is plenty of family drama in this story, but also the power of love and belief that the higher power will show the way forward. I hope there is another book in the series, otherwise I will be waiting for the next story this author produces.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book so much! The setting of Whelk’s Island was so calming and idyllic but what made Whelk’s Island so irresistible to me was the sense of community shown by the way the residents served and looked out for one another. In this installment in the series, Rosemary is joined by Nina, her divorced daughter who is at her wits end trying to handle her out of control teenage daughter, Kendra. I loved Rosemary’s patient and ever-kind dealings with both of the women who have moved in with her. In fact, patience and lovingkindness characterized all of the Whelk’s Island circle of friends—Rosemary, Tug (her fiance), as well as Paul and Amanda (a young couple who are dear friends of Rosemary and Tug), and finally, Fisher (Nina’s friend and eventual love interest). They were put to the test while Nina and Kendra were figuring out their lives and before they allowed love to soften the hard edges of their personalities. I was so drawn into the whole story and—fingers crossed—I hope there will be at least one more book in the series, maybe Kendra’s story? Please! Highly recommend!

[Country Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle is a book featuring small town romances and second chances. This is not just a second chance romance book, the book shows many different types of second chances and also their different forms. There are 3 generations of women showcased in this book, Rosemary(the oldest and grandma/mom), Nina(the middle aged women with a child), and Kendra(who is the youngest and trying to find her way in life). This is a family centered story with so many different characters who had things happen to them in their life that has re-centered their plans in life. There are so many things that happen in our lives and this story did a pretty good job of putting that into the story to bring in the realism. I liked this story it is at a coastal small town and it is told from the different views of the women and even men in this book. I liked the fact that this was a clean romance and not something that had any intimate scenes, sometimes I need a break from that as a reader no matter my age. I think that if you are a fan of women fiction or multi generational stories you will really like this one!

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly a joy to read!! Id been looking forward to reading this one since I finished the last one. I wasn't one bit disappointed. It was a very satisfying read and one I definitely hated saying goodbye to.
This author has quickly become my one of my favorites. I am looking forward to her next one.
I love self discoveries like these stories. Its because it offers some bit of hope and maybe 2nd chances out in this big old world.
I loved in getting to know Nina and her little family. In fact, some places they made me laugh out loud because they're not perfect in any way.
Kendra was the most interesting character. I loved in getting to know the teenager. We were all there once. I felt sorry for her but I was also rooting for her in others.
This was a wonderful satisfying read. I feel like I left this story feeling full and wonderful. Stories like these just make my day worthwhile. Don't they you?
5 stars for a job well done! I wasn't required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.