A Whelk's Island Valentine: A Shell Collector Short Story

The Shell Collector #2.5

by Nancy Naigle

On Whelk’s Island, love doesn’t arrive with fireworks.
It shows up quietly, exactly when it’s needed most.

As Valentine’s Day settles over the coast, Rosemary believes romance doesn’t need fuss or spectacle. She’s long past candy hearts and grand gestures. Tug, steady and thoughtful, agrees—or so she thinks.

Between a cookie-baking class gifted by a dear friend, an old Valentine discovered at just the right moment, and a rainy island evening that refuses to go according to plan, they find themselves reminded that the truest kind of love isn’t about recreating the past—it’s about noticing the present.

Tender, warm, and filled with the small moments that mean everything, A Whelk’s Island Valentine is a heart-forward Valentine’s short story featuring Tug and Rosemary, beloved characters from The Shell Collector Novels.

Genres: Romance

31 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming novella and a beautiful Valentine’s Day read.

I’ve been enjoying this series and was waiting for Rosemary Palakiko and Tug Basnight to get their own story. It has a beautiful structure and the author’s notes add to the enjoyment. I’m still thinking about this one a couple of days later!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. Very short. The story is about Tug and Rosemary, and their continuing love story. 💞

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Naigle delivers a sweet and heartfelt story in A Whelk’s Island Valentine. Even as a short story, it captures the warmth of community, the beauty of coastal life, and the hope that love can appear when we least expect it. The characters feel genuine, and the setting adds a comforting charm, making this a perfect quick escape. A lovely reminder that sometimes the smallest moments can bring the greatest joy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some love stories don’t begin with a spark, but with a steady hand reaching across the seat.

A sweet and heartwarming Valentine’s novella. The story had me smiling as I love the wonderful connection between Tug and Rosemary. Can’t wait to see how their love story moves forward.

[Pam Papworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet novella, perfect for Valentine's Weekend! This short story made me smile and smile. Romance is alive for older people, so don't give up! And small gestures can be every bit as romantic as large ones. You do not have to have read the other books in this Shell Collector series to enjoy this novella.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nancy for this Valentine short story that fits in between To Light the Way Forward, and your upcoming book Home No Matter Where! It was a delightful and soothing tale between two of my favorite characters Tug and Rosemary. Your gift to your readers arrived in my inbox just at the right time for me to curl up in bed, read it, and made my heart smile as I read it. I look forward to reading your next book even more now that I just visited Whelk Island again!

[Amancay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a lovely short story of pure love/romance… perfect for Valentine’s, and an adorable addition to the Shell Collector/Whelk’s Island series. I’m glad I impulsively picked this up, before reading the final book!

[Megan Tolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story I loved it sooo much! Very short!

[MommaClaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this was short, this book was amazing. Nancy Naigle has such a way of capturing holiday stories. I wish this was a full length novel. I love this so much! I highly recommend this book.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious read. Tug and Rosemary’s story lives on to love and cherish. Thank you Nancy Naigle for giving us one more heartwarming glimpse into Tug and Rosemary’s romance. I was gifted this short story by the author and I am freely sharing my review. #nancynaigle @authornancynaigle

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Whelk’s Island Valentine” was sweet. The adorable plot involved a couple (Tug and Rosemary) who were contemplating how they’d celebrate Valentine’s Day. Not only did they attend a cookie-baking class, but they also had a few other perks in mind. It was a touching short story, and I liked it. Additionally, the poem at the end of the tale was a plus! I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story! The love and care that the characters show to each other is truly inspirational. Love can be found when least expected. Sharing Valentine's Day and other special days can make the relationship grow stronger. I feel like I know these two folks and am right there with them in the story. Great read.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short and sweet moment in Tug and Rosemary's life "tugs" at the heart strings. Sometimes it's the little moments that speak the loudest. I admit to lingering over the special love note- an unexpected beautiful touch.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, Fast, Fun read. I love Rosemary and Tug, and their Valentines story was sweet and a great treat. Naigle never disappoints.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Alisha Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is so precious. Tug & Rosemary go on a Valentine’s Date and the interactions between the two make me hopeful that in the next book we’ll see even more of their love.

Thank you for sharing this one with us Nancy!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story! The love is real and the characters charming! It's a great short read to enjoy while relaxing.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet and lovely Valentine short. The kind of love that comes with maturity. I enjoyed it.

[Adpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet short story where love surprises are exercised in the everyday, not just on Valentine's Day.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of Rosemary and Tug. Having read the previous book in the series it was a feel good story.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine

What a sweet novella.
Sweet story. Fun class. Creative valentine for one another. Nothing fancy but so thoughtful and for the one you love.

[Suzanne Stapler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so sweet and real and that's what Tug and Rosemary are, especially together.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet Valentine story about Tug and Rosemary as they celebrate their first Valentine's Day. Lovely read.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short, very good romantic story that shows that little things can sometimes be the most romantic.

[Krista Mattix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest continuation of Tug and Rosemary's story. I can't wait to see the rest of their story in the next book.