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Blue River #1
The Shell Keeper
Fate brought her two very different women. When she’s the one with the crisis, will they be the rock she needs?
Gwen presents a confident façade to the world. But the hardworking bakery owner fears change, and with her only child off to college and her husband’s job in jeopardy, she’s terrified her perfect life is about to fall apart. So when a single mom crashes her minivan in front of the shop, she eagerly puts aside her own concerns to help the struggling divorcée.
Amazed that the accident founds a friendship between them and a customer who was present, she slowly lets down her guard as the three women form a mutual support system. But when tragedy strikes, Gwen arrives at a crossroads where she may be forced to grow or lose it all.
Can this middle-aged empty-nester discover the courage to embrace the unknown?
With poignant narration, a dash of humor, and highly relatable circumstances, author Robin P Nolet weaves together three lives and compels the reader to evaluate each character’s choices. And as the pages turn and the challenges pile up, each personality brings a nuance to the climax that leaves everyone in for some charming surprises.
The Shell Keeper is the inspiring first book in The Blue River women’s fiction series. If you like real-world scenarios, a well-drawn ensemble cast, and serious situations dealt with in an uplifting way, then you’ll love Robin P Nolet’s touching tale.
Buy The Shell Keeper to find meaning through misfortune today!
Gwen presents a confident façade to the world. But the hardworking bakery owner fears change, and with her only child off to college and her husband’s job in jeopardy, she’s terrified her perfect life is about to fall apart. So when a single mom crashes her minivan in front of the shop, she eagerly puts aside her own concerns to help the struggling divorcée.
Amazed that the accident founds a friendship between them and a customer who was present, she slowly lets down her guard as the three women form a mutual support system. But when tragedy strikes, Gwen arrives at a crossroads where she may be forced to grow or lose it all.
Can this middle-aged empty-nester discover the courage to embrace the unknown?
With poignant narration, a dash of humor, and highly relatable circumstances, author Robin P Nolet weaves together three lives and compels the reader to evaluate each character’s choices. And as the pages turn and the challenges pile up, each personality brings a nuance to the climax that leaves everyone in for some charming surprises.
The Shell Keeper is the inspiring first book in The Blue River women’s fiction series. If you like real-world scenarios, a well-drawn ensemble cast, and serious situations dealt with in an uplifting way, then you’ll love Robin P Nolet’s touching tale.
Buy The Shell Keeper to find meaning through misfortune today!
- GenresFiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
85 people are currently reading
2464 people want to read
About the author
Robin P. Nolet
4 books35 followersRobin, a refugee from the humidity of the Midwest, lives in Colorado where she writes with the assistance of her faithful Golden Retrievers and the support of her awesome family.
Robin's writer's resume includes honors from the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (Colorado Gold Contest), Pikes Peak Writers (Paul Gillette Memorial Contest), and the Denver Women's Press Club.
Being the gabby and opinionated sort(but in a good way!), she has written hundreds of humor/commentary columns for local newspapers, and a regularly featured blog/column for the Denver Post HUB section.
In addition, for many years, she helped with the intake and judging of manuscripts for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Colorado Gold contest.
Robin's Books available on Amazon:
The Shell Keeper (Book 1 of The Keeper Series)
A Road Back to Grace (Book 2 of The Keeper Series)
Framed (Book 1 of The Kay Conroy Mystery Series)
Follow Robin at http://robinnolet.blogspot.com/
LIKE Robin on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RobinPNolet
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 28, 2012
Robin Nolet’s book starts out with a very applicable quote from Anne Morrow Lindbergh. "Out of the welter of life, a few people are selected for us by the accident of temporary confinement in the same circle. We never would have chosen these neighbors; life chose them for us. But thrown together on this island of living, we stretch to understand each other, and are invigorated by the stretching."
In 'The Shell Keeper', the island is the Colorado skiing town of Blue River and the shells tossed on the beach are Gwen, Claire, and Del. Thrown together by tides they cannot fathom, the women find a common thread that brings them together as friends despite their best intentions to remain strangers.
The book lets us spend time with each of them alone, and as a group. Like most people who have spent any time at all in the sea of humanity, all three have the bumps and bruises from being caught in the surf of relationships. Del’s emotions are the most raw, her marriage is crumbling and the whole town seemed to know of her husband’s infidelity except her. While Del struggles openly with the collapse of her marriage, Claire internalizes her feelings of betrayal from a long-ago cheating husband and an inconsiderate friend. Gwen is the rock of the group, but also not without a philandering ex and some baggage that occasionally boils to the surface.
The scene is set mostly in the bakery that Gwen attempts to keep in the black with the help of her new husband and college-age son. The walls of the bakery are adorned with her water-color paintings, not of the town’s inhabitants, but of the town’s inhabitants - if they were seashells. Her one brush with the sea when she was 12 has given Gwen a perspective of humanity as hermit crabs, trying on this shell or that, trying to make one work as a permanent identity.
Nolet’s writing is direct and to the point, but it doesn’t lack for charm. In this paragraph, Del has taken a new job at a women’s shop and I enjoyed the detail of this description:
"Del wrapped the cardigan in Imagine’s trademark powder blue tissue, sealed the tissue with a white sticker embossed with a pearlescent “I” and tucked the package into a beautiful, powder-blue lacquer-finished bag with powder blue ribbons for handles. Across the front of the bag was another pearlescent “I”. She inserted the customer’s receipt into a small, matching envelope and added it to the bag"
The women aren’t as well sketched as the shopping bag. We get some clues to their physical appearance, but not a full picture. Nonetheless, we can picture them; the somewhat matronly Gwen, the pretty but slightly severe Claire, the tussled Del who is stronger than she thinks. We may even know them, or people very similar to them.
The book explores love, betrayal, redemption, friendship, and family in a way that is very relatable. By the end, you can’t help but think about the shells you’ve tried on yourself, the ones that never quite felt right, the ones that looked good but didn’t fit, and the ones that ultimately felt like home. In 'The Shell Keeper', Robin Nolet paints three compelling portraits of realistic women leaning on each other to get through a rough patch in their lives.
In 'The Shell Keeper', the island is the Colorado skiing town of Blue River and the shells tossed on the beach are Gwen, Claire, and Del. Thrown together by tides they cannot fathom, the women find a common thread that brings them together as friends despite their best intentions to remain strangers.
The book lets us spend time with each of them alone, and as a group. Like most people who have spent any time at all in the sea of humanity, all three have the bumps and bruises from being caught in the surf of relationships. Del’s emotions are the most raw, her marriage is crumbling and the whole town seemed to know of her husband’s infidelity except her. While Del struggles openly with the collapse of her marriage, Claire internalizes her feelings of betrayal from a long-ago cheating husband and an inconsiderate friend. Gwen is the rock of the group, but also not without a philandering ex and some baggage that occasionally boils to the surface.
The scene is set mostly in the bakery that Gwen attempts to keep in the black with the help of her new husband and college-age son. The walls of the bakery are adorned with her water-color paintings, not of the town’s inhabitants, but of the town’s inhabitants - if they were seashells. Her one brush with the sea when she was 12 has given Gwen a perspective of humanity as hermit crabs, trying on this shell or that, trying to make one work as a permanent identity.
Nolet’s writing is direct and to the point, but it doesn’t lack for charm. In this paragraph, Del has taken a new job at a women’s shop and I enjoyed the detail of this description:
"Del wrapped the cardigan in Imagine’s trademark powder blue tissue, sealed the tissue with a white sticker embossed with a pearlescent “I” and tucked the package into a beautiful, powder-blue lacquer-finished bag with powder blue ribbons for handles. Across the front of the bag was another pearlescent “I”. She inserted the customer’s receipt into a small, matching envelope and added it to the bag"
The women aren’t as well sketched as the shopping bag. We get some clues to their physical appearance, but not a full picture. Nonetheless, we can picture them; the somewhat matronly Gwen, the pretty but slightly severe Claire, the tussled Del who is stronger than she thinks. We may even know them, or people very similar to them.
The book explores love, betrayal, redemption, friendship, and family in a way that is very relatable. By the end, you can’t help but think about the shells you’ve tried on yourself, the ones that never quite felt right, the ones that looked good but didn’t fit, and the ones that ultimately felt like home. In 'The Shell Keeper', Robin Nolet paints three compelling portraits of realistic women leaning on each other to get through a rough patch in their lives.
December 9, 2016
A charming tale of friendship and devotion, chance encounters and the bonds that draw us toward each other. Gwen, Claire, and Del are completely mismatched women at different phases of their lives. They have diverse needs and past hurts that have kept them isolated from forming friendships. But this trio of unlikely confidantes finds a way to help each other heal and grow and lay new groundwork for life-changing relationships. A tender tale of camaraderie that will leave your heart soft as you turn the last page.
September 2, 2025
A neighbor dropped this off in our Little Free Library a while ago and I finally bumped it up on my TBR and it was a lovely story about a trip of women experiencing an array of experiences during midlife and how they come to rely on each other. There’s send chance romances and growth for all women. They talk about friendship being easier with proximity because if you move away people have their own lives and life just has a way of getting away from you. After moving out of state three times, it’s sad that that’s the case many time because I’ve made great friends in each community we’ve lived in. The characters also talk about how relationships can go from caring for others to caring about others. Thanks Robin for dropping off the book! I will put it back out for others to have a chance to read it!
April 3, 2022
This was a Goodreads giveaway book and what a pleasure it was to read it. There is a says about friends. Something like there are people that just pass through your life, people that came to you when you need them, and people that are with you for a lifetime. Gwen, Claire, and Del were thrown together by sheer accident. Gwen and Claire started out just looking out for Del after her accident. With each phone call, visit, and outing, they became closer and closer. Their adventures are fun and build relationships that will probably last forever. Putting this book on your to-read list would be a great idea.
Want to read
April 26, 2022I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Read
November 21, 2022I loved writing this book, it has a personal connection for me. Years ago I read Anne Morrow Lindbergh's 'Gift From the Sea' and it touched my soul on so many levels, and made me see characters who could bring to life the many layers of every woman's complicated and fascinating life--maybe even yours! Know that the heart of this story is dedicated to their journey and I hope you find a piece of your own in this book. Robin
April 24, 2022
Thank you Goodreads giveaway, I won this book back in March and it was a pleasure to read. Good characters, good story from beginning to end. I love the idea of painting a picture and using shells. The beach is a very calming place and I picked so many shells. Love how people come and go through your life and you least expect it. I will be sure to check out more from this author
April 20, 2022
Very inspiring book
I enjoyed this book very much. It's about three women that meet by chance after a car accident. It follows their lives for several months, the ups, downs, lows, and highs. It doesn't take long for a tight bond to grow between them. The writing is superb. You will grow to love these ladies and feel their joys and their bad times. You will laugh, cry, and rejoice with them. You will feel like you are right there with them. I look forward to reading more in this series and other books by this author.
I enjoyed this book very much. It's about three women that meet by chance after a car accident. It follows their lives for several months, the ups, downs, lows, and highs. It doesn't take long for a tight bond to grow between them. The writing is superb. You will grow to love these ladies and feel their joys and their bad times. You will laugh, cry, and rejoice with them. You will feel like you are right there with them. I look forward to reading more in this series and other books by this author.
May 18, 2012
The Shell Keeper is a heartwarming novel by first time author Robin Nolet, exploring the themes of friendship and self discovery.
The protagonists of Shell Keeper are three very different women. Gwen, partnered with a college age son, owns and runs a popular bakery in River Bend, Claire is single but helps to support her sister and nephew with her work in high pressure realty, while Del is in the midst of a divorce instigated by her adulterous husband. Their lives intersect one winters morning and they form a tentative connection that slowly develops into a close friendship that they come to rely on.
Developing new friendships can be difficult later in life and I really like that Nolet explores this issue in The Shell Keeper. Gwen, Claire and Del are women who are each lonely in their own way and find strength in the relationship they form. Del appreciates the support the women provide as she rebuilds her life after divorce, Claire, who values her independence as a successful single woman, discovers that she can let down her guard a little and let love in, while Gwen revels in sharing her life, as she struggles with a touch of Empty Nest Syndrome and financial stress. Nolet shows how these women's lives are enriched by the bond that grows between them, they offer each other support and care when needed and in turn are braced by knowing someone has their back, so to speak. Their friendship allows Gwen, Del and Claire to make decisions to benefit their own lives knowing that both emotional and practical support is available if needed. This is particularly clear when each woman faces their own crises and are buoyed by the faith and reassurance of their friendship.
It is the issues each woman faces that provide the plot of The Shell Keeper, but mainly this is a character driven novel. There are some nice touches of humour which offsets the more serious emotions dealt with. I did feel it got off to a bit of a slow start and could have done with some drama midway through the story as it tends to be clustered at the beginning and end of the novel. The writing is of a high standard with natural dialogue and clear description.
An uplifting and enjoyable read, The Shell Keeper celebrates the value of friendship between women. This lovely novel is sure to have you reaching out to the special friends in your life who support and nurture you.
The protagonists of Shell Keeper are three very different women. Gwen, partnered with a college age son, owns and runs a popular bakery in River Bend, Claire is single but helps to support her sister and nephew with her work in high pressure realty, while Del is in the midst of a divorce instigated by her adulterous husband. Their lives intersect one winters morning and they form a tentative connection that slowly develops into a close friendship that they come to rely on.
Developing new friendships can be difficult later in life and I really like that Nolet explores this issue in The Shell Keeper. Gwen, Claire and Del are women who are each lonely in their own way and find strength in the relationship they form. Del appreciates the support the women provide as she rebuilds her life after divorce, Claire, who values her independence as a successful single woman, discovers that she can let down her guard a little and let love in, while Gwen revels in sharing her life, as she struggles with a touch of Empty Nest Syndrome and financial stress. Nolet shows how these women's lives are enriched by the bond that grows between them, they offer each other support and care when needed and in turn are braced by knowing someone has their back, so to speak. Their friendship allows Gwen, Del and Claire to make decisions to benefit their own lives knowing that both emotional and practical support is available if needed. This is particularly clear when each woman faces their own crises and are buoyed by the faith and reassurance of their friendship.
It is the issues each woman faces that provide the plot of The Shell Keeper, but mainly this is a character driven novel. There are some nice touches of humour which offsets the more serious emotions dealt with. I did feel it got off to a bit of a slow start and could have done with some drama midway through the story as it tends to be clustered at the beginning and end of the novel. The writing is of a high standard with natural dialogue and clear description.
An uplifting and enjoyable read, The Shell Keeper celebrates the value of friendship between women. This lovely novel is sure to have you reaching out to the special friends in your life who support and nurture you.
Want to read
March 19, 2022Thanks for making me a lucky winner of this book through the First Reads program, and I look forward to reading and reviewing.
March 21, 2013
This book was an unexpected joy to read. It is the story of three woman who are strangers bought together by a crash and end up forming a friendship. Reading this book made me feel like I was reading a coming of age story for adults and left me satisfied and content at the end. What made this book really stand out were the characters: too often I read books with characters that just aren't realistic or too extreme. Each of these ladies could be your next door neighbor, the lady in front of you at the store or even yourself so it's not hard to place yourself into the story, proof that a great story does not have to be off the wall. There was only one part of the book I didn't not enjoy and that was a scene with Claire towards the end. I felt a certain word was used too much and distracted me from the scene; however, I quickly forgot about that when I read the beautifully written ending that was a perfect summary of the book.
November 13, 2017
I won this off Goodreads give away.
I found this a nice easy read for a lazy afternoon. Well written about three ladies that are brought together by a accident.
All have something going on in their lives at the time of the accident.
They form a friendship of support between each of them that carries them through some tough times in their lives. These ladies could be your next door neighbor, a friend or family member. You will laugh with them and cry with them as they face some tough times in their lives.
I found the character very realistic. You could see yourself as one of them.
I found this a nice easy read for a lazy afternoon. Well written about three ladies that are brought together by a accident.
All have something going on in their lives at the time of the accident.
They form a friendship of support between each of them that carries them through some tough times in their lives. These ladies could be your next door neighbor, a friend or family member. You will laugh with them and cry with them as they face some tough times in their lives.
I found the character very realistic. You could see yourself as one of them.
May 7, 2012
Robin Nolet has written a heart-warming, humorous story that brings together three very different women by chance. Each has their own set of challenges and is carrying their own baggage.
Nolet cleverly weaves together their stories and shares with us the lessons they learn while they realize what strong women they are, each with something unique to give to the others. LOVE this story as it celebrates the power of friendship and the strength of women! Terrific read!
Nolet cleverly weaves together their stories and shares with us the lessons they learn while they realize what strong women they are, each with something unique to give to the others. LOVE this story as it celebrates the power of friendship and the strength of women! Terrific read!
September 7, 2017
Enjoyable
I enjoy this novel immensely, the friendship, the love the different characters building a life and friendship based on caring and trust.
I enjoy this novel immensely, the friendship, the love the different characters building a life and friendship based on caring and trust.
August 6, 2020
What a fun read. Some interesting twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens next to the trio of friends!!!
August 22, 2023
Really enjoying this book! Easy read!
June 1, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is a novel about three women who meet by chance and end up creating an enduring friendship. Each of these women are in a different season if life, but they find that they are uniquely situated to help each other through the trials they meet. These women are strong and resilient, but they don't always know it alone. Together, they prop each other up and give the support they need.
This book was pleasant. It is not something that is going to challenge you, nor is it likely to knock your favorite book out of that prized spot, but it was an enjoyable read. It was nice to see the way these women work together to prop each other up, rather than cut others down. None has had an easy life, but they push through.
This is a novel about three women who meet by chance and end up creating an enduring friendship. Each of these women are in a different season if life, but they find that they are uniquely situated to help each other through the trials they meet. These women are strong and resilient, but they don't always know it alone. Together, they prop each other up and give the support they need.
This book was pleasant. It is not something that is going to challenge you, nor is it likely to knock your favorite book out of that prized spot, but it was an enjoyable read. It was nice to see the way these women work together to prop each other up, rather than cut others down. None has had an easy life, but they push through.
July 29, 2022
A delightful read about three women in different areas of their lives, coming together under the banner of friendship. Gwen, who owns a bakery and is married to Andy, a long haul trucker. Claire, a real estate agent who is tougher than nails and is into noncommittal relationships. And Del, sweet sweet Del, who discovers her husbands infidelity and is trying to regain her footing. They all meet when Del ends up crashing into a pot outside of Gwen's bakery. What follows is the unfolding of a beautiful friendship and the growth of women on a journey toward healing. A truly delightful read indeed!
*I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. This review is my own opinion*
*I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. This review is my own opinion*
December 13, 2020
Not a bad story
Not a bad story but desperately needs editing and spell checking. I was so distracted by the use of 'loose' instead of 'lose' multiple times, especially in chapters 19 and 20 that I was unable to enjoy the rest of the book.
The shells were incidental to the story and so meaningless that I skipped most of the few paragraphs explaining their significance. I think a good editor would have cut those portions out completely.
I don't think I will bother to read Part 2.
Not a bad story but desperately needs editing and spell checking. I was so distracted by the use of 'loose' instead of 'lose' multiple times, especially in chapters 19 and 20 that I was unable to enjoy the rest of the book.
The shells were incidental to the story and so meaningless that I skipped most of the few paragraphs explaining their significance. I think a good editor would have cut those portions out completely.
I don't think I will bother to read Part 2.
November 7, 2022
This is what I describe as a comfort book. It is the type of story that reminds us of the warmth and value of friendship and how it strengthens us. Really the kind of book that keeps you smiling for the rest of your day.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
December 14, 2020
I thought it was a vert boring book. Took too long describing everything.
September 4, 2024
LOVED this book! Part of me was so sad for the central character though :( Her children didnt deserve her! And I guess that was the point........
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews