Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle

 Home No Matter Where

Book Summary

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.

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.

My Thoughts

Home No Matter Where is a heartwarming story by Nancy Naigle.  I like the author’s descriptive writing style which allowed me to visualize the setting and the characters. There are great characters in the story.  I like how comfortable Fisher felt in his own skin (he was so chill).  The narrative unfolds through several points of view, and I found the transition from one narrator to another to be well-executed.  I thought the author captured the teenage mindset and attitude.  There are good life lessons in the story.  My favorite is to live one day at time and to focus on the positive in your life.  Themes in the book are second chances, family, romance, and finding where we belong.  Home No Matter Where is the third A Shell Collector Novel and it can be read as a standalone.  Home No Matter Where was a delightful escape that had me longing for the beach. 

Home No Matter Where is available from Amazon.  Click here for a free excerpt. The first two A Shell Collector Novels are The Shell Collector and To Light the Way Forward.  You can find Nancy Naigle's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I am a stop on A Heart on Consignment Celebration Tour on Wednesday, May 6.  There will be a giveaway.  Other books out today are Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I Spy by L.M. Kemp, and Liberty Island by Virginia Hume.  I hope that you have tremendous Tuesday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle: Review and First Chapter!

 What Remains  True

Book Summary

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives—and lead to love—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? 

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care. 

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

My Thoughts

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet story.  I thought it contained good writing with realistic characters.  It did, though, take me a little while to get invested in the story.  I liked Merry Anna Foster who is discovering hidden talents.  I like how she tried new things such as planting a garden, fixing up old items, and painting a barn quilt for her home.  I felt bad for her with regard to her parents and her ex-husband.  Her parents should have supported her decisions.  Of course, it would have helped if Merry Anna had told them the truth about her ex-husband.  Merry Anna was passing through Antler Creek and fell in love with the town.  Merry Anna takes a break from her job at the family office supply company which has consumed her life.  Merry Anna gets a job at a local store and rents an old bunkhouse.  She falls in love with the town and soon finds hidden talents.  Merry Anna’s neighbor is bull rider, Adam Locklear.  He also owns the local feed and seed.  Adam has invested everything in obtaining the top title this year in the rodeo circuit.  He does not have time for romance.  He did not count on meeting Merry Anna.  Adam gets a surprise when he learns he has a daughter, and he is now responsible for her care.  This certainly puts a kink in Adam’s plans.  

What Remains True is a charming story.  I like reading this type of book during the summer.   There is a great cast of supporting characters that includes Tara, Merry Anna’s new neighbor and Krissy, Merry Anna’s boss.  I love the descriptions of the items at Krissy’s shop.  There were many things I wanted to purchase including the barn quilt ornaments.  Little Zan stole the show.  She is a sweet little girl who is smart and happy.  The Christian element is light (the characters attend church).  I did feel the ending was a little rushed.  One of the themes in the story is how not being truthful complicates relationships.  It can lead to misunderstandings, the loss of trust, and even the loss of a friend.  I liked the community of Antler Creek.  The residents are friendly and welcome newcomers.  The author really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel.  There were fun events for people to attend.  The residents are quick to help each other out and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes.  It was interesting learning more about bull riding.  It is certainly a dangerous profession.  I had never heard of mutton busting (I do not know if I would let my child try it).  I like how the title is tied into the story.  I believe Tara needs a story of her own so we can find out what happens to her home.  What Remains True is a great book to read while laying by the pool or in front of a roaring fire in the winter.  What Remains True is a charming tale with a comfortable bunkhouse, beautiful barn quilts, a rodeo rider, a cheerful child, an incessant ex-husband, unsupportive parents, and new ventures. 

What Remains True is available from Amazon*.  You can read the first chapter of What Remains True here.  Nancy Naigle has provided some barn quilt coloring pages.   If you follow Nancy Naigle on Amazon, you will be notified when she has a new book release.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the 14th A Cupcake Bakery Mystery.  I just love book release days (I wake up to new books on my kindle--yes, I am a book geek).  Some of the new books are:  Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller, When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer, The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher (I will feature on May 27 as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour), Summer Love by Nancy Thayer, The Change by Kirsten Miller, and Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay (Mel and Angie are back with delicious cupcakes and a new mystery).  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

 The Shell Collector

Book Summary

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle has Amanda Whittier still grieving the loss of her Marine husband after two years.  She feels that her two kids, herself, and their dog, Denali need a fresh start.  Amanda buys a fixer-upper at the beach on Whelk’s Island in North Carolina.  She has dreamed of opening her own business making herb-infused salts, but Amanda has had to temporarily put the idea on the back burner.  When the summer is over, Amanda will begin teaching at the local elementary school that her daughter will attend.  Amanda and her children are on the beach when they meet Maeve Lindsay.  Maeve walks the beach each day collecting treasures.  Maeve is a lively woman who knows everyone on the island and takes an active role in community affairs.  She is a widow herself who understands Amanda’s grief.  Paul Grant is also a newcomer to Whelk’s Island who has opened Paws Town Square.  He does remarkable work with military dogs.  Paul has loved and lost.  He does not feel that love is in his future.  Paul pours himself into his work and helping the community.  Paul, Amanda, and Maeve become friends who help encourage each other to find joy in each day.  With His help, Paul, Amanda, and Maeve can move forward into fulfilling futures.

My Thoughts

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, inspiring story.  It is one of those novels that makes you feel good.  It is the perfect type of book to read while relaxing by the pool or while on vacation.  We get to meet Amanda Whittier and her children along with Paul Grant and Maeve Lindsay.  I just loved Maeve who is a free-spirited woman who enjoys life to the fullest.  The friendship between Maeve and Amanda was touching.  The point-of-view switches between Maeve, Amanda, and Paul.  This allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives.  The Shell Collector is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings.  I thought The Shell Collector was well-written with developed characters and a beautiful setting.  I just loved the sound of Whelk’s Island.  I liked the small-town community as well as the beautiful beach.  The shell descriptions allowed me to imagine what they looked like.  I thought it was creative for someone to write inspirational messages inside shells and leave them where they can be found. It seemed the right shell was found by the person who needed it at that time.  One of my favorite quotes from The Shell Collector is, “Unfortunately no life is free of sadness, be it from pain, loss, ill, or…, well, you get the idea.  It’s all a necessary part of a life well lived.”  In life we need both the good and the bad so that we have balance.   The other is, “When the tide goes out, we get to appreciate the treasures it reveals. And when it comes in, new life is washed ashore.  There’s beauty in both.”  Faith is at the forefront of The Shell Collector.  Our three main characters are Christians who knows God is there for them.  They pray for his guidance and know that all things happen in His timing.  This is a story about wisdom, friendship, a second chance at love, and finding joy in nature’s beauty.  The Shell Collector is a touching tale with cute kids, a playful pooch, special seashells, a mournful mother, a free-spirited friend, superannuated soldier, and a gracious God.

The Shell Collector can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find Nancy Naigle's other novels here.  There will be a virtual launch party tonight with Nancy Naigle for The Shell Collector at 7 p.m. EST.  Click here to get your ticket. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, check out this one made for The Shell Collector.   Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review. Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  It is the 3rd novel in Three Sisters Island series.  I hope that you will join me.  May you have a carefree day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle

Welcome!  Christmas Sweets by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine and Leslie Meier* releases October 29 along with Silent Knit, Deadly Knit by Peggy Ehrhart.  Holiday Homecoming Secrets by Lynette Eason will be out on December 3 and so will Have a Deadly New Year by Lynn Cahoon.  I will feature The Wedding Dress Christmas by Rachel Hauck on December 18 as part of the Celebrate Lit Book Tour.  Do any of these titles appeal to you?

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle has Liz Westmoreland working as a project manager for PROEM Service Group in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She is sorting through her mail at home when she comes across a postcard advertising properties for sale by auction.  Liz pulls up the site and discovers her grandparents old lodge, Angels Rest in Antler Creek is available.  It has always been Liz’s dream to run the inn and she quickly sets things in motion.  The next day, Liz wins the auction and quickly heads up to Antler Creek.  Matt Hardy did not win the auction for Angels Rest.  The residents of the town still remember the sweet couple who ran it and the amazing Christmas displays they put on each year.  When Liz arrives in town, Matt remembers her at the freckle faced girl who enjoyed fly fishing.  Matt is happy to help restore Angels Rest to its former glory and spend time with Liz.  The town welcomes Liz with open arms especially Maizey who own the Creekside Café.  As Liz works on the property, angels that her grandmother owned keep popping up in unusual places.  She believes this is a sign that she on the right path.  But then an accident has Liz wondering if she has indeed made the right choice.  Can Matt and the locals show Liz that she is home?

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle is a magical Christmas story.  Liz Westmoreland has had a dream since she was a teenager and she has a chance to make it come true.  She purchases her grandparents old lodge at auction in as-is condition.  An art gallery had gutted the interior and made some unusual design choices that must now be undone.  Liz wants to restore Angels Rest to its former glory and carry on the traditions started by her grandparents.  Matt Hardy is an architect who lives on the land adjacent to Liz’s.  He remembers Liz from when she visited her grandparents as a child. Matt is eager to help Liz with her renovations and get an opportunity to get to know her better.  I found Christmas Angels to be well-written with fabulous characters.   I found the interactions between Liz and Matt to be delightful.  I just loved Maizey who provided good advice and delicious food as well as Krissy, Matt’s sister.  Elvis was another great addition with his playful antics, unique grin and wiggling backside.  I enjoyed the authors depictions which allowed me to visualize the story.  There are tender scenes that just made me smile.  There is an opportunity for a second book (hint, hint) featuring Matt’s sister who would like to open a shop in the town and the deputy who caught her eye. Christmas Angels is a heartwarming tale that that will linger with you long after you finish reading it.  

Christmas Angels can be purchased here* (Amazon UK*). You can find a list of Nancy Naigle's other novels here.  She has written some lovely Christmas stories.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will feature Death by Jack-O'-Lantern by Alexis Morgan tomorrow.  It is the second An Abby McCree Mystery.  I hope that you have an enchanting day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle

Good Day!  Grimoires, Spas and Chocolate Straws by Erin Johnson is out today.  It is the eighth book in the Spells & Caramels series starring Imogen and Prince Hank.  I will be featuring Grimoires, Spas and Chocolate Straws on January 11 as part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.  

Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle has us traveling to Pleasant Sands, North Carolina.  Angela Carson owns Heart of Christmas located in an old lighthouse in Pleasant Sands, North Carolina.  She is the third generation to run the store, but Angela is unsure how much longer the store can survive.  Business has not been as brisk this year and it has gotten worse since Christmas Galore opened.  While Heart of Christmas sells one of a kind handcrafted items, Christmas Galore carries more affordable options.  Angela’s niece suggests she write to Santa via the Dear Santa app (sponsored by Christmas Galore) for help.  Angela takes the opportunity to vent and waits to see what type of response she receives.  Geoff Paisley manages Christmas Galore with his mother, and they move every two years to open a new location.  Dear Santa is Rebecca Paisley’s special project and answers certain letters personally.  When Rebecca becomes ill, she asks Geoff to answer the letters for her.  A letter from Anita C. Miracle intrigues Geoff and he soon begins writing to her on a regular basis.  When Geoff learns that Anita C. Miracle is Angela he is surprised, since they clash whenever they run into each other.   Is there a chance for these two to reconcile their differences?  See if the magic of Christmas can work on Angela and Geoff in Dear Santa.

Dear Santa is the perfect book for those who love to watch the Hallmark Christmas movies.  It is nicely written with a cute romance and the story progresses along at a steady pace.  I enjoyed the Dear Santa letters are the beginning of the chapters along with the trivia for Pleasant Sands, North Carolina.  I liked the Angela’s store, Heart of Christmas.  The store is in a lighthouse that features handcrafted items in a cozy atmosphere which I think is a wonderful idea.  It is a shame that Angela did not keep up with the times.  She was still running the store the same way it had been since the beginning (no online presence).  Pleasant Sands sounded like a charming coastal town with friendly residents.  I admit that I was not a fan of the main characters (Geoff and Angela) and especially disliked Angela’s sister, Marie (not supportive of her sister’s store).  My favorite character was Angela’s niece.  I did appreciate that Angela grew from her experience and I liked the epilogue.  I did find that Dear Santa was very similar to the popular movie You’ve Got Mail.  There is a secondary storyline regarding Rebecca Paisley and how she met Geoff’s father along with Virgil, their operations director.  Unfortunately, the storyline seems to peter out and readers are left with unanswered questions.  I was curious how Geoff did not realize he was writing to Angela write away.  It was extremely obvious (Angela’s niece would have figured this one out sooner).  I kept hoping for a different solution for Angela’s store and was disappointed how this thread played out.  I wanted to give Angela a good talking too and suggest ways to improve her business.  I am giving Dear Santa 3 out of 5 stars.  Dear Santa is a book for readers who love feel-good romance novels. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will see you tomorrow when I return to feature Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber.  I sincerely hope you have a day filled with happiness.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader