Home No Matter Where JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Home No Matter Where
Series: A Shell Collector Novel #3
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (Penguin Random House)
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Sweet Romance/Women's Fiction
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Penguin Random House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
Download a free short story about Tug & Rosemary's Valentine date here!
Excerpt One
Finally, the highway signs listed Whelk’s Island among the beach destinations. The road narrowed as they approached the three-mile Wright Memorial Bridge, the only road into Whelk’s Island from the north. The waters of the sound shifted between blue and gray, catching the sunlight in a dance of fleeting glimmers.
The salt air drifted in through her open window, mingling with the faint scent of coconut from the hand lotion Kendra had spilled in the console weeks ago.
Her daughter slouched, earbuds in, eyes fixed on the endless scroll of her phone. Nina’s heart ached, the weight of these past three years pressing hard against her chest. The drawn-out divorce and the loss of Nina’s father had really taken a toll on both of them.
“You okay over there?” Nina asked softly, hoping for something more than a shrug.
Kendra didn’t look up. “Fine.”
That word had become Kendra’s shield. Nina reached over, squeezing her hand. “We’re almost there, sweetheart.”
Whelk’s Island felt like a promise. In Nina’s mind, this bridge was the path passing from one world into another, leaving the chaos behind.
She slowed the car as they crossed onto Whelk’s Island. The narrow road wound past a bait shop with a carved-wood pelican out front, an ice cream stand already gearing up for the summer rush, and expanses of scrubby dunes that felt more foreign than familiar. There was no nostalgia here—just a quiet hope that maybe this place, her mother’s new home, could offer the fresh start they both so desperately needed.
“Look at that big old oak,” Nina said, nodding toward a gnarled tree with branches stretched wide. “Your grandma was telling me that it’s one of the oldest trees on the island.”
Kendra barely glanced at the tree. “Its branches are all twisted up funny, like a dancer’s arms.” She lifted her own arms, striking a wobbly ballerina pose, tongue stuck out like some
kind of wild little creature. “Looks kinda creepy, if you ask me.”
Nina bit back a sigh, searching past the attitude to find the sweet girl she knew was still
in there somewhere. She gave her daughter an encouraging grin, holding tight to hope. “Looks
like it’s trying to give the whole road a big ol’ hug to me.”
“If you say so,” she mumbled, her voice as flat as a pancake.
But Nina wasn’t ready to give up—not on the mood, not on this trip, not on her daughter.
“I do. And I’m hoping that’s how we’re going to feel this summer. Like we’re right where we’re meant to be.”
Excerpt Two
Later that night, the house was quiet. Too quiet. Uneasiness ran up Nina’s spine. She went to Kendra’s bedroom door, turned the knob, and peeked in. The room was empty.
Her stomach dropped. She raced from room to room, but there was no sign of Kendra.
The back door was unlocked, but she wasn’t on the deck either. Panic surged through Nina. No, no, no!
As she grabbed her keys, her first thought was to text Fisher for help, but that wasn’t right. This wasn’t his mess to handle, and she hated to ruin Mom’s time with Tug if it wasn’t anemergency. Or is it? Nina ran outside, calling Kendra’s name. The salty wind whipped around her like a heavy coat, and the darkness pressed in close.
What are you thinking, Kendra?
As Nina raced for her car, she noticed the bicycle still leaning against the carport wall.
Please be nearby.
When she looked over to the beach, she saw Kendra standing knee-deep in the surf, her arms wrapped around herself, gazing out at the waves.
Relief battled anger inside Nina. She leaned over to catch her breath and regain her composure. Once her heart slowed down, she walked over to her daughter. “What are you doing?” Her voice came out sharp with fear. “Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?”
“Who cares?” Kendra turned to Nina, her face set in a defiant glare.
“I do.” She held Kendra’s hollow gaze. “Your grandmother does.”
“I needed air.”
“That’s not how this works,” Nina shot back. “You don’t just sneak out after dark.” She fought back tears, afraid to let Kendra see her weaken. “What is going on in that head of yours?”
Kendra’s lip trembled, but she lifted her chin. “If you keep being mean to Dad, he’ll never come back for us.”
It was like a dagger to her heart to be reminded that her divorce was the tipping point of her daughter’s distress. Nina stepped closer, placing a calming hand on Kendra’s arm. “He’s remarried, Kendra. Your dad has moved on. We have to as well.”
“You’re so busy making eyes at Fisher that you don’t even notice me.”
Nina’s breath caught. “That is not true. You are always first in my heart. He’s a friend of our family. I thought you liked him.”
Kendra’s eyes flashed. “It’s me or him, Mom. Pick.”
Excerpt Three
Later, when the stars had started to peek through the sky, Nina stepped onto the deck for some air.
Fisher followed her outside. “You looked worried.”
Nina smirked. “That obvious?”
“I’ve got good instincts.”
She exhaled, watching the moonlight dance over the waves. “I used to know how to do this,” she said, motioning toward the water. “But somewhere between leaving Hawaii to go to college, divorce papers, and PTA meetings, I forgot how to just . . . be.”
He offered a playful grin. “No one forgets how to relax. Here, follow my lead. First, look at the stars.” He paused. “Good. Now close your eyes and let the sound of the ocean nudge all the worries aside.”
She did as he said, and it was actually sort of working.
Fisher placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. “That’s better. See. Nothing to it.”
She opened her eyes. “I wouldn’t say ‘nothing.’ My brain is still firing off random ideas and to-dos.”
“Hmm. Thinking still, huh?” He eyed her cautiously. “Walk with me?”
She hesitated but then placed her hand in his. “Okay.”
He squeezed her hand gently as they took the back stairs to the beach.
Fisher walked alongside her, barefoot in the sand, the ocean breeze tugging at the edges of his loose button-down. He moved like the water itself, fluid and unhurried, as if he never fought against the current but always knew how to ride it.
They walked without a word for a bit, until Fisher finally spoke. “You don’t have to have all the answers, Nina,” he said. “Just roll…like the tide.”
About the Author
ECPA and USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle crafts small-town love stories full of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, cooking, and the occasional spa day with friends. Several of Nancy’s novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Her novel The Shell Collector was adapted into the first Fox Nation original movie. A native of Virginia Beach, Nancy now calls Franklin, Virginia, home.
Connect with Nancy by visiting nancynaigle.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates. While you're there, spin the wheel and see what your special shell message is!Tour Giveaway
(1) grand prize winner will receive a Shell Collector Summer Escape Box which includes a Nancy Naigle book tote bag, a shell set + message, coastal candle, beachy bookmark set, lighthouse charm, signed bookplate and a little surprise swag plus copies of Sand Dollar Cove and Dear Santa!
(3) other winners will each receive a Shell Gift Set of a handprinted shell with a message, beautifully printed message card, small drawstring bag, signed bookplate and a bookmark!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Comments
Post a Comment
I love hearing from you! Please leave a comment. Thanks!