REVIEW: To Light The Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

To Light The Way Forward by Nancy Naigle: Amanda is a widow who is raising two children after her husband was killed in combat. She is fortunate to have a home on Whelk’s Island that was left to her by Maeve. Maeve had been like a grandmother and mentor to Amanda and her children really miss her.

Paul was Amanda husband’s best friend. He now runs a business that helps raise dogs to be service dogs for active military and veterans. He and Amanda have a relationship that is growing very slowly. They both are afraid of being too quick to not honor Amanda’s husband’s memory.

Tug has a diner on Whelk’s Island that is his life as he loves to cook. He knows just about all the year round residents favorites.

Rosemary lost her husband Kai several years ago. They had been married 50 years and ran a macadamia farm in Hawaii. Rosemary decides it’s too hard to run the farm on her own and sells it. Her daughter is recently divorced and having a rough time. Rosemary decides to move in with her and her granddaughter. Things don’t go well and Rosemary feels her daughter is trying control her. When an opportunity to visit Kathleen, a friend from college who now lives on Whelk’s Island, Rosemary decides this is the perfect time to get away. Even though the weather is predicting a hurricane in that area, Rosemary thinks it won’t be bad. She drives away from her family problems in high spirits. When she stops for gas, Rosemary meets Amanda and children who are leaving Whelk’s Island heading for Amanda’s parents. Neither know this meeting will change all their lives.

Those who evacuated the island were smart. A huge powerful hurricane hits directly where damage from water and sand wreck havoc. Most of the rest of the story deals with how lives are changed and new bonds are formed after the catastrophe.

This novel is a tale of faith, love and courage that can help deal with the past and lead to a brighter tomorrow. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the setting to life. All the talk of food made me drool a little. As you get to know the characters better, it makes you want to find or deepen relationships.

Although this book works well on its own, the reader should probably find a copy of THE SHELL COLLECTOR that shows many of the characters from this tale. There is even a movie available adapted from THE SHELL COLLECTOR. Many of Nancy Naigle’s other past works have been made into lovely Hallmark movies and are perfect for renewing your faith in people.

Book Info:

Publication: April 29, 2025 | WaterBrook |

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector.

On a journey to find hope and purpose, Rosemary is determined to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, despite the possibility of a tropical storm. On the way, she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with the kind and helpful owner, Tug.

But soon, Tug’s diner is a destroyed by the storm, adding to his grief from losing the love of his life last year. In the aftermath, Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and is determined to help him heal. Alongside Tug and his friend Paul, Rosemary helps them provide meals and support to the community.

When Amanda and Paul reunite after being out of contact because of the storm, the take-it-slow plans they’d committed to feel unrealistic. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple move forward in their relationship, they discover that love might be possible for them too, reminding everyone that life is meant to be lived in one direction…forward.