Home No Matter Where

by Nancy Naigle

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 overwhelmed by single motherhood. Her teenage daughter, Kendra, is spiraling, and Nina’s tightly controlled life is slipping through her fingers. Desperate to pull her daughter back from the edge, Nina makes a last-ditch decision—pack up and head to Whelk’s Island to stay the summer with her mother, Rosemary, in hopes that the quiet coastal town of Whelk's Island will be the reset they need.

But change doesn’t come easy. Kendra’s reckless choices follow them to the island, leading to a chance encounter with Fisher, a steady presence with a complicated past. When he steps in to help Kendra during a risky moment, he begins to unlock something long-buried in hope.

As three generations of women navigate new rhythms under one roof, old wounds begin to heal, and new love takes root in the most unexpected ways. But when Kendra tests her mother’s loyalty and a painful secret resurfaces, Nina must choose whether to cling to control or lean into faith, and love.

In the end, Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, but it offers something the reminder that sometimes, there are no rules for moving forward… just the courage to begin.

Genres: Christian Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

NEW RELEASE: A South Hill Christmas Keepsake—out 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

[Ava Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Family has a way of being real no matter what the family tree looks like."

3.5 stars!

Home No Matter Where follows the story of Nina and Kendra, a mother and daughter who are searching for a fresh start after a divorce shocks the family's sense of comfort. Kendra struggles with her identity and where she fits into this new family dynamic, and Nina struggles with helping Kendra (especially since Kendra wants nothing to do with her). They resort to staying with Nina's mother (Kendra's grandmother) on Whelk's Island--a place that is quickly their source of peace. As the two settle into their summer home, they are able to relearn what it means to be family, draw closer together, and watch those around them truly experience life. Plus, Nina meets Fisher, a man on the island who has a greater impact on the family than they could have ever imagined. And when Kendra's father--Nina's ex-husband--makes a decision that rocks Kendra's temporary stability, their new friends and family on Whelk's Island come together to prove to Kendra and Nina that they matter and that they're never alone.

"But sometimes that's where the real lessons are. They're in the messes we make, not in the pretty parts."

This story shows the raw parts of tough family dynamics, internal struggles of worth and purpose, and friendships developing after heartbreak, all while keeping a somewhat "Hallmark-ish" feel. Home No Matter Where is a great summer read with a fun coastal setting (bonus points for surfing scenes). The characters have relatable depth as well as lighthearted chemistry.

The reason that I gave it three stars is that I had a bit of a hard time relating to Kendra's part of the story. I understood picking up this book that the target audience was Christian adult women, but as a teenager/young adult, there were a few parts that were unrealistic and unrelatable considering my own relationships with those around me. I felt that Kendra's character was very stereotypical. Additionally, some of the jokes and attempts at flirting just didn't seem to land, so it felt a bit awkward at times.

Conversely, Fisher and Tug's characters complimented each other so well! There was also so much wisdom packed into this book, and I took away so many lessons that I think a lot of people need to hear. The author really handled some tough dynamics, and she did so in a very wholesome and inspiring way.

"That love wasn't in grand gestures; it was in small, quiet acts that built the strongest bonds."

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was a good escape from all of the winter weather lately, and it definitely put me in the mood to go to the beach (and now I want to go surfing). It reminded me of The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate and The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh.

I would recommend this book to Christian women (or older teenagers who enjoy adult fiction) who love:
- found family
- beach town settings
- three generations (and the dynamics within)
- multiple POVs
- romance after divorce
- a total green flag love interest
- have i mentioned surfing?

"'I know what it feels like to want someone's attention so bad it hurts,' Fisher said. 'But you know what I figured out? Sometimes the people who truly see us were right beside us all along.'"

Content to note:
- a few mildly descriptive kiss scenes

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly a joy to read!! Id been looking forward to reading this one since I finished the last one. I wasn't one bit disappointed. It was a very satisfying read and one I definitely hated saying goodbye to.
This author has quickly become my one of my favorites. I am looking forward to her next one.
I love self discoveries like these stories. Its because it offers some bit of hope and maybe 2nd chances out in this big old world.
I loved in getting to know Nina and her little family. In fact, some places they made me laugh out loud because they're not perfect in any way.
Kendra was the most interesting character. I loved in getting to know the teenager. We were all there once. I felt sorry for her but I was also rooting for her in others.
This was a wonderful satisfying read. I feel like I left this story feeling full and wonderful. Stories like these just make my day worthwhile. Don't they you?
5 stars for a job well done! I wasn't required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story about Nina and Kendra. Kendra is having a hard time dealing with life as Nina is trying to be patient but is having a hard time dealing with her divorce. Kendra's dad keeps breaking his promises to her. Nina calls he Mom and they go stay at Whelk's Island for the summer. Her Mom is engaged to Tugs. Fisher, the local bar owner becomes involved with Kendra and Nina as he is a good friend of Rosemary and Tugs. Do Nina and Fisher get together ? Do Nina and Kendra decide to sat. Telling anymore would be spoilers. A GREAT READ.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Shell Collector stories, and Home No Matter Where did not disappoint. This is a beautiful story of starting over. There is teenage angst with Kendra, a single mom, Nina, trying to do her best, a man, Fisher, who sees a spark in his future and of course Rosemary and Tug. I loved all the beach scenes and the heart felt hope woven throughout the story. If you enjoy a sweet romance laced with reality, strong female characters, and stories of hope this is a great read for you. I received a free copy and opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Penguin Random House Christian Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A story about different types of love, life changes and healing, “Home No Matter Where”, by Nancy Naigle, features a grounded hero with a few secrets and a heroine dealing with a rebellious teenage daughter.
I liked how Fisher and Nina meet, interact and develop a friendship and romance in the beautiful Atlantic costal town of Whelk’s Island.
Fisher is a wonderful hero: solid, thoughtful, caring and tender. And an incredibly handsome surfer, with a powerful connection to the sea.
I liked how he managed to built such a strong and steady personality and a good life despite his underpriviliged childhood.
I enjoyed watching Nina slowly relax and Kendra overcoming the rebellion and both finding new interests and perspectives on life.
The secondary characters add interest to the story. The setting is also beautiful.
I thought the drama with Kendra lagged a bit.

[Sans Washington]

I have been that rebellious teenager like Kendra visiting a favorite grandmother when gentle guidance is needed. I've also been the middle-aged daughter like Nina returning to her tidal childhood nest when times get tough. I haven't been the matriarch like Rosemary...yet, but I'm sure my time will come. Hopefully, I'll be up for the task of helping my family discover hope and "home". Given its setting, this would make a particularly good beach read. What a great way to relax on vacation!

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story. There was a lot of heartbreak in the beginning for both Nina and her daughter Kendra. Slowly as the storyline progresses we see slow growth in both. It’s a heartwarming book about sorrow, grief, family and love. The characters are all lovely. The beach is a wonderful background. I highly recommend it.

[Sheri Fields · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you NetGalley...sorry Nancy not my favorite by you, sadly another book basically about newly divorced mom, teenage daughter let's run home to mom/Grandma at Whelk's Island NC meet a guy have some drama some fun, blah blah..I mean did I expect to much???? read the book it's up to you please don't let me be the judge or jury you may love it, this one just wasn't it for me ..

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story helped me pause, take some deep breaths, and relax in knowing that peace can be found even in troublesome situations. As I read each page, I found myself feeling the ocean water covering my feet. Closing my eyes, I felt the sea breeze as it rustled the tree branches. These characters feel like family. A great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely read. I was really looking forward to reading this after finishing To Light the Way Forward. Escape to Whelk’s Island in this heartfelt story of second chances and new beginnings. The setting of the story makes you want to on the beach and just breathe for a while. The characters had that perfect mix of warmth and vulnerability that made me root for them.

Nina is a newly discovered single mom who feels her life is out of control. Her teenage daughter, Kendra, is struggling with her own emotions and Nina is worried how to help her. Nina makes the decision to pack up and head to Whelk’s Island for the summer where her mother resides hoping a change will give them both a new start.

I enjoyed the journey of both Nina and Kendra and the small community always there for each other. Also, catching up with characters from the previous books was delightful. This book is about finding community, rediscovering yourself, and new beginnings.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and Nancy Naigle for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. A charming, delightfully sweet book about three generations of women. The ending was wonderful and I love a happily ever after story!