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Surf's Up #2
Message In A Bottle
One man. Two women. A child desperate for medical treatment. How can Kyle choose between the woman he once loved and his current fiancée? Is there a solution that suits all involved, or will someone end up out of the triangle forever?
Morgan Calhoun and her parents are whisked away in the middle of the night, something Morgan always knew was a possibility because of her father's CIA job. But she'd always thought if such a scenario played out that she would have time to say goodbye to those she loved—particularly her boyfriend, Kyle. Adding to her unbearable situation, several weeks after the move, Morgan finds out that she's pregnant.
Kyle Brossmann doesn't even get a break-up letter from Morgan. She's just gone, along with her parents. His heart broken, Kyle continues with his plans. He graduates from high school and attends college, where he meets his fiancée, Lexie. But two men visit Kyle and encourage him to travel to an undisclosed location, where he will meet his five-year-old daughter. Rocked by the news that he has a child, Kyle learns he is the only person who might be able to save his daughter's life.
Will Kyle choose his first love and his daughter? Or will he stay with Lexie and live the life they’ve been planning?
Each Surf’s Up novella takes the reader to a beach locale, weaving romance and adventure into a soul-soothing journey of hope.
SEE ALSO -- A TIDE WORTH TURNING: A SURF'S UP NOVELLA
Morgan Calhoun and her parents are whisked away in the middle of the night, something Morgan always knew was a possibility because of her father's CIA job. But she'd always thought if such a scenario played out that she would have time to say goodbye to those she loved—particularly her boyfriend, Kyle. Adding to her unbearable situation, several weeks after the move, Morgan finds out that she's pregnant.
Kyle Brossmann doesn't even get a break-up letter from Morgan. She's just gone, along with her parents. His heart broken, Kyle continues with his plans. He graduates from high school and attends college, where he meets his fiancée, Lexie. But two men visit Kyle and encourage him to travel to an undisclosed location, where he will meet his five-year-old daughter. Rocked by the news that he has a child, Kyle learns he is the only person who might be able to save his daughter's life.
Will Kyle choose his first love and his daughter? Or will he stay with Lexie and live the life they’ve been planning?
Each Surf’s Up novella takes the reader to a beach locale, weaving romance and adventure into a soul-soothing journey of hope.
SEE ALSO -- A TIDE WORTH TURNING: A SURF'S UP NOVELLA
97 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2016
247 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
136 books1,424 followers"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 26, 2017
DNF. (Excuse the rant-ish review.)
This novella was just so confusing. It had me hooked at the adorable cover (even looking at the cover now makes me want to finish it, but even if I tried again, I wouldn't be able to.) and the daddy\daughter storyline. But there was just so many negative things that I couldn't get through it.
The characters. What on earth? None of them made any sense, and were incredibly inconsistent. They would say or do something in one scene, then say or do the opposite in the next. I was doing a lot of head scratching . . .
The religion\faith element. Huh? A character mentioned being "a good Catholic", and therefore not but then does all but that. Which hey, if that's what you're convicted of, and that's what floats your boat, then fine, but I personally am not okay with that. Another character was a Christian (Or Catholic; it was unclear), and mentioned having faith, trusting God, and prayer, but then something tough happens (actually, it wasn't even THAT big of a deal), and she flies off the handle and is entirely inconsolable. I get it, hard things happen to all of us, and we are human, and therefore won't always handle it correctly. But this just seemed extreme.
The romance. Touted as a love triangle, this was really technically a love square. Which, should be really easy to solve, if you think about it. Girl decided to back out of a relationship with Guy A because she wasn't emotionally ready, but then Guy B shows back up (WHO IS ENGAGED AT THIS POINT! DID I MENTION THAT!?!?!), and they start falling for each other. And Guy B (yeah, the one who's engaged and going to be getting married in two months time), who has allegedly found the love of his life in his fiancee, and nothing could ever change that starts falling for the original girl. *shakes head* Makes no sense. Also lots of physical attraction going on, which made me not happy. But that's just me personally.
The legal stuff. Okay, wow. I have not researched a situation like this, but I am pretty darn sure how it was portrayed in this book is NOT how it works in the real world. I can't explain it without going into too many details and spoilers and all that, but it just felt totally off. I'm not CIA, but I can come up with some alternative situations that would have been far more beneficial to multiple characters, and still be "safe" and legal.
Also content. Nothing was really described, but I was still uncomfortable with a lot of stuff.
All in all, I can't recommend this, as a good read, or as a clean read.
This novella was just so confusing. It had me hooked at the adorable cover (even looking at the cover now makes me want to finish it, but even if I tried again, I wouldn't be able to.) and the daddy\daughter storyline. But there was just so many negative things that I couldn't get through it.
The characters. What on earth? None of them made any sense, and were incredibly inconsistent. They would say or do something in one scene, then say or do the opposite in the next. I was doing a lot of head scratching . . .
The religion\faith element. Huh? A character mentioned being "a good Catholic", and therefore not but then does all but that. Which hey, if that's what you're convicted of, and that's what floats your boat, then fine, but I personally am not okay with that. Another character was a Christian (Or Catholic; it was unclear), and mentioned having faith, trusting God, and prayer, but then something tough happens (actually, it wasn't even THAT big of a deal), and she flies off the handle and is entirely inconsolable. I get it, hard things happen to all of us, and we are human, and therefore won't always handle it correctly. But this just seemed extreme.
The romance. Touted as a love triangle, this was really technically a love square. Which, should be really easy to solve, if you think about it. Girl decided to back out of a relationship with Guy A because she wasn't emotionally ready, but then Guy B shows back up (WHO IS ENGAGED AT THIS POINT! DID I MENTION THAT!?!?!), and they start falling for each other. And Guy B (yeah, the one who's engaged and going to be getting married in two months time), who has allegedly found the love of his life in his fiancee, and nothing could ever change that starts falling for the original girl. *shakes head* Makes no sense. Also lots of physical attraction going on, which made me not happy. But that's just me personally.
The legal stuff. Okay, wow. I have not researched a situation like this, but I am pretty darn sure how it was portrayed in this book is NOT how it works in the real world. I can't explain it without going into too many details and spoilers and all that, but it just felt totally off. I'm not CIA, but I can come up with some alternative situations that would have been far more beneficial to multiple characters, and still be "safe" and legal.
Also content. Nothing was really described, but I was still uncomfortable with a lot of stuff.
All in all, I can't recommend this, as a good read, or as a clean read.
Want to read
November 28, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2017)! 💝
June 15, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (4.25 stars)
Read: May 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CFG’s, “You’ve had on your TBR for two + years” (purchased in 2017)
Book #53 of 2024: This novella was very interesting! I haven’t read a Beth Wiseman book in a while and I’m more familiar with her Amish books.
What a position for the main, male character to be in! To be covertly thrown back into his past, learning of a child he didn’t know he had, saving the child’s life, AND then having to make brutally difficult choices with so many unknowns. As a reader, I tried to put myself in Kyle’s position and it was mind-boggling. You couldn’t help feel for all of them trying to make sense of it all.
This novella packed some serious punches. Even in the most complex of situations, God can still make good out of bad and can clear the muddy waters.
Read: May 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CFG’s, “You’ve had on your TBR for two + years” (purchased in 2017)
Book #53 of 2024: This novella was very interesting! I haven’t read a Beth Wiseman book in a while and I’m more familiar with her Amish books.
What a position for the main, male character to be in! To be covertly thrown back into his past, learning of a child he didn’t know he had, saving the child’s life, AND then having to make brutally difficult choices with so many unknowns. As a reader, I tried to put myself in Kyle’s position and it was mind-boggling. You couldn’t help feel for all of them trying to make sense of it all.
This novella packed some serious punches. Even in the most complex of situations, God can still make good out of bad and can clear the muddy waters.
April 28, 2018
Great Story
I love all of Beth Wiseman's books. She is such a great author with just enough romance, and my story to keep you interested.
I love all of Beth Wiseman's books. She is such a great author with just enough romance, and my story to keep you interested.
March 26, 2023
I loved the originality of this story and how Beth Wiseman’s emotional storytelling immediately drew me into the unbelievably complicated lives of these characters. When torn between Kyle’s fiancé, his first love and the daughter he never knew he had she totally had me hooked. Some say that life is black and white but the shades of gray in this story as told from each character’s point of view had me mesmerized. My only slight criticism is that I wish there had been more of a bridge between how the story ended and the epilogue began because it left so many of my questions unanswered.
Read
April 1, 2018Good read. Needed more clarification at the ending.
April 4, 2020
Too many questions and no real answers
Kyle, who is about to be engaged to the love of his life, finds out he has a daughter by his ex-girlfriend who disappeared mysteriously aproximately 5 years ago.
I liked Kyle and Morgan but I was confused by whether they still loved each other or not. It seemed like they both still had feelings for each other but they were with other people. Morgan had Landon and Kyle had Lexi. The focus of the story was on Kyle and Morgan so you really didn't get to know too much about Landon or Lexi.
Morgan's family adopts a new identity and goes into hiding because her father is in the CIA and people are after him. This is the part of the storyline that didn't really make sense to me and it's never really explained. The end leaves the reader with more questions than answers about this particular storyline.
The author did keep me invested in the characters. I also liked that she added an epilogue which caught the reader up with all the characters several years later.
Kyle, who is about to be engaged to the love of his life, finds out he has a daughter by his ex-girlfriend who disappeared mysteriously aproximately 5 years ago.
I liked Kyle and Morgan but I was confused by whether they still loved each other or not. It seemed like they both still had feelings for each other but they were with other people. Morgan had Landon and Kyle had Lexi. The focus of the story was on Kyle and Morgan so you really didn't get to know too much about Landon or Lexi.
Morgan's family adopts a new identity and goes into hiding because her father is in the CIA and people are after him. This is the part of the storyline that didn't really make sense to me and it's never really explained. The end leaves the reader with more questions than answers about this particular storyline.
The author did keep me invested in the characters. I also liked that she added an epilogue which caught the reader up with all the characters several years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2019
** I am reviewing the audible version of this book, which comes in a box set of 4 novellas**
This was another great sweet story.
There was a bit of mystery, lots of angxt. In short, I couldn’t see any way for this situation to be sorted out. I won’t say too much more for fear of spoiling the novella.
The characters were relatable and floored like all of us. This made the story feel real.
the narration was great and all the characters had their own voices which was wonderful.
Also interesting to learn a little more about Hawaii and it’s islands.
Great job. Can’t wait to start the next novella.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was another great sweet story.
There was a bit of mystery, lots of angxt. In short, I couldn’t see any way for this situation to be sorted out. I won’t say too much more for fear of spoiling the novella.
The characters were relatable and floored like all of us. This made the story feel real.
the narration was great and all the characters had their own voices which was wonderful.
Also interesting to learn a little more about Hawaii and it’s islands.
Great job. Can’t wait to start the next novella.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 4, 2017
Very good
This story was very good. I read it in one afternoon. It seems familiar, like I have read a story with a similar plot before, but it's not exactly the same.
The one thing that caused me to give it four stars instead of five is that it is a novella. With the limited number of pages, there was no room for thoroughly developed characters and storyline. If it had been longer, and had gone into more details in the story and if the characters had been more developed, I would have given it five stars.
This story was very good. I read it in one afternoon. It seems familiar, like I have read a story with a similar plot before, but it's not exactly the same.
The one thing that caused me to give it four stars instead of five is that it is a novella. With the limited number of pages, there was no room for thoroughly developed characters and storyline. If it had been longer, and had gone into more details in the story and if the characters had been more developed, I would have given it five stars.
August 20, 2017
Could not put it down
Good and happy story about Kyle, Lexie, Morgan and Landon. Once upon a time, Kyle was deeply in love with Morgan, than one day she and her whole family disappeared with no trace. Kyle was left with a broken heart. He meets Lexie and falls on love with her and plans to make a life with her. But now he disappeared without a trace and Lexie trying to truss it n God that there must be a good reason. He it was, he disappeared to save his daughter he not know he had......
Good and happy story about Kyle, Lexie, Morgan and Landon. Once upon a time, Kyle was deeply in love with Morgan, than one day she and her whole family disappeared with no trace. Kyle was left with a broken heart. He meets Lexie and falls on love with her and plans to make a life with her. But now he disappeared without a trace and Lexie trying to truss it n God that there must be a good reason. He it was, he disappeared to save his daughter he not know he had......
August 22, 2017
I'm not sure what to think of this book. It was short but it was so intense. I'm not sure if I liked the ending but it seemed to fit. You see I wanted him with Morgan and have a family together, yet the way it actually played out seemed to work as well. I gave it a 5 because it's a well written story, intense, pulls in emotion and yet end really well. I personally didn't feel as attached to Lexie in the story so I was kind of hoping things would work out different, however, everyone ended up happy so it seems. Interesting. Clean, well written, and a good read.
August 23, 2019
A poignant story about loss, devotion, secrecy and trust. This is not a 'happy' story even with the HEA there is a sense of loss. Saying that in no way discounts the story. This journey shows the depth and near miraculous ways God works with hin the human spirit.
Cecily White did a good job narrating but I do wonder if a male voice would have been more effectiveness the stand out character, Kyle, was male.
I was given a free Audible copy, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
Cecily White did a good job narrating but I do wonder if a male voice would have been more effectiveness the stand out character, Kyle, was male.
I was given a free Audible copy, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
November 22, 2016
Wonderful read
This was a heartwarming and heart breaking story. Anything involving children always touches my heart. Written with a deep sense of knowing people's dedication to each other is so well executed in the characters, especially Morgan and Kyle. Very endearing characters . Thank you for a good read.
This was a heartwarming and heart breaking story. Anything involving children always touches my heart. Written with a deep sense of knowing people's dedication to each other is so well executed in the characters, especially Morgan and Kyle. Very endearing characters . Thank you for a good read.
September 16, 2017
Plot was unrealistic to me, and much more "young adult" in tone than I like. I couldn't quite understand the hero who is a guy who won't live with his girlfriend until they're married, but has a child by another woman?
October 17, 2017
This story was about the h going into witness protection and her boyfriend couldn't find her. After six years she needs his help. Their daughter is ill and needs him. But what of his fiancee? How is he going to move on? Will she stay in hidden? This had so many twists that I didn't know who to root for.
January 1, 2018
Message in a Bottle
An unusual story. Kyle was,suddenly grabbed up with no notice and flown across the country to become a,bone marrow donor for a,daughter he knew nothing about. He wasn't allowed to contact his,family. Some,interesting characters and some unexpected developments. Did get to have a,happy ending. I would give it 5 stars
An unusual story. Kyle was,suddenly grabbed up with no notice and flown across the country to become a,bone marrow donor for a,daughter he knew nothing about. He wasn't allowed to contact his,family. Some,interesting characters and some unexpected developments. Did get to have a,happy ending. I would give it 5 stars
March 3, 2018
A mind grabbing story
This story is suspenseful and dramatic. It will hold you spellbound, wanting to know what will happen. This story about the effect love has on us: friendship love, lover's love, and parental love. They all impact our relationships profoundly. I would recommend this book to Christians, mystery lovers, and love story fanatics who love good endings.
This story is suspenseful and dramatic. It will hold you spellbound, wanting to know what will happen. This story about the effect love has on us: friendship love, lover's love, and parental love. They all impact our relationships profoundly. I would recommend this book to Christians, mystery lovers, and love story fanatics who love good endings.
April 2, 2018
Wanted more.
I love reading author Beth Wiseman's work. She makes you feel whatever emotion that is being portrayed in her storyline. I did not realize this was a Novella. Such a good read, yet the ending felt under developed. Also a little disappointed that Kyle and Morgan did not get back together.
I love reading author Beth Wiseman's work. She makes you feel whatever emotion that is being portrayed in her storyline. I did not realize this was a Novella. Such a good read, yet the ending felt under developed. Also a little disappointed that Kyle and Morgan did not get back together.
May 17, 2018
This fun, quick read starts with an unrealistic premise and goes downhill from there. The challenges that must be overcome seem contrived. Ther characters find one another in a way that doesn't match the storyline. And the conclusion leaves more questions than it answers.
But Wiseman has a great writing style, and I'll probably give her another chance.
But Wiseman has a great writing style, and I'll probably give her another chance.
July 16, 2018
Beth Wiseman packed a lot into this novella. Message In a Bottle was a touching story with Kyle, Lexie, Morgan and dear little Emma. There were unexpected happenings and secrets throughout the tale. How could a final message in a bottle to Kyle bring together loving and flawed individuals? Wiseman did a beautiful job giving readers a glimpse of what faith and trust can do.
December 7, 2019
Morgan parents are whisked away, with him being in the CIA Then she is leaving without saying goodbye to Kyle, a first love, A twist of a situation he later finds a daughter, who needs medical help. Kyle is faced with decisions , a child and two woman. Short story but well done.
Given ARC audio which added to this story narrated by Cecila White, for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Given ARC audio which added to this story narrated by Cecila White, for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
November 7, 2020
Kyle & Morgan had been high school sweat hearts but one night she & her family disappear. Kyle has now finished college and is engaged to Lexus when to strange men arrive at his door to wish him away. To his shock, he meets Morgan & discovers he has a daughter he never knew about. What will happen next & how will Lexis take the news if he can even get back to her? Good short story
November 5, 2016
The short story of a young woman whisked away with her parents without notice. Left behind is her life-long friend and boyfriend who has moved on with his life until he is called upon to save the life of a daughter he doesn't know about. A well written novella with a good plot and good characters.
June 17, 2017
This was a huge disappointment. I liked the MCs, Morgan and Kyle. Also, I liked the setting--I love a beach setting. I just didn't like the ending; that was such a disappointment. At least it was a quick read.
June 23, 2017
This was an excellent read. It was not too violent nor too sexual explicit. It was a good study of human weaknesses verses their desire and strength to do what is right and necessary for the good of others
June 25, 2017
Beautiful
Young love is wonderful until one day you go to get your girl for school and they are all gone. Now you have fallen in love, and finished college. You get a knock at your door. You have a daughter and she needs your stem cells. Read to see what happens
Young love is wonderful until one day you go to get your girl for school and they are all gone. Now you have fallen in love, and finished college. You get a knock at your door. You have a daughter and she needs your stem cells. Read to see what happens
June 30, 2017
Message in a Bottle
Oh wow what a great novella! A deep story for something so short. Gees is wanted both Gus to win and essentially they did. Great story, with quite a unique twist.
Oh wow what a great novella! A deep story for something so short. Gees is wanted both Gus to win and essentially they did. Great story, with quite a unique twist.
December 1, 2017
Good read
This was a good book.This author is a new one for me,but I will have to read more of her books.I love to read about inspirational journey through life.I will definitely pick up the next book by this author.HAPPY READING EVERYONE.
This was a good book.This author is a new one for me,but I will have to read more of her books.I love to read about inspirational journey through life.I will definitely pick up the next book by this author.HAPPY READING EVERYONE.
December 28, 2017
A WONDERFUL STORY THAT CAPTURES FROM THE BEGINNING
This story was well written and I read in one sitting. I could not set it aside until I was finished with the book. This book was written with such skill. I will read more by this author.
This story was well written and I read in one sitting. I could not set it aside until I was finished with the book. This book was written with such skill. I will read more by this author.
February 26, 2018
Shirley
I like the way they prayed and ask God to protect them. When their was a problem to be solved they went to God for help. It was based on Godly principals. I am a great believer in trusting God. That was brought out in this book.
I like the way they prayed and ask God to protect them. When their was a problem to be solved they went to God for help. It was based on Godly principals. I am a great believer in trusting God. That was brought out in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews