What do you think?
Rate this book
Message in a Bottle
How well do you know the person you married?
As Liz’s world collapses around her, she discovers something she wishes she’d never known.
Piece by piece she starts to rebuild her life with the help of her friends.
But then it looks like her newly-found happiness is about to shatter...
A novella of 26,000 words.
As Liz’s world collapses around her, she discovers something she wishes she’d never known.
Piece by piece she starts to rebuild her life with the help of her friends.
But then it looks like her newly-found happiness is about to shatter...
A novella of 26,000 words.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2014
14 people want to read
About the author
Kath Middleton
23 books158 followersKath Middleton began her writing with drabbles (100 words stories) and contributed a number to Jonathan Hill’s second drabble collection. It wasn’t long before she moved up a size to contribute short stories to anthologies. Shortly afterwards, she progressed to writing longer pieces and her first solo work, Ravenfold, was published to much acclaim. This was followed by the novella, Message in a Bottle. Several more books are in the pipeline and her first novel, Top Banana, was published in March 2015. In March 2016 she and Jonathan Hill published Is it Her - two novellas inspired by a painting. Kath likes to put her characters in difficult situations and watch them work their way out. She believes in the indomitable nature of the human spirit (and chickens).
Kath is retired. She graduated in geology and has a certificate in archaeology. When she's in a hole, she doesn't stop digging.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kath-M...
Kath is retired. She graduated in geology and has a certificate in archaeology. When she's in a hole, she doesn't stop digging.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kath-M...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 4, 2015
This author has a nice easy writing style and the book drew me in straightaway. It tells the story of Liz who is widowed at a young age and, as well as having to deal with her grief, she also finds out that her husband had been keeping secrets from her. As a result she goes through an emotional maelstrom, which is captured perfectly by the author. The book came to a satisfying conclusion which was realistic and very apt.
October 25, 2015
Wowsers, totally different to what I was expecting. I love this book (although feel a little guilty at saying that since early on in the book there is a tragedy), and what a twist too! I didn't see that coming.
In a desperate state Liz makes a cry for help which is unexpectedly answered in the most unusual way (you’ll have to read it!).
It's a page turner! Plot development went at the right speed. The author is clearly a clever writer in terms of structure and language etc. There’s no ‘padding’ to this book at all – everything is meaningful. The characters were well developed too and I especially warmed to Liz.
A very moving book about humans and relationships - I loved it. You will too!
In a desperate state Liz makes a cry for help which is unexpectedly answered in the most unusual way (you’ll have to read it!).
It's a page turner! Plot development went at the right speed. The author is clearly a clever writer in terms of structure and language etc. There’s no ‘padding’ to this book at all – everything is meaningful. The characters were well developed too and I especially warmed to Liz.
A very moving book about humans and relationships - I loved it. You will too!
February 3, 2015
Sometimes you need a change of pace. I usually feel dark and thrillerish, but I was in need of a totally different read, something more character-driven and emotional. A dear Goodreads friend of mine recommended this novella by British author Kath Middleton. One look at the blurb and I knew it was the perfect read for me.
Think of a 28-year-old woman, recently married. What would be her worst nightmare at this stage in her life? Yep. It happened. And in fact, her worst nightmare was quickly followed by her second worst nightmare. This novella gets off to a fast start with horror #1 occurring right off the bat with hints of tribulation #2 right behind. One can’t help but be drawn in immediately.
This story is about how unthinkable tragedy can lead to loss of will to live, but how life itself, while not totally nullifying the effects of the events, can recreate hope and optimism.
Ms. Middleton writes with a gentle easy style, very British, which I enjoyed very much (I am from the USA). Her characters are very realistic, very well-drawn and likeable. Her settings nicely reflect the moods of the moment.
If you are in the state of mind calling for an afternoon read of a poignant slice-of-life story where living triumphs over tragedy, check out Message in a Bottle. I recommend this novella to all readers.
Think of a 28-year-old woman, recently married. What would be her worst nightmare at this stage in her life? Yep. It happened. And in fact, her worst nightmare was quickly followed by her second worst nightmare. This novella gets off to a fast start with horror #1 occurring right off the bat with hints of tribulation #2 right behind. One can’t help but be drawn in immediately.
This story is about how unthinkable tragedy can lead to loss of will to live, but how life itself, while not totally nullifying the effects of the events, can recreate hope and optimism.
Ms. Middleton writes with a gentle easy style, very British, which I enjoyed very much (I am from the USA). Her characters are very realistic, very well-drawn and likeable. Her settings nicely reflect the moods of the moment.
If you are in the state of mind calling for an afternoon read of a poignant slice-of-life story where living triumphs over tragedy, check out Message in a Bottle. I recommend this novella to all readers.
October 5, 2014
It took me less than a couple of hours to read Message in a Bottle. I can't say exactly how long as I was lost in the story which I just read straight through from beginning to end.
It's a very contemporary story which starts on an ordinary Saturday when Liz, the protagonist, finds her world collapsing around her. The opening of the book is starkly poignant as Liz tries to cope but what happens next is completely unexpected. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil the story but I'm amazed at how the author shifts the direction of the story so completely.
The writing style is easy to read but the clever choice of detail provides a full and rich background which makes it feel like a much longer book. There's some lovely descriptive writing in Message in a Bottle. The landscape and the flotsam and jetsam of the beach walks stand out along with the exploration of Liz's emotional state as the story unfolds.
A real gem of a story, beautifully written and highly recommended.
It's a very contemporary story which starts on an ordinary Saturday when Liz, the protagonist, finds her world collapsing around her. The opening of the book is starkly poignant as Liz tries to cope but what happens next is completely unexpected. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil the story but I'm amazed at how the author shifts the direction of the story so completely.
The writing style is easy to read but the clever choice of detail provides a full and rich background which makes it feel like a much longer book. There's some lovely descriptive writing in Message in a Bottle. The landscape and the flotsam and jetsam of the beach walks stand out along with the exploration of Liz's emotional state as the story unfolds.
A real gem of a story, beautifully written and highly recommended.
July 29, 2014
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Ravenfold, the prior work of this author, I really looked forward to reading this, her second book. Despite it being completely different to the previous book, and not being something I would normally have read, I was not disappointed. Kath Middleton has a lovely easy writing style that I enjoy, and some great turns of phrase. I loved the closing sentence, and thought it summed up the message of the story perfectly. You'll have to read it if you wish to know what that sentence is.
November 28, 2014
Enjoyed this novella about a young woman, widowed in her twenties and how she copes with revelations concerning her husband's death. Kath Middleton has the knack of getting you feeling really involved in the storyline, and I have to admit to producing about 5 different ways the ending would pan out - changing the further I read into the story, so you are kept guessing right to the end as to which particular one it's going to be!!
November 29, 2017
A lovely warm story.
July 6, 2014
Add this novella to your holiday list it’s short enough to read in a single sitting but long enough to give depth, dimension and convincing characters to empathise with. This author does not waste words indeed what she achieves in this work might in other hands have been stretched into a full length novel.
The story grasps from the outset as it explores love and friendships both old and new.
Liz’s life is suddenly struck by tragedy and as she struggles to come to terms with this she is challenged to question exactly what love means also if it is any less significant when shared.
The depiction of beach walks and treasures underpins the narrative leading us forward with the protagonist as she progresses through despair to acceptance and finally hope for the future.
I have repeatedly returned to the final paragraphs which were so exquisite and satisfying they made me sigh. This work is indeed a little gem-unique and stunning.
The story grasps from the outset as it explores love and friendships both old and new.
Liz’s life is suddenly struck by tragedy and as she struggles to come to terms with this she is challenged to question exactly what love means also if it is any less significant when shared.
The depiction of beach walks and treasures underpins the narrative leading us forward with the protagonist as she progresses through despair to acceptance and finally hope for the future.
I have repeatedly returned to the final paragraphs which were so exquisite and satisfying they made me sigh. This work is indeed a little gem-unique and stunning.
June 28, 2014
This is a really nice short read, if nice can be used to describe the story of Liz, who has been widowed at the age of 28. Whilst grieving for her husband, Gareth, she discovers that there is a huge chunk of his life that she knew nothing about. Shocked and at her lowest ebb, she makes a desperate cry for help, which she doesn’t really expect to be answered. When it is, she unexpectedly finds new friends. Sometimes it is easier to discuss things with people who are on the outside looking in, and that is what happens here. It is a story about the value of friendship, understanding and forgiveness and in a situation where not everything is as black and white as it seems, Liz is able to start rebuilding her life and moving forward with the help and support of her friends. The story can be read in a couple of hours, moves at a good pace towards an ending that is just right.
July 4, 2014
After reading other work by this author, I expected a dark twist, but instead it is very heart-warming. She portrays the confusion of grief and bereavement beautifully, as well as the intricacies of friendship of different kinds and with different histories. I'm delighted to hear there is more, and lengthier, work, coming from this author soon.
September 28, 2017
An interesting, emotional and unusual situation, handled in a sensitive way. Really likeable characters. Lovely setting. I particularly liked the portrayal of friendships - both old and new - and the demonstration that good friends can get you through pretty much anything.
December 28, 2017
Kath Middleton does it again another charming story that takes you in an interesting direction
August 14, 2014
This author is one of the few that manages to entice me from my comfort zone for reading. The main reason for this is that she writes damn fine stories that ignore genre. I would struggle to fit this book into a genre and to be honest that's strength. It's also an unusual story for me in that it's more related to a journey of emotion rather than events - that statement will probably make more sense when you read it!
The book is about a young woman whose husband dies in a car crash. As can be expected she's devastated and from the first few pages you are thrust into her turmoil of loss. All too often in stories like this there is a tendency to wallow in the misery. As the story progresses she discovers something unexpected about her husband, a secret he has kept throughout their marriage.
In some ways this could be considered a mundane story - I don't mean that in a derogatory sense. This has a true to life feel that makes me wonder how much is drawn from personal experience. There is an understanding here of grief and the process that follows that feels real, so much so that it's almost a voyeuristic peek in Liz's life than a story in the conventional sense.
I did encounter a minor criticism to the story.It's minor point but I would have liked to have experienced more about the main character's work. She's an artists and seeing more about what she creates would have helped my knowledge of her. That's just a minor gripe though.
As I say this isn't my usual type of read but I did enjoy the time I spent with Liz through her troubled times. It's a quick read and the writing is wonderfully crafted. If you like this type of story then this is one to read. And even if it isn't you should give it a try - variety is the spice of life after all!
The book is about a young woman whose husband dies in a car crash. As can be expected she's devastated and from the first few pages you are thrust into her turmoil of loss. All too often in stories like this there is a tendency to wallow in the misery. As the story progresses she discovers something unexpected about her husband, a secret he has kept throughout their marriage.
In some ways this could be considered a mundane story - I don't mean that in a derogatory sense. This has a true to life feel that makes me wonder how much is drawn from personal experience. There is an understanding here of grief and the process that follows that feels real, so much so that it's almost a voyeuristic peek in Liz's life than a story in the conventional sense.
I did encounter a minor criticism to the story.It's minor point but I would have liked to have experienced more about the main character's work. She's an artists and seeing more about what she creates would have helped my knowledge of her. That's just a minor gripe though.
As I say this isn't my usual type of read but I did enjoy the time I spent with Liz through her troubled times. It's a quick read and the writing is wonderfully crafted. If you like this type of story then this is one to read. And even if it isn't you should give it a try - variety is the spice of life after all!
January 31, 2016
This novella was a lovely read and I found myself unable to put it down until I'd finished. Being short as well, it was something I could read in between work and bed while I was winding down.
The second book by Kath Middleton, this is a complete change to her first book Ravenfold and she shows not a writer who's limited to one genre.
I will admit to getting impatient in the middle, when the truth about Gareth is revealed, but that was mostly because I couldn't wait to find out what happened with the message in the bottle. Which I soon found out about and was much better than I imagined.
By the end, it was all wrapped together neatly and rounded off with a lovely ending. I was glad to see it didn't end with the sickly sweet 'happy ever after' that so many of the books I've read lately seem to finish with, but a much more realistic conclusion.
The second book by Kath Middleton, this is a complete change to her first book Ravenfold and she shows not a writer who's limited to one genre.
I will admit to getting impatient in the middle, when the truth about Gareth is revealed, but that was mostly because I couldn't wait to find out what happened with the message in the bottle. Which I soon found out about and was much better than I imagined.
By the end, it was all wrapped together neatly and rounded off with a lovely ending. I was glad to see it didn't end with the sickly sweet 'happy ever after' that so many of the books I've read lately seem to finish with, but a much more realistic conclusion.
July 5, 2014
Kath Middleton is already displaying her versatility at this early point in her writing career. This book is a world away from Ravenfold and is just as compelling, if not more so. The key theme is hope from tragedy. The question is, does Liz find this hope after receiving news too devastating even to contemplate?
It’s best to read this satisfying novella without any prior knowledge of the plot so you're experiencing the story as it unfolds for Liz in its alternately tragic and tender fashion. Refreshingly free of genre categorisation, this charming, quirky read successfully shocks, surprises and entertains.
It’s best to read this satisfying novella without any prior knowledge of the plot so you're experiencing the story as it unfolds for Liz in its alternately tragic and tender fashion. Refreshingly free of genre categorisation, this charming, quirky read successfully shocks, surprises and entertains.
July 7, 2014
I have to say that this novella is not of a genre that I would usually choose. I’d read and enjoyed another novella by this author and spotted this one being discussed on a couple of book forums. The brief blurb persuaded me to splash out 99p, but then I found that this is the sort of relationship story that I imagine fills the pages of women’s magazines and really not my sort of thing.
Guess what – I surprised myself and enjoyed it.
The writing flows smoothly along making this an easy, undemanding read with convincing characters and an absorbing storyline. Maybe I should be subscribing to womags.
Guess what – I surprised myself and enjoyed it.
The writing flows smoothly along making this an easy, undemanding read with convincing characters and an absorbing storyline. Maybe I should be subscribing to womags.
August 22, 2014
I kind of guessed what was going to happen in this but that didn't stop me from enjoying it immensely. It's not the kind of thing I usually read but it's a nice thought provoking piece and I felt it ended well, too. It's short and sweet and it'll take you away somewhere else for a while. An easy four stars, teetering on the brink of five. Recommended.
June 12, 2016
I read this book while waiting at the airport. A long, boring wait was turned into an absorbing time such that I could easily have missed my plane.
Yes, four stars, I really liked it. Other reviewers will give insights into the story, all I will say is that it is an uplifting book where despair follows shock, and it leads to a satisfying conclusion.
Yes, four stars, I really liked it. Other reviewers will give insights into the story, all I will say is that it is an uplifting book where despair follows shock, and it leads to a satisfying conclusion.
June 19, 2020
Lovely story
Liz's husband Gareth is killed in a car accident during his regular weekly visit to miles, his best friend since university. Secrets come out that shock liz.
Liz's husband Gareth is killed in a car accident during his regular weekly visit to miles, his best friend since university. Secrets come out that shock liz.
October 20, 2019
A lovely warm satisfying story. I strongly recommend it.
March 11, 2015
A Mozartian chamber piece for a quartet. A young woman is tragically widowed. Her despair is compounded when she discovers that her relationship with her husband and his best friend was more equivocal and complicated than she believed. In her despair she makes a desperate and apparently futile gesture that has extraordinary consequences. Her life begins to turn away from the negative but the shattering disillusionments of the past make her more sceptical of others' motives. However, her developing recovery is sustained by the kindness and generosity she derives from her new relationships and her experience turns truly positive when she realises that life repeats itself but never in exactly the same manner.
Kath Middleton's novella is a deceptively simple piece. It is subtle and nuanced and its unfashionable emphasis on love, redemption and the renewal of faith where there was only despair resonates long afterwards. Like all fine books it expresses complex ideas simply. It is sparely and economically written and is very, very readable. The marine and geological symbols of permanency through change reflect the theme perfectly. It restores one's belief in the power of goodness and love to prevail when the world daily nullifies such values. Its mixture of the cerebral and the metaphysical reminded me of Iris Murdoch. The final paragraph is brilliant. Expressed with beautiful simplicity it provides an excellent maxim for survival in a world of flux and constant change. Highly recommended.
Kath Middleton's novella is a deceptively simple piece. It is subtle and nuanced and its unfashionable emphasis on love, redemption and the renewal of faith where there was only despair resonates long afterwards. Like all fine books it expresses complex ideas simply. It is sparely and economically written and is very, very readable. The marine and geological symbols of permanency through change reflect the theme perfectly. It restores one's belief in the power of goodness and love to prevail when the world daily nullifies such values. Its mixture of the cerebral and the metaphysical reminded me of Iris Murdoch. The final paragraph is brilliant. Expressed with beautiful simplicity it provides an excellent maxim for survival in a world of flux and constant change. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2015
Message in a Bottle is a hugely enjoyable, feel good read that will stay with you
What I like most about Kath Middleton's novels is that while outwardly very different – the last novel I read by the author was Top Banana, a very funny romantic comedy about a young man who thinks he has super powers after being bitten by a large spider – her characters succeed in the face of terrible odds. And when I pick up one of her novels I know I'm going to have a good read and feel good at the end of it. Message in a Bottle is no exception. Kath Middleton's understated style makes it an easy read, but an easy read doesn't mean light. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and holds you there. The protagonist has to face her worst fears and more. The story is a journey from loss to despair to fear to forgiveness to love and hope. This book will stay with you.
What I like most about Kath Middleton's novels is that while outwardly very different – the last novel I read by the author was Top Banana, a very funny romantic comedy about a young man who thinks he has super powers after being bitten by a large spider – her characters succeed in the face of terrible odds. And when I pick up one of her novels I know I'm going to have a good read and feel good at the end of it. Message in a Bottle is no exception. Kath Middleton's understated style makes it an easy read, but an easy read doesn't mean light. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and holds you there. The protagonist has to face her worst fears and more. The story is a journey from loss to despair to fear to forgiveness to love and hope. This book will stay with you.
May 19, 2016
An inspiring, warm-hearted story of what happens to a woman whose life appears to have fallen apart. Following the tragic death of her husband, revelations follow revealing secrets that threaten to further tear this poor woman apart. Yet life can be full of surprises, and sometimes, at the lowest point, an act of desperation can lead to new beginnings. Amidst all the darkness, the world needs stories like this.
March 4, 2015
This is a story about a young woman coming to grips with the death of her husband. Her life goes into a tailspin with all the changes, but with good friends she starts to find her footing. This short story was something different than I normally read, but it was very enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. Sometimes you need something different to read and this book filled that spot.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews