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Surf's Up #4
Christmas by the Sea
Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman offers this free short story introduction to the Surf's Up Novellas, along with samples from other novellas in this collection. Wiseman is a three-time Inspirational Reader's Choice winner, two-time recipient of the Carol Award, and winner of the coveted Holt Medallion. Each Surf’s Up novella takes the reader to a beach locale, weaving romance and adventure into a soul-soothing journey of hope. Parker McIntyre is late evacuating Galveston Island prior to a hurricane, despite advisement from local Texas authorities. When Parker becomes trapped in rising floodwaters, he is going to drown if help doesn’t arrive soon. Fearing death and questioning his faith, he thinks about the young son he’ll be leaving behind. Alexandria Hanson is on her way off the island to escape the immediate storm threat, but she spots a person trapped in the water. Alex—as she’s called by friends and family— isn’t adventuresome by nature. Helping the man is going to require great personal risk, but she can’t leave him to die. As Alex joins Parker in the murky Gulf waters, a dangerous situation becomes even more serious as they wait to be rescued. With only each other to lean on, they attempt to quell their fears by praying together and sharing stories. If Parker and Alex leave the island alive, will they have a chance to explore their feelings during the holiday season? Or will the opportunity be lost forever? SEE OTHER STORIES IN THIS A Tide Worth Turning, Message In A Bottle, and The Shell Collector's Daughter.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
235 people are currently reading
293 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 57 reviews
November 19, 2018
\\ 2017
Just as good the second time around. ❤
\\ 2016
4.5 stars
Wow, talk about suspense!! :D My heart was literally pounding through the beginning to middle of this story. I LOVED the 'trapped-in-a-hurricane' setting, and strive for survival that first bonded Alex and Parker. And Spencer was an absolutely adorable child. :)
*mild spoiler* One thing I didn't exactly 'like' was the abrupt kiss between characters who didn't know each other very well at all. *end of spoiler*
All in all, this was a great Christmas short-story. With a unique tale and well-rounded characters, it was packed with meaning and love. I finished with happy feelings, enjoying the hints at what would soon follow in Alex and Parker's lives. :)
Just as good the second time around. ❤
\\ 2016
4.5 stars
Wow, talk about suspense!! :D My heart was literally pounding through the beginning to middle of this story. I LOVED the 'trapped-in-a-hurricane' setting, and strive for survival that first bonded Alex and Parker. And Spencer was an absolutely adorable child. :)
*mild spoiler* One thing I didn't exactly 'like' was the abrupt kiss between characters who didn't know each other very well at all. *end of spoiler*
All in all, this was a great Christmas short-story. With a unique tale and well-rounded characters, it was packed with meaning and love. I finished with happy feelings, enjoying the hints at what would soon follow in Alex and Parker's lives. :)
September 14, 2017
Nature's Fury brings together two complete strangers.
A man is drowning in the middle of a raging hurricane. His hands can barely be noticed as he tries to shout for help. As he gets tossed from one end to another by the burgeoning tides, he contemplates dying instead. It is the thought of his little son that makes Parker struggle for life. But how long will he be able to keep his spirits high while his energies vanquish under the engulfing waters?
This short novella of barely fifty pages finds a relieving twist with the arrival of Alex at the rescue site. She makes frantic efforts to call 911. With gushing winds tearing at everything around, she can only manage to guide the operator to her location before the lines go dead. Racing against time and the final cries of a helpless man, she locks her car and decides to dive into the reckless waters only to realise that it is of little use trying to battle a furious Mother Nature. The story gets dense as they get to known and take a liking towards each other while trying to keep alive. The scenic descriptions and intensity of expression is commendable. What is most appealing is the emotional content of the individuals and the situation. Rescue teams eventually arrive but will Alex ever get to know whether Parker made it alive? Will Parker remember his saviour even if he did live through?
Heart touching story of life's bitter sweet conspiracies.
A man is drowning in the middle of a raging hurricane. His hands can barely be noticed as he tries to shout for help. As he gets tossed from one end to another by the burgeoning tides, he contemplates dying instead. It is the thought of his little son that makes Parker struggle for life. But how long will he be able to keep his spirits high while his energies vanquish under the engulfing waters?
This short novella of barely fifty pages finds a relieving twist with the arrival of Alex at the rescue site. She makes frantic efforts to call 911. With gushing winds tearing at everything around, she can only manage to guide the operator to her location before the lines go dead. Racing against time and the final cries of a helpless man, she locks her car and decides to dive into the reckless waters only to realise that it is of little use trying to battle a furious Mother Nature. The story gets dense as they get to known and take a liking towards each other while trying to keep alive. The scenic descriptions and intensity of expression is commendable. What is most appealing is the emotional content of the individuals and the situation. Rescue teams eventually arrive but will Alex ever get to know whether Parker made it alive? Will Parker remember his saviour even if he did live through?
Heart touching story of life's bitter sweet conspiracies.
December 19, 2025
What?! Who knew a novella could make me tear up. This was so beautifully written and heartbreaking (but also heartwarming at the same time). It had me going through all of the emotions. The writer has a way with words, I felt like I was there experiencing the harrowing ordeal and the loss of the FMC.
February 9, 2019
This was such a cute story! I liked how short it was and read it twice in Jan both times right before bed, the one thing I didn't care for was that they kissed right after meeting the second time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2018
I loved this short little romantic tale of two who meet during the flooding in Galveston from a hurricane. The descriptions of the storm are excellent, and the moments loaded with emotion. The Christmas part comes well after the hurricane part—in the last chapter—so it’s not particularly jingly in that respect, but all the same I really enjoyed it.
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November 28, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2017)! 💝
November 29, 2020
Wow! What an amazing book. I loved how it centered around God and Faith.
Parker was swept away in a Hurricane in Galveston, as water began rising above his shoulders, neck, and ultimately his chin, time was running out.
Alex couldn’t just let a complete stranger die out in the swollen waters, she knew she had to try and save this stranger.
This was a beautiful, nail-biting story of determination.
Truly one everyone should read this Christmas.
Parker was swept away in a Hurricane in Galveston, as water began rising above his shoulders, neck, and ultimately his chin, time was running out.
Alex couldn’t just let a complete stranger die out in the swollen waters, she knew she had to try and save this stranger.
This was a beautiful, nail-biting story of determination.
Truly one everyone should read this Christmas.
December 5, 2025
Alex is trying to evacuate during a hurricane when she hears someone yelling for help. She finds Parker, a man trapped with his foot stuck, and the water is rising. This part had my heart racing - the suspense of not knowing what was gonna happen next had me hooked, and I couldn't put this book down! I may have shed a few tears, lol. I absolutely loved this story, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
December 24, 2025
#BookReview
#2025readingchallenge
#30naturaldisaster
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 30 Natural Disaster
Book: Christmas by the Sea
Author: Beth Wiseman
What a sweet little novella! How can I read more books like this?? Well it's a part of a series, so I hope the others are just as good. A sweet quick little bite, that still displayed a lot of heart.
This book opens in the middle of a destructive hurricane. An event that brings to strangers together in a life or death situation. I was immediately pulled in to the story and finished this novella in under an hour.
Alex and Parker are brought together under extreme circumstances, but are separated before they are able to exchange contact info. The book focuses on both of their perspectives and the search to find one another.
I thought it was sweet and fresh and I really enjoyed both characters, though I only got to enjoy them for a short time.
I recommend this book, I can't wait to check out the rest of the series.
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October 12, 2017
Personally, I loved this story. But I have to add a warning to anyone who may have been unfavorably affected by some of the recent hurricanes and storms, this may be a story that could trigger unhappy memories or worse. If that's true for you, then don't attempt to read this story until you're ready. The device used in this story is a hurricane that affects two main characters in and around Galveston, Texas.
Parker McIntyre was trapped, shoved up against a concrete pillar and somehow unable to get his leg free of whatever was crushing it. The water was creeping up his chest as darkness began to encroach. He figured he was going to die here. He thought about his 4 year old son and began to pray.
At the last moment, he saw a person come to his aid. Alex Hansen had been to the hospital to visit her father. She knew he had very little time left. By the time she headed home, this unusual hurricane in November was whipping up serious strength. Then she saw someone out in the water. The head was barely visible in the gloom. She immediately called for help dialing 911. Then she plunged into the deepening water. She hoped she could get to him in time!
It was a struggle, but Alex had Parker's head above water by the time rescue units were there to help. The men took Parker to the hospital, and Alex to her friend's home. After that, she tried to find him, but couldn't. She figured she was not supposed to see him again. The same was true for Parker. Parker wanted to find Alex again to thank her for saving his life. But without her last name, he didn't know how to find her.
As I mentioned before, this is such a great short read. It only took me a few hours to read it, but it was well worth it. I know this is part of a series by Beth Wiseman, but I haven't read any of the other stories in the series. It stands alone very well. It is packed full of action and I could barely put the book down once I started reading it.
My favorite part is the ending, which I'm not going to tell you about. You are just going to have to read this for yourself. My only regret was that the story wasn't longer and more developed. But this short story has convinced me to seek out this author and try reading some of her other books.
Parker McIntyre was trapped, shoved up against a concrete pillar and somehow unable to get his leg free of whatever was crushing it. The water was creeping up his chest as darkness began to encroach. He figured he was going to die here. He thought about his 4 year old son and began to pray.
At the last moment, he saw a person come to his aid. Alex Hansen had been to the hospital to visit her father. She knew he had very little time left. By the time she headed home, this unusual hurricane in November was whipping up serious strength. Then she saw someone out in the water. The head was barely visible in the gloom. She immediately called for help dialing 911. Then she plunged into the deepening water. She hoped she could get to him in time!
It was a struggle, but Alex had Parker's head above water by the time rescue units were there to help. The men took Parker to the hospital, and Alex to her friend's home. After that, she tried to find him, but couldn't. She figured she was not supposed to see him again. The same was true for Parker. Parker wanted to find Alex again to thank her for saving his life. But without her last name, he didn't know how to find her.
As I mentioned before, this is such a great short read. It only took me a few hours to read it, but it was well worth it. I know this is part of a series by Beth Wiseman, but I haven't read any of the other stories in the series. It stands alone very well. It is packed full of action and I could barely put the book down once I started reading it.
My favorite part is the ending, which I'm not going to tell you about. You are just going to have to read this for yourself. My only regret was that the story wasn't longer and more developed. But this short story has convinced me to seek out this author and try reading some of her other books.
September 18, 2017
Christmas by the Sea: A Surf's Up Novella by Beth Wiseman
Have not read any books by this author and know I will seek them out for the future as I really enjoyed the read.
Seems to lifelike to me as the Galveston area just went through a cat 5 hurricane and left devastation to many for many months.
Book starts out with Parker and he's late leaving the island after evacuation is announced. He gets caught up and his leg is trapped under the rising water. He prays to God that he gets to see his son again and he hopes his deceased wife will be his guardian angel.
Book also follows Alexandria who's just leaving the area and notices the man and leaves her car, calls 911 for help and attempts to help him. Her father is not doing well and she knows it won't be long til he passes away.
She gets to him but is not able to free him and he tells her to go and don't look back as the last attempt for him to breathe has come and gone. EMT's do arrive in time but she's not able to accompany him to the hospital. Love that she stayed with him til he was free and she kept his mind off his troubles by talking about his family.
He also keeps her mind off things as she describes the Christmas holiday and eating fish tacos with her dad along the beach.
Story is so much like real life it is scary. She knows she will never see him again and him her as they don't even know each others last names.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Other books and excerpts are included at the end along with author bio information.
Received this review copy via Amazon from Story Cartel and this is my honest review.
Have not read any books by this author and know I will seek them out for the future as I really enjoyed the read.
Seems to lifelike to me as the Galveston area just went through a cat 5 hurricane and left devastation to many for many months.
Book starts out with Parker and he's late leaving the island after evacuation is announced. He gets caught up and his leg is trapped under the rising water. He prays to God that he gets to see his son again and he hopes his deceased wife will be his guardian angel.
Book also follows Alexandria who's just leaving the area and notices the man and leaves her car, calls 911 for help and attempts to help him. Her father is not doing well and she knows it won't be long til he passes away.
She gets to him but is not able to free him and he tells her to go and don't look back as the last attempt for him to breathe has come and gone. EMT's do arrive in time but she's not able to accompany him to the hospital. Love that she stayed with him til he was free and she kept his mind off his troubles by talking about his family.
He also keeps her mind off things as she describes the Christmas holiday and eating fish tacos with her dad along the beach.
Story is so much like real life it is scary. She knows she will never see him again and him her as they don't even know each others last names.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Other books and excerpts are included at the end along with author bio information.
Received this review copy via Amazon from Story Cartel and this is my honest review.
December 28, 2021
Love in a hurricane
Although we don't get to know how, Parker finds himself trapped by the leg as a hurricane's tides rise, seeking to drown him. It would have happened, except for Alexanddia. We also don't get to know how she arrived on the beach & saw Parker in dire straits. She manages to save him by diving under the murky water at the last moment and pulling his leg free just as paramedics arrive. I had to wonder why she didnt do that sooner, but it would have been an even shorter book in that case. They don't know each other's last name, so finding each other after the storm proves to be a daunting task.
Although we don't get to know how, Parker finds himself trapped by the leg as a hurricane's tides rise, seeking to drown him. It would have happened, except for Alexanddia. We also don't get to know how she arrived on the beach & saw Parker in dire straits. She manages to save him by diving under the murky water at the last moment and pulling his leg free just as paramedics arrive. I had to wonder why she didnt do that sooner, but it would have been an even shorter book in that case. They don't know each other's last name, so finding each other after the storm proves to be a daunting task.
September 6, 2017
Alex is driving away from the floods of a hurricane when she sees a man trapped.
Parker’s leg is trapped and he can’t do anything about it. The only thing left is to pray.
Although the first part of the book is breathtaking, the second part is totally underdeveloped. The characters are very cold. The meeting didn’t say anything to me at all. It looks like a draft for a novel. If the book had been longer, it would have been enough space to develop the characters and their encounter.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy given to me by Story Cartel.
Parker’s leg is trapped and he can’t do anything about it. The only thing left is to pray.
Although the first part of the book is breathtaking, the second part is totally underdeveloped. The characters are very cold. The meeting didn’t say anything to me at all. It looks like a draft for a novel. If the book had been longer, it would have been enough space to develop the characters and their encounter.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy given to me by Story Cartel.
December 7, 2019
The title makes one think of the happy memories of Christmas. While this is one of suspense, and a near death experience on Galveston Island. Resident were advised to vacate due to the hurricane. Parker was delayed leaving and now trapped in the raging waters. Thoughts of his son Spenser.
Alex late leaving the island driving and then seeing a head barely above water, and no circuit open to call for help. She risk her safety to help him,
till help could come. Good suspense and brought out by the audio by Cecila White, Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Alex late leaving the island driving and then seeing a head barely above water, and no circuit open to call for help. She risk her safety to help him,
till help could come. Good suspense and brought out by the audio by Cecila White, Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 15, 2019
Christmas by the Sea is a quick, sweet novella. Parker is injured during a hurricane in Galveston, and Alex finds him and saves his life. Parker begs Alex to find his son. They eventually find each other at the end of this short story. I enjoyed the story overall, but I wish there had a been a little more in it. It was a quick, pleasant listen.
Cecily White did a great job with the narration. I am excited to listen to her again.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.
Cecily White did a great job with the narration. I am excited to listen to her again.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.
December 7, 2022
Although this is more of a short story than a novella, it is packed with emotion. A hurricane has hit Galveston, Texas, and the island is quickly flooding. Parker McIntyre has delayed getting off the island and soon finds himself swept away in the flooding. Will this be the end, with his small son having no surviving parents; or will God send an angel to rescue him.
Although the only Christmas involved in the story happens at the very end, this is such an inspirational short story with an amazing happy every after ending. that you feel the Christmas spirit.
Although the only Christmas involved in the story happens at the very end, this is such an inspirational short story with an amazing happy every after ending. that you feel the Christmas spirit.
June 10, 2017
This was such a cute story, and it was a quick read. I like that it took place in Galvealston, TX, which is somewhere I've never been but would like to someday visit. I also liked the MCs, Parker and Alex. Alex was so sweet. The romance was quick, though, but I still enjoyed it. The thing I liked best, though, was that it took place at Christmastime. It started just before Thanksgiving and ended on Christmas Day.
August 23, 2019
When looking at words to describe this story I didn't see the one I wanted. Stressful and suspenseful. As I listened to this experience during a deadly hurricane I could picture it perfectly. My shoulders were tensed and my body read to jump into action. It's good writing but not so good reading right before sleep.
I recieved a Audible copy, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
I recieved a Audible copy, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
September 14, 2019
** I am reviewing the audible edition of the surf’s up collection box set**
This was a lovely but short sweet story, that rounded off the box set very well.
There was some suspense with the flood, and lots of romance with a cute kid to boot.
The Narration was spot on and it was easy to tell who was talking, by the different voices.
I have really enjoyed this series.
I was given a free copy of this audio book at my request and have voluntarily left an honest review.
This was a lovely but short sweet story, that rounded off the box set very well.
There was some suspense with the flood, and lots of romance with a cute kid to boot.
The Narration was spot on and it was easy to tell who was talking, by the different voices.
I have really enjoyed this series.
I was given a free copy of this audio book at my request and have voluntarily left an honest review.
October 31, 2017
Oh my!! how could I have waited so long to read this sweet novella? A hurricane hit Galveston Island. everyone was told to evacuate before the hurricane, but as we all know that doesn't always happen. I don't want to reveal what happens in this book..lets just say it is worth your 40 minutes to read this delightful inspiring novella.
November 1, 2017
I sat down and read this while waiting for trick or treaters to come to my door. It starts off with an attempted rescue during a hurricane that puts you on the edge of your seat and brings tears to your eyes. Goodness that is a hard thing to explain on Halloween. Sweet Christmas novella that is a quick delightful read. Well after the initial few pages. Clean read.
December 29, 2018
A lovely sweet romantic Christian story. The courage and determination of Alex is amazing and the way God brang Parker an angel to help him when he asked that is just amazing, we have a God that proves over and over again that nothing is impossible and this book shows you that. Too short but a enjoyable read.
May 26, 2019
Christmas by the Sea
What a delightful novella. Sudden storm traps a man as the water is rising in the hurricane. A single woman driving by sees him, calls 911, as she stops to help him the water continues to rise. She can't get his foot free, and cannot leave him. Rescue is taking too long.
What a delightful novella. Sudden storm traps a man as the water is rising in the hurricane. A single woman driving by sees him, calls 911, as she stops to help him the water continues to rise. She can't get his foot free, and cannot leave him. Rescue is taking too long.
November 9, 2016
This is a great, easy and heart-moving Christmas read with some suspense, which made it hard for me to put down until I finished it! I especially enjoyed the Galveston setting. The two main characters Alex and Parker will touch your heart, as will their story. I definitely recommend this!
November 29, 2016
Not an overly romantic romance
As a matter of fact, it was just....odd. There is a hea, of sorts, but the whole novella is just...odd.
There was minimal romance, more like "hello, oops, whered you go? Oh, there you are, the end." Just...odd.
As a matter of fact, it was just....odd. There is a hea, of sorts, but the whole novella is just...odd.
There was minimal romance, more like "hello, oops, whered you go? Oh, there you are, the end." Just...odd.
May 20, 2017
I read this on the Kindle
This is a very short story can't say that i enjoyed it as much as i have Beth Wiseman's other books
this didn't really do much yes it was nice but too short but even then i think it wouldn't be one of her best
This is a very short story can't say that i enjoyed it as much as i have Beth Wiseman's other books
this didn't really do much yes it was nice but too short but even then i think it wouldn't be one of her best
June 25, 2017
Terrific
She come upon a man drowning during a hurricane and goes to help him. But he is taken away by ambulance and they loose each other. He looses a foot, and she looses her father. But she had told him about her Christmas tradition, and they find each other again.
She come upon a man drowning during a hurricane and goes to help him. But he is taken away by ambulance and they loose each other. He looses a foot, and she looses her father. But she had told him about her Christmas tradition, and they find each other again.
January 11, 2019
The entire beginning gripped me as I read Alex trying to save Parker’s life. After being separated so that Parker could be hospitalized, Alex searched all over to find him. The ending was just as great as the beginning. Fate was definitely on their side.
January 16, 2020
Enjoyed the story set in Galveston. We have visited there many time during the past 30 years and can see these places in real life. A sad story about loss during a hurricane but how if you persist, you will find happiness.
May 31, 2020
I am assuming this is Christian Lit. Trapped in the rising floodwaters by his foot, Parker asks Alex to pray with him until he drowns. This is a lovely gentle story, with no sex. It references God and religious beliefs, but, at no time did I feel that the ideas were being shoved down my throat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews