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The Messenger

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"Inspired by a true story, bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman gives readers a novella that delivers a spiritual punch without being preachy. I found myself wondering about the angels in my life and how I need to be more attuned to those around me. If you like Wiseman's Amish books, you won't want to miss this masterpiece." ~ Kelly Long, bestselling author for Kensington Publishers

Walter was eighty-two when he died--the first time. His visit to Heaven was glorious as he reunited with his wife, daughter, and other family and friends, relationships that a full life had nourished. But God tells Walter that he can't stay in Heaven, that Walter has more to do on Earth before he returns Home for good. Leaving those he loves, as well as the love of God, seems unbearable.

The Lord tells Walter that he will return to his earthly existence right away with renewed health and pain-free. God explains to Walter that He will relay messages to him, words that he might not understand but that are intended for the betterment of the recipient.

Walter awakens in his hospital bed feeling like a man of twenty but wondering if he'd dreamed the entire ordeal. When he begins to hear God's messages for others, he follows through, although his own doubts and fears lead him to worry whether he is handling the callings correctly. As a series of events unfold, Walter is happy when things come together for the strangers he seems to have helped, but he starts to become bitter. The two most important people in his life are hurting, and God isn't helping either one of them.

As Walter's faith is tested, will his own bitterness block the voice of God that carries with it a special message for Walter's loved ones?
 
For fans of Richard Paul Evans, Fredrik Backman, Paulo Coelho, and Todd Burpo.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

156 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Beth Wiseman

142 books1,441 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

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5 stars
181 (79%)
4 stars
36 (15%)
3 stars
10 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
918 reviews
March 8, 2023
This was a different book than Beth's usual books. I really enjoyed the Messenger. Walter dies, goes to heaven and sees people he knows and loves and is excited to be there, but God isn't finished with him yet. He is sent back to earth with a mission to fulfill God's words to certain people. Walter returns to heaven with his body feeling brand new..able to hear, no aches and pains and he just tried to enjoy his time with his granddaughter. He tries to help her with his grandson, who just can't seem to stay out of trouble and ends up in jail, but God does not have a message for his grandson. The way Beth weaves this book together is beautifully done. This is my honest review, for a book that was given to me for my honest review.
151 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2023
Walter is an elderly main character who dies and goes to heaven. While he would dearly love to stay in heaven, having been welcomed by God, his wife, and others he knows, God instructs him that He will convey some messages to Walter that he is to pass on to the recipients God indicates. In other words, Walter still has work to do on earth for God. The good part is that Walter will not have all the health issues like arthritis that he experienced before, so he will be spry and feel better. Walter is able to see God at work in ways he never did before. However, he still has concerns about some of his own relatives and heartaches that they experience. The book is thought provoking and easy to read.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,196 reviews122 followers
February 23, 2023
I read this all in one sitting as I absolutely couldn’t put it down. It was captivating and touched me deeply. It made me want to listen more for that still small voice that prompts me to do something for Christ that changes someone’s story. So much truth packed into a few pages that leaves you thinking and also longing for your heavenly home. God has a plan for each of us if we tune our ears to Him and have a willing heart. Walter’s story is one that I will be reading again as it lays on my bedside table as an encouragement for me to listen. A definite must read and keeper.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
161 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2023
This is a very different book for Beth Wiseman she usually writes Amish stories.
This is about Walter a man in his 80's who is stung by a bee and dies and goes to heaven.He is happy to see his wife and other family members.The Lord tells him he needs to go back to earth he has more work for him to do.
He goes back but is not happy about it and begins to do what God wants him to do.He not sure if he is doing it correctly but keeping doing as the Lord asks him do.So check out this book and see what happens to Walter.
I really enjoyed this and it really blessed me.I lost my husband last June so loved reading what Heaven may be like.
Profile Image for Janet Murphy.
32 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2023
I love to be able to read a book from beginning to end in one sitting. The Messenger by Beth Wiseman is a delightful, quick read. This author has written more than 50 books and garnered many awards over her career, so she knows how to write a great story with a satisfying ending. Her specialty is creating characters that you want to get to know. You will love spending time with Walter and his friends as he delivers the messages that God has asked him to.
48 reviews
April 21, 2024
Heartrenching

This was an amazing book for me. I usually read about the. Amish. The grandfather grabbed my heart right from the start. I also grieved with the Mother of Michael because I have a sister who was into drug abuse for many years. I had many of the same feelings she had. The story line was tricky and I didn't expect some of the things that happened. Excellent book, you'll love reading it.
1,277 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2025
Based on a true story, this novella conveyed the experiences of an elderly man who dies from a bee sting but is revived. Visiting heaven, he is given some powers to overcome his diversities in order to give explicit messages to certain people. Although this is a challenging task, he follows-through, coming to realize that it is just the beginning of a round about chain of events to grant his grandson sobriety and his daughter peace. With a surprise unexpected ending, it is well-worth your read.
Profile Image for Donna.
29 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
Most Inspiring!

I loved this book!! Walter, having been a real person, helps this work of Beth Wiseman feel so real! I believe God can and does work in the way described. I would recommend readers of faith or those unsure and struggling with the factual existence of God should read this book.
149 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2026
What an excellent book!! Loved the characters especially Walter and Jacob. Loved how the messages were put forth from God and the ending was sad but a great ending that made me well up with tears. I highly recommend this author to all my friends and family if they want to feel closer to God. this is the book for you!!
75 reviews
March 1, 2023
What a fabulous inspirational quick read by Beth Wiseman! Using a conversation from her past, Beth Wiseman writes a wonderful story about Walter and his listening to God's directions. I truly loved this story and read it in one sitting. It's that good.
15 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2024
Beautiful

I’ve always believed that synchronized events are orchestrated by God and I love reading stories about them. Even if they are fictional they still are inspired by our Father in heaven. This was a beautiful one for sure.
1,859 reviews26 followers
July 22, 2024
God’s messenger

Wow! This story kept my attention from the first page. When God calls us to do something, it is not often what we want to do, so we can get frustrated. However, God knows what He’s doing. Very well done!!!
46 reviews
March 12, 2026
THE BEST

This is definitely one of the best stories I have ever read. It contains everything one could ever need to lift their faith and remind them that, no matter what the circumstances are that your going through someone loves you more than you could ever imagine.
5 reviews
March 22, 2026
beautifully written with an inspirational message

I loved this book. It was a mixture of sweet and profound. It made me smile. It definitely touched my heart. The message was beautifully and artistically relayed.
Profile Image for Rita.
44 reviews
February 26, 2023
I read this book in one sitting and as always Beth never disappoints. Such a beautiful story that will hold your attention from beginning to end.
8 reviews
January 5, 2024
Great read

Great read... Lead me to think about the miracles I see everyday... The Lord is always there and working for us in His time
Profile Image for Medenna.
849 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
I needed this book right now.

What a message this book conveys. I am grateful to the author for putting this story into a book. Faith builder.
1 review
January 12, 2025
Refreshing

Clean, wholesome reading. Very encouraging to faithwalkers. God speaks to us. We can serve the living God. He cares for all of us
Profile Image for Christina Sinisi.
Author 8 books585 followers
January 20, 2025
I loved this book--and to think this is out of the author's normal wheelhouse.

Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for AlishA  HartMann.
120 reviews28 followers
January 22, 2025
What a heart touching read. Such a powerful story. If you need a good pick me up, grab this book and join Walter as he does Gods work.
48 reviews
August 19, 2025
Quick read

This was different from other books that I read but it caught my interest.A sweet story about an earth angel.
5 reviews
April 7, 2026
a great read.

I enjoyed this book and it made me so happy. Only complaint, wish it was longer or had a sequel.
235 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2025
Beautiful story, thoughtfully told. A man who has a NDE and comes back to complete his mission here on earth, blessing his own family as he blesses others.
Profile Image for Cathy Cermele.
784 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2023
An amazing, inspirational new short read written by Beth Wiseman. The time spent with Walter is time well spent as he begins to do what God has asked him to do. I loved this book and will read it again. Anyone who reads The Messenger will surely be blessed by Walter and his incredible story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

673 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2023
The Messenger by Beth Wiseman is a very uplifting and spiritual book. Walter being used by God to deliver messages to certain people that come into his life. A must read for everyone...I loved this book
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews