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Finding the Perfect Wave
'Alli...there's been an accident.' Her voice grew silent. 'What?' I began to hear sobbing coming from the other end of the line. A sick feeling overtook my whole body. The fear of what I was about to hear became a stronger reality with each of Sara's sobs. 'There was a really bad car accident, and Alli...' She paused and began to cry louder. 'H-He's...gone. He's dead.' Seventeen-year-old Alli Whitton's life just can't get any better. She's one of the best surfers in Huntington Beach, spending every day side by side with her boyfriend, Todd, and just days away from entering the halls of her senior year in high school. Then her dad is transferred miles away from her beloved ocean to the middle of the sweltering Arizona desert, and Alli's perfect life is threatened. It takes an uphill turn, however, when she meets Jake, the school's handsome soccer star, whose sandy blond hair and sharp green eyes remind her how to smile once again. All she needs to do is make it ten long months; then she's free to return to California. But when an unthinkable tragedy occurs, Alli is forced into mourning the loss of a dear loved one, leaving her suffering through the grieving process in a new school with none of her best friends to comfort her. Cheri Miklich's Finding the Perfect Wave is a romantic coming-of-age drama where readers will learn, along with Alli, to smile and laugh even amidst life's darkest hours. A new romance blooms, hope and faith fight to prevail, and a strong realization of passion for her dreams surfaces as she discovers who she is meant to be. Join Alli as she enters the waters of life and seeks to find the perfect wave!
334 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published December 14, 2010
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Cheri H. Miklich
4 books7 followersFinding the Perfect Wave, part one, is Cheri's first novel and the first in the Perfect Wave trilogy. She grew up in Southern California where she loved spending as much free time as she could at the beach. She and her husband Mark, live in Arizona with their four children. She loves to travel with her family, especially to beautiful beaches.
She has been asked on many occasions, "How does a stay at home Mom come to write a book?" Her answer...
"I stay at home with four of God's greatest creations who call me Mom. My inspiration to write this novel and the four that follow are my children.
One Sunday afternoon, I was watching a delightful and stirring movie with my family. I was grateful that I didn't have to hold the remote in my hand waiting for the "inappropriate" scene to show up, leaving me in a panic to fast forward before my young family was "tainted". As I viewed the bonus material on the DVD, featuring the author of the story, I remember feeling so thankful to this "ordinary" woman who created such a delightful piece of literature, which would later become a feature film. This author reiterated so many principles and values that I have desperately been trying to teach my children.
I was encouraged and wanted to do something, considering my oldest son was soon to be a teenager, GULP! And I feared some aspects of the world that he was soon entering into. I contemplated what I could do to encourage writers to produce pure and decent literature that young people would not only love and enjoy reading, but would also remind them that being a good person and holding fast to their values was not only acceptable but desirable.
Then in a moment of inspiration, I realized that I could be that person, and over two years later, "Finding the Perfect Wave, Part One" is born. I believe with my whole heart that I have succeeded in my goal offering young people, of every age, a story that inspires us to be the best we can be! It is my sincere honor to share this story with you!"
She has been asked on many occasions, "How does a stay at home Mom come to write a book?" Her answer...
"I stay at home with four of God's greatest creations who call me Mom. My inspiration to write this novel and the four that follow are my children.
One Sunday afternoon, I was watching a delightful and stirring movie with my family. I was grateful that I didn't have to hold the remote in my hand waiting for the "inappropriate" scene to show up, leaving me in a panic to fast forward before my young family was "tainted". As I viewed the bonus material on the DVD, featuring the author of the story, I remember feeling so thankful to this "ordinary" woman who created such a delightful piece of literature, which would later become a feature film. This author reiterated so many principles and values that I have desperately been trying to teach my children.
I was encouraged and wanted to do something, considering my oldest son was soon to be a teenager, GULP! And I feared some aspects of the world that he was soon entering into. I contemplated what I could do to encourage writers to produce pure and decent literature that young people would not only love and enjoy reading, but would also remind them that being a good person and holding fast to their values was not only acceptable but desirable.
Then in a moment of inspiration, I realized that I could be that person, and over two years later, "Finding the Perfect Wave, Part One" is born. I believe with my whole heart that I have succeeded in my goal offering young people, of every age, a story that inspires us to be the best we can be! It is my sincere honor to share this story with you!"
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 30, 2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 03/15/12
Received my copy last night and hope to start soon. I have 10 others in front plus my current read. Also the author is going to be in my town Saturday doing a book signing. I don't know if I can get off work to go, but I am going to try. 3/21/12
Started yesterday, 4/29/12
Finished last night, 5/1/12
Alli is a surfer girl that lives in Huntington Beach California. Her senior year is coming up and she has the perfect life, the best friend, the hot boyfriend, and the ability to surf all year long. Then her dad gets a job in Arizona, no best friend, no boyfriend, and worse of all no ocean to surf. Tragedy strikes and Alli tries to deal with her emotions while living her new life in Arizona and trying to hold on to her old life in California.
Okay, I thought this was going to be a breezy teen angst type book. I was right but wrong at the same time. I felt Alli's emotional struggles were fine for awhile, but they seemed to go on and on and on all on the same thing. I remember being a teen, it hasn't been that long. I don't think her feelings were too realistic after a while. I did like her friends, and how the author showed teenagers being teens but also being civic minded and mature. You don't often find that in young adult books.
Received my copy last night and hope to start soon. I have 10 others in front plus my current read. Also the author is going to be in my town Saturday doing a book signing. I don't know if I can get off work to go, but I am going to try. 3/21/12
Started yesterday, 4/29/12
Finished last night, 5/1/12
Alli is a surfer girl that lives in Huntington Beach California. Her senior year is coming up and she has the perfect life, the best friend, the hot boyfriend, and the ability to surf all year long. Then her dad gets a job in Arizona, no best friend, no boyfriend, and worse of all no ocean to surf. Tragedy strikes and Alli tries to deal with her emotions while living her new life in Arizona and trying to hold on to her old life in California.
Okay, I thought this was going to be a breezy teen angst type book. I was right but wrong at the same time. I felt Alli's emotional struggles were fine for awhile, but they seemed to go on and on and on all on the same thing. I remember being a teen, it hasn't been that long. I don't think her feelings were too realistic after a while. I did like her friends, and how the author showed teenagers being teens but also being civic minded and mature. You don't often find that in young adult books.
February 3, 2011
I loved that I could relate to the character in this book. Alli is moral, fun, loves spending time with her family, and doesn't like too much drama in her high school life. She'd rather face the drama head on and get problems solved than ruminate and gossip and avoid actually facing up to what is going on. Even when she was facing some really hard things. Great stuff!
Now, the one thing that drove me crazy about the book was the editing. Especially when the spelling of a character's name changed. Yikes! There were also two or three little places where the dialogue didn't flow true.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. Great job, Cheri! Can't wait for the next book.
Now, the one thing that drove me crazy about the book was the editing. Especially when the spelling of a character's name changed. Yikes! There were also two or three little places where the dialogue didn't flow true.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. Great job, Cheri! Can't wait for the next book.
November 5, 2010
My friend and author, Cheri H. Miklich writes an uplifting book that leaves you wanting more.
The main character deals with some major life-altering issues and has a wonderful group of friends to help her through these challenges. A fun book to read and can't wait for books 2 & 3 to come out so I can find out how this story ends.
The main character deals with some major life-altering issues and has a wonderful group of friends to help her through these challenges. A fun book to read and can't wait for books 2 & 3 to come out so I can find out how this story ends.
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December 18, 2010This book was GREAT! I could not put it down. I read it in just over two days. I could not put it down. For Cheri's first book, this was FANTASTIC, I can't wait for part two to come out next year. I might be the first one in line to buy it!
I recommend this book for all ages! Thank you Cheri for this tremendous story.
I recommend this book for all ages! Thank you Cheri for this tremendous story.
December 8, 2010
This is a great story that you'll have a really hard time putting down! The author really captivates you and you'll feel like you are living this story! You'll laugh and cry with Alli, a great surfer, as she learns the really important lessons of life.
February 17, 2015
Super cute story with very believable characters and a realistic look at a teenager's thoughts as trials come her way. I think the book reminded me of a teenager: there were lots of ups and downs, too much drama, and a little too much indecision. I think the story has great potential, but it could use some refinement. That being said, I think most teenager girls would love it because it takes a deep look into a teen's psyche. I plan on reading "Riding the Perfect Wave".
August 12, 2012
"Finding the Perfect Wave" by Cheri H. Miklich is a young adult book that most girls would enjoy reading; and could relate to even though the readers were not surfers. The title "Finding the Perfect Wave" is a metaphor for the experiences a young person faces growing-up. Part One leaves the reader wanting to know more about Alli Whitton's adventures in Hawaii. What will happen? Will she succeed in her goal? Or will her goals change?
July 24, 2012
I felt I could extrapolate the story to life in general. I found I could respond to this writing style - and the subject of water symbolism.
Also I liked the characters; They felt friendly and friend-like to me.
Also I liked the characters; They felt friendly and friend-like to me.
March 26, 2014
This was a light, easy read. A bit cheesy at times, but a good Christian, coming of age novel. The ending was great and makes you want to read the next book immediately! I received this book for a Goodreads first read giveaway. Thanks!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews