Christmas by the Sea — Beth Wiseman

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 COLLECTION: A Tide Worth Turning, Message In A Bottle, and The Shell Collector's Daughter.