The Secret
of Surviving
In The Sea

(Buy it off the shelf at The Queen Bee in Ogden, or online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, paperback and ebook. See what readers are saying about it below)

Click here to read the first two chapters for free.

Adam Balthazar Castleton is an orphan raised in a foster home in Wisconsin, learning through trial and error to navigate a difficult life. Clever and mischievous, he perseveres before suddenly learning the shocking truth about himself.

Tracy Jane Crocker, is a quiet, free spirited teen raised in a middle class family in Utah. At sixteen she fights for her life in the sea, learning that she can survive trauma and the turbulent waves that may beset her.

When the two meet, their lives and the lives they touch are changed forever.

As tumultuous as the sea, their story is filled with joy, unexpected highs and lows, tragedy, pain, grief, and eventual healing. Ultimately this is a story about love.

~  ~  ~

What readers are saying about The Secret of Surviving In The Sea

Book reviews from Amazon users

5 stars, The Unthinkable
Just when I thought I had figured out a character or a situation, a shocking event would occur that changed everything! The way the characters respond to unexpected life changing experiences causes one to imagine what they might do if faced with the same situation. Louise Hurd's gifted insight offers answers when facing the unthinkable. Definitely thought provoking!

5 stars, Moving and profound
I loved this book, "The Secret of Surviving in the Sea." I finished it this week, and I must say, it was an incredibly moving and profound read.
The journey of life from childhood to adulthood was so relatable to me. The way you portrayed the characters' struggles and their journey through grief and happiness was so very meaningful.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and beautifully written story. It has left a lasting impact on me.

5 stars, Insightful and engaging!
"I absolutely loved this book! I generally read several books at the same time, but as I got further into Hurd’s book, I found myself putting all the rest of the others down so I could find out what happens. The characters were engaging and well developed. My biggest question throughout the book was 'so how do you survive in the sea?' The answers were expertly woven throughout the book. Very inspirational."

5 stars, Real characters & real theme
"The author excels at creating real characters with real relationships who interact with each other in real ways. I enjoyed meeting each one.
I also like the creative and masterful way the author interweaves her theme of 'The Secret of Surviving in the Sea' throughout the story she created for these characters. Excellent read!!"

5 stars, love and relationships
"I finished this book in just a few days. I had trouble putting it down. There are a lot of turns and twists and different personalities. The author made it easy to visualize the story with her creative descriptions."

5 stars, I would recommend!
"Great writing! I enjoyed the characters in the story and the ways in which they all came together. I would definitely recommend this book!"

Book reviews from Goodreads users

5 stars
I’ve always loved stories where the sea plays a central role, and this book beautifully delivers on that front. It follows the lives of Adam Balthazar Castleton and Tracy Jane Crocker.
The writing is simple and accessible, making it an enjoyable read. As a debut author, Louise has done an excellent job. The cover is thoughtfully designed, and the title perfectly complements the story. The plot is captivating—I truly loved every bit of it. If you're considering picking this up, don’t hesitate. It’s worth it!

5 stars
I was completely captivated by the narrative and couldn’t put the book down once I started. Readers who appreciate the ever-changing beauty of the ocean will find much to love here. Louise has crafted a remarkable and heartfelt story.

5 stars
This is a story filled with unforgettable characters who will linger in your thoughts long after the final page. Adam, Tracy, Tom, and Diana will capture your heart from the very beginning.
Dive into this story to discover each character’s fate. Who will find true love, and whose heart will be left shattered? I thoroughly enjoyed this book—the twists and emotional turns kept me hooked until the very end. Louise has truly delivered a captivating story.

5 stars
"The Secret of Surviving In The Sea" is the first book I’ve read by Louise Hurd, and it drew me in right from the first page.
The story is packed with unexpected twists. The cover design is beautiful and fitting. Tracy’s deep connection to the ocean symbolizes the importance of embracing change and flowing with life. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this novel and look forward to exploring more of Hurd’s work in the future.

5 stars
Their story is a whirlwind of emotions—a rollercoaster filled with love, loss, etc. Louise has crafted a compelling narrative, and I found the characters of Adam and Tracy especially engaging. The pacing is excellent, keeping me hooked right up to the final page.

5 stars
The setting is beautifully crafted, and Louise Hurd’s smooth narration kept me hooked from start to finish. The cover is eye-catching, the title is fitting, and the writing is vivid and immersive. It’s one of those books that’s hard to put down once you start.

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