Review/Giveaway: The Silent Gift

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: The Silent Gift

Author: Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

Genre: Christian historical fiction

How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: June 10, 2010

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

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Publisher:  Bethany House
Physical Description: 368-page paperback
List Price: $13.99
ISBN: 978-0764203633

Synopsis:

From the creator/director of the Love Comes Softly film series--
a story both bittersweet and heartwarming of a mother and her son•and of his unusual gift

The decade of the 'thirties was a time of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of unyielding love and incredible sacrifices in the face of circumstances beyond belief.

But then The Gift appears - where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who cannot communicate provide comfort and direction to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved son, Jack. Will it be enough?

A novel filled with passion, with yearning - and with hope

About the Author:

Michael Landon Jr., son of the Little House on the Prairie star, has been building his own reputation in the film world and beyond with his highly successful Love Comes Softly movies. His Christian worldview illuminates all his work. He and his wife make a home for their three children near Austin , Texas. Cindy Kelley and Michael have co-written film scripts together for over a decade, including the screenplays for most of the beloved Love Comes Softly films. Cindy and her husband, Jim, have three children and a granddaughter and make their home in Tucson, Arizona

What I Liked:  This is an absorbing, compelling book with lots of action AND emotion.  It is full of interesting characters, and just like real life, it portrays the good and the bad in people.  There are the obviously bad ones, the ones who appear good but have selfish interests, the ones who seem to be the villains but turn out good, and those who are just out to help and make a difference.  And then there is Jack, the mute lad and the truly innocent in the whole equation.  But the story really isn't about him, is it?...

The authors did a great job in capturing my attention and absorbing me into the whole drama.  Enough action to be a page turner, and enough emotion to touch me personally.

The Gift - that was something that had me out of my comfort zone for most of the book.  I wasn't sure if it would show up in the Liked or Didn't Like section of this review!  Do I believe such a gift of "prophecy" is possible?  Do I believe it would manifest itself in such a way?  You've gotta admit, this is a gift that makes most of us a little leery, suspicious, at least cautious, and I felt that way even about this fictional character.  But ultimately, I feel the authors did a good job of portraying the up- and downsides of such a gift in a realistic, believable way.  And I appreciated the motivation to analyze my own thoughts and beliefs on the gift of prophecy.

What I Didn't Like:  Without giving away the end, let me just say this was an ending that left me with mixed feelings.  On the one hand, it satisfactorily completed the story and tied up loose ends.  On the other hand, it was a suprising twist (that I should've seen coming) that left me feeling a little let down after the story's build-up.  I guess I was hoping for more, but the authors kept it real... :)

Thanks to Elliott Wallach at Edify Media for the review copy of this book.

Posted by Jane at Mozi Esmé