Sunday, May 30, 2010

Review/Giveaway: The Silent Gift

The Silent GiftA 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.
CymLowellPosted by Jane at Mozi Esmé

66 comments:

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I am a big fan of Michael Landon and I would like to win this book.


cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Annette W. said...

I have wanted to read this book for quite some time...probably since it was published. Thank you for the opportunity!
derekannette at gmail dot com

Annette W. said...

I follow!

fredamans said...

I've got this book on my wish list!

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

fredamans said...

I am a follower.

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

Jan said...

Would love to read this book, thanks for a great review.

alongtheway at telus dot net

Cindy W. said...

Oh, I so want to read this book. I have looked for it and also tried to win it with no success. Maybe this time will be the right time. I am fluent in sign language and know how hard it is for people to not be able to communicate in our normal ways of communication. Please enter me and thank you for the opportunity.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Linda said...

There is a gift of prophecy. Not knowing how it is portrayed in the book would be interesting. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Sandy Jay said...

Great review. I'd love to read this.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Sandy Jay said...

I'm a follower.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Mystica said...

Would like to be counted in for this giveaway. Thank you for hosting.

mystica123athotmaildotcom

Mystica said...

I follow on GFC

mystica123athotmaildotcom

misskallie2000 said...

I love the "Love Comes Softly" series and would love to win this book. I still watch Little House and still enjoy the clean shows.

Thanks for hosting and for the opportunity to enter.


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I follow via google and email subscriber


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! I would love to win! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Linda Kish said...

I would enjoy reading this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Renee G said...

Would love to read this.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

Renee G said...

I'm following as rsg on GFC.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

Linda said...

I'm a follower.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

mindy said...

this looks just wonderful thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

Cindy W. said...

I forgot to leave this post earlier. I am a follower and email subscriber.

elaine said...

Sounds like a very touching,special story. Thankyou for the chance.

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Misha said...

this seems interesting . Please enter me. I am a follower.

mishamary@gmail.com

mverno said...

love to read this one
mverno@roadrunner.com

mverno said...

i follow (mverno)
mverno@roadrunner.com

Katy said...

I've read a bunch of great reviews of this book. I'd love to win a copy.

srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

Katy said...

I'm a follower. :)

cpullum said...

I love a book on action and emotion!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Love to read one of his books!

frogz60@hotmail.com

Liz Mays said...

Please include me in the drawing!
doot65ATcomcastDOTnet

Liz Mays said...

I'm a subscriber!
doot65ATcomcastDOTnet

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I am a follower

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love to read historical fiction

karenk said...

thanks for 'sharing' your book :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Debbie F said...

Please include me! thanks

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Debbie F said...

I'm a follower - GFC

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Anonymous said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

THIS WOULD BE NICE READING AT THE BEACH

409cope said...

This looks like a great read! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I am an email subscriber.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Loved "Little Joe".... Michael Landon is a favorite

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

Betty: Reflections with Coffee said...

sounds interesting -- especially since you had mixed feelings

bmcbroom at gmail dot com

Betty: Reflections with Coffee said...

am a new follower on Google friends
bmcbroom @gmail dot com

BookHounds said...

Just stopping by to say that I posted this on www.winabook.westofmars.com

I loved this book and there is no need to enter me!

http://winabook.westofmars.com/2010/06/04/how-exciting-winning-readings-has-two-international-giveaways/

Tammy said...

I would love to read this book.I love historical ficton I am certain I love this even more because of the Christian aspect of the story
tjfirth@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow with google reader.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Momma Told Me said...

Thanks for the chance!
six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com

idahomom said...

I love to read. Thanks for the chance.

Nickolay said...

I love some historical fiction. I like when you can combine the 2.

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This read looks intriguing!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Rhonda said...

I have heard much about this book and would like to read this

rhondastruthers at yahoo.ca

susansmoaks said...

this book is on my to read list

susansmoaks at gmail dot com

susansmoaks said...

i am a follower
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Helen G said...

What an interesting book. Would like to read it.

Helen G said...

I'm following you o GFC.

helen g

Breanne said...

This book sounds great! I'd love to read it

bmweida at yahoo dot com

Breanne said...

I follow via GFC

bmweida at yahoo dot com

Bridget3496 said...

I loved Michael Landon and would have even named my first born Landon, had she have been a boy. Would really enjoy this book. Thanks for the chance!

brdgcombs at aol dot com

sdianen said...

A book I would like to read.


sdnwdn@cox.net

littlelatina said...

I'm a big fan must read

cdmarteny said...

this book has been on my list to read i hope to win this

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. These books often show up as movies on the Hallmark Channel. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book. It sounds great. garrettsambo@aol.com