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BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Kite
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Click cover to purchase book
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by Vickie McDonough Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: The Christmas Kite Author: Gail Gaymer Martin Publisher: Steeple Hill ISBN: 0-373-78508-9 Genre: Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance
For eight years, Irish born Meara Hayden has been all but a prisoner in her wealthy American in-laws’ home, but now she and her son are finally free. Mac, born with Down Syndrome, was deemed less than perfect by his father and grandparents, but to Meara, Mac is special. He showers her with love and has a ready smile for everyone.
Finally on their own after her husband’s death, Meara struggles with finding a job and caring for Mac. Their life takes a turn when, on a stroll on the beach, Mac spies a brightly colored kite sailing on the breeze. On the other end of the kite is Jordan Baird. At first Jordan in withdrawn and crabby, but each time Meara and Mac see him, the man thaws a bit more. After her horrible experience with Mac’s father, Meara is determined never to get near another man. So why does she find the kite man so intriguing?
After a tragic accident, college professor, Jordan Baird, withdrew from the world. He spends his time designing and building exotic kites, which are sold in a store in town. His heart is cold, and he wants nothing to do with people or the God who deserted him in his time of need. But Mac and his pretty mother have broken through his carefully constructed walls. Meara challenges him to read the Bible and allow his wounded heart to heal. But Jordan feels healing isn’t possible for someone who did what he did—and when Meara learns his secret, he believes she’ll flee from his presence and never look back.
The Christmas Kite is a story that is certain to warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes. My heart went out to both Jordan and Meara—two people wounded by life and circumstances. Jordan has totally withdrawn from any contact with people. He is hurting and lonely and feels responsible for the tragedy that so affected his life. His character is very realistic and readers will be able to easily relate to him. Meara hoped to come to America and realize the American dream—a home, satisfied husband, and children—but her life was far from that. She clings to her faith and her son. Gail Gaymer Martin does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life, as well as Mac’s character. Mac is a charming boy who views the world a bit differently than most.
Ms. Martin balances out what could have been a heavy story with doses of humor and a heart-tugging romance. Readers will love the lake setting and quaint tourist town, as well as the secondary characters. Jordan’s struggle with his faith after enduring his life-changing tragedy seemed very life-like. Even Christians sometimes struggle with their faith after a tragedy. How much more so for an intellectual man who’s never really known God deeply?
Successful author, Gail Gaymer Martin, has another winner in The Christmas Kite. Don’t miss the chance to bring a smile to your face with this captivating story—one of the first books in Steeple Hill’s new Women’s Fiction line.
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