I really enjoyed this debut novel from Michael Landon, Jr. and Cindy Kelley. The pair worked together on the Love Comes Softly movie series and decided to write an original story of their own.The Silent Gift takes place during the Great Depression. Jack is born to Mary deaf and mute. His father, Jerry, would rather the boy be given to an institution, but Mary never wants her sweet, innocent, albeit silent son, anywhere but in her loving care. When she discovers Jerry plans to leave them penniless for another woman, Mary makes a daring move to run away with Jack for a new life. At first, life in a different city looks promising. However, events soon leave Mary and Jack desperate for money and a place to live. As fate would have it, in the midst of their trying circumstances, Mary discovers something fascinating about Jack- through a strange process, he can prophecy people's futures. Together with the various characters they met along the way, Mary must decide how to use this gift. Is this God's plan for provision for Jack's future, or is making money off it a sin with grave consequences? When a spiteful act sets in motion events that will separate Jack and Mary, can any good come from places of such pain and hopelessness? First of all, I loved the setting the authors penned. It truly felt like I was glimpsing life in the 1930's. From product references, to popular songs on the radio, to the hobos and the circus performers, they manged to capture the time period very well. Secondly, I thought the story was very unique and likely to stick in my memory for quite some time. They leave some things vague on purpose at the end, which both bugged me and delighted me. Overall, a great book club choice and very enjoyable, though at times heartbreaking, read. Highly recommend! In the beginning Mary is living with her husband and their son Jack during the Great Depression. Jack does not communicate with others which his mother embraces as being who Jack is and his father holds against them both. One night Mary learns that her husband is planning on leaving them both (with all of their money and overdue bills) so Mary takes Jack and (literally) runs. She learns during this time that Jack can communicate (and see the future) through the word of God. Mary is not certain what to do with her knowledge of his gift and the family goes through many highs and lows always with the best intentions. It was a heartwarming story that at many moments reminded me of the screenwriting of Michael Landon Sr.
What do You think about The Silent Gift (2009)?
Sad story with love and suspense about a deaf-mute boy. (Hard for me to recommend.)
—sajitha
If you like Hallmark movies you'll probably like this book.
—chiquitasexy16
Moving. Easy read. Worthwhile Christian fiction.
—greenzip321
