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The Christmas Kite
A Mother's Love
After her in-laws paid her to disappear, single mom Meara Hayden moved to Mackinaw Island to start over. With her faith and her son's enthusiasm, she knew she could do it. But she never thought one simple kite would lead her to love again.
A Man's Journey
Jordan Baird felt as aimless as the kites he made. After losing his family, he led a reclusive life. Then, unexpectedly, a mother and her special son made him see new possibilities, the happiness of love and faith. Did Jordan dare dream of the riches life had to offer?
After her in-laws paid her to disappear, single mom Meara Hayden moved to Mackinaw Island to start over. With her faith and her son's enthusiasm, she knew she could do it. But she never thought one simple kite would lead her to love again.
A Man's Journey
Jordan Baird felt as aimless as the kites he made. After losing his family, he led a reclusive life. Then, unexpectedly, a mother and her special son made him see new possibilities, the happiness of love and faith. Did Jordan dare dream of the riches life had to offer?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
10 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gaymer Martin
147 books137 followersMulti-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin writes Christian fiction for Winged Publications with many books published by Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing, where she was honored by Heartsong readers as their Favorite Author of 2008. Gail has 77 published novels or novellas with over four million books in print. She is the author of Writers Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance and a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a keynote speaker at churches, libraries and civic organizations and presents workshops at conference across the US. She was named one of the four best novelists in the Detroit area by CBS local news. Gail loves to hear from readers through her website contact and adds the reader's name to her bi-monthly drawing for a free book or two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 5, 2017
This is a wonderful story, filled with people who are real. It's sad, it's happy, it's forgiving, and loving. It was very emotional for me. I loved the characters--Meara, the mother of a special needs child and Mac, her son. Jordan, the handsome kite-maker who needed forgiveness from himself. Otis and Nettie, a stablizing couple who run the kite store, and other, less dominant but still important, people. I loved them all. 5 stars!
December 28, 2010
This is a great book. I think it is Gail's best one.
July 26, 2011
I’m still searching for that feel-good Christmas story, and I think I’m about out of time for this year. While this book is an emotional and up-lifting story, it really doesn’t have a whole lot to do with Christmas, just as the previous four or five books I’ve read in the past month. To me, if the word Christmas appears in the title of a book, the majority of the book should be about that holiday, set during that season, and anything else to do with yuletide. So far I’ve been a little disappointed in my choices.
What I do like about this book is the use of kites, not only those free-flying wonders themselves but also well-done analogies when it comes to life and emotion, and this book is packed with both.
Meara and her son, Mac, who is a Down Syndrome child, are finally free of her deceased husband’s family and they’re starting a new life in a small Michigan town. Renting a cabin on the lake just outside of town, they meet Jordan Baird, the local recluse, while out on a walk. Mac spies a kite riding on the breeze and finds Jordan at the end of the string. Finally having their freedom to steer clear of people who stare and make remarks about Mac, Meara can do without the coldness coming from the handsome man who designs and builds such beautiful kites.
But as they are thrown together more and more, the wall Jordan has built around his heart since his wife and son died begins to crack. Maybe God has sent Meara and Mac to him for a specific reason, but why would God do that after punishing him so horribly by taking his family away. He struggles with the new faith he’d found years ago that Meara and Mac are now bringing to the surface once again, and Meara has her own demons to quash when it comes to faith, namely her former in-laws, who were no better than the strangers who treated their grandson so badly because of his disability.
Mac is such an endearing character. He’s a sweet, gentle eight-year-old who’s been overly protected by mom and now with this new-found freedom, he begins to spread his wings and take flight. Just like the kites he loves so much. He works his way into Jordan’s heart as well as Meara does. Each time Mac throws himself at Jordan and hugs the man’s legs whether in happiness, sadness, or fear, he works himself into your heart too.
The only disappointment for me is the actual Christmas kite. I expected something totally different than what I got. After learning about the wonderful kites Jordan creates, ones that people pay big bucks for to decorate their homes or offices with because they’re too expensive to fly, I waited for that beautiful Christmas kite, a one-of-a-kind creation, and it never came. What I did get was nice, no doubt, but I just expected more.
All in all, however, this is a satisfying read about love, faith, and forgiveness shown in a variety of ways.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
What I do like about this book is the use of kites, not only those free-flying wonders themselves but also well-done analogies when it comes to life and emotion, and this book is packed with both.
Meara and her son, Mac, who is a Down Syndrome child, are finally free of her deceased husband’s family and they’re starting a new life in a small Michigan town. Renting a cabin on the lake just outside of town, they meet Jordan Baird, the local recluse, while out on a walk. Mac spies a kite riding on the breeze and finds Jordan at the end of the string. Finally having their freedom to steer clear of people who stare and make remarks about Mac, Meara can do without the coldness coming from the handsome man who designs and builds such beautiful kites.
But as they are thrown together more and more, the wall Jordan has built around his heart since his wife and son died begins to crack. Maybe God has sent Meara and Mac to him for a specific reason, but why would God do that after punishing him so horribly by taking his family away. He struggles with the new faith he’d found years ago that Meara and Mac are now bringing to the surface once again, and Meara has her own demons to quash when it comes to faith, namely her former in-laws, who were no better than the strangers who treated their grandson so badly because of his disability.
Mac is such an endearing character. He’s a sweet, gentle eight-year-old who’s been overly protected by mom and now with this new-found freedom, he begins to spread his wings and take flight. Just like the kites he loves so much. He works his way into Jordan’s heart as well as Meara does. Each time Mac throws himself at Jordan and hugs the man’s legs whether in happiness, sadness, or fear, he works himself into your heart too.
The only disappointment for me is the actual Christmas kite. I expected something totally different than what I got. After learning about the wonderful kites Jordan creates, ones that people pay big bucks for to decorate their homes or offices with because they’re too expensive to fly, I waited for that beautiful Christmas kite, a one-of-a-kind creation, and it never came. What I did get was nice, no doubt, but I just expected more.
All in all, however, this is a satisfying read about love, faith, and forgiveness shown in a variety of ways.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
December 8, 2011
Meara Hayden and her Down's syndrome son, Mac, have suffered tragedy, heartache, fear, loneliness and shaken faith. Jordan Baird has suffered the same feeling as well as guilt and little faith. Circumstances bring them together and their love for Mac heals them both.
Wonderfully realistic characters and a great storyline made this a a great read.
Wonderfully realistic characters and a great storyline made this a a great read.
November 6, 2012
Tender romance between two lonely people who learn how to deal with past hurts and grow to love and trust again. Special needs child with Down Syndrome steals your heart. Enjoyable read with great application of spiritual truths.
December 26, 2018
I enjoyed the setting. I've never been to Mackinaw Island, and this made me feel like I was there. I loved the small-town feel, and I liked how it was all in one town, except for one or two scenes.
Meara is hurting from her late husband's neglect and his family's contempt for her and especially her son with Down Syndrome. I loved how Mac's “special needs” were treated with such compassion and understanding. He was such a ray of sunshine in everyone's lives.
Jordan is hurting from his own tragedy, the death of his wife and son in an accident he feels responsible for. I loved how realistic both Jordan's and Meara's internal struggles were, how long it took for them to learn to really trust each other, two steps forward and one step back, like it happens in real life.
The only thing I didn't like was the title. It really wasn't a Christmas book at all, except for one scene, a very cheesy engagement. I did like the metaphor of the kites, and especially how the last scene mirrors the first scene with a perfect transformation of each character.
I will definitely be adding this to my re-read pile and enjoying every Christmas, probably.
Favorite quote:
“Jordan stared at the page and focused on a verse. First Corinthians 13:1. Why?... Skimming the lines, he faltered at verse twelve. Like the string of a kite, the words strained his thoughts, tugging his heart and brain.”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
Meara is hurting from her late husband's neglect and his family's contempt for her and especially her son with Down Syndrome. I loved how Mac's “special needs” were treated with such compassion and understanding. He was such a ray of sunshine in everyone's lives.
Jordan is hurting from his own tragedy, the death of his wife and son in an accident he feels responsible for. I loved how realistic both Jordan's and Meara's internal struggles were, how long it took for them to learn to really trust each other, two steps forward and one step back, like it happens in real life.
The only thing I didn't like was the title. It really wasn't a Christmas book at all, except for one scene, a very cheesy engagement. I did like the metaphor of the kites, and especially how the last scene mirrors the first scene with a perfect transformation of each character.
I will definitely be adding this to my re-read pile and enjoying every Christmas, probably.
Favorite quote:
“Jordan stared at the page and focused on a verse. First Corinthians 13:1. Why?... Skimming the lines, he faltered at verse twelve. Like the string of a kite, the words strained his thoughts, tugging his heart and brain.”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
October 22, 2018
My daughter found this book and gave it to me and said this sounds like a book you might like. I picked it up and started reading and found it extremely hard to put down.
Meara and her son moved to a town to start their lives over after her husband died and she felt like a prisoner in his parents house. Her son was running on the beach and ran into a gentlemen who had troubles of his own.
Can Jordan, Meara and Mack help each other heal. Read the book, I think you will find it as touching as I did.
Meara and her son moved to a town to start their lives over after her husband died and she felt like a prisoner in his parents house. Her son was running on the beach and ran into a gentlemen who had troubles of his own.
Can Jordan, Meara and Mack help each other heal. Read the book, I think you will find it as touching as I did.
August 5, 2021
This was such a heartwarming book to have read. Christmas time is not throughout this book, so you can read it any time of the year. This is a very sweet friend's to lovers trope. Meara comes to the town searching for work and a place to stay with her young son. Jordan owns the kite shop, yes a kite shop, where Meara begins to work at. Both have pasts that are still catching up to them. They both help each other to realize that being around others bring you out of the pain that God can only heal. A very sweet and endearing Christian Fiction book that will warm your heart.
January 2, 2020
This was the basic romance story where the young single mother meets a gruff man who wants nothing to do with people but with a twist. Mac who has Downs Syndrome quickly makes friends with Jordan bringing his mother Meara into Jordan's life. As they bond over Mac's fascination with the kites Jordan designs, the reader learns about Jordan's tragic history. There a couple of predictable plot lines but it is a good read with appealing characters.
September 23, 2020
A good story. Meara Hayden has moved to Mackinaw Island to start over with her son, Mac, after her in-laws paid her to leave after their son died. Her father-in-law is embarrassed of her son who has down syndrome. When Meara arrives at Mackinaw Island they run into Jordan Baird who makes kites and they intrude upon his life. Jordan is trying to escape his pain and bitterness over the loss of his wife and son. Will Mac and Meara awaken Jordan to the possibility of a new life? a
January 1, 2022
I learned a lot from reading this book. It gave me insight into Down Syndrome as well as the art of building kites. However, maybe it did that a bit too much. The romance seemed to suffer. I really wanted a little more of what made the two people special, especially the heroine.
Also, why would Meara have a blank slate as her past? If she had a cousin, she had an aunt. What about parents, siblings, friends from childhood?
It's a good read; I just felt the need for holes to be filled.
Also, why would Meara have a blank slate as her past? If she had a cousin, she had an aunt. What about parents, siblings, friends from childhood?
It's a good read; I just felt the need for holes to be filled.
December 6, 2020
Whatever tragedy we go through, God is always there and He is wanting us to trust Him and the plan He has for us. A very good christian romance, but it was disappointing that this was not actually a Christmas book.
December 18, 2025
3.5- rounded down. Received this for Christmas years ago but didn’t remember the story. Not very Christmas-y but a sweet story about love, forgiveness and redemption. FYI- non subtle religious topics
October 25, 2018
The story of a single Mom with a Downs Syndrome son. Her in-laws paid her to disappear with him so they moved to Mackinaw Island where their lives changed somewhat when they met a man with a kite.
June 30, 2023
A sweet read with a special needs child.
December 18, 2024
Lovely little Christmas story
December 3, 2025
There is not much Christmas about this book. I kept waiting and finally there was one chapter for December.
It’s a feel-good story, but I would not say a Christmas story as the title implies.
It’s a feel-good story, but I would not say a Christmas story as the title implies.
August 3, 2015
I always look in the bargain bins at Half Price Books for new to me authors...especially ones with catchy titles or covers. I chose this book and several others and put them in my TBR stack when I got home. That was two years ago. I just finished this book last night. I can honestly say it is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Anyone who has lost someone close to them, who has endured tragedy needs to read this lovely message of hope. The characters were wonderfully created and you felt as thought you were right there running down the sandy beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. Thank you Gail for a lovely story with a charming moral. The ending needed to be a bit longer, but all in all it was a stellar story.
December 31, 2016
This was an enjoyable read but nothing that I had to keep reading on. It wasn't boring but I didn't mind when I had to quit reading. So I am not giving it higher than 3stars for "I liked it". I enjoyed the discussion on having a child with Downs Syndrome and wanting your kids to be perfect. The worry and insecurity of parenting seemed real. The Christian religious aspect toward the end of the book was a little too preachy for me....it seemed people solved most of their crisis of faith within 1/2 an hour or so. The first 3/4 of the book wasn't like that and the talk of God, believing, being a good person seemed a natural flow. Not really a Christmas book but that is why I was reading it at this particular time.
December 20, 2012
This is a spiritually uplifting book, I am not too sure where I got it from but it rings with a good Christan message. I was afraid all the books that got chose this year were very secular. I went with Library selections and what was bought sat year on sale. Despite this book not having an all Christmas theme it does wrap up a happily ever after with a Christmas engagement. We all want Christmas to ring with love, joy and miracles. This story walks through hardships that only life can bring for two people and watching the main charector grow in his faith with just a mustard see if hope and a caring hart is always wonderful to see.
August 4, 2018
I give it a three star for a few reasons. First wrong title. Not much at all to do with Christmas. More summer. About half a chapter to do with Christmas. The little boy with down Syndrome is adorable. But his mother just whines so much about his school needs. She wants this but yet holds him back. It drives me nuts. And she is such a strong character. As a mother with special needs kids I just want to jump in the book and yell make up your mind!!! Jordan and his on going grief is so understandable. But how Meara brings it out of him so he can not only save her and the community is so loving. But I have read this book ten or so times.
October 6, 2014
This was a fantastic book about God's grace, love, and healing ways. I have a son with Down Syndrome so I could relate to Meara's hopes and fears; though there were times when I wanted to chastise her for holding on too tight. It really does make a difference whether you have people supporting you no matter what your circumstances are.
January 17, 2016
Aww! This book was so cute! Mac is so cute. I love the way he thinks for a Down Syndrome kid. I love his obsession with kites and that he adores Jordan the "kite man" even though hes not family Mac treats him as if he were his real father. Jordan becomes such a good friend. I would not blame the kid for thinking such. Such a cute story with cute characters and a cute theme. I love it!
November 17, 2010
Somewhat treacly and really only Christmas at the very end. A little hackneyed but a quick okay read.
August 3, 2011
Involved too much religion
April 21, 2012
A heart warming story that was an enjoyable read.
November 17, 2012
I enjoy reading Gail's books. This one was one of her better ones.
April 9, 2013
was a wonderful book
December 30, 2015
A little preachy, but a good read
June 10, 2016
Good, for a light, fluffy book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews