About SEASONS
Coping with widowhood, Sally Newgate joins a Christian support group, unaware that her life would take a dramatic turn. Sally finds herself drawn to Brad Mathews, a widower with two small children. Though family and friends warn her not to 'lose her head,' Sally struggles, knowing it's her 'heart,' not her head that's causing her problems.
Brad aches for his motherless children and finds a compassionate friend in Sally. Within months, Brad believes God's will has brought Sally into his life. But when his young daughter, Kelly, openly resents her, Brad is caught between his daughter and the woman he loves. He invites Sally to his mother's lovely home on Cape Cod with an ulterior motive - a secret that will solve their problems. But what he thinks will bind them together, instead, tears them apart.
Will Brad endure the struggles of his daughter and the woman he loves? Will Sally learn to listen to her heart and to God's gentle guidance?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
REVIEWS
4-1/2 Stars - Gail Gaymer Martin
was simply wonderful. SEASONS, and Gail Martin, restored my faith
in inspirational romance. Thanks Gail.
Lisa Ramaglia, Romance Writers@Sine~Gen.Com
3 Stars - Gail Gaymer Martin's
first published romance, Seasons, is a gem that readers will
love.
The Romantic Times, January 1999
Seasons' plot follows Ecclesiastes
3:1 (To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven) in this uplifting and transforming story.
Rendezvous, January 1999
When grief touches the lives of
Sally Newgate and Brad Matthews, they look to find help in a
support group. Instead they find love. In her poignant
inspirational romance, Seasons, Gail Martin takes us on a journey
which proves love can be just as wonderful the second time
around. Sally and Brad quickly learn love does not overcome all
obstacles when Brad's daughter, her own family and then Sally's
doubts keep them apart. "To every thing there is a
season" aptly summarizes the struggle this couple must go
through. New author, Gail Martin, has certainly provided us with
an excellent read.
Terry Fowler, author of A SENSE OF BELONGING, Heartsong Presents,
October 1998
Excerpt from SEASONS - Chapter one
"Enough is enough."
Sally Newgate chided herself as the church steeple loomed into view. She shook her head, bringing herself back to the present, and turned her Toyota into the parking lot of Holy Cross Church. Each week old memories tugged at her as she participated in the support group. At her first session, Jack Holbrook opened the program with a reading from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." She hadn't believed it at first, but now, she'd begun to.
When Sally entered the Fellowship Hall, she searched the rows for a familiar face, and spying one, she slid in next to the woman, pulling a notebook from her handbag. "Ready?"
The woman flashed her own pad and pencil. "Sure am." She turned an embarrassed grin toward Sally. "Before I started these meetings I thought I was the only one with troubles?"
Sally grinned. "You're not alone. You're surrounded by multitudes." She gestured toward the growing crowd sitting around the large hall. As her gaze followed her arm's sweep of the room, her smiling face lifted, and she looked into the friendly chocolate-brown eyes of Brad Mathews.
He stood above her, his ashen hair falling in a soft wave with one curl dipping to his forehead. "Thanks for the welcoming smile." He looked amused. "It was for me, wasn't it?"
Sally felt a blush creep along her hairline. Mesmerized by his sparkling eyes, she stared at him without a word. Brad had edged his way into her thoughts since the day they met. For so long, memories of Tim filled every moment of her day. But lately, the pain had softened and settled into acceptance.
"Sorry," he said finally. "I was trying to step by without disturbing you - to sit there." He pointed to the chair next to Sally. "Now I'm waiting, hoping you'll invite me to join you."
Sally fluttered. "Goodness. You don't have to ask. Please join us." Words tumbled out, and she swallowed to gain control of a rush of emotions. From the first session, Sally had found him attractive. But tonight, dressed in beige slacks and a heather green pullover, he looked strikingly handsome. His gaze stayed connected to hers, and she felt her flush deepen.
His full lips curved into a bright smile. "Thanks for the invitation." He stepped past her and slid into the chair.
The chatter subsided as Jack stepped to the microphone. "Tonight our topic is 'A Time to Keep and a Time to Throw Away.' For each of you, the time of grief is different. Some of you have made changes in your lives. Some haven't. It doesn't mean you love more or less than the next person. It only means that your adjustment to the change has proceeded more quickly or more slowly. That's all.
"His words flooded into Sally's memory. She recalled a year and a half earlier when she wasn't ready to remove Tim's belongings from her bedroom. She had wandered to the closet, cradling his clothing in her arms like a baby, her face buried deep within the cloth. She was stronger now.
When Jack finished his presentation, she headed for the refreshment table, and Brad joined them. Thoughtfully, he pulled a cookie from the tray as if lost in thought. "I wish my kids understood what Jack said. It's difficult to explain to two young children why their mother died. She was active and healthy, and in less than two months, she was gone.
"Sally twinged."
I tried to be brave for them," he continued, "and I suppose the charade was good for me. My kids - that's another story."
"It doesn't matter how old you are," Sally said. "I still miss my mom, and she died ten years ago when I was twenty-four. How long has it been since your wife died?"
"Just over a year. I know it takes time."
Brad's gaze caught hers, and her heart skipped double-time.
The conversation continued into the small group discussion, and when the session ended, Sally headed toward the exit. Brad's long strides brought him to her side, and they left the building into the crisp night, the fall leaves moldering piles along the curb.
As they ambled down the sidewalk, Sally glanced at him. "I wonder if you should talk more about your wife to your children instead of avoiding it. They'll see you haven't forgotten her, and it gives them permission to talk about her, too."
He slowed to a stop, his hands deep in his pockets, his head bowed. "I do avoid talking about Janet. I'm always afraid I'll make them sadder than they already are." His gaze rose to hers. "What you said makes sense. Thanks."
They continued through the parking lot and reached Sally's car. Brad stood by her side as she opened the door. She paused uncomfortably before sliding in. "Well . . . good night."
His hand rested on the handle. "Thanks for the idea. Good night." He closed her door, hurrying toward his own car.
©1998 Gail Gaymer Martin