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The Gravel Drive

Kirk Martin takes readers where no other novel has inside the heart and mind of a father whose son is missing. The Gravel Drive is the heartwarming story of a man's transformation. Amidst the drama of the search for his son, the father makes a life changing discovery. Misplaced priorities and emotional distance had stolen closeness with his son long before he was abducted. With its ripped-from-the-headlines insight and life changing wisdom, The Gravel Drive is a must read for parents. The Gravel Drive is an inspirational story rich with redemption. It will challenge you to cherish each moment and know those closest to you in the smallest of ways. In the follow-up to his bestselling relationship drama, Shade of the Maple, Kirk Martin showcases his versatility while continuing to focus on the importance of intimacy in relationships, this time between a father and his son. Powerful, moving and unforgettable. Kirk Martin is donating $1.00 from every purchase of The Gravel Drive to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Visit celebrateADHD.com for more information.

Hardcover

Published February 1, 2003

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Kirk Martin

15 books5 followers

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5 stars
12 (46%)
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3 stars
2 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Germain.
827 reviews70 followers
April 7, 2008
Having received this as a present, I had no expectations or ideas regarding this book. It was a very pleasant surprise. Rarely do I cry when I read books, but this one actually made me start to tear up in a few spots. It's raw and emotional. The twist at the end really caught me off guard. I also thought that many parts of the story were very poetic and I liked Martin's style and way of phrasing. He writes in a simple, yet affecting way. Also, I thought that the book was going to turn preachy, but it really didn't. The religious themes work well.
2 reviews
January 4, 2026
I really loved this book; I thought this book was wonderfully written and portrayed a familial relationship incredibly well. Even though the focus was between a son and father, it showed the effect of losing a son throughout the whole community. I loved certain details between friends and family, and overall, it was an amazing book I'd highly recommend. It made me yearn for a child I didn't even have and I already recommended it to one of my friends!
Profile Image for Beth Pearson.
539 reviews
June 22, 2012
I've read another of Martin's book, "Shade of the Maple" years ago and I remember it sticking with me for a long time. Martin's style of writing and real life characters (with noble thoughts and "bad" thoughts) suck you into the story.

The Gravel Drive did the same thing.

It is written through a father's view point when his young son goes missing. It is a poignant tale of the triumphs and heartache of parenting...all told through the father's journal pages. You ache with his pain, smile at his love and just want to squeeze your kids a little more. You hate to see his guilt and grief for all the missed opportunities of parenting but completely understand what he is talking about.

I recommend it to anyone who likes to read a heartfelt, quick story. I finished it in just a couple of hours.
Profile Image for Kayla .
214 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2011
A very gripping and quick read. Made me want to keep reading until it was finished and that's just what I did!! A great look at the love a parent has for their kids!!
Profile Image for Charissa.
585 reviews
April 8, 2014
As a parent, this one hit me to the core and filled me with an unshakeable reminder to love and cherish my kids!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews