Christmas Treasures

Cape Light #12

by Thomas Kinkade, Katherine Spencer

The Christmas season is full of shopping and holiday cheer, but in this novel in the Cape Light series, finding one’s true purpose is the greatest gift of all…

Reverend Ben has been ignoring his health recently, and it’s finally caught up with him in the form of a heart problem requiring bypass surgery. Since Ben will need six weeks of recuperation and rehab, an interim minister is assigned to the congregation.

Reverend Isabel Lawrence is young, yet she has a quiet but steady way of connecting with the members of the church. While most of the congregation was troubled by the absence of Reverend Ben, Isabel has ultimately reassured them with her warmth and understanding.

Meanwhile, Ben has secretly been considering when he should retire. Is this health setback a sign that it’s time to start a new phase of his life? As Ben grows stronger, he starts to wonder if he’s really ready to celebrate his final Christmas as pastor. After all, Christmas is a time for giving, but retiring and presenting Isabel with his much-treasured job might be the biggest test of faith Ben has ever had to face…

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 11, 2011

About the author

Thomas Kinkade was known as the "Painter of Light." His works, although spurned by the secular art establishment, were very popular with Christians and many others.

Reviews

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t think this story was as good as some others. Much too good to be true how Richard and Regina miraculously ended up with a house and jobs and a second vehicle and just enough money to get their kids exactly what they wanted for Christmas.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read each of the books in the Cape Light series. I have always enjoyed these "easy and pleasant reads" and felt that the residents of Cape Light were like old friends. Last week, I reallized that I had missed the title from Christmas, 2011 and checked it out at my library. Last Saturday, while I was reading the book, I was horrified to learn that Thomas Kinkade had died in California.

I am deeply sorry for his family. I know that this must be a very difficult time for them.

The Cape Light and Angel Island series were co-authored so I hope that the series will continue in memory of Thomas Kinkade.

These books have brought so much hope and joy to readers that it would be a shame for both series to end.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a generous 4 stars but in some respects it was a rather sleepy story. The authors understood the complexity of the pastor’s job in the church. They gave the reader many spiritual and Biblical insights. Regina’s marriage was on the rocks and Richard seemed like he was difficult but he turned into a caring father. All in all, it was okay and it helped to give me some Christmas cheer.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Cape Light! It’s snowing and beautiful here and Christmas is rapidly approaching – my favorite time of year. As always, I have had the honor of meeting some interesting people. First, I met Reverend Ben who has been minister of the local church for years. Ben has not been feeling well lately, but as some of us will do, has ignored his health. However, his health catches up to him when he suffers a heart attack while delivering the sermon one Sunday morning. While Reverend Ben takes time off to recuperate, a Reverend Isabel Lawrence fills in. Rev. Isabel is young, intelligent, and has a history of ministry/mission work from all over the world. She has the ability to keep parishioners reassured and positive during Ben’s absence. It is now that Rev. Ben considers retirement, he feels fatigued - physically and spiritually. After years of offering those services so freely to others, he now feels he is the one in need of spiritual guidance.

There is also the Rowan family new to Cape Light – looking for a chance to rebuild their broken lives. Richard and Regina have suffered a series of set-backs – job loss and the loss of their home, and now they are close to losing each other, which neither want to happen.

I also got to meet widower Jacob Ferguson, a math professor at a nearby college. Jacob has a son, Max; Now Max is not a bad kid, but his mother’s death left hollow and aching. So, like most teens, Max does make some mistakes and/or gets into mischief. Only this time, he and his friends make the mistake of skateboarding – in the sanctuary of the church, damaging some interior. Despite, the parishioners’ anger and dismay, Reverend Isabel refuses to press charges, but instead, seeks a way to reach the angry teen.

I relate well with Rev. Isabel b/c I used to work as a counselor with teens with different pasts and stories. Like Isabel, instead of discipline, I wanted to reach out in other ways and help them see that their past cannot determine their future.

Take a journey with me to this beautiful, quaint town, where we all learn that despite trials and hardships, Christmas has the ability to open our hearts to many treasures and miracles.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a touching Christmas story about the lives of a small church and their minister, a new family trying to start over after losing nearly everything, and a teenager's rebellion during a time of grief. An interim minister, Isabel, decides to deal with things in a creative way after the teen and some friends damage church property. It also touches on the feelings and reactions a spouse might have after their husband has an unexpected heart attack, how different people accept faith and grow in it, the many personality types within even a small, caring congregation, and how difficult it is to decide what the best path to take is when confronted with two choices, especially if both are pleasing and honor God. It made me thankful that my church is similar to the caring one in this novel, and that my pastor has integrity like Pastor Ben. It is a special story, great for reading during the holiday season, or anytime, for that matter.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always time to read a Christmas story!!! The Cape Light series is one of my favorites because the people are so great and are allowed to grow and change! All the books are set at Christmas time, a truly special season. I like the scripture messages sprinkled through out the books. This story is about a family who has hit bottom: dad loses his good job, they lose their house and the marriage starts to come unraveled. Then mom inherits a house in Cape Light from an uncle she never knew and the family moves there to flip the house and then get divorced. Another plot is Rev. Ben has a heart attack and needs bypass surgery and a new priest comes to fill in and it's a woman! And there are a couple more plot lines too. Great light reading that makes you feel good when you finish the book!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest book we visit several characters who find "treasures" during the Christmas season.
Reverend Ben and his wife, Carolyn, learn anew that life is a treasure and so is their lifework. Reverend Isabel learns to treasure small town life and the sense of family in a traditional congregation. Richard and Regina learn to treasure Regina's inheritance, steady jobs, and a chance to make their family come together and stay together--and also the value of an old book.

Another heartwarming visit to Cape Light--a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

This book was borrowed from the Allen County, KY public library.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cape Light Novel
Reverend Ben has a heart attack and with his wife Carolyn, must decide when to retire. That new is enough to shake the Cape Light community but three teenage boys skateboard in the church and ruin many historic items in the sanctuary. This gives Carl a chance to witness to a Max and his father, Jacob. A new family which needs healing, Richard and Regina, moves into a house they inherited and get jobs: Regina with Matt the doctor and Richard with Sam's construction company.
And it is Christmas and the season is going to take over everone's heart.
290 pages

[Regina Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful Christmas release by Kinkade and Spencer - Cape Light's favorite minister, Ben suffers a heart attack right before the Christmas season. As he slowly recovers, Ben considers giving up the pulpit for a well deserved retirement. At the same time, a young, troubled family moves into a small rundown home on Cape Light, hoping for a fresh start or at least a clearcut ending with bittersweet memories.

Kinkade's Christmas series is another personal favorite. A small cozy town, kind and resourceful residents, and hope born at Christmas always makes for a great story.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a continuation of the Cape Light series. There were tears and some laughter as characters we've come to love gather together to celebrate Christmas with ups and downs and life getting in the way. This book introduces us to a female minister and two new families who were effortlessly included as part of Cape Light. My only disappointment is that so many of the characters we've come to love over the years had a very back seat role in this story. It's a nice Christmas read and you should give the series a try (but read them in order) if you haven't read them already.

[Culleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love "going back to" Cape Light. This installment introduced several new characters all of whom fit right in with the regular Cape Light citizens. I really liked the connection between the teenager Max and the Reverend Isabel. I also enjoyed the story line about Gina and Richard. Great read. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Reminded me a lot of the early Mitford books. I'm looking forward to going back and reading this series from the beginning since its the only one I've read and it looks like there are several that come before it.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet new people who are warmly accepted and changed by the people of Cape Light.

[Roseann Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the first kinkade book that I have read and it won't be the last. great story easy to read and very clean.....

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 12th book in the Cape Light series. I think I'll go online immediately and look for jobs and check out the real estate market! Ah, I wish I could! It would be so rewarding to have friends like the people of this community - kind, thoughtful, loyal, and just so darned wonderful!

Katherine Spencer has done a marvelous job as always, developing the plot of this book by incorporating many of the residents with which we are already so familiar while, at the same time, introducing us to a brand new family.

So long, old friends. We'll pick up next year where we've left off this year.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book published in 2011 gave me a warm feeling especially reading it a few days before Christmas.
The only criticism I have is that it seemed to drag in places which almost made me give it 3 stars, but the quality was better than that, so I had to give it 4 stars. Some of the characters have to face major decisions about their life goals and also deal with serious challenges that come up. It's a peaceful read for this quiet time of year and an especially wholesome read if you are a true believer in Christ.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cape Light is a place I want to go, sit with a cup of coffee amd chat with the locals. These books provide powerful messages about faith and God's promise. But more than that, they remind us that our imperfect struggling self is good enough and worth love, patience, and grace.

This book did a great job tackling the challenge of feeling frail and aging while also being ready for more adventures.

In short, I loved it. I only gave it 4 stars because I wanted more on tge next chapter for Regina and Richard.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a great way of showing us how nothing and no one is what they seem. reading about reverend Ben in this story reminds me of a friend of mine who is 87 years old and still the chaplain at the nursing home. He says he won't retire until the Lord takes him. I wonder what will happen with Reverend Ben? Very well done, again.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The people of Cape Light are just so kind. I love visiting them once a year, but especially this year.
The story moved quickly and easily. The characters are likeable and believable. And even though this is a book heavy with religion, it doesn't feel pushy or overbearing. Just part of the story.
So while it is not the most epic book ever written, it is certainly worth a spot on your December TBR list.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Another delightful stroll through Cape Light at Christmas. The authors creatively interweave the lives of new characters with those who have been in the series from the beginning.

Sometimes we do not appreciate what we have until we are close to losing it.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Treasures

I enjoyed book alot. I really liked Regina and Richard story. I wish it would have been more about Lillian.

[Lindsey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book with great stories these are great books

[Sallyg]

good book & good series!

[Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, semi religious tale of three stories paralleled in a wonderful Christmas setting. One of my favourite Christmas reads in years!

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books make me happy.

[Joanne Kauffmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Kinkade and Spencer novel of the joys of the Christmas season and the importance of religion in our daily lives.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

final in the Cape Light series.....jappy ending for all.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Christmas Treasures we find the good people of Cape Light once again getting ready for the holiday season. It is Rev. Ben Lewis' favorite time of year. Advent is just starting and he is getting ready for his sermon for his congregation. Looking over his notes, he feels tired and a little too warm. He decides he did too much this morning, by shoveling the snow that had come down and hurrying to get over to the church. As he gets up to give his reading and sermon, he begins to feel funny, dizzy, light-headed and a crushing pain in his chest. He collapses. Sam and Tucker rush to his side and begin CPR. An ambulance is called. Carolyn, his wife, is stricken.

Arriving at the hospital, it is confirmed that he had a heart attack and will need bypass surgery immediately. Carolyn signs all the necessary forms. Their daughter, Rachel, is there and calls Mark, her brother, to come home quickly. The surgery goes well and now it's time for Ben to recuperate.

Meanwhile, the deacons at the church has called in an interim minister, Isabel Lawrence, to take over for Ben during his absence. She had last worked at a mission in Haiti and found that there was much more to this church than she had expected and how all of the people in the congregation were so helpful and willing to help her in any way they can.

Now there has been some vandalism at the church. Max Ferguson, a fifteen year old, and his friends had gone into the church and were riding their skateboards around and doing quite a bit of damage to the floors and knocking over precious works of art that have been with the church since it's inception. Rev. Isabel got hold of Max and wouldn't let him go. Officer Tucker came into the church after seeing the two other boys running away. Between Isabel and Tulley, they decided that Max should come and help to repair all the damage he had caused. Then Rev. Isabel had to deal with the deaconate and other members of the church board as to why she didn't have him arrested.

Meanwhile, we meet Regina and Richard Rowan who are new to the town. They have come as Regina has become owner of a home in Cape Light. It couldn't have come at a better time. They had lost their home and Richard lost his job. They were making do as best as they could. But now it seem there was a God who is helping them get back on their feet. All the papers are signed and they move into the house. Their son is ill and Regina takes him to the Dr. Matt Harding. While she is there, she discovers that the office is in need of a receptionist. She is hired on after talking with both Molly and Matt. Regina is happy, now maybe thing will get somewhat better. Richard also finds a job working for Sam Morgan. Now the kids may have a good Christmas after all. They are in the midst of doing some clean up work in the house and getting rid of some of the old stuff that was left behind. Regina comes upon an old bible and puts it in her pocket. It may contain some information on her ancestors. She will look later.

Getting back to Rev. Ben. He has been considering for some time now that he should retire and after his heart attack it seems sensible. He informs his wife and she is happy that he is finally going to take some time for himself. He informs all the church members and now it is time to find another minister for the church. Will they ask Rev. Isabel to stay on as minister?

Finally, Regina and Richard, have got time to do some Christmas shopping. Their marriage had been strained for quite some time with all their difficulties. Regina thought that the shopping trip when well and was hoping maybe they could reconcile. Regina and Richard seem to come to terms and both declare they still love each other. Another surprise comes to them. Read to find out what it is.

This is the final book in the Cape Light series. I have enjoyed all of them immensely. I hope you will too.

[Marietta Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a few years since I have read any of the Cape Light Series. It was like meeting up with an old friend, taking up easily where we had left off. Many different stories happening at the same time but was very well weaved throughout the book.
Cape Light seems the ideal place to live for anyone who needs a new start on life like Richard and Regina who are only staying together until after Christmas for the sake of their kids. Regina inherits an old house and the family move to Cape Light since they have no other place to live after losing all that they had.
Then Ben who has been the preacher for many years has a heart attack one Sunday while in the pulpit. He now has to decide what to do with the rest of his life.
Enter Isabel Lawrence who has been called to preach in Ben's absence. Will she stay for good or will she go back to mission work?
This is a light fun read any time of the year.