The Many Loves of Marriage

by Thomas Kinkade, Nanette Kinkade

Enter the shining world of the Painter of Light(tm)'s own real-life romance! Thomas and his wife of twenty years, Nanette, share their own love story and illustrate the splendor of marriage. A husband and wife's various kinds of love - ravishing and playful, tender and believing, tough and transforming - come alive in this luminous, thought-provoking book that is sure to brighten the spirits of every reader.

Genres: Marriage, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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

[Thomas Ackerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, mostly for the interesting look at Kinkade's small town background, great stories about meeting his wife, and learning how his beliefs affect both his painting and his marriage. The painter and his wife both take turns narrating the story. Kinkade makes some good points about marriage in general, although I think some of the advice regarding marriage is superficial, and not what mostly makes marriage good and lasting. I found the writing style, both of Kinkade and his wife to be pleasant, and easy to read. They stick to sharing the most relevant points of a story, and don't bother with every detail. It must have been a pleasure to adorn his own marriage book with relevant paintings from his career. I think nearly any reader will enjoy the artwork.

I was saddened to learn later, when I looked up Kinkade, that he died while separated from his wife and living with another woman. His death was called an accidental overdose of alcohol and valium. Apparently, despite all he said about marriage, and their claims to believe marriage lasts for life, that when trouble hit they didn't live up to these beliefs. Kinkade was struggling with drinking heavily at the time, and had also suffered financially in his business. His wife filed for legal separation. According to several people Kinkade was planning to marry his new girlfriend when the divorce went through. He will still be remembered by millions for his painting and their beautiful message, but his troubled soul perhaps was masked by their brilliant lighting. Events towards the end of his life greatly damage his witness as a Christian, which I'm sure he and his wife cared about deeply.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob and I enjoy reading books about marriage and discussing the content. We find it helps us communicate better and understand each other's perspective on different issues. He selected this book as he like the art work of Thomas Kincaide. The book had many good topics presented on his marriage to Nannette. She also wrote for the book. The use of metaphors was excellent. It was very sad to discover that by the 28th year of their marriage they were separated and Thom ended up passing away from alcohol and pills while living with his mistress. We wondered what went wrong as they had this strong marriage for at least twenty years. The book is a good reminder that marriage is fragile and needs to be tended daily.

[Liza Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the autobiographical approach to this instructional book on marriage. It is interesting, easy to read and has several good tips on staying in love. Plus there are beautiful paintings throughout. Some of the suggestions are a bit tough for those who don't own their own business, but great ideas nonetheless.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational and heartwarming book about marriage written from a Christian point of view, The Many Loves of Marriage is a passionate apologetic for the lifelong union of a man and a woman. Beautifully laid out and illustrated with the artwork of the author, it uses analogy and anecdote to describe the ideal, and the practice of marriage. It's easy to read and features the perspectives of the author Kinkade, and his wife.

If you have had, or are in a bad marriage, this book may provoke mixed feelings. It gives no examples of real hardship: no deaths to deal with, no affairs, no real challenges to the strength of the union between the Kinkades. Some would read it as unrealistic and even unhelpful. It offers no practical advice about how to deal with problems in a marriage other than motherhood statements supported by Bible references. It's a little bit lemonade and apple pie, and may even irritate some readers, as it did me in places. However, the target readership will read it as affirmation of love and marriage, and be encouraged by it.

The Many Loves of Marriage is a feel good book which praises the institution of marriage and the God who is both the source and sustainer of true love. Worth a read if you believe in unconditional, self sacrificing love...and who doesn't, right?

[Gladys Landing-Corretjer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the book. The use of the paintings added the tone of peacefulness the authors wanted to convey. I like the use of Scripture and appreciate the authors' testimony.

As reader, I was expecting, that the sense of adventure the authors proclaimed to have would engage me, but it didn't. The language was monotone. I guess a lit bit of dialog, would have aid me enjoy the book more.

[Sarom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for couples.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Book!!!!!

[Saralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was charming and inspiring. I love to hear two people in love talk about their love. This book was excellent.

[Happy · Rating 3 out of 5]

good insights.

[Lisa]

Marriage