Because It's Christmas

Cape Light #17

by Katherine Spencer, Thomas Kinkade

In this novel in Thomas Kinkade’s heartwarming series, the holiday season brings changes and challenges to many in Cape Light. But on one silent night, peace and harmony will prevail.

Sophie Potter is grateful for so many happy years among her beloved apple trees. But her family insists that she can no longer live alone. So Sophie makes a deal to spend one last Christmas on Potter Orchard. Luckily, her grandson James arrives in time to help her make plans for the best holiday gathering Cape Light has ever seen. James isn’t planning on staying in Cape Light. An aspiring writer, he’s eager for adventure and plans to take off on a trip around the world. But once James meets Zoey Bates, he starts to understand that leaving Cape Light might cost him the greatest adventure of all—falling in love.

Meanwhile, after more than fifteen years as Cape Light’s mayor, Emily Warwick has lost the election to her lifelong rival, Charlie Bates. Emily is delighted to have more time for her family, but when a group of citizens begin fighting to preserve the town’s character, Emily can’t shake her desire to protect her town. Soon she finds herself back on a familiar battleground with Charlie and her family. It’s not the place anyone wants to be. Especially on Christmas.

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

341 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Katherine Spencer was a fiction editor before turning to a full-time career as a writer. The author of more than thirty books, she also writes the Angel Island series, as well as the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries under her real name, Anne Canadeo. She lives with her husband and daughter in a small village on the Long Island Sound. Outside of her office, she is active in many community charity projects.

Reviews

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christmas Season I look forward to visiting my friends in Cape Light. I have been reading about them for years and I really do feel as if they are my friends. I love seeing what the regular characters are up to as well as meeting some new ones. This year when I read the book summary I was upset. Sophie staying at the orchard is a must, as is Emily as mayor! I couldn't believe all these changed that were happening to my beloved little village. I couldn't understand it....until I started reading.

I think the message that struck a cord with me as I was reading this was change happens. We don't always like it, but it is still there. And here's the thing - God's plans are always better than ours. Yes, it was mind blowing to me that the citizens of Cape Light would actually vote for Charlie Bates, a character I have formed a love/dislike relationship with. But there was a purpose beneath it all and as the story unfolded I found myself actually enjoying it.

My favorite storyline was that of Zoey and James. Zoey has grow so much since the last time I read about her and I smiled like a proud mama would as I was reading about her. Zoey has grown into this beautiful young woman who think of others before herself. She is proof that good things can come out of bad situations. I loved her interactions with James. They were real and honest, not like some young couples that are trying to make a show. I hope these characters will be back at future stories!

I hope you'll join me in reading the latest in the Cape Light Series. I know you won't regret it! Looking forward to what is next for Cape Light, as well as hoping there are future Angel Island books as well :)

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas season in Cape Light once again. Sadie Potter is featured in this novel. Sadie is now in her 70's, and her children believe she no longer should be living alone or running the huge apple orchard that has been in her family for 4 generations. Sadie does not want to leave the home she was born, raised, and lived in with her husband and family. Meanwhile, Emily Warwick is no longer mayor of Cape Light and is having problems finding her new role in life. Both Sadie and Emily are given Christmas miracles that answer both of their prayers.

Each of the books in this series has been wonderful. Full of great characters, good plot, and deep spiritual content, I look forward to reading each of them when I pick them up.

[Marilyn Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are wonderful and I have read every one! Twice, I have read thru the whole collection!
Katherine Spencer is a very gifted author, and if she stops writing about this town and these people, i will miss it and them.

[Maureen Caupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read for over the Christmas Holiday. It's a "feel-good" book that takes place over the Christmas season. It includes themes about the importance of family and community, giving, faith, and coming together to help others even when you are usually at odds. It's hopeful with happy resolutions to many of the main characters worries from earlier in the book. It will appeal to readers who enjoy the Cape Light series, and likely those who enjoy books by authors such as Jan Karon, Max Lucado, Richard Paul Evans, Karen Kingsbury, Philip Gulley, and Donna VanLiere.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love catching up with everyone in Cape Light.

This year we learn about the fate of Sophia, Emily and Zoey.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas in Cape Light – I look forward to new stories set in Thomas Kinkade’s Cape Light. How refreshing to read this one in the heat of July. I typically read new books in this series soon after they are released, which has been in the fall of the year since 2004, but circumstances prevented that with this one. The writing is so realistic that I kept thinking it was cold outside as I read the book. At one point, I had to put the book down to take care of something outside and actually thought for a moment that I should get my coat before going out into the cold, only to remember that the temperature outside was well over 80 degrees. Sophie Potter was a huge part of this story as she struggled with what to do about her home and apple orchard because her adult children were trying to force her to sell it and move in with one of them due to her advancing age. She was steadfast in seeking God’s will for her future, setting a good example for all Christians. As in most of the other Cape Light books, Reverend Ben played a key role in the lives of several of the other characters as he offered suggestions with insight and wisdom. His Christmas message was possibly the best message of any that have been shared throughout this series. Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones was a pleasant experience as usual. One colossal change has taken place in the little village. After trying for years to get elected as mayor, Charlie Bates has finally beaten Emily Warwick in the mayoral election and is learning the challenges of that position along with the continuing responsibility of running his diner, Clam Box. The saying, “be careful what you wish for because you might get it”, has never seemed truer. If you have not read this series, I suggest you start at the beginning and learn all about the wonderful people of Cape Light.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light: Because It's Christmas (A Cape Light Novel by Katherine Spencer
Book concentrates on three women this time. I have read many of this series and all books can be read as stand alones.
Love the friendliest and how everybody helps one another in this town.
Zoey-adopted by a family and she's ready to devote more of her time but because her dad is the new mayor he needs her to work at the diner. It would mean her giving up her internship that she's worked so hard for...
Emily-the ex mayor and she's trying to stay out of things to do with the town but her mother and others need her help because she knows the town charter and so much more. She tries but fails at attending her daughter's games and debates and even making dinner for the family...
Sophie-very old owns the orchard and her grandson James shows up-out of work but heading to Peru to work at a farm after the new year.
When the town suffers an ice storm the mayor needs help with warming centers and keeping everybody safe and he gets information that helps.
Love the part about how the family wants to put Sophie in her daughter's home but she wants to stay where she is..she prays to God for solutions.
She is able to host a Christmas eve party, for the last time, in her home with the help of others.
Love how it all plays out, so unpredictable and you never know what the future will hold for them. Liked hearing about the other residents in town as I know many of their past stories.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Love light Thomas Kinkaid stands for.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Thomas Kinkade's "Cape Light" novels.
Sophie Potter owns an old house and apple orchard, and has lived there since she was born. She happens to take a fall on the steps, and her family thinks it is best that she sell the property; that it is too dangerous to live on her own.
Her grandson happens to visit, right before Christmas, to be able to help her around the house and orchard, but he intends on writing and traveling abroad and won't be there permanently to help her. He meets Zoey Bates, who is in college, who loves Sophie and wants to see her hang on to her home and orchard. Meanwhile, Sophie's daughter, finishing up her term of mayor after 50 years, looses the mayoral election to Sophie's dad, Charlie Bates. Emily Warwick wants the best for her mother, Sophie, but also wants the best for the town, and she doesn't think that Charlie Bates is able to do that.
Consequently, everyone becomes embattled on all of the issues, which makes it hard to celebrate Christmas.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to be back in Cape Light with the seventeenth book in the series, Because It's Christmas. Reuniting with characters I've grown to love and who once again come together in a time of need. This time it's an ice storm before Christmas. We get to meet new characters as well but this is Sophie Potter's story.

The story ebbs and flows and there's a new person at the helm in Cape Light. We get to see some of the characters in a new light but others as cantankerous as ever. It was nice to visit Main Street and the businesses in town as well as Reverend Ben's church. Nice closure and an ending better than expected but of course more stories to tell since there are more books in the series that I need to catch up on.

Give the Cape Light series a chance if you haven't already. You'll be glad you did as you get immersed in the town, the businesses, the politics, and everyone's lives. They've become family to me after a while!

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of the series will enjoy this Cape Light novel tying up loose ends for some of the familiar characters such as Sophie Potter and mayor Emily Warwick. New readers who haven't read previous books might wonder about the animosity between former mayor Emily Warwick and newly elected Charlie Bates. Zoey Bates, Charlie's adopted daughter is juggling family responsibilities and college in her goal to become an art psychotherapist. The friendship between Sophie and Zoey ties some of the plotlines together. A quick pleasant read.

[Darlene Ferland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this Cape Light series that I have read. It looks like I am behind 16 books. The story made me laugh and cry. The characters are flesh and blood. I could meet any one of them and have a conversation. The matriarch is a lovely, kind woman but her children think she should be in a place where she would be safer at her age. She was born in that house and would like to die there. I don't want to tell this story. You should read it yourself. . . I can honestly tell you it was a joy to get lost in this book.

[Lori Goroski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started slow for me introducing so many characters. My favorite part was the pastors impromptu sermon on Christmas Eve. It was a good, but a predictable feel good story. I enjoyed Sophie's character. Stubborn yet in tune with where her family's concern intended for her well being. Her struggle with leaving her house and juggling her family's wishes and her faith in Jesus seemed very real.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to find another Cape Light book. They are right up there with Jan Karon's Mitford series. Inspirational, hopeful and lovely to read. The characters are ones you remember well and look forward to reading about again. Like catching up with folks you haven't seen in awhile and have always liked a lot.

[Lewestover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any other volumes in this series, but I probably will now. I thoroughly enjoyed this
small town America story. It includes themes about the importance of family and community, giving, faith, and coming together to help others even when you are usually at odds. It also considers the value of being flexible and having patience and open communication, especially with those we love.

[Dharpers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

This truly was a charming book. The characters, the story line, the scenic setting all added to the joys and struggles of the folks in Cape Light. Katherine Spencer once again captivated my attention for another Christmas story. I would love to go visit Sophie and share a piece of her apple pie.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story about the town of Cape light - Charly Bates the mayor, Sophie Potter selling her apple orchard, ice storm, town shut down, big Christmas Eve party. Read all about the wonderful people of this town.

[Culleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "going back to Cape Light" after a break from reading this series. Spencer's way of connecting characters new and old is excellent. And her use of imagery easily takes you to this beautiful little town

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all the other books in the Cape Light series which i've read, "Because It's Christmas" was absolutely delightful.

Once again, I felt like I was "home" for the holiday season. The town is my "home," the people are my "friends," and their stories are my stories.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Nothing like small town America during the holidays. Reminded me of times gone by.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, heartwarming story, perfect for the Christmas season. I love visiting with the familiar Cape Light residents.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Kinkade Christmas read :). Always a good sappy family story!!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking to read for Christmas. Old fashioned and heartwarming story.

[Michele Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholesome story set in a small town during Christmas. Nice, light read. Predictable, but good. It is part of a series, I would read other books by this author.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still don't like Lillian or Charlie, but at least Charlie showed some better qualities by the end of this book.

[Carol Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Jenny Dohner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Great and varied characters, a quaint setting, clean. Pretty predictable.

[Dee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the series. This one has characters who are questioning their place in life and relationships with others. Always great to read about Cape Light and the regular characters.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite of this series. The series begins with a huge party at Sophie 's orchard and there is another one in this book. Just a charming visit to Cape Light.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.