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Cape Light #9
A Christmas Star
A brand new novel in which Christmas brightens a bleak Cape Light winter.
In a town like Cape Light, there's always room in the inn. But when hardships bring people together under one roof, things don't always go smoothly.
Sam and Jessica Morgan's holiday joy screeches to a halt when they lose their house to a fire. The heartbreaking loss weighs heavily on their relationship. As tensions flare between them, they are becoming perpetual guests in others' homes. Meanwhile, single mom Julie Newton also needs a roof over her head due to bad weather, a brokendown car, and a dead cell phone battery. She and her young daughter need Jack Baxter's help. Jack, still mourning the loss of his wife, can't turn them away - though his dark moods threaten to scare them right back outside.
As the Morgans share crowded quarters, trying to piece their future together, and Jack's frozen heart melts day by day with Julie's presence, it soon becomes clearer than ever that miracles do happen.
In a town like Cape Light, there's always room in the inn. But when hardships bring people together under one roof, things don't always go smoothly.
Sam and Jessica Morgan's holiday joy screeches to a halt when they lose their house to a fire. The heartbreaking loss weighs heavily on their relationship. As tensions flare between them, they are becoming perpetual guests in others' homes. Meanwhile, single mom Julie Newton also needs a roof over her head due to bad weather, a brokendown car, and a dead cell phone battery. She and her young daughter need Jack Baxter's help. Jack, still mourning the loss of his wife, can't turn them away - though his dark moods threaten to scare them right back outside.
As the Morgans share crowded quarters, trying to piece their future together, and Jack's frozen heart melts day by day with Julie's presence, it soon becomes clearer than ever that miracles do happen.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2008
65 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Kinkade
266 books180 followersThomas 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 23, 2009
This book is about how life can be taken forgranted, how life can pass a way in a blink of an eye if you don't live it. When I give a book 5 stars it usually because the book moved me in some way or got some kind of reaction out of my feelings whether it was laughter, anger, crying, etc... this book disturb me and made me angry at one of the female characters. I believe that when you are truely in love and marry someone that no matter how hard times get or how much loss you go through especially if it is just material things that your love will carry you through the hard times.
Out of the three families that the books story is wrapped around, the one family of two young adults and their two children start out all loving until their house catches on fire and they lose everything except for their lives. The female adult is the one who disturb me, I felt like she was a spoilt and selfish little rich bitch and needed someone to slap her down back to reality. I felt the only reason she married the man she was with was because of material things.
the story ends well in the end and everyone is happy but it just amazes me how people can forget so quickly how important your spouse and your children are in your life. I thought the book was good in showing a good example of how people take for granted important things in life.
Out of the three families that the books story is wrapped around, the one family of two young adults and their two children start out all loving until their house catches on fire and they lose everything except for their lives. The female adult is the one who disturb me, I felt like she was a spoilt and selfish little rich bitch and needed someone to slap her down back to reality. I felt the only reason she married the man she was with was because of material things.
the story ends well in the end and everyone is happy but it just amazes me how people can forget so quickly how important your spouse and your children are in your life. I thought the book was good in showing a good example of how people take for granted important things in life.
December 28, 2017
Perfect Christmas book
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first one I’ve read by this author. The story was two sweet stories about two different families woven together.......very warm and Christmasy.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first one I’ve read by this author. The story was two sweet stories about two different families woven together.......very warm and Christmasy.
November 23, 2023
A good story about people who learn who they are during the hard times in life and remembering the hard times don’t last forever. A good lesson for all of us regardless of the season.
December 27, 2024
This book was just ok. The writing isn’t the best. There is a lot of repetition in the characters' emotions, especially Jessica feeling like she can’t move on. The plot moves pretty slow, I did skim a bit over irrelevant details. The story was predictable, but it was an easy lighthearted read. I would recommend it to people who like Hallmark movies.
February 23, 2019
I found this books structure a little strange. One of two stories ran in every other chapter. In one story a happy family of a mother, father, an adopted son, and a naturally born son was told. Then one night their home caught on fire, and they were all able to get out a live. Their beloved dog had inhaled too much smoke, and died at the vets. The family had emotional problems because of the fire, and money problems, and the couple started to have marital problems, which were worked out by the end of the story.
The second story was about a man of 40, whose wife had died, and he had almost given up on life. He and his eighteen year old son had quailed, and the son had left, and had not come back. A young woman and her daughter, came to his door for help, in a storm, with a car that broke down, and was stuck in the snow. She is offered help, and the man hurts his leg trying to move the car. The woman and her daughter stay to help the man, and sale his Christmas trees. They help each other to find joy in life.
The second story was about a man of 40, whose wife had died, and he had almost given up on life. He and his eighteen year old son had quailed, and the son had left, and had not come back. A young woman and her daughter, came to his door for help, in a storm, with a car that broke down, and was stuck in the snow. She is offered help, and the man hurts his leg trying to move the car. The woman and her daughter stay to help the man, and sale his Christmas trees. They help each other to find joy in life.
May 30, 2018
I have gone through something similar to what happened to Sam and Jessica. It is never easy and it really shows a person how weak he or she can be. One thing I have loved in these books is how Reverend Ben shows us what it really means to be a pastor. I love how he just always happens to be there to talk to whoever needs God's help. He is such an inspiration to me. I am really enjoying these books.
October 11, 2021
I love Thomas Kinkade's paintings AND his books - which I discovered much later than the artwork. This is the kind of book you should read curled up in your PJs with a cup of hot cocoa at hand. Yes, the ending is "perfect" and full of warm fuzzies, which may put some people off, but like all Kinkade's other books, it is about real people in situations we can easily picture ourselves in.
Currently reading
November 24, 2008Reading the Thomas Kinkade books is like walking into one of his paintings, quaint, but life-like. The fact that the family has lost their house to a fire is all too familiar and realistic. Their responses are very real
October 31, 2012
Another favorite author. Wow, wow. Not only an author but a wonderful artist. I love Christmas novels & he wrote several more which I am so looking forward to reading as well as all his novels :). A lovely Christian man.
December 3, 2020
This was my first Kinkade book. Not a great start.
The book was giving me a lot of anxiety, and the dog dies.
I have another Kinkade book in my To Be Read stack, but I think it's headed toward donations.
The book was giving me a lot of anxiety, and the dog dies.
I have another Kinkade book in my To Be Read stack, but I think it's headed toward donations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
A gem
I could not stop reading until I finished. A very heartwarming story not without a few years she'd along the way. I highly recommend this book to all who love happy endings.
I could not stop reading until I finished. A very heartwarming story not without a few years she'd along the way. I highly recommend this book to all who love happy endings.
December 11, 2020
Jack Sawyer, recent hermit after the loss of his wife 2 years past, awkwardly takes in a single mother and her young daughter when their car breaks down near his house in the country. Before long, he's as much in need of Julie's help as she is of his. At the same time, Sam & Jessica Morgan lose their beloved house to a devastating fire. Their marriage is tested in this difficult time, as rebuilding won't be as easy as they hope.
Of the books in the Cape Light series I've read, this was my favorite. The story of Jack and Julie was much more interesting to me than the saga of Sam and Jessica Morgan's tragedy. I don't think that's necessarily because I didn't like the plot arc about the fire, but because I really liked the arc with Jack and Julie. Even moreso, I liked the arc with Jack and Julie's daughter, Kate.
What I found most endearing was that this was not just the development of a relationship between a widower and a single mom, but also the development of a relationship between a father whose son has been estranged for two years and a little girl who steals the not-so-old man's heart. Jack could get a second chance at being both a husband and a father, and it's very sweet. The culmination of that storyline made the entire book worth it.
As for Sam and Jessica, they almost killed my interest in the series in the first book. Fortunately, we're past most of the drama I disliked with them, but I will say some of their annoying quirks reared their heads again. Still, I found the difficulties they go through in this book sadly all too realistic. And while the end of their story might bother some, I think it makes sense within the context of this series.
After reading the first 4 books in the series and averaging 3.5 stars, I decided not to continue with it (which becomes a series of Christmas novels after the first 4 non-holiday books). But I already owned this one, so figured I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did, as I liked it more than the first 4. I'm not sure if I'll read more or not, though. Maybe I'll go back to book #5 if I have time left in the holiday season after I've read all of the Christmas-themed books I have planned. We'll see.
Of the books in the Cape Light series I've read, this was my favorite. The story of Jack and Julie was much more interesting to me than the saga of Sam and Jessica Morgan's tragedy. I don't think that's necessarily because I didn't like the plot arc about the fire, but because I really liked the arc with Jack and Julie. Even moreso, I liked the arc with Jack and Julie's daughter, Kate.
What I found most endearing was that this was not just the development of a relationship between a widower and a single mom, but also the development of a relationship between a father whose son has been estranged for two years and a little girl who steals the not-so-old man's heart. Jack could get a second chance at being both a husband and a father, and it's very sweet. The culmination of that storyline made the entire book worth it.
As for Sam and Jessica, they almost killed my interest in the series in the first book. Fortunately, we're past most of the drama I disliked with them, but I will say some of their annoying quirks reared their heads again. Still, I found the difficulties they go through in this book sadly all too realistic. And while the end of their story might bother some, I think it makes sense within the context of this series.
After reading the first 4 books in the series and averaging 3.5 stars, I decided not to continue with it (which becomes a series of Christmas novels after the first 4 non-holiday books). But I already owned this one, so figured I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did, as I liked it more than the first 4. I'm not sure if I'll read more or not, though. Maybe I'll go back to book #5 if I have time left in the holiday season after I've read all of the Christmas-themed books I have planned. We'll see.
December 27, 2019
The christmas star
Such a charming, heartwarming read with a wonderful message. This was another charming addition to the Cape Light series which I've enjoyed so much. Highly recommend all these books. The town and characters are so loveable (well.. except for Lillian) they feel like family!
I've read all the books in this series except the previous one bc the summary left me with the impression it revolved around angel worship, which is not Biblical. This was, like the others, a wonderful clean read. It had a couple mentions of wine/beer at the dinner table which caught me off guard, but otherwise no dirty scenes, words, etc. Looking forward to the next one
Such a charming, heartwarming read with a wonderful message. This was another charming addition to the Cape Light series which I've enjoyed so much. Highly recommend all these books. The town and characters are so loveable (well.. except for Lillian) they feel like family!
I've read all the books in this series except the previous one bc the summary left me with the impression it revolved around angel worship, which is not Biblical. This was, like the others, a wonderful clean read. It had a couple mentions of wine/beer at the dinner table which caught me off guard, but otherwise no dirty scenes, words, etc. Looking forward to the next one
November 18, 2020
Sam and Jess are struggling with a huge traumatic event in their family which is starting to unravel their marriage. Jack Morgan has turned very reclusive after the death of his wife and then late one night there is a knock at his door and there is a young woman and her daughter waiting out in the cold.
However it is Christmas time, the most magical time of the year when anything can come true. This was a fun, heartwarming story, easy to read and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
However it is Christmas time, the most magical time of the year when anything can come true. This was a fun, heartwarming story, easy to read and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 29, 2017
Two stories in one.
Christmas isn't always as idyllic as a postcard version may project. Two families struggle with season in their own way. One family loses their home in a fire the night they put their tree up. It wasn't the tree's fault, but a faulty lamp cord. Another man's livelihood is selling Christmas trees, but he has lost the Christmas spirit with the death of his wife.
Christmas isn't always as idyllic as a postcard version may project. Two families struggle with season in their own way. One family loses their home in a fire the night they put their tree up. It wasn't the tree's fault, but a faulty lamp cord. Another man's livelihood is selling Christmas trees, but he has lost the Christmas spirit with the death of his wife.
October 29, 2019
This book was not horrible. It was clean and the pacing is good.
I just could not get over my dislike for one of the main characters (Jessica), who seemed so whiny and immature. I saw no growth in her from beginning to end.
Poor spoiled woman lost her dream house in a fire, and whined and whined. Then mommy paid for a new dream house. Meh.
Jack and Julie's love story was way more interesting. Too bad it was not the focus of the book.
I just could not get over my dislike for one of the main characters (Jessica), who seemed so whiny and immature. I saw no growth in her from beginning to end.
Poor spoiled woman lost her dream house in a fire, and whined and whined. Then mommy paid for a new dream house. Meh.
Jack and Julie's love story was way more interesting. Too bad it was not the focus of the book.
March 25, 2023
A Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. A married couple’s house burns down. Of course, the couple has issues but the local minister and Christmas help resolve them. Another man has isolated himself from the world, since his wife died. He opens his door to a woman whose car has broken down. Of course, they fall in love. A nice story except for one thing; the family dog perished in the fire. Another dog took it’s place though.
January 13, 2024
Miranda's found man that police called John, she called Adam, his real ex fiancé called Eric, in previous book, "A Christmas Visitor "
He is called Jeff in this book. :(
My paperback has 297 pages not 288 as option is to finish.
I have read all books in this series in order, next is "A wish for Christmas "
He is called Jeff in this book. :(
My paperback has 297 pages not 288 as option is to finish.
I have read all books in this series in order, next is "A wish for Christmas "
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Just a delightful interlude to Cape Light. I so enjoy time spent with these characters. In this volume, the Morgan's endure tragedy that they need to overcome and a stranger gets a new life here on the cape.
Just a delightful interlude to Cape Light. I so enjoy time spent with these characters. In this volume, the Morgan's endure tragedy that they need to overcome and a stranger gets a new life here on the cape.
November 28, 2022
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to read a Cape Light book. It always puts me in the Christmas mood, and A Christmas Star did not disappoint. I think this one might be one of my favorites. Jack and Julie’s story was so precious! I can’t wait for next year and the next book!
November 19, 2017
Short refreshing read, wholesome and heartwarming.
November 21, 2017
Wonderful
This book is wonderful. It reminds us that our homes are our families and that God gives us second chances. Loved this book.
This book is wonderful. It reminds us that our homes are our families and that God gives us second chances. Loved this book.
December 28, 2017
Predictable story with nice feel-good value for Christmastime. Exactly what I expected.
January 10, 2018
Finding what's really important...
Losing a house and our stuff can be devastating, but finding out that having our family and faith is what is really important!!!
Losing a house and our stuff can be devastating, but finding out that having our family and faith is what is really important!!!
December 10, 2018
Isolation...connection...forgiveness...unity...
Reunion...reconciliation...unconditional love
Reunion...reconciliation...unconditional love
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December 25, 2020Enjoyable holiday read
Fun easy read for a busy time of year . Nice to see familiar characters woven into this book. Cape Lightfeels like home!
Fun easy read for a busy time of year . Nice to see familiar characters woven into this book. Cape Lightfeels like home!
January 12, 2021
A Christmas Star
I really enjoyed this book . I really liked the part about Jack and Julie. It added so much to the book. I pray that Jacks son David makes it home safely.
I really enjoyed this book . I really liked the part about Jack and Julie. It added so much to the book. I pray that Jacks son David makes it home safely.
February 10, 2021
I think Jack and Julie's story might be my favorite part of the series so far, except for the sadness that caused it.
September 12, 2021
A must read!!!!
December 16, 2022
Hallmark movie in book form! Very predictable, but cute and a quick, easy, sweet read during the Christmas season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews