A Christmas Secret

Cape Light #19

by Katherine Spencer, Thomas Kinkade

The Christmas season brings the promise of new beginnings in this next novel by the New York Times bestselling author of the Angel Island series.

Before Christmas comes….

Martin Nightingale was no stranger to Cape Light. He spent many happy summers there as a boy. Now, he’s returned to fulfill the unusual terms of his grandfather’s will. In order to collect his inheritance, Martin must spread joy throughout the town with anonymous gifts. A shy man who doesn’t make friends easily, Martin is stumped by the role of Secret Santa. But a pretty police officer, Louisa Tully shows him that, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

One Christmas, long ago…<?b>

Martin’s grandfather, Walter was a toy-making genius, but a terrible businessman. The Christmas of 1955 seemed the last for Nightingale’s Magical Toy Shop. Until miracles arrived, along with a stray dog named, Otis. But, as Martin discovers, his grandfather’s greatest legacy is a priceless lesson about giving from the heart.

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

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2018

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

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book as we went back and forth from the grandfather's story to the grandson's story.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Nightingale must fulfill some odd wishes in his grandfather's will in order to receive his inheritance and his grandfather's house. His grandfather wants him to spend a large sum of money on personal needs of Cape Light residents with only a small amount going to charity needs. Through the story we learn the story of how Martin's grandfather's toy shop was saved through the generosity of Oliver. In the meantime, Martin finds himself falling for Louisa, the police officer who caught him speeding on his arrival into town. This was a heartwarming story--and a perfect one for Christmas. It reminds us we should bless others with the blessings bestowed upon us. Kindness, even to those who are not kind in return, exemplifies the Christmas spirit. I received an advance electronic uncorrected proof from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my favorite in the series! All of the books are wonderful, but this one was the best. I loved the back story of the magical toy shop!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and sentimental, a perfect light read for the holidays.

[Sandym24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite of the cape light Christmas novels. Loved it!

[Karen Butman]

This is book 18 (I think) in the series. Last year, I read all of them in a row. I had to wait a whole year to read this recent addition to the series and it was worth the wait. The best one of them all. I can't wait to read this author's other series to fill in the time till next year addition.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Cape Light Christmas series! They keep getting better and better- it's just not Christmas without reading about the wonderful folks in Cape Light!

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series makes my heart happy!!!

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet holiday story about a young man forced into being a Secret Santa in a small town. There is not much character development, but this may be because it is #19 in the series, but the first one I’ve read. The story has the depth of a Hallmark romance movie, but then again, that is fine for the Christmas season. It will make you smile again and again, just what I’m looking for in a holiday novel.

[Kimberli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was so neat getting to have glimpses of everyone so long ago & seeing how they tie to the present day! Another Cape Light story that didn't disappoint, my favorite series ever!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was as usual another good book in the continuing story of Cape Light. While it was great to read about new characters it was wonderful to read about some of the older ones like Oliver and Lillian and Digger. I really liked the way it went back and forth between 1955 and 2018. This was 2018's christmas book. I feel like starting over from the first one not sure i have the time for that with the holidays and all the books i want to read but i love this author and this story. Cape Light is a wonderful warm community to visit with at Christmas or any time.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas book. It has all the great holiday elements.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in the Cape Light series and A Christmas Secret is the 19th book in the series and there are still more stories to tell. I love that the younger generation is now getting their stories told as they're interwoven with the older members of the community. As always the church and Reverend Ben play an important role but this is Martin's and Louisa's story.

There is a depth to the characters along with a major secret on Martin's part. I loved how his grandparent's story was told in the 1950's and the rest of the story was told in 2018 in a few short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many of the characters we've met before play a part in this story and we once again get to see Cape Light at Christmas.

There are some twists and turns to the story but also heartwarming traditions we learn about. There is an attraction between Martin and Louisa but they're never on the same page at the same time. They have some wonderful, happy moments especially surrounding the Santa Fund but then they would take a few steps back. Martin is shy but also very slow to make decisions since he always wants to do and say the right thing. There is nice closure with a happily ever after in both the present and the past but I can't wait to find out more especially since there's at least one more book in the series.

Ms. Spencer has done a wonderful job continuing the series after the death of Thomas Kinkade. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Nightingale has come to Cape Light to fulfill a stipulation from his grandfather's will that states that before he can inherit his part of the legacy he must be a Secret Santa to needy people in the small town where he knows no one. He has been given a set amount of money he must give away or use in some helpful way by Christmas Day.

No one knows that Martin used to spend his summers with his grandparents in Cape Light because he is now grown and uses the last name Hansen. Though quite shy he meets a local sheriff deputy, Louisa Tully, and eventually confides in her. Together they make the hopes and dreams of some very forlorn people come true. And, then their own dreams fall into place.

Another fun read for Christmas! This story goes back and forth between Martin in today's terms and his grandparents in 1955. I don't usually like these kinds of stories but this one works well and easy to keep up with.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I anticipate the next installment in the Cape Light series each year. I find pleasure in reading the stories of the new characters introduced in each book and hearing from the characters who were part of the earlier books. In some cases, the children are now grown and starting their own lives. In this most recent book, the author weaves the story of Martin Nightingale with the experiences of his grandparents some sixty-plus years earlier. One thing I found quite intriguing was the fact that Martin stands to inherit a fair sum of money if he carries out the stipulations of his late grandfather. On the flyleaf, it states that his grandfather was a terrible businessman. So, where did the money come from that Martin hopes to gain? Besides the money and house, are there other possible benefits to be realized if Martin can accomplish the challenge set before him? As you read, seek to learn from Martin’s experiences.

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to sink into the Christmas spirit, then you have picked up the right book. As with all the "Cape Light" books I have read from the first few lines you are hooked and living in Cape Light and seeing the story unfold. Martin is given a task to do and has to get it done before Christmas, the people who he meets along the way are just as charming (well all but one, lol) as you would expect, the tale of his Grandparents before his dad was born is such an important story as well and they blend so well. You will have a hard time putting this one down, so settle in to a comfy seat, a cup of something Christmassy to drink and start reading.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Nightingale is back in town – he is no stranger having spent many summers as a young boy. This return is different in that his grandfather in his will has given Martin actions required to get his fortune. He is charges with finding people who needs just a hand up to do the job they have been doing and doing well. Spreading joy anonymously that will help them. This was so great reading how he went about finding these people. We see their stories each having different needs. In the process he relives some of the happy times during his younger life in the area. I had to smile at some of the ways he found needy people while not giving away who was doing the deeds.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a typical Cape Light novel which will leave the reader feeling optimistic about people. Told in alternating chapters, the novel relates the stories of Martin Nightingale and his grandfather Walter, a toymaker in the 1950's. Martin inherits a large amount of money from his grandfather but with the stipulation he must give away a certain amount in the town of Cape Light anonymously. How he learns the secret Walter wanted him to learn forms the basis of the novel. The story of how Walter and his wife salvaged their toy store and became wealthy is also a feel good story.

[Deanna Fortin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't read this book because it sounded like a cheesy hallmark movie from the summary. I'm so glad I read it, though. It was seriously the sweetest book I've ever read. I adored the relationship between Walter and Franny and how much they loved each other and worked together to run their toy shop. I'm definitely going to make a tradition of reading a book in this series for the holidays!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 PopSugar Reading Challenge - Your favorite prompt from a past PopSugar Reading Challenge (A next book in a series you started - 2018). I started this series years ago and was happy to see another book had been released. It was nice to hang out with old friends again, while also learning some new back stories on them, along with meeting some new friends!

[Andria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure that ai was going to like this book and am so glad that i was wrong. This series is so large that they have had to go outside of the original cast of characters whom I really liked so in the last 5 or 6 books, I have found myself wishing for more of the original cast. However, this story was really sweet and I really enjoyed the present day and past day story lines.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author but my combined love for both Thomas Kinkade's artwork and lighthouses had me buying it. SO happy I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was disappointed when it ended, I wanted it to go on. Loved both the characters and story line. I will definitely be getting more of her books.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas book. I love reading Christmas books even though Christmas is over especially by Katherine Spencer. I haven't read the whole series but I have a few books here and there from the series and so far they are all wonderful. If I could rate her a ten I would! Congratulations Mrs. Spencer!!

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grandson fill a last will & testament request to be a secret Santa to the town's people of his Grandparents town, He has to to it so nobody knows who is fulfilling all the needed items that different town folks need. Always a great end of the year visit with this town.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy going back to Cape Light. This book, while good, just didn't feel like the others in the series. Something seemed to be missing. However if you have read the series I would still recommend A Christmas Secret. It was heartwarming!

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Pleasant Christmas Story

This was a very pleasant read. I very much enjoyed reading this book! I highly recommend it! It is written from the perspective of 1955 from the Grandfather and 2018 from the perspective of the grandson Excellently written.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love secret Santa stories. It reminded me of another book in this series where a family did something similar. I was actually surprised that it wasn't mentioned.

[Christine Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

predictable but cute

[Beachbum7805 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story line of past Walter Nightengale and present Martin Nightengale. The grandfathers message to the grandson was heart warming! I really enjoyed the book!

[Lisa Currier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! One of my favorite series. Well writte, engaging characters.