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Cape Light #10
A Wish for Christmas
Cape Light reflects on its past and revels in its future in this Christmas novel from Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.
After serving in Iraq, David has returned home to find that his widowed father has remarried. Jobless and dealing with physical injuries that may never heal, David doesn’t have much Christmas cheer, especially when Christine, his ex-girlfriend, comes to work at his father’s tree farm. Trying not to seem bitter or discouraged is even harder than the physical therapy he must undergo, and David realizes that he not only needs to heal his body but his heart as well.
Meanwhile, Lillian Warwick’s daughters are concerned about their elderly, yet fiercely independent, mother living on her own. Even her old friend, Dr. Ezra Elliot, can’t get through to her. When the tables are turned and Ezra is in need of her help, they are both surprised to find they value each other beyond just friendship. And Lillian begins to wonder if it’s still possible to let love into her life…
After serving in Iraq, David has returned home to find that his widowed father has remarried. Jobless and dealing with physical injuries that may never heal, David doesn’t have much Christmas cheer, especially when Christine, his ex-girlfriend, comes to work at his father’s tree farm. Trying not to seem bitter or discouraged is even harder than the physical therapy he must undergo, and David realizes that he not only needs to heal his body but his heart as well.
Meanwhile, Lillian Warwick’s daughters are concerned about their elderly, yet fiercely independent, mother living on her own. Even her old friend, Dr. Ezra Elliot, can’t get through to her. When the tables are turned and Ezra is in need of her help, they are both surprised to find they value each other beyond just friendship. And Lillian begins to wonder if it’s still possible to let love into her life…
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2009
28 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Kinkade
250 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 74 reviews
November 27, 2009
This book is dedicated to the men and women in the U.S. military and to their families.
This book is about three families - The first one is about Jack's son David who has return home from Iraq early due to an explosin that crushed his legs and now has to use a walker to even walk. David's story goes into the trials and pains he has to endure while going to Physical Therapy, nightmares he has every night that keeps him awake, the pain he is always in, and of course the loss of his self esteeme to keep his one and only true love that he wishes he could have.
The second family is about a daughter who has been taking care of her father who run an antique shop. When the daughter goes into an atick to find an old suitcase, she finds large sums of money that her father put away years past. The daughter and father deside to play secret santa and help those in dire need, this is a very touching story since no one can figure out who the secret santa is but the towns people are very thankful.
The third family is of an older woman who lives in her house alone and refuses to have someone come in to look after her even though her two daughters insist. The old woman also has a dear friend who she has known all her life and doesn't realize how much she cares for him until he has a heart attack. Her friend survives but their closeness sparks and in the end they get married so they can take care of each other.
I highly recommend this book - just an insight of how a soldier comes home after war injuries gives you an idea of what they go through mentally and physically.
This book is about three families - The first one is about Jack's son David who has return home from Iraq early due to an explosin that crushed his legs and now has to use a walker to even walk. David's story goes into the trials and pains he has to endure while going to Physical Therapy, nightmares he has every night that keeps him awake, the pain he is always in, and of course the loss of his self esteeme to keep his one and only true love that he wishes he could have.
The second family is about a daughter who has been taking care of her father who run an antique shop. When the daughter goes into an atick to find an old suitcase, she finds large sums of money that her father put away years past. The daughter and father deside to play secret santa and help those in dire need, this is a very touching story since no one can figure out who the secret santa is but the towns people are very thankful.
The third family is of an older woman who lives in her house alone and refuses to have someone come in to look after her even though her two daughters insist. The old woman also has a dear friend who she has known all her life and doesn't realize how much she cares for him until he has a heart attack. Her friend survives but their closeness sparks and in the end they get married so they can take care of each other.
I highly recommend this book - just an insight of how a soldier comes home after war injuries gives you an idea of what they go through mentally and physically.
April 11, 2010
I didn't actually finish this book, just skimmed the ending. It had to go back to the library and because I wasn't too interested in the story anyway, I returned it without having finishing completely. Pretty much everything I said about #9 of this series applies to this book as well.
Summary: Grace and Digger Hegman find a large amount of money in their attic and become Secret Santas to the town of Capelight. Meanwhile, elderly Lilian Warwick insists on continuing living in her large house but refuses live-in help, nearly driving her daughters crazy in the process. David Sawyer, healing physically and emotionally after returning from Iraq, struggles to find a place in his father's new family.
Summary: Grace and Digger Hegman find a large amount of money in their attic and become Secret Santas to the town of Capelight. Meanwhile, elderly Lilian Warwick insists on continuing living in her large house but refuses live-in help, nearly driving her daughters crazy in the process. David Sawyer, healing physically and emotionally after returning from Iraq, struggles to find a place in his father's new family.
February 21, 2021
The more books in this series that I read, the more I like it.
December 17, 2017
great read though it took me longer than planned to finish it. Welcome to Cape Light, a small town of friendly folks all of whom have issues going on over Christmas this year. The spirit of Christmas and all it entails slowly but surely finds its way to Cape Light in a series of events inspiring hope in the residents of this small town.
November 18, 2018
A perfect book to read 4 weeks before Christmas. A beautiful story of family love and reunion. Of hope where there is no hope. And a reminder that God is in control of every situations in our life. I loved this book, easy to read and makes me roll my eyes and put a smile on my face at the different characters in this story. Blessed Christmas everyone!
February 15, 2019
This was a heartwarming story about three families that lived in the same town. The first was an elderly woman that refused to have live-in care against her daughters' will; the second, a young man returning home to his father after receiving injuries in Iraq and third was a woman and her father looking to spread Christmas cheer this year.
June 9, 2018
This was my favorite of the Cape Light books! I love how a father and daughter can do something really special and fun together. you never know who God will use to be a blessing to you. It could be the most unlikely people.
July 28, 2018
I found "A Wish for Christmas" to be fairly enjoyable. While it is the 10th book in the Cape Light series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. The characters are lively and believable without being caricatures and demonstrates an understanding of what a gift it is to be able to give.
September 18, 2021
I so enjoyed my most recent visit to Cape Light. One of the story lines deals with a military veteran who is back in Cape Light due to injuries in Iraq. The resolution to this character's situation seemed simplistic. A feel good read.
January 10, 2022
Nice continuation of the series where I left off quite a few years back. Lillian is as annoying as ever, the others are memorable characters. No need to keep reading the series as it’s not really my style anymore.
February 2, 2025
Another wonderful addition to this series.
This was such a great installment to this series. I love how the authors capture and move us forward with each character. I am fully hooked and can't wait to read the next book!
This was such a great installment to this series. I love how the authors capture and move us forward with each character. I am fully hooked and can't wait to read the next book!
December 23, 2019
Took awhile to get into it. Favorite characters were Lillian and Ezra. Good character development.
June 2, 2020
I like it
January 23, 2021
A Wish for Christmas
I enjoyed the book very much. I always wish the book was more about Lillian than anyone else. I love that Lillian and Erza got married.
I enjoyed the book very much. I always wish the book was more about Lillian than anyone else. I love that Lillian and Erza got married.
June 11, 2021
Fun of Christmas and the happy feelings you get when you read these fun stories and the people keeps you feeling like you were their and a part of the town.
October 15, 2021
Finally lilian and ezra. Im so happy
December 24, 2022
A romance for Lillian!
January 14, 2023
I'm enjoying the series, although the over reliance on religion to solve life's problems doesn't sit well with me (owned print copy)
January 4, 2023
good book, good series
April 4, 2012
In Cape Light, unexpected challenges and gifts come when least expected.
Jack Sawyer's son, David, has returned home after serving in Iraq. He was wounded over there and has several surgeries to help him recover, but he still is having problems both physically and mentally. He comes home to find things have changed: his dad is remarried and he has a young stepsister to boot. Jack is elated to have David back and does as much to help him as possible.
David has decided he needs to get back to physical therapy. His therapist is very demanding and lets him know that he has to work hard to get back any strength and ability to walk without his walker. David, also, is reminded of his former girlfriend, Christine, who also lives in Cape Light. She is now engaged to be married and attends college. He does bump into her and they exchange pleasantries. But, his feelings for her are still strong. How will David do with his therapy? Will he give up or plunge forward? How about Christine, will he tell her how he feels about her?
Another of our Cape Light residents, Lillian Warwick, is now living on her own since her granddaughter and husband moved to Boston. Her daughters are concerned with her being alone and try to convince to have some live in help or just some one come during the day to help her. She agrees after much persuading, but seems to find fault with them and keeps firing them. She is determined to live on her own terms. Then, her long time friend and confidante, Ezra, has a heart attack and now Lillian wants to help take care of him. She spends most of her time either at the hospital or back at his place when he goes back home. She cares so much for Ezra; and, it seems Ezra has loved her for over 50 years now. Are they becoming closer? Will Ezra ask Lillian to come live with him?
On top of everything else going on around the holidays in Cape Light, it seems there is a secret benefactor giving out gifts for those in need. Who can that be?
Jack Sawyer's son, David, has returned home after serving in Iraq. He was wounded over there and has several surgeries to help him recover, but he still is having problems both physically and mentally. He comes home to find things have changed: his dad is remarried and he has a young stepsister to boot. Jack is elated to have David back and does as much to help him as possible.
David has decided he needs to get back to physical therapy. His therapist is very demanding and lets him know that he has to work hard to get back any strength and ability to walk without his walker. David, also, is reminded of his former girlfriend, Christine, who also lives in Cape Light. She is now engaged to be married and attends college. He does bump into her and they exchange pleasantries. But, his feelings for her are still strong. How will David do with his therapy? Will he give up or plunge forward? How about Christine, will he tell her how he feels about her?
Another of our Cape Light residents, Lillian Warwick, is now living on her own since her granddaughter and husband moved to Boston. Her daughters are concerned with her being alone and try to convince to have some live in help or just some one come during the day to help her. She agrees after much persuading, but seems to find fault with them and keeps firing them. She is determined to live on her own terms. Then, her long time friend and confidante, Ezra, has a heart attack and now Lillian wants to help take care of him. She spends most of her time either at the hospital or back at his place when he goes back home. She cares so much for Ezra; and, it seems Ezra has loved her for over 50 years now. Are they becoming closer? Will Ezra ask Lillian to come live with him?
On top of everything else going on around the holidays in Cape Light, it seems there is a secret benefactor giving out gifts for those in need. Who can that be?
February 13, 2017
A very light, easy, predictable Christmas read. If we could give half ratings I would've given this a 2.5.
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July 12, 2016Set in Cape Light, the picturesque New England seaside village often featured in Thomas Kinkade’s paintings, A Wish for Christmas follows three community members through the holiday season.
David is a service member who has just returned from deployment with physical and mental injuries, and is trying to adjust to civilian life while hoping to rekindle a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Lillian is a feisty elderly woman who finds herself reconnecting with a lifelong male friend as she resists her daughters’ attempts to hire help for managing Lillian’s Victorian mansion. Finally, Grace, the owner of a struggling antique shop, finds a suitcase of money in the attic and instead of spending it on herself, she works with her ailing father to play secret Santa to needy Cape Light residents.
Although the book mainly focuses on Lillian, David, and Grace, co-authors Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer often tell parts of the story through the perspective of other townspeople, who will be familiar to Cape Light series readers. A Wish for Christmas is an enjoyable holiday novel, but it lacks the depth needed to feel a connection with the characters.
David is a service member who has just returned from deployment with physical and mental injuries, and is trying to adjust to civilian life while hoping to rekindle a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Lillian is a feisty elderly woman who finds herself reconnecting with a lifelong male friend as she resists her daughters’ attempts to hire help for managing Lillian’s Victorian mansion. Finally, Grace, the owner of a struggling antique shop, finds a suitcase of money in the attic and instead of spending it on herself, she works with her ailing father to play secret Santa to needy Cape Light residents.
Although the book mainly focuses on Lillian, David, and Grace, co-authors Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer often tell parts of the story through the perspective of other townspeople, who will be familiar to Cape Light series readers. A Wish for Christmas is an enjoyable holiday novel, but it lacks the depth needed to feel a connection with the characters.
February 1, 2013
A Wish for Christmas, A cape Light Novel by Thomas Kinkaid and Katherine Spencer
Lilian is recovering from her fall and her granddaughter and husband are going to move as they need time being newlyweds. The other daughters are local and usually drop whatever they are doing to come to her rescue. When they arrive it's to find that she's just lonely. She has a new love interest.
David is home from the war, injured and his nerves don't feel a thing, yet. His father has remarried to Julie and her daughter. Family runs the tree farm and he gets annoyed with the bell ringing..
Grace was cleaning out Digger, her father's attic and found about $30,000 and they decide to give it to less fortunate people who are local. She have a new refrigerator delivered to one who posted on the church bulletin board that hers was no longer working.
Rev. Ben is always a help to all.
Lillian and her friend have a medical emergency, David has a decision to make about more surgery and what to do with his personal life..
and Grace is having a blast with the gifts for others...
Love this series!
Lilian is recovering from her fall and her granddaughter and husband are going to move as they need time being newlyweds. The other daughters are local and usually drop whatever they are doing to come to her rescue. When they arrive it's to find that she's just lonely. She has a new love interest.
David is home from the war, injured and his nerves don't feel a thing, yet. His father has remarried to Julie and her daughter. Family runs the tree farm and he gets annoyed with the bell ringing..
Grace was cleaning out Digger, her father's attic and found about $30,000 and they decide to give it to less fortunate people who are local. She have a new refrigerator delivered to one who posted on the church bulletin board that hers was no longer working.
Rev. Ben is always a help to all.
Lillian and her friend have a medical emergency, David has a decision to make about more surgery and what to do with his personal life..
and Grace is having a blast with the gifts for others...
Love this series!
March 18, 2015
Book #2 of the 2011 Christmas season for me. Also a first time read by this popular author.
I enjoyed this book and liked the sub stories of three people in Cape Light and their struggles during the holiday season. Warm and inviting for the holiday time of year.
David – Just out of the service is adjusting to his injuries and living back home with his family. He is learning to manage his life with the help of an old friend, controlling his anger, and setting goals to get back on his feet.
Lillian – Is the wealthy family matriarch who is facing living along in a big house and does not want to accept assistance from her family despite her failing health and age issues. She ends up becoming the strong caregiver to a dear old friend.
Grace and her father Digger – Have a unique and secret role in making the residents of Cape Light happy this Christmas.
Overall a feel good book with some spirituality thrown in for the season.
I enjoyed this book and liked the sub stories of three people in Cape Light and their struggles during the holiday season. Warm and inviting for the holiday time of year.
David – Just out of the service is adjusting to his injuries and living back home with his family. He is learning to manage his life with the help of an old friend, controlling his anger, and setting goals to get back on his feet.
Lillian – Is the wealthy family matriarch who is facing living along in a big house and does not want to accept assistance from her family despite her failing health and age issues. She ends up becoming the strong caregiver to a dear old friend.
Grace and her father Digger – Have a unique and secret role in making the residents of Cape Light happy this Christmas.
Overall a feel good book with some spirituality thrown in for the season.
December 5, 2014
This Christmas novel showcase two families, first David who has returned from war to find his father has remarried and he has gained a young stepsister. The focus is on his physical injuries as well as flash backs which happened frequently at night. His breakthrough came when he went for therapy at the VA and left home for some solitary time to reflect on which direction he wanted his life to travel. It shows the strength and devotion of families especially his young sister in her devotion to him.
The second family is one many of us can relate to especially when an older parent needs support but want to hold on to their independent. It shows love of her two daughters, but the breakthrough came when her old time friend became ill and she in caring for him realized that it was possible to love again.
The second family is one many of us can relate to especially when an older parent needs support but want to hold on to their independent. It shows love of her two daughters, but the breakthrough came when her old time friend became ill and she in caring for him realized that it was possible to love again.
January 13, 2010
This was a very good Christmas story and a delightful continuation of the Cape Light series. I always come away from reading these books feeling like I've caught up with good friends over tea. There was a wonderful surprise awaiting me at the end that I'm sure loyal readers will appreciate.
My only complaint with the book, and the reason I did not give it 5 stars, was the authors' use of the word "damn" in several places in the book. I go out of my way to avoid reading books with profanity in them. Even though I can understand why this particular word was used in the story, it was surprising to find it in a Christian series where there had never been profanity used prior to this book. Readers who dislike reading anything with profanity will do well to be forewarned.
My only complaint with the book, and the reason I did not give it 5 stars, was the authors' use of the word "damn" in several places in the book. I go out of my way to avoid reading books with profanity in them. Even though I can understand why this particular word was used in the story, it was surprising to find it in a Christian series where there had never been profanity used prior to this book. Readers who dislike reading anything with profanity will do well to be forewarned.
January 9, 2010
Thomas Kinkade should stick to painting....it's not that this was a bad book...it just wasn't particularly good. I picked it up at the bookstore for a Christmas time read, and finished it in January... It was very slow in the beginning. There were too many characters, so they were not developed enough. I would have like to have seen the focus on less characters and to go a little deeper (especially considering that this is the 10th book or so in the Cape Light series....[although I haven't read any others, so I really don't know...:]). It was also highly predictable. Pick it up if you have nothing better to do...
January 7, 2010
This was a delightful book that had four concurrent stories of four different families. This was a fast read. It held my attention and was not too sappy, as are many books with Christian themes. I found it in the new release section of our local library. It is a 2009 release. The character descripions were excellent when adults were the characters. You could just visualize the quarlesome old woman, the injured soldier from Iraq,etc. The childrens description was weak. You could tell that they had not spent much time around children and having three older women having babies in one book was redundant.
January 5, 2014
A great story of hope and good works and love. I didn't know Thomas Kinkade wrote books or he puts his name on them and Katherine Spencer writes them. There are 3 stories within the story: David, a young soldier returning from Iraq trying to recover from extensive injuries; Lillian Warwick a cranky old rich lady who loves making life miserable for everyone she comes in contact with except Ezra; and lastly Grace and her Dad Digger who become the whole town's secret Santa. A great book for the holidays or anytime you need a good dose of hope and good cheer.
December 26, 2009
I have given this book a 5 star rating because it is the next in the wonderful Cape light series. The entire series is just superb; I feel like I am a part of this little community.
It is not that these books are the best from a literary viewpoint, but they are the best from a "heartwarming" perspective.
While I normally wait until Christmas each year for the release of the newest title, it seems that this year there will be a new title released in April, 2010!!!!!!!!!!
It is not that these books are the best from a literary viewpoint, but they are the best from a "heartwarming" perspective.
While I normally wait until Christmas each year for the release of the newest title, it seems that this year there will be a new title released in April, 2010!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews