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Cape Light #2
Home Song
Caught up in the responsibilities of her job and the incessant demands of her elderly mother, mayor Emily Warwick doesn't allow herself to dream. Then there's her younger sister Jessica, who's about to walk down the aisle with a man their mother despises. It doesn't help that Emily's still mourning the husband she lost and wondering what happened to the baby she gave up for adoption twenty years ago. Sometimes she thinks it would take a miracle to fill the hole in her heart.But miracles do happen in Cape Light. You just have to close your eyes--and believe in your dreams.
377 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
63 people are currently reading
726 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 101 reviews
August 22, 2018
I have read this series before by Kinkade.Very good book with hometown family feeling.He does a good job of showing the ups and downs of family life
March 27, 2024
I read 2 other Christmas books by this author and they were pretty good. This didn’t ring any bells for me. There were a lot of meaningful spiritual insights, the beginnings of 2 romances and the conclusion was appealing. Basically, the story was too long and way too slow.
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December 3, 2009This book continues where the first Cape Light novel left off—literally days later; there’s no real gap to speak of. The same wonderful characters are part of the book, and while the plot of book 2 isn’t as strong as was the plot in the first book in this series, it’s well enough written that you’ll finish it without regret. Again, these authors have found just the right balance of good story and Christianity to keep almost anyone involved without being turned off by anything shrill, preachy or in any way in-your-face button-hole kind of hyper-religiousness.
In this book, Sara Franklin, who still works at the local eatery, finally gathers the courage to tell Mayor Emily Warwick that she, Sara, is Emily’s daughter given up for adoption two decades earlier.
I’ve probably made some of this sound a little like a bad soap opera, but it’s not written that way at all. In fact, these authors skillfully explore the dynamics of a birth mother and her adopted daughter. You’ll read about Emily’s desire to very carefully balance things so that she’s not overly motherly too soon, and you’ll follow Sara as she goes through stages of anger at being abandoned and asks questions about why and whether such abandonment could have been prevented. Throughout all this, she’s trying to juggle the emotions of her adoptive parents as well.
If I have a major criticism with this book, it is that Emily’s sister, Jessica, and her fiancé Sam break up yet again only to regroup and re-implement their wedding plans. That’s frankly a little tiresome, since the two clashed in book 1 as well. It’s almost as though the authors needed to fill pages or something.
You'll also read about Luke, the former Boston cop who left the force after his partner died. Luke bought some old cottages in book 1, and in book 2, he strives to turn them into housing for a center for troubled teens. That effort divides the town and heightens the suspense in terms of the local mayoral election.
On balance, this second book in the Cape Light series is very much worth the read. I’ve already gotten a healthy start on book 3, which isn’t’ something I planned to do at all this month. It’s just not like me to read things in the order of the series. But in the case of these books, you really have to do that.
In this book, Sara Franklin, who still works at the local eatery, finally gathers the courage to tell Mayor Emily Warwick that she, Sara, is Emily’s daughter given up for adoption two decades earlier.
I’ve probably made some of this sound a little like a bad soap opera, but it’s not written that way at all. In fact, these authors skillfully explore the dynamics of a birth mother and her adopted daughter. You’ll read about Emily’s desire to very carefully balance things so that she’s not overly motherly too soon, and you’ll follow Sara as she goes through stages of anger at being abandoned and asks questions about why and whether such abandonment could have been prevented. Throughout all this, she’s trying to juggle the emotions of her adoptive parents as well.
If I have a major criticism with this book, it is that Emily’s sister, Jessica, and her fiancé Sam break up yet again only to regroup and re-implement their wedding plans. That’s frankly a little tiresome, since the two clashed in book 1 as well. It’s almost as though the authors needed to fill pages or something.
You'll also read about Luke, the former Boston cop who left the force after his partner died. Luke bought some old cottages in book 1, and in book 2, he strives to turn them into housing for a center for troubled teens. That effort divides the town and heightens the suspense in terms of the local mayoral election.
On balance, this second book in the Cape Light series is very much worth the read. I’ve already gotten a healthy start on book 3, which isn’t’ something I planned to do at all this month. It’s just not like me to read things in the order of the series. But in the case of these books, you really have to do that.
November 13, 2025
"What have we become if we give in to fear and prejudice, if we ignore the facts and let panic override the spirit of compassion?"
It's been years since I used to start a lot of my book reviews with quotes from the books. Now that I've read this novel for the second time since I discovered it twenty years ago, pulling a quote from it feels right.
And timely.
Back when I first read the first four books in the Cape Light series, I immediately considered them to be some of my favorite reads. What I appreciated most about the stories still holds after my second readings of Books One and Two.
The characters are such regular, relatable folks, dealing with life in these down-to-earth stories that are so incredibly…readable.
Even with a couple of supporting characters who are, well, downright jerks much of the time, the overall easy readability is still there. And the small-town setting is lovely and rather homey.
Now, there are some aspects of a particular "big reveal" in this story that aren't fully believable, I'd say.
Also, decades ago, I considered the faith content in this novel to be light. Or "lite." (Likely because it isn't evangelical, unlike the content in much of the Christian fiction I used to read.) But now, while I'd still say the faith content in this novel has a gentle vibe, I also find it to be pretty overdone, mainly because of the sermons in multiple church service scenes. I think the writing technique of "show, don't tell" is quite effective, but church sermons in fiction just feel to me like convenient ways to insert paragraphs or pages of telling, in a sense. Spelling out extended lessons from a pulpit.
These days, admittedly, when I come across sermons in novels, I usually skim through or skip past them, which I did in this case.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed my second go-'round with this book. Even got an inexplicable sense of hope as I settled into the reading. This revisit to Cape Light has been—yeah, such a timely one for me.
Note:
• a former law enforcement character's memories of past violence come up, but the details are brief and non-gratuitous
It's been years since I used to start a lot of my book reviews with quotes from the books. Now that I've read this novel for the second time since I discovered it twenty years ago, pulling a quote from it feels right.
And timely.
Back when I first read the first four books in the Cape Light series, I immediately considered them to be some of my favorite reads. What I appreciated most about the stories still holds after my second readings of Books One and Two.
The characters are such regular, relatable folks, dealing with life in these down-to-earth stories that are so incredibly…readable.
Even with a couple of supporting characters who are, well, downright jerks much of the time, the overall easy readability is still there. And the small-town setting is lovely and rather homey.
Now, there are some aspects of a particular "big reveal" in this story that aren't fully believable, I'd say.
Also, decades ago, I considered the faith content in this novel to be light. Or "lite." (Likely because it isn't evangelical, unlike the content in much of the Christian fiction I used to read.) But now, while I'd still say the faith content in this novel has a gentle vibe, I also find it to be pretty overdone, mainly because of the sermons in multiple church service scenes. I think the writing technique of "show, don't tell" is quite effective, but church sermons in fiction just feel to me like convenient ways to insert paragraphs or pages of telling, in a sense. Spelling out extended lessons from a pulpit.
These days, admittedly, when I come across sermons in novels, I usually skim through or skip past them, which I did in this case.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed my second go-'round with this book. Even got an inexplicable sense of hope as I settled into the reading. This revisit to Cape Light has been—yeah, such a timely one for me.
Note:
• a former law enforcement character's memories of past violence come up, but the details are brief and non-gratuitous
January 10, 2014
I have fallen in love with the small village of Cape Light! Jessica Warwick and Sam Morgan are planning their wedding - Lillian will not attend nor see her daughter. There is tension between the happy couple.
Sara Franklin is almost ready to tell Emily Warwick who she really is, and finds the politics of Mayor Warwick lacking. She has to rethink her decision to tell Emily and stay in Cape Light - Emily's pedestal isn't as shiny and big as it was before Luke's big plans for the Cranberry Cottages. Plans that threaten to divide the small village. And is romance in the air?
Lillian Warwick is being more difficult than usual - no one can get through to her. Charlie Bates is running for Mayor and is being obnoxious as usual. His wife, Lucy, doesn't know what to do. Gus Potter is sick and Sophie may be forced to sell her beloved orchard. And Reverend Ben is worried that he won't be able to help his troubled flock, especially since he can't seem to mend his own family.
Kinkade and Spenser write truly uplifting stories, and you'll just have to see how everyone's troubles are sorted out. I was not a big fan of Christian Fiction, but this series has made me one!
Sara Franklin is almost ready to tell Emily Warwick who she really is, and finds the politics of Mayor Warwick lacking. She has to rethink her decision to tell Emily and stay in Cape Light - Emily's pedestal isn't as shiny and big as it was before Luke's big plans for the Cranberry Cottages. Plans that threaten to divide the small village. And is romance in the air?
Lillian Warwick is being more difficult than usual - no one can get through to her. Charlie Bates is running for Mayor and is being obnoxious as usual. His wife, Lucy, doesn't know what to do. Gus Potter is sick and Sophie may be forced to sell her beloved orchard. And Reverend Ben is worried that he won't be able to help his troubled flock, especially since he can't seem to mend his own family.
Kinkade and Spenser write truly uplifting stories, and you'll just have to see how everyone's troubles are sorted out. I was not a big fan of Christian Fiction, but this series has made me one!
March 17, 2012
You know that you are drawn into the plot of a story when you let your emotions get the best of you...shaking your head realizing that you have had the same experience, laughing because you were caught in a similar predictament, and getting ready to blow a gasket because someone has made me sooooo mad! I am so glad I have become a part of the Cape Light family. I can relate to so many of the characters, the many emotions felt and that in the end family and friendships are what is important. If you fell in love with Cape Light in the first book you will certainly be pulled closer in the second. All of the same characters, except that now we are getting to know them more in depth. I like how the second one picks up right where the first one ended. I can't wait to continue with this lovely, true to life, series.
April 22, 2012
Book #2 in the Cape Light series. I'm totally sucked into this little New England village near the sea! Can't wait to read #3. The writing isn't earth shattering but the message is good and clean and wholesome and uplifting.
May 15, 2014
An amazing story!! Who would. think. a painter could be a great. author!!! This. could. have. been. a true. story. of so many. families. in little. towns!!
August 28, 2025
Mayor Emily was my favorite character.
More please :)
More please :)
December 2, 2025
What I especially liked about this book was that it was wholesome. I expected that from something Thomas Kincade was involved with and was not disappointed. The family dramas and dysfunction were relatable so it was realistic considering the world we live in which is, of course, as we all know, no fairytale. The long chapters helped us to get to know the characters and understand them better. There were also the lessons we can all learn such as forgiveness and acceptance. I enjoyed it and will look forward to another.
August 17, 2018
This book just makes this series eve better then the first. I refuse to allo u to kknow anything unless u go and read this book for yourself. It is that good.
July 25, 2018
Home Song
A mixture of genres that delighted me even though my normal book is not a romantic novel. I enjoyed this read immensely.
A mixture of genres that delighted me even though my normal book is not a romantic novel. I enjoyed this read immensely.
May 14, 2015
Another book read to the wife. She loves to be read to, she always has. Reading is one of the few things that we can do together
This book takes up where 'Cape Light' left off and took a few pages to acquaint readers, who had not read the previous book, with the characters.
there was a good deal of drama in this story. A new disaster almost every chapter it seemed. Sara finally got around to telling Emily who she really was somewhere near the middle of the book. She seems to have taken up with her landlord Luke - there will be a romance there in the next book. Due to political issues she had to quit her job at the diner, that was for the best, I think.
Emily, the mayor of Cape Light, was consumed in a tight election and it appears that she is about to embark on a romance, but we will have to read the next book to find out how that goes.
And, finally, it took the whole book to find out if Jessica and Sam really get married. And if her mother will attend.
Book three of the series is not in the local library. If we read it to find the rest of the story, I'll have to buy it and right now, I'm not inclined to do that. Oh well.
Diana wasn't thrilled with this soap opera like story, she gave it three stars. And that's the way the world turns in Cape Light.
This book takes up where 'Cape Light' left off and took a few pages to acquaint readers, who had not read the previous book, with the characters.
there was a good deal of drama in this story. A new disaster almost every chapter it seemed. Sara finally got around to telling Emily who she really was somewhere near the middle of the book. She seems to have taken up with her landlord Luke - there will be a romance there in the next book. Due to political issues she had to quit her job at the diner, that was for the best, I think.
Emily, the mayor of Cape Light, was consumed in a tight election and it appears that she is about to embark on a romance, but we will have to read the next book to find out how that goes.
And, finally, it took the whole book to find out if Jessica and Sam really get married. And if her mother will attend.
Book three of the series is not in the local library. If we read it to find the rest of the story, I'll have to buy it and right now, I'm not inclined to do that. Oh well.
Diana wasn't thrilled with this soap opera like story, she gave it three stars. And that's the way the world turns in Cape Light.
July 13, 2018
Loved it!!!
May 26, 2022
The story that began with Cape Light continues on with Home Song. I describe this place and the main characters briefly in my review of that first novel.
There is no sex or bad language, very clean stories for those who are needing something light.
In this novel everyone continues to try to please or win over the matriarchal and stubborn Lillian.
She absolutely lives to control her daughters lives including their careers and love interests. In this novel a granddaughter comes along to stir some things up. Grandmother may have met her match.
There is a Mayoral campaign going on and things get quite mean-spirited as often happens in politics.
Will the story that unfolds in this quaint New England town have a happy ending. You'll have to read to find out.
If you like Debbie Macomber you'll like this series.
There is no sex or bad language, very clean stories for those who are needing something light.
In this novel everyone continues to try to please or win over the matriarchal and stubborn Lillian.
She absolutely lives to control her daughters lives including their careers and love interests. In this novel a granddaughter comes along to stir some things up. Grandmother may have met her match.
There is a Mayoral campaign going on and things get quite mean-spirited as often happens in politics.
Will the story that unfolds in this quaint New England town have a happy ending. You'll have to read to find out.
If you like Debbie Macomber you'll like this series.
October 12, 2012
Another lovely story about second chances--about a small town with nice people--reminded me of his paintings. The characters are personal. Very enjoyable and a "great escape." This is #2 of of the Cape Light series! This one focuses on Emily, the mayor of the town, and Sara and Luke.
The theology of trying to "forgive yourself" is off--God never asks us to forgive ourselves. We are to ask for--and accept--His forgiveness. His death on the cross was sufficient. Not accepting it is either unbelief or rebellion--we want to "add to" His work on the cross.
The theology of trying to "forgive yourself" is off--God never asks us to forgive ourselves. We are to ask for--and accept--His forgiveness. His death on the cross was sufficient. Not accepting it is either unbelief or rebellion--we want to "add to" His work on the cross.
September 27, 2010
I'm SO excited my mother-in-law suggested these books to me! With having 2 small kiddos, it's hard to have some "me" time. After they go to bed, I stay up and read, and I've enjoyed this book so much I'm eager to get to all the rest! I find there is always something going on to keep me interested, never a dull moment. I would definatley recommend these books to anyone!!!
April 27, 2012
Wow, I can not believe how much I forgot in six years. An author has to be really good for me to finish a book much less for me to read the whole series. These books takes me to New England and through their eyes I can see the beautiful country side, feel the pain, joy and happiness of the villagers who now feel like family and friends.
February 3, 2017
I enjoyed the return to Cape Light in this book and revisiting the characters from the first novel. Like the first novel in the series, it illustrated well that even close-knit small communities have their share of problems. I do feel that the first book was the stronger of the two and that some of the characters in this book, particularly Sam, was upstaged in favor of secondary characters.
July 4, 2018
truly happy with the ending! had me worried a couple of chapters!!
May 27, 2020
I started this book the day my 7th son was born on Easter Sunday during corona lockdown. It was a perfect distraction, sweet and gentle. Could have used a little more depth/character development and perhaps humor but it was nostalgic of small towns and sweet connections and this made for a calm and charming read.
November 2, 2008
Another heartwarming village to Cape Light...wish I could live in a place like this :-) Small town, kind people who believe in helping one another and a very slow pace of life. What would it be like? (Although I love where we live, it gets hectic!)
April 18, 2011
Not as good as his others. The mayoral campaign got a little boring. I think if they ever made a movie out of this series the really mean old lady from Food Network Challenge should play Lillian. Whenever Lillian talks it is her voice that I hear. Still captivated by the lives of Cape Light.
August 5, 2013
This book is the sequel to Cape Light and continues right where Cape Light left off.
It is very well written and I feel it is much better than the first book in the series. I can't wait to continue on reading the rest of the books in this series.
It is very well written and I feel it is much better than the first book in the series. I can't wait to continue on reading the rest of the books in this series.
July 1, 2013
Loved it. This series is a great read if you like Christian Fiction. Love how the authors retain the characters from book to book yet focus on specific characters to enable you to get to know them better.
February 6, 2018
Pg 10- time was a valuable commodity to be invested carefully for a good return.
P280-sermons,even the best, were like rain, taking a long time to seep into the ground and reach the roots of the problem.
P280-sermons,even the best, were like rain, taking a long time to seep into the ground and reach the roots of the problem.
January 27, 2021
3.5 stars
This second volume in the series was enjoyable. The authors create realistic characters andan engaging, if somewhat predictable, plot.
A good book series to read in between heavier reading.
This second volume in the series was enjoyable. The authors create realistic characters andan engaging, if somewhat predictable, plot.
A good book series to read in between heavier reading.
August 9, 2022
Another great book in this series! Don't want to spoil for other readers but lots of surprises in this one cannot wait to start number 3 I have the whole set of 21 and have not read these earlier ones in 14 years.
September 11, 2010
A nice easy read, with a bit of depth to characters and story line.
October 9, 2016
Very absorbing! Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews