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Cape Light #5

A Christmas Promise

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Inspired by the artistic vision of world-renowned landscape painter Thomas Kinkade-and imbued with the light of his uplifting message-this heartwarming new novel returns to the quaint town of Cape Light, and the unique residents who call it home... The charming sea-coast village of Cape Light is the kind of place where neighbors help neighbors and people have the time to appreciate God's blessings every day. Their lives are not without disappointment-even heartbreak. But there's something special about this town-and the people in it. Like Cape Light mayor Emily Warwick, who can't remember the last time she let herself dream. And her younger sister Jessica, who is about to walk down the aisle with a man their mother despises. Emily has two months to bring her mother around, but so far-even with their minister's support-her plan isn't working. And it doesn't help that she'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 here in Cape Light. You just have to close your eyes-and believe in your dreams... Author Thomas Kinkade is America's most collected artist, a painter-communicator whose tranquil, light-infused paintings bring hope and joy to millions each year. Each painting Thomas Kinkade creates is a quiet messenger in the home, affirming the basic values of family, faith in God, and the luminous beauty of nature. Katherine Spencer was a fiction editor before turning to a full-time career as a writer. She has authored over twenty books for both children and adults.

298 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2004

43 people are currently reading
637 people want to read

About the author

Thomas Kinkade

250 books180 followers
Thomas 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 85 reviews
Profile Image for Kay.
2,212 reviews1,200 followers
January 7, 2024
While visiting my local library a couple of years ago, a book in this series was on display in their Christmas section. The cover, a Thomas Kinkade landscape painting drew my attention. The story was equally delightful and I've attempted to read one every year since. Katherine Spencer's writing flows beautifully and the series is pleasant to read.

The story is set in Cape Light, Mass. a small and peaceful coastal village that involves different families or couples in each book. There are several recurring characters, each book introduces new characters and can be read as a standalone.

In A Christmas Promise James, a minister who runs a mission in Nicaragua visits Cape Light and helps Reverend Ben at the local church. He's also in treatment for Malaria before he returns. On a snowy evening, he lost control of his car and bumped into Leigh Baxter who was driving through town. Now that her car needs repair, she is stranded in Cape Light.

But Leigh Baxter isn't her real name. Leigh is running away from her abusive and controlling wealthy ex-husband believing that if his private detective finds her he will want custody of their unborn baby. Quickly, she finds herself part of this loving community where residents are very welcoming and generous to her.

A Christmas Promise is a heartwarming story and has many charming elements of Christmas. There is a couple who's going through the trouble of having a baby and meets a young troubled boy and considers becoming a foster parent. There's another couple that are planning a winter wedding. The author weaves each story together beautifully and at heart showcasing the spirit of the season.

Although A Christmas Promise #5 has all the feels I was looking for, it isn't one of my faves in this series. I love the characters and story. It is a Christian Christmas fiction and prayers are heavily used, unlike the newer books. I'll continue with the series and probably pick up another or two to read this year.

6/10 ~ 3⭐
Profile Image for Anne  (Booklady) Molinarolo.
620 reviews189 followers
December 29, 2014
I love Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light Series! As usual, I chuckled and shed a few tears in this 5th installment. Yes, it is saccharine, predictable, but it warmed my heart. And I needed to be wrapped in warmth this weekend.

Visiting Reverend James Cameron accidentally hits a car during an early snow storm. The woman's car needs repairs and so does she. Leigh Baxter has a secret and she is running. Oh, I forgot - she's pregnant. She hopes that Cape Light is a place where she is safe. Yes, there are sparks between the two. And of course her secret can't stay secret, but it is Christmas time and it's magical and miraculous.

Emily and Dan can't agree on what kind of wedding they want. Time is short until their sailing adventure. Jessica and Sam have suffered a loss. Jessica isn't over the miscarriage, and it seems to her that Sam is well past their loss and is spending to much time with a little boy from New Horizons.

The story lines are beautiful and uplifting. I really can't wait until my next visit to Cape Light!
Profile Image for Donna.
591 reviews
March 16, 2012
The town of Cape Light has a visiting minister, James Cameron, from a mission in Central America. He came to Cape Light to work with the Rev. Ben Lewis. Rev. Cameron is having some medical issues to take care of before he is able to return to his mission.

Rev. James, on his way back to the place where he is staying, has a minor car accident with a young lady. This is the first snowstorm of the season and the roads are very unpredictable. He slides into a car driven by Leigh Baxter and out-of-towner. She is on her way out of the town trying to run away from a troubled past and an abusive ex-husband. James calls the police and officer Tucker Tulley comes out to investigate. Leigh's car needs to be towed and probably will take a few days to be repaired. James offers to take Leigh to the place he is staying. Vera Plante owns the house and it's quite large with plenty of room for another guest. Vera kindly takes Leigh in and shows her a place to stay. Vera and James are quite taken with Leigh, who also is pregnant with her first child. Leigh likes what she sees so far and decides this might be the very place that she needs to be right now. No one will find her here. (?)

Sam and Jessica Morgan are putting their marriage and relationship to the test. Jessica had miscarried and is still longing to have their own child. Sam is involved at the New Horizons center that works with troubled youth. He has befriended one of the children, Darrell. Darrell really looks up to him, but Jessica can see that Darrell does not care for her too much and she also thinks that Sam is spending too much time with him.

James and Leigh develop a close friendship, closer that either wants to admit to. Will Leigh's ex-husband find her and want to take away her baby? Let's hope not. How will James deal with the situation when he discovers the truth?

Sam and Jessica will get some happy news and will find happiness in Darrell too.

Love, forgiveness and faith are some of the virtues that abound in Cape Light. Find out how each finds new happiness and love in their lives by the grace of God.
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 119 books266 followers
December 13, 2016
I didn't read the first books in this series. I jumped right in with this one and discovered it could stand alone. Perhaps someday I'll go and read the first four books.
This story tells about two different sets of characters, so it's almost like two books/stories in one. (bonus!) Each one was different, unique and I found myself wishing I could go live in Cape Light and meet them. It was well written, and ended with a satisfied feeling that things turned out the way you wanted them to, but left you eager to know more. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. There was some romance and a few kisses, but nothing that made me cringe and nothing lasted long.
Profile Image for Kirby.
866 reviews42 followers
June 1, 2022
I absolutely adore the town of Cape Light and it's heartwarming cast of characters, and I'm honestly enjoying each of these stories just as much the second time around.

I remembered really enjoying A Christmas Promise the first time around, and that proved equally true this time. I honestly adored each of the stories that happen within this one, and I couldn't bring myself to pick a favorite. First off, we have Reverend James Cameron accidently running into a lady on the run one snowy winter night, and a beautiful friendship turned romance that develops between the two of them. Leigh and James story is definitely not conventional, but I loved the focus on trusting God even when it seems impossible to do so, and not jumping to conclusions when faced with difficult situations.

Jessica and Sam are honestly one of my favorite couples in the series, and I loved how authentic their fertility struggles are represented throughout the story. Each of them has chosen to hide their hurt in different ways, and the authors did a fantastic job of representing this.

Lastly, Emily and Dan are finally getting married, but neither can agree on what kind of wedding they truly desire. As Lillian throws in her typical sarcasm, the reader gets to see how they are both bending over backwards trying to keep the other happy, and the answer might be a lot simpler than they'd expected.

During the Christmas season, miracles might just come to Cape Light, and the reader will have a hard time wanting to put this one down. Full of all the warm fuzzies, completely clean content, and multiple engaging storylines, I can't recommend this beautiful story enough. It definitely could be read as a standalone, but if you've read the first four books you'll definitely appreciate each of these characters even more.

Final Rating: 5/5.
234 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2014
I love this series! This is always a warm, fuzzy read for me - like visiting old friends. I read these books in between reading other books to sort of "cleanse the palate". Sometimes you just need a break from the intensity of other good reads. I will keep reading until I have read them all.
November 27, 2021
I really like Kinkade’s artwork and had no idea that he wrote books until this month!
When I found this book at my free library, i was excited to give it a try.

I REALLY liked the story of Leigh & James...! It was surprisingly good and I loved James’ character; he was my favorite!!

I loved the part when James was helping Leigh up onto the stool to put the angel on the Christmas tree and she slipped.. Leigh said “sorry” after James caught her and he replied, “That’s okay. That’s what I’m here for.”
AHHHHH 😩🥺💖💖oh em gee, he just had the best lines.
🦋🦋

Also their “date” on the beach was cute.
Leigh mentioned betting like a turtle (due to her pregnancy) and I liked when James joked about Leigh doing just fine; “Not bad for a pregnant turtle.” 😂 James just always said the right things and was such a great comfort character.💜💜

I really don’t understand why Leigh didn’t get legal help, call the cops on her ex and stop running to new locations all the time..
She could’ve done a few things differently but oh well..! James was so darn kind and loyal. I seriously enjoyed all the parts where they were together.

Something that made me laugh: the book said that the radio in James’ car got three stations if you slapped the dashboard. 😆 I can just picture myself in an older car beating up the dashboard to listen to music, HAHAAA 😂🎵🚗

I was annoyed by the secondary story of Jessica and Sam. Jessica was too emotional and rude to Darrell for no reason. I rolled my eyes more than once😂🤷🏻‍♂️ But it all worked out in the end.

I liked Lillian (Jessica’s mother), who would be the closest thing to this story’s “bad guy”.. her sarcasm, rudeness and boldness was so funny!! It made everything so much more interesting.

Overall, I wish the whole book was just about James and Leigh and that everything else was scrapped.. so that their story could be longer and have even more detail!

Anyhoo, perfect time of year to read this and I really did enjoy it. 😃🎄🦃🍽🦋💖
Profile Image for Nadine Keels.
Author 46 books246 followers
September 12, 2017
Maybe Alice had some good news for her...
That would be a miracle. But it was funny; living in this town, miracles didn’t seem as impossible as they once did.


James has a life far away that he’s anxious to get back to. Leigh has a recent past she’s desperate to get away from. And Sam and Jessica are hoping for a future they’ve begun to fear they may never have. But this Christmas in the small town of Cape Light, they’re all in for gifts that will come in unexpected packages in A Christmas Promise, a novel by authors Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.

It’s been more than a decade since I read the first four Cape Light novels, an all-time favorite series of mine, and maybe five years since I read one of the later Christmas novels. I was curious to see how it would feel to read this one after such a long break from the series.

Although this book will naturally have that much more meaning if you’re already familiar with the people of Cape Light, it’s still a full enough story in itself to read as a standalone. It’s got its share of Christmas corny, and a character’s change of heart that feels too thorough, too suddenly. But overall, it’s an easily-paced tale of heartache and hope, a touch of suspense, gentle romance, and blessings in disguise.

Quintessential holiday warmth for fans of feel-good reads, right here.
512 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2019
Since it is the Christmas season, I wanted to revisit this delightful town. Reading this series makes me feel a part of the community. I love getting to know all of its citizens: the good, the ornery and those who need attention.
This particular book opens with James Cameron, a missionary, who has returned to Cape Light to recover from malaria. One snowy evening he accidentally runs into a very pregnant Leigh Baxter. Her car is damaged and she has no place to go, so James brings her to the boarding house that he is staying in run by Vera Plante. As we turn the pages of this delightful book, we learn about Leigh's tragic life.
On another front, Jessica and Sam are recovering from a miscarriage. Sam finds comfort in befriending a young boy (Darrell) who is staying at Luke's New Horizon's Center. Jessica and Darrel do not have a great beginning.
Jessica's older sister Emily (mayor of Cape Light) and Dan are trying to plan their wedding. Should it be large? small? Where to have it? Reception place? All of these questions will be answered.
Another winner in the Cape Light series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,030 reviews31 followers
July 12, 2022
Challenges: Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority Two/Tier One; belated holiday reads for 2020 and 2021. This series continues to illustrate that all relationships have their challenges; that no matter how long couples are together, information and feelings are withheld, sometimes because of insecurities, sometimes because a person does not realize the effect on their partner and loved ones. But when both persons in the couple keep trying to understand their own stance as well as the position of others, sooner or later they can move beyond what could drive them apart which brings more maturity to the relationship. Look forward to visiting Cape Light again and the people who live there. Great end of the year holiday book.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,114 reviews
December 23, 2024
Part of the Cape Light series, this faith-based story is set in a small town. After an accident on a snowy road, Pastor James and Leigh become friends while staying at a B&B with Vera. He is recuperating from malaria and taking a break from his overseas ministry; she is pregnant and harboring secrets. She only plans to stay in town until her car is fixed, but she finds the close-knit community a welcome respite.

Then there is the family of Sam, Jessica, her sister, and their matriarch mother, Lillian, who has an opinion on everything and usually nothing nice to say to anyone. Sam and Jessica are trying to start a family, and her sister, the mayor, is planning a wedding.

Truly a heartwarming story for the season.
Profile Image for Judy Hardwick.
628 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2021
I really liked this book -- There were dual stories of two couples in the same town... James and Leigh as they navigated the changes in their own lives and joined together to face them head-on... and the story of Sam and Jessica as they navigated their desire to have a child of their own and how God filled that desire for them... Of course - as in most fiction books - it all worked out for everyone in the end... but I guess the real takeaway is that when we trust God it REALLY DOES all work out... maybe not the way we wanted at first...but He has a plan...
4 reviews
December 26, 2025
This is a great cozy Christmas read if you are looking for something clean and heartwarming. Does it make much sense? Not really. Is it fast paced? Not at all. But this book serves as a palate cleanser, if you will. A book that does not necessarily compete with mainstream trends and politics. But it is like a warm home to return to when the stress of the holiday season is overwhelming. In this book, you will find redemption, unconditional love, community, and examples of how to embrace change. Worth the read if you are looking for a calm place to land at the end of your day.
Profile Image for Tracie.
327 reviews26 followers
December 28, 2022
Book 5 in the series about the small New England town of Cape Light.
I have enjoyed these novels about the many interesting characters who live and work in this close-knit waterside town. This was a good to read to get into during the holidays. These are light, interesting stories and any age might enjoy them.
Next, I am going read The Christmas Angel that is also a Cape Light novel.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you good readers out there. God Bless You everyone.
349 reviews10 followers
December 25, 2017
I love his books as much as I love his paintings. Evokes the same kind of homey, cozy feelings. This book has lots of turmoil in multiple family relationships but SPOILER ALERT - things work out of course. Lovely characters, variety of issues addressed by the characters so a nice range. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Joy Gerbode.
2,024 reviews17 followers
December 27, 2017
Because of simultaneous story lines I had trouble figuring out who we were talking about for the first part of the book ... but there were many thoughts, especially in the last quarter of the book, that were very helpful to me as I struggle through this first holiday season without my precious daddy! Very helpful theology shared in this book.
Profile Image for Mary Ellen Barringer.
1,137 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2021
3.5

A pleasant journey back to Cape Light. It was the perfect way to spend an evening with my husband away on business, and with Christmas just 9 months away!

These authors weave the lives of many Cape Light characters into this story that begins with a car accident and ends with several surprises.
31 reviews
January 2, 2017
What a lovely book. I enjoyed it so much that I did not want to put it down.
I recently moved to a beautiful and historic town. I did not do any research on this town and was VERY disappointed in the people.
I would have loved to have moved to a town like Cape Light!
Profile Image for Kiera .
81 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2022
I would give this 10 stars if I could!! I love all the characters different stories and just the overall message of how God blesses us in mysterious ways. This was the first Cape Light Novel I have read and I seriously think I have found my new favorite series... If anything my knew favorite book!
Profile Image for April.
213 reviews
December 31, 2016
3.5 Sweet story with delightful characters in a charming setting. Though largely predictable, the heart-warning journey and redemptive ending were no less enjoyable.
71 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2017
A very enjoying book! Even though you know what the ending will be, it's still nice to enjoy the journey.
Profile Image for Dorry Lou.
867 reviews
October 25, 2019
A nice Christmas story about a small town that comes together to help a stranger out.
23 reviews
November 21, 2020
sweet in a Hallmark movie sort of way....a nice diversion from the daily politics.
Profile Image for Pat.
141 reviews
December 9, 2020
A Christmas Promise

I enjoyed the book very much, but not as much as the others. It seemed to drag at times and didn't keep my attention.
Profile Image for Michelle.
609 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2021
These are such interesting stories. I get more and more involved with the characters with each book.
493 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2021
as with the other cape light novels it was delightful and inspiring. I love the romance and even a little bit of mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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