A New Leaf (Cape Light, Book 4) [Hardcover]

Thomas Kinkade (Author), Katherine Spencer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2004

A quaint New England village by the sea, Cape Light is populated by an unforgettable cast of characters who know the importance of lending a hand and cultivating gratitude. Even though their lives are sometimes touched by disappointment, the residents of this close-knit community have discovered time and again how love has the remarkable power to sustain our spirit and heal our suffering.

Ever since her bitter divorce, single mom Molly Willoughby has become increasingly disillusioned by matters of the heart. Over the years, she has shied away from love-and given up on her dream of opening her own catering business. But then she meets newcomer Dr. Matthew Foster, who inspires her to take another look at her life-and dream that success and love may be possible.

But Matthew, a widower who's come to Cape Light to make a new start for himself and his teenage daughter, is wracked with guilt over the loss of his wife. And although Molly is like a breath of fresh air, he is reluctant to risk a new relationship. But if he doesn't find a way to put the past behind him, he may miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime love...

Editorial Reviews

About the 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 full-time writing. She is the author of more than twenty books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Books (January 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425193985
• ISBN-13: 978-0425193983
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Start in Cape Light, January 12, 2004

By 

Loves2Read (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A New Leaf (Cape Light, Book 4) (Hardcover)

Molly Willoughby and Officer Tucker Tulley, both familiar to Cape Light readers, each get their own story in this newest installment. Molly, a single mom, works hard to support her two preteen daughters. Her dream of having a better life and her own business seem impossible and out of reach. But her humor --and late night ice cream binges-- keep her afloat. Molly hasn't had a date in ages, then suddenly must choose between two men. There's Dr. Matthew Harding, recently widowed and starting over in Cape Light with his teenage daughter. And surprisingly, there's Molly's ex-husband Phil. Totally unreliable for years, Phil claims he's changed and wants a second chance as a father and husband. There's both humor and realistic moments as Molly tries to sort out her chaotic life. We see her grow, forgiving Phil and putting her own goals ahead of romance with either man. Eventually, she turns a new leaf and somehow, gets it all.

The story of police officer Tucker Tulley and his step-brother Carl was also very moving and suspenseful. Carl returns to town after nearly twenty years, an ex-convict and a derelict. He collapses and Tucker finds him in a hospital. Struggling with unhappy memories and against the objections of family and friends, Tucker takes Carl in. The cantakerous Carl is ungrateful and difficult, and Tucker finds it's not that easy "do good," even if you want to. I enjoyed this Good Samaritan subplot as much, if not more, than than Molly's story. Tucker and Molly's stories are very different, but the prevailing theme of people changing for the better tied the book together neatly with an upbeat note. Overall, a wonderful read with lots of action and emotion. Thanks again, Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readers will enjoy the latest Cape Light tale, January 7, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A New Leaf (Cape Light, Book 4) (Hardcover)

Cape Light, New England resident Molly Willoughby works very hard bringing in income while raising her daughters (fourteen years old Lauren and eleven years old Molly) with no help from her Peter Pan like ex-husband Phil. Instead her family provides as much assistance to her as they can. For instance her sister in law currently watches her children while she cleans the rental for a Dr. Matthew Harding of Worcester, who is arriving in town tomorrow. However, before she leaves to pick up her children and treat them to pizza, Dr. Harding shows up. They talk about the area and being single parents. He invites her and her two daughters to meet his daughter fourteen years old Amanda.

As Matthew and Molly become better acquainted they begin to fall in love with one another. However, she distrusts matters of heart as Phil shattered her hopes and dreams and he feels hesitant to dive into a relationship ever since his wife died. Additionally, they must consider the children.

Though the climax seems to simplistic, fans of the series or anyone who enjoys a warm contemporary tale with a strong cast will enjoy the latest Cape Light tale. The story line centers on second chances at love if the individuals are willing to risk their heart and perhaps their soul to take a risk. The children are a delightful trio and the townsfolk open their doors to the audience, but the novel belongs to the M&M lead couple struggling whether they gamble on love.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new Leaf, September 25, 2009

By 

Judy "Judy in Aurora," (Illinois) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A New Leaf (Cape Light #4) (Mass Market Paperback)

enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the entire series. Touching stories about a dream come true town with really nice, people that try to lead Christian inspired lifes. I could hardly put this book down. The charactors are like family to me. Each book is a stand alone book, but I think reading them in order is the best way to read the series.