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

by Thomas Kinkade (Author), Katherine Spencer (Author) "MOLLY WILLOUGHBY RAN DOWN THE HALLWAY, A RADIO tucked under one arm, a bucket of cleaning supplies dangling from the other..." (more)
Key Phrases: reverend nodded, Cape Light, Emily Warwick, Chief Sanborn (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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...

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: 352 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; 1st hardback/1st Printing edition (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: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #605,171 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 4 in The Cape Light Series.

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

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 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book in this series., March 25, 2004

By	lor369 (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

I was very excited to discover that there was a 4th book in this series.

This book has 3 subplots. First, there is single mom Molly, whose ex-husband comes into town, saying that he's changed. At the same time, she meets the town's new doctor and becomes attracted to him. Then Tucker Tully's ex-con brother comes into town, trying to get his life back together, despite the townspeople who doubt him, including Tucker's wife. Then Sophie's husband passes on and she must decide what to do with their apple orchird.

The title "New Leaf" adequately describes the book as we have several people trying to turn over a new leaf. We have Molly's ex, who is trying to be a better father to their kids. We have Carl (Tully's brother), who is trying to get his life back on track.

It was also great to see some of the old characters in this book. We even were treated to a scene of Lillian and how difficult she can be.

I look forward to seeing what comes next. I found the Tully storyline especially interesting. I'd be interested in seeing how Carl fares in the next book.