10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Reverend's Christmas, Nov 9 2011
By wogan "the book reader" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Christmas Treasures (Hardcover)
This Cape Light novel deals almost exclusively with Reverend Ben's heart attack and recovery. That doesn't sound much like a Christmas story but it indeed is a charming but also spiritual one. We do have many of the usual Cape Light characters included, but they have relatively minor roles. The secondary tale is a timely one; a family moves to Cape Light; the husband has lost his job, their savings have been depleted, the marriage is in dire trouble.
There is more of a Christian theme here than many of the other novels, but it is not preachy, just full of the true meaning of Christmas. A replacement minister comes to town; having served in Haiti...the statements of what we have in America that others do not are not lost, but again not overpowering. We also have a wonderful and yet instructional and even inspiring Christmas sermon on the 3 Magi included.
We are reminded that "the holiday was about something more than gifts under the tree and good things to eat and school vacation". All is included in this interesting and pleasant story to read of this charming town and time of year.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming Christmas story, Nov 13 2011
By Annie B - Published on Amazon.com
I confess that this is my first Cape Light book. I chose it because I was in the mood for a holiday story and thought this one sounded good. I am very happy I made this choice!
I don't want to write any spoilers, but I have to say that I loved the way the church rallied around its minister after his heart attack. While there is a central religious theme, it is fitting, I think, for both the story and the season. I didn't find it preachy, just part of the overall story. I found Reverend Ben, his wife and the substitute minister to be very well developed characters. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the church members and the substitute pastor are making sandwiches for the community children. When I finished the book, I really wished I was a member of a church like the one in this book. There's just such a sense of community and love in the story that touched me deeply. It reminded me that community, goodwill toward other people and giving to those in need are truly what the holidays are about.
Overall, I really loved Christmas Treasures and think I'll add reading it to my holiday traditions. I will also go back and start with the beginning of the Cape Light series. I'm happy to run across this treasure and know that there are more of them in store for me. Highly recommend this book for holiday reading!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cristmas Treasures, Jan 3 2012
By Deanne M. Earley - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Christmas Treasures (Hardcover)
I enjoy Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer books. I have read all of the Cape Light Novels and the two so far of Angel Island. I purchase a Thomas Kinkade book every year. I share them with my daughter.