While I found this story a little naive in regards to the probability of the outcome, it was a welcome relief from the usual drivel sold on the bookshelves nowadays. I am so tired of graphic sex and violence and these authors, along with B.J.Hoff and the Thoenes, prove that we can read good, engrossing stories without having our intelligence insulted. It's one I will keep in my collection.

I HAVE READ "CAPE LIGHT" AND "HOME SONG" BOTH THESE BOOKS ARE WONDERFUL! TO SAY THE LEAST. I AM VERY PICKY WITH WHAT I READ. BOTH BOOKS I CAN PUT MYSELF RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT I FEEL I AM THERE. I WANT TO SAY 5 STARS IS NOT ENOUGH THANK YOU I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THE NEXT NOVEL CALLED"A GATHERING PLACE"

I enjoyed Home Song immensely. It is a refreshing change from many books on the shelves today. If you are are looking for some light, clean-cut reading about simple life in a small town, start with Cape Light then read Home Song. Hopefully, soon we will find out when the 3rd book in the trilogy will be out. If you like Jan Karon's books about Mitford, I am sure you will like Cape Light and Home Song.

Anyone not aware of Thomas Kinkade's artwork hasn't been paying attention in stores for the last five years or so. With his old-fashioned images of a romantic yesteryear that probably never existed, Kinkade has become America's most-published artist. In "I'll Be Home for Christmas," he specializes in snowy landscapes, glowing cottages with smoke coming from rock chimneys and horse-drawn sleighs bringing visitors for Yule festivities. Text for the book comes from seasonal writings by Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Washington Irving, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Kenneth Grahame, Isaac Watts and, of course, the Gospel of Luke. The artwork is the most notable feature: Large scenes are mixed with close-up details that reveal Kinkade's brushstrokes. People familiar with Kinkade's work know that he hides little letter 'N's throughout his paintings (the number that appears under his signature indicates how many are in that particular painting) in honor of his wife, Nanette. The printing in "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is so good that they are visible on almost every page. This isn't a thick book, nor heavy Christmas reading, but it certainly sheds some beautiful light on the spirit of the season.

The book has beautiful illustrations and very touching and inspirational messages, quotes, etc. on each page. It was given to me as a gift and I love it! It will be something I treasure through my life.

I love Thomas Kinkade paintings. The pictures are paired up with quotes from the bible as well as other sources including Robert Frost, Shakespeare, and Robert Louis Stevenson. My favorite is The Light of Peace picture (lighthouse on the craggy cliffs, stone cottage with warm lights glowing, waves crashing and the sun setting) paired with the quote "The light shines in the darkness."

This book has my favorite painting "New Day Dawning" on the first page. The scripture and quotes are beautiful and really go with his artwork.

The author's ideas are simple and rather obvious for living a joyful life, e.g. simplifying, filtering too much information, volunteering, etc. but they're also inspirational. In these cynical and selfish times, it's refreshing to read about a celebrity who practices what he preaches, i.e. family values. Also, he explains that he mass produces his uplifting artwork so it's affordable to the general public. In fact, I used one of his bookmarks while reading this positive and encouraging book.

This was a great book. The chapters, or lightposts, each elaborated on an idea for a more joyful life. One of Kinkade's suggestions that I liked was the "glow books." When something good happens to you, jot it down in a little notebook and share it with someone you love. I started my own "glow book" and already it has helped me appreciate the good things in my life. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to add a little joy to their lives. I certainly have!

GIST: A painter focuses on experiencing beauty in life. HAMMOCK-TIME: It's a leisurely read in hammock or beach chair. PACE: Slow. SUBSTANCE: Yes, I've heard, read, tried most of the suggestions Mr. Kinkade recommends. His great contribution is the very atmosphere of peace that seems to pervade him and his work, however the artistic standards may be debated by other artists. I began his book with some trepidation, not knowing if he was going to turn out to be some rigid religionist, yet his attitudes surprised and touched me. QUIBBLES: I'd love to see some more variety in the type of nature scenes he portrays. COMPLEMENTARY BOOKS: All of Mr. Kinkade's other works are interesting as well.

I received this book as a gift, and I just can't bring myself to read to my baby from a book with such sickening, cloying illustrations. Looking at Thomas Kincaid's work makes my skin crawl. Ewwww! I cannot understand how Thomas Kincaid makes a living. Is America's taste in art really that bad??

I am looking for an edition of *A Child's Garden of Verses* that does not feature the "artwork" of Thomas Kincaid.

I had this book (without the illustrations) as a child, and loved it.

I have given this book to five different mothers at baby showers and they all adore it. I get invited to lots of baby showers and I have decided to always purchase books in the hopes that parents will read to their children. This book has been a favorite hit with everyone. Not everyone likes Thomas Kincade, however, I find his books peaceful in conjunction with these children's verses.

I love reading the verses to my grandchildren (ages 3-7). They listen attentively, enchanted by every selection. They have quickly learned to recognize most of the authors. My grandchildren in kingergarten and first grade are able to read many of the verses themselves, although they still like Grandma to read to them. Hearing the various rhythms of poetry has been a motivation and inspiration for them to emulate in their oral reading.

It is a fantastic gift for any age child. Great for older children to read to their younger siblings. The vast majority of the book is of interest and most enjoyable for all ages, from the very young to the very old (but young at heart). My children have asked for copies to be given to their children's other grandparents......fantastic book for grandparents to read to their grandchildren.

We have all enjoyed the artwork along with the verses. The assortment of poems, prayers and scripture is excellent. A refreshing, inspiring, memorable, and enjoyable book. It is a true "family" book for reading enjoyment as well as a "coffee table" book!

I did a Thomas Kinkade memory book for my mother.. it was wonderful and she loved the gift... so I bought these for Christmas for all the grandparents since we just had our first child... however, none of the reviews or information about the book indicated that it is really a religious memory book -- the secondary title is something about faith.

Not only is it religious, but assumes that the father in each home works and the mother stays at home.. there are questions for the grandmothers about what their mother did at home while the father worked, and what they did at home while their husband worked. My grandmother served as a doctor for the military in WWII, and she was never at home. Neither was my mother at home.

I am making no judgement here. If you come from both a very religious background (the questions center around religion) and also a very traditional family structure, this is a great book. It is, however, nothing like the other Thomas Kinkade books and a true disappointment for people like myself.

A beautiful journal filled in by the grandmother for her grandchild.Will make a perfect heirloom filled with many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

I saw this book on the shelf and immediately knew I wanted it for my Mother. Before I wrapped it, I read through the beautifully decorated pages, and realized that I wanted it for myself. Alas, they were sold out at the store. I knew that this book would be something that I would want to fill out and give to my grandchild (or grandchildren). I don't have any yet, but most of this book I can write now. This is a lovely book for Christians who want to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with their future generations. Thank you to Thomas Kinkaid for another truly wonderful book. And thanks to Amazon.com I am getting one for myself!

I was VERY disapointed to see that this book was so religious. EVERY page related to some sort of religious conversation. While I am Christian, I did not buy this book looking to tell my child about my prayer or beliefs. It is very misleading and now I have to pay the return shipping costs for this, which I am not happy about. I also purchased the Father's Memories book by the same author and was also VERY, VERY disapointed. DO NOT buy unless you are looking for a book to discuss your CHRISTIAN beliefs... if that IS what you are looking for, then this would be a good book.

This is the perfect gift to give my children. I am also going to purchase one for my parents so I will have something I can remember them by.

I received this book as a gift and it is wonderful. The book is a memory book. It has questions and space for the mom to fill in life events for her child. It covers basic questions such as where the mother was born, grandmother and grandfather's names, things that were happening in the country when the mother was born etc. It also goes deeper and helps the mother record memories from her life growing up and then during the time of her child. I particularly liked it because I'm a single mom and adopted my daughter and this book works well for us. Some "baby books" don't "fit" our family. This one does. I will fill it out as life goes by and someday have a hopefully treasured keepsake for my daughter. Nice job of having Thomas Kinkade pictures sprinkled throughout the book.

While his work could be called beautiful and very exact, it doesn't appear to me as art. Perhaps the original author should be better accredited. Kinkaide's art seems as though he took lessons from a public access telivision show on painting nature scenes. While his paintings are beautiful and masterfully done, and convey some warming emotion - they have little more meaning than a photograph of 'Grandpa's farm', or a small town. For a painter of such talent, he should try originality and see where it takes him.

This book is a bit pricey but is absolutely marvelous. Thomas Kinkade is one of the premier artists today and this book is full of his incredible work along with Kinkade's insightful comments about the idea behind each work. The book is divided into various sections: Gardens, cities, cottages etc that add a nice touch and make it easier to find a print. In addition, there are a couple of prints that fold out to larger size as they are bigger than the page allows. If you love Kinkade's work then I think you will love this despite the high price tag.

I recently received this book in my home and was just totally mesmerized by the beautiful artwork; I couldn't put the book down. You could not possibly pick a favorite amongst his works; I just love them all. To me personally, his works make me appreciate God's beauty all around us, gives me a calming feeling when I am hit by hard times which I am personally going through now, and I could just go on and on about this magnificant painter! Whenever I feel sad or upset about something, I just look at this works and a smile comes across my face, making me feel like things will get better and everything is all right with the world! I highly recommend anything by this man! You will never regret purchasing anything by him. It is definitely money well spent.

Kids like Kinkade more than I do. I went into this book, realizing my bias against the heavily marketed Thomas Kinkade art I see in the malls and on every possible item, especially ones with a Christian bent. By the time I was done reading through "My Childhood Memories," I found myself buying into the pictures. They are perfect for this context.

The Currier and Ives tone bores me. Still, kids are thrilled with this, and so, my bias takes a back seat. I asked around, and showed it to a few neighbor children. They loved the book. They aren't as jaded as I am, and find Kinkade's ability to consistently paint postcard pictures with the same rich colors and subtleties that show a child what art can be.

With a Norman Rockwell sensibility, minus the people, Kinkade illuminates each scene with details that will remind every child of a clean and cultured worldview. These images show slices of life within this gorgeous journal.

Although the Kinkade pictures dominate the book (over 40 of them), there are quotes on almost every spread. Vincent Van Gogh, Gelett Burgess, Janusz Korczak are all quoted. Scripture verses, though, are the primary source of quotes, all short enough to be read and remembered.

This journal asks questions. Unlike the very contemporary girls "Piece of My Mind Devotionals" journal series by Linda Washington, "My Childhood Memories" straightforwardly asks the young reader to fill in thoughtful scrapbook-type information. From "The thing I love about my grandfather..." to "I believe that angels..." to relating anecdotes about parents, this book will be something to be looked back through for years. There are places to affix photos, and places to list things and tell stories.

I recommend this for parents (especially homeschoolers) looking to encourage writing while collecting memories. It will reinforce the family life, introduce Scripture, and forge a bond between childhood and growing older as the child reflects back on the book as he or she grows older.

Anthony Trendl

This is a gorgeous hardcover memory book, full of wonderful Thomas Kinkade prints. It provides spaces to record all the traditions your family observes at Christmas. It would make a great gift for a couple with a new baby who want to create a keepsake for the child. I purchased it thinking I could record Christmas events over the years, however, it is not set up to do that. Rather, it focuses on general Christmas events, songs, recipes, family traditions, decorations, photos, etc.