Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #513618 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

more treacle
Can Molly overcome the misery of her divorce and get her catering business going? Can Matthew overcome his guilt about his wife's death? Can they renew each other in idyllic Cape Light, a Thomas Kinkade village full of purple flowering trees, preternaturally glowing sunsets, cozy cottages, and inhumanely decent people?

If you actually have any doubt as to the answers (yes, yes, and yes), go ahead and buy this schmaltzy testament to P.T. Barnam's adage. If you really are one of the "millions" who get "hope and joy" from plastic "painter of light" lighthouses, coffee mugs, and wind chimes, go ahead and get another infusion of rose-tinted happy juice from reading this! Otherwise, maybe you would be better off spending your time and money elsewhere.

I would give this exploitative, sickly-sweet book negative stars, if I could.

Another great book in this series.
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.

A New Start in Cape Light
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.