Thomas Kinkade and his younger brother, Pat, return home to
Beaufort, N.C. from UC Berkeley for the Christmas break.
Thom is struggling with himself as he is unable to
capture "life" in his paintings and is looking forward to
spending time at home with his mother, MaryAnne, to rethink
where he should go with his God-given gift. Thom, along
with his brother and sister, has been raised by their
mother after they were deserted by their father when they
were very young. Thom hopes his neighbor and mentor, Glen
Wesman, the famous painter, will be able to lead him to the
answers he seeks.
MaryAnne, being a completely selfless person, spends her
life doing for others without concern for herself. Upon
arrival home, Thomas and Pat find her facing insurmountable
problems. In an effort to raise money to help their mother,
Thom contracts to paint a mural of Beaufort on the side of
a town building and Pat is hired to help install Christmas
decorations. Preparing for Christmas events, the people of
Beaufort have forgotten the true meaning of togetherness.
The Christmas Eve lighting of the tree and Christmas
program at the church help to reveal to Thom the special
gift he's been given. Glen reminds him that light gives
life.
Thomas' novel is itself a work of art depicting the inner
struggles he faced to eventually become the
talented "painter of light." This is truly a must- read for
anyone who admires his wonderful, extraordinary paintings.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, inspired by the early life and art of
renowned painter Thomas Kinkade, is the story of how a
small community and an aging mentor come to the aid of a
family to save the only home they have ever known; and
along the way teach a young man the meaning of love,
friendship and what it means to be an artist.