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.