Thanks for the great feedback guys.   All the lighting effects are just for mock purposes.  I do realize that some of them are overwhelming in these screens.   In game though I'll be able to fine tune the lighting, giving them effects like fading in/out between certain ranges of opactiy ect.   I've been putting a good amount of time in on the starting town.  I've done a number of big changes.   The wall has been upgraded with new bricks and windows.   The gate on the bottom I've changed a lot.   I've also added a new ground tile that i mocked up here -

Hey thanks for the great feedback guys.  Most of the stuff you commented on, the trees and Mermaid scene (made by my girlfriend) aren't making it into the game.   We're hoping to get blossom tales out the door by the end of this year