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141st out of 962 books
—
1,178 voters
A Light in the Window (Mitford Years #2)
by
Jan Karon
- Readers will enjoy a story from the popular series-packaged bestseller!
- Includes new Reader's Guide for group discussion or personal reflection
- Includes new Reader's Guide for group discussion or personal reflection
Paperback, 480 pages
Published
October 1st 2005
by RiverOak Publishing
(first published 1995)
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While I have no doubt that I am not going to read the whole series, I picked up two when I was at the library and the second dutifully begins where the first leaves off. Someone commented that these are the types of books which little old ladies read when they feel like they can put their collective noses into other people's affairs. If one hasn't read these books, that's a pretty good assessment, which is to say that it is totally incorrect.
While Jan Karon has a huge following, no doubt compos...more
While Jan Karon has a huge following, no doubt compos...more
Reading A Light in the Window is a bit like catching up on gossip from your hometown. The going is slow, and you get lots of tidbits about people you don't ever think about between visits. While the overall effect is still a warm glow and you're happy to hear the latest about the people you really care about, you still wish your maiden Aunt Isabel would get to the point a bit faster and not get mired in minutia.
Also, Father Tim can be a lot like a dithering Hamlet in priestly garments, and he ca...more
Also, Father Tim can be a lot like a dithering Hamlet in priestly garments, and he ca...more
"I so enjoyed this book. Although its main character is an Episcopalian priest named Father Tim, it is never preachy about religion. There's no heavy drama, no shocking twists, no explosive ending. But it's every bit as charming and engrossing as all ...more I so enjoyed this book. Although its main character is an Episcopalian priest named Father Tim, it is never preachy about religion. There's no heavy drama, no shocking twists, no explosive ending. But it's every bit as charming and engrossin...more
What I learned from this book: It's me, not you. I am the one who is impatient. I am the one who is unable to find any sort of humor in innocent misunderstandings or mistaken identities. (This also explains why I'm not a fan of French farce.)
I have proven to myself this year that I am indeed capable of enjoying stories that don't involve other-worldly creatures or kick-butt crime-solving or alternate realities (those would be the Maisie Dobbs books and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie...more
I have proven to myself this year that I am indeed capable of enjoying stories that don't involve other-worldly creatures or kick-butt crime-solving or alternate realities (those would be the Maisie Dobbs books and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie...more
I've suddenly realized just why the first Mitford book seems so slow. It's because the "action" is contained over the course of several novels and it's going to take a LONG time to get to the point. Ah HA. Unfortunately, this is not a good way to write a series. People, in my experience, are just not patient enough to slog through mundane (albeit charming) details in order to eventually get to a good story.
That said, this book was better than book 1 because more happened. A LOT more. I did thin...more
That said, this book was better than book 1 because more happened. A LOT more. I did thin...more
In this second book of the series, we are treated to the further adventures of Father Tim, Barnabas, Dooley, Miss Sadie and all the other now well-established townsfolk. Father Tim is struggling with his relationship with Cynthia--agonizing over the correct action and terrified of making a commitment. But despite his desperation to keep his distance, his has not one but TWO widows after him, one fairly unsavory. The romantic plot thickens.
Meantime, work is going ahead on Hope House, the assisted...more
This book was recommended to me by a friend. While the book was well-written, interesting, and character-driven, I ended up skimming through it after the first 80 pages or so. It's basically a feel-good novel. There was much more Christianity in it than I would have preferred, as I am not Christian, but I figured I'd give it a shot and found that while the book was about a preacher, it wasn't actually preachy. Still, it's not something I would have picked up on my own. While the characters were...more
I love this series. Each time I visit Mitford I feel like I am totally immersed in this idyllic place. I root for Father Tim and Cynthia. i find myself worrying about Dooley. In this book I laughed out loud when Father Time snuck over to the hairdresser who had drunk too much coffee to get this hair cut. I fretted aboutThe Grill and what would happen to the town if the favorite meeting spot couldn't find a new place to open. i love this series. I love the pace of these stories. I love the richne...more
I was not as happy with this second book as I was the first. Although I did enjoy it overall, there was a bit that annoyed me. First of all, I felt a lot of the book dragged on. It did not have nearly the story of the first book (albeit episodic stories); rather, most of the book was spent, quite literally, waiting. I realize this WAS the plot, but it makes for a more boring one when it takes up so much space. I was also bothered by the portrayal of Cynthia in this book. Note: Some small spoiler...more
I'm going to write the same thing for the entire series. It's a syrupy sweet old fashioned read which does not demand anything of the reader. Many find the series feel good, and there are some sparkles of true conflict here and there, but mostly it's about the mundane daily plight of a vicar who finds love later in life and saves people - emotionally and physically.
If you like the first in the series, keep reading because you will be comforted by the characters and will want to see who is added...more
If you like the first in the series, keep reading because you will be comforted by the characters and will want to see who is added...more
Another charming read. It was good to reconnect with the characters in this quaint town. It's a good holiday read because it is not overwhelming, sad or depressing. I would love to visit a town like this if it in fact exists, with knowing each and every person's history, supporting each other and the town parties and festivities that everyone has to play a role in. I like how the characters' stories continue to wind together and new relations are discovered plus the inclusion of one of two outsi...more
In the second book of the Father Tim series, Father Tim is returning from a summer in Sligo. Upon his return he sees that he really has not missed much as far the life in Mitford goes.
Father Tim meets Edith Mallory, a very wealthy widow, who is trying to catch him with her wonderful cooking ability. But, Father TIm is only interested in Cynthia, his neighbor.
Add to this mix, his cousin Meg who decides to move into the rectory and again Father Tim finds himself pastoring others. But, instead of...more
Father Tim meets Edith Mallory, a very wealthy widow, who is trying to catch him with her wonderful cooking ability. But, Father TIm is only interested in Cynthia, his neighbor.
Add to this mix, his cousin Meg who decides to move into the rectory and again Father Tim finds himself pastoring others. But, instead of...more
There is little more to be said here, that I did not already say
in my review
of book one, At Home in Mitford (AHIM).
The only thing that needs addressing is whether or not this one is equal to, or better than, AHIM. After all, sequels often do not meet the standard, or quality, that the original book made. In this instance, I can say without a doubt that this book is just as good as AHIM. In fact, it's rather seamless. You can easily flow from the first book to the next without feeling like yo...more
The only thing that needs addressing is whether or not this one is equal to, or better than, AHIM. After all, sequels often do not meet the standard, or quality, that the original book made. In this instance, I can say without a doubt that this book is just as good as AHIM. In fact, it's rather seamless. You can easily flow from the first book to the next without feeling like yo...more
Father Tim is the rector of Mitford, a small town packed with personality. The recently widowed Edith Mallory has got her sights set on him, confirmed bachelor that he is, as her next conquest. Meanwhile, his attempts at a relationship with his lovely neighbor Cynthia seem to be slowly gaining ground. And that's just his personal life! He's got his 12-year-old foster child, Dooley, to look after, a church building project, parishioners to counsel, and of course, the weekly sermon to write.
Karon...more
Karon...more
Read the first two books in this series on the recommendation of a lot of my regulars at the store. About what I was expecting -- cute, small-town, Christian fic. I liked the main character (though I do have a soft spot for fictional priests) and I really enjoyed the quirkiness of all the minor characters. I don't think I'll read any more in the series, but I would recommend them to some of my customers. On the downside, they are very overtly Christian, which didn't bother me (I just had a lot o...more
This is the second book in what I like to think is the most gentle, comforting read. Sometimes it seems a little too simple and comforting as the lives of the people in small town Mitford are brought out. The innocence of a place where an aging rector courts his neighbor as he struggles with a scripture listening dog, a foster child who is slowly capturing his heart, and the visit from a long lost relative from Ireland. The most scandelous event that takes place may be the plight of poor father...more
Nov 25, 2009
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian-fiction
Had you asked me I would never have thought I'd be reading a series of books like this one. (Not macho, you know). This is the story of a middle aged (maybe late middle-age?) clergman in a small town. Again I came over these when i was listening to books and reading whatever I could get my hands on it seemed and I was surprised how involving these were. I hate soap operas and these books (except possibly for the "Wedding Book" which i couldn't get through) don't "slump" into soap opera mode. I l...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I also ended up listening to this on cd. I love when he is interacting with the locals. The whole hair trim episode was hilarious. The slightly refined Dooly Barlow is always funny. I was a lttle bored by the love story and some of his conversations with the older folks in town get a little bit hokey. I hope later in the series they add a few young characters to shke things up a bit. Maybe a bratty teenager, or dooly's choir friend can get hopped up on Hawaiian Punch and toilet paper some trees...more
John McDonough is Father Tim. He has narrated all of the Mitford series books and is a treasure. As many know, quite often the scenes center on his fictional church or the choir. A veteran of the Glimmerglass Opera Company, he sings the hymns himself which is an extra treat for listeners. When one voice actor has read all of the titles in a series, that performer has created a strong connection to listeners. Thus, just as listening to another story of Mitford is enhanced by its familiarity so he...more
I love this series! I love how the author describes her characters so well! I've heard that some people feel that the books are boring and lacking in action but to me it is quite the opposite. The pages are filled with small town "action"! I laughed out loud more than once as I read this one. I feel so at home reading these books, almost as if I could visit Mitford and feel right at home with Father Tim, Miss Sadie, etc.
Two down and umpteen Mitford books to go! In this book, Father Tim and Cynthia grow closer even though there are a few bumps in the road. Dooley is growing and is soon to go off to boarding school. courtesy of Miss Sadie. A few new characters appear - not sure if they'll stick around or not. I'm just enjoying the "goodness" of these books. I even find myself peeking into my ol' Bible to read the references.
Back to picture-perfect Mitford, as pretty as the illustrations on the cover and as simple as the line-drawings at each chapter opening ... That sounds a bit arrogant, if not completely snotty; but I enjoyed A Light in the Window and compliment Karon on her ability to build a village and its people that are attractive enough and interesting enough to keep me, a cynical realist, reading all the way through.
Another fun read that allows you to get lost in Mitford and catch up with all the inhabitants. Father Tim is as good as always, taking care of Barnabas and Dooley and struggling with his relationship with Cynthia. He hosts a cousin who locks herself in the spare room for two months and turns out to have a very interesting story. Looking foward to the next one.
The town of Mitford continues to enchant. Cynthia is in NY and Father Tim is struggling with opening his heart to love her. His cousin Meg comes to visit and Dooley is getting prepared to go away to school. I enjoyed Buck Leeper coming to terms with his past and starting the process of healing. The book is fun as neighbors and townspeople's lives intertwine.
I only started reading this series on Lauren Winner's recommendation, but have found the first to books very enjoyable. One note of criticism. Because the story is told from Father Tim's perspective I began to find Cynthia's letters and phone calls annoying. She really seemed to be pushing the relationship along precipitously. However, had the story been told from her perspective, Father Tim might have been the irritating one because of his unwillingness to committ.
This story builds on the previous one, showing the progress of Father Tim's relationship with his neighbor. Again, this series is character-driven so it is slower paced, but the reader gets to know the town and the townspeople and care about their daily lives. If Mitford, NC weren't fictional, I'd live there. If you're action-driven, this series isn't for you. If you can read just about anything, then I recommend this series (9 books if I'm not mistaken), perhaps between more adventurous books....more
Another enjoyable trip to Mitford, although perhaps a bit too full of ongoing stories. The book ends up being a bit episodic, but it gets so many other things right that it's easy to forgive. Father Tim continues to expand his life as he deals with diabetes and the pressures of his congregation. "Pleasant" is probably the best descriptor of this book.
I really enjoyed all of the Mitford Series books. I read the first one about the nativity then went back and started at the beginning and fell in love with Mitford. It was so refreshing for me. I could live there. Life seems so much more simply in Mitford. Yes, they have their fair share of problems but it has a peace about it that is so appealing.
A very easy, light reading book. Good to read just before you go to bed if you want restful sleep. It is religious based as the main character is a minister but definitely not preachy. It shows the close-knit community of Mitford. It has romance and some light drama. Didn't think I would enjoy it at first but got caught up with the characters.
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Born Janice Meredith Wilson in 1937, Jan Karon was raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina. Karon knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a writer. She penned her first novel when she was 10 years old, the same year she won a short-story contest organized by the local high school. Karon married as a teenager and had a daughter, Candace.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for...more
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At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for...more
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“I believe that's when God first started speaking to my heart--the very day I started speaking to His!”
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“Was he willing to blend into the life of another human being for the rest of his days, and have hers blend into his? That, of course, was the Bible’s bottom line on marriage: one flesh. Not separate entities, not two autonomous beings merely coming together at dinnertime or brushing past one another in the hallway, holding on to their singleness, guarding against invasion. One flesh!" (p. 207).”
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