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  <title><![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]></title>
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  <description><![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]></description>
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    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
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  <read_at>Mon Jun 30 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Apr 05 15:33:08 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Apr 05 15:33:49 -0700 2009</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[This was another great book from the Mitford series.   As the title somewhat indicates, this one took place around Christmas time.  It was the shortest in the series and occurred over a couple of months  whereas the others took place over many months, sometimes years.  These books usually don’t ha...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51610995">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51610995]]></url>
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      <review>
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    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
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    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at>Sun Dec 21 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Dec 22 09:01:34 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Dec 22 09:06:59 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count>2-3</read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Another Christmas-themed novel I pulled off the shelf. I got through most of it while waiting in the airport!<br/><br/>Always fun to drop in to Mitford for a visit, and this book is no exception. A little lighter maybe than some, but I enjoyed Father Tim discovering new skills, Hope discovering ne...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40672995">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40672995]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
  <id>48034044</id>
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    <name><![CDATA[Sharon]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Grinnell, IA]]></location>
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    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at>Tue Jan 20 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Mar 02 14:43:39 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Mar 03 06:41:51 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I really tried to finish this book, but it just didn't catch my attention. I have enjoyed other books that jumped back and forth between characters, but this one was too confusing for me to keep up. Perhaps if I started with the first book in the series, I would have enjoyed it better. The main stor...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48034044">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48034044]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
  <id>55092487</id>
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    <id>2171871</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Andrea]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>
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    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
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</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Tue May 05 19:37:04 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun May 24 18:19:44 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Much as I have adored every other title in the Mitford series, I was at first inclined to pass over this seemingly stand-alone entry.  I have fallen so deeply in love with the colorful, quirky, eccentric yet fiercely loyal characters that I didn't want to disrupt the flow.  How glad am I that I igno...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55092487">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55092487]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
  <id>9867720</id>
    <user>
    <id>414887</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Angela]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Appleton, WI]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[those who like sweet, whimsical fiction]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Dec 02 22:52:34 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Dec 09 07:19:31 -0800 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I read the rest of the &quot;Mitford&quot; books a LONNNG time ago, before this one had been written, so it was great fun to dip into the Mitford world again in a new story.  Just a sweet, wonderful book.  I listened to it in my car as I was going about town so it took me a while to get through, but...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9867720">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9867720]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9867720]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>39857840</id>
    <user>
    <id>1205448</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Cnelsonquilt]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[South Jordan, UT]]></location>
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    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
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    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Dec 11 07:04:40 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Dec 11 07:11:48 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[A very simple story that brings out some of the very basic messages of Christmas.  My favorite line in the book is that when you love someone your eyelashes go up and down and stars come out of your eyes.  It is helpful to have read at least 2 or 3 of the first part of the series to know a little bi...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39857840">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39857840]]></url>
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</review>
      <review>
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    <name><![CDATA[Roberta]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Pittsburgh, PA]]></location>
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    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
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  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2006</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Apr 24 07:12:41 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Apr 24 07:15:16 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[So, after reading Esther's Gift, I decided to give Jan Karon another try.  I wasn't familiar with the history of all the characters as I jumped into the series at #8.  It was a nice story to read around Christmas time.  My favorite quote was, &quot;he wants to be the bride at every wedding and the c...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53813988">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53813988]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53813988]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>39568526</id>
    <user>
    <id>1436259</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Ruth]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Kenner, LA]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1436259-ruth]]></link>
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  <id type="integer">71783</id>
  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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          </shelves>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Dec 07 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Dec 07 21:15:08 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Dec 10 19:51:35 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[A sweet Christmas story featuring our friends from Mitford.  If you aren't familiar with the characters from other books, this one probably won't make much sense.  It is kind of a quick Christmas visit to old friends, with a new friend in tow---the new friend, while not unwelcome, will miss much for...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39568526">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39568526]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39568526]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>52254781</id>
    <user>
    <id>2206364</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Valerie]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Corvallis, OR]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2206364-valerie-huberd-krasneski]]></link>
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  <id type="integer">71783</id>
  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2006</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Apr 10 20:02:55 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Apr 10 20:35:27 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Jan Karon is an awesome writer. Filled with light, warmth, and a life of ease. These series of books I think there is 10 or 11 will warm your heart and make you wish you really did live in Mitford. I know I wish I did.<br/><br/>Favorite Charters:<br/>Father Tim Kavanagh<br/>Cynthia<br/>Violet t...]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52254781]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52254781]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>44419845</id>
    <user>
    <id>1847965</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Laura]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1847965-laura]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto-F-111x148.jpg]]></image_url>
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  <id type="integer">71783</id>
  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Jan 26 12:20:41 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Jan 26 12:22:42 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I love all of these books--they make me feel so relaxed and encouraged.  I don't know what it is about them, but it just makes me wish sometimes that I lived in Mitford.  I love that small town thing. ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44419845]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44419845]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>12240677</id>
    <user>
    <id>770510</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Rachelle]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Sandy, UT]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/770510-rachelle]]></link>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Thu Dec 11 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Jan 11 08:06:10 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Dec 11 08:18:31 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This book is the near the end in a series called the Mitford series.  It's a quick and easy read.  It's setting is the small town of Mitford and the main character is Timothy, the now retired preacher.   This is a simple sweet Christmas book.  It just brings in the warmth of friendship and love that...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/12240677">more...</a>]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/12240677]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/12240677]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>49322039</id>
    <user>
    <id>2127863</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Laura]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Lagrange, GA]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2127863-laura]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1237079519p3/2127863.jpg]]></image_url>
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  <id type="integer">71783</id>
  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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            <shelf name="read-in-the-past" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Mar 15 04:39:01 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Mar 15 04:39:01 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[As Christian Fiction goes, I really liked this series.  Jan Karon creates a town were life seems simpler, people seem friendlier. Every time I read one, it made me long for the same in my life. ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49322039]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49322039]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>55462601</id>
    <user>
    <id>851640</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Dana]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Bowie, MD]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/851640-dana]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1241875577p3/851640.jpg]]></image_url>
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  <id type="integer">71783</id>
  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Sat May 09 05:28:53 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat May 09 05:28:53 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I love this series.  It just a nice slice of life.  Not necessarly a page turner but a nice characterization of people.  The faith part in these books is nice too.  They do a lot of good for others.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55462601]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55462601]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>41124007</id>
    <user>
    <id>547110</id>
    <name><![CDATA[RF]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Chapel Hill, NC]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/547110-rf]]></link>
    <image_url><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1196953844p3/547110.jpg]]></image_url>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
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  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Dec 28 16:43:16 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Dec 28 16:44:17 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[My dear friend gave me an autographed copy of this book for Christmas - I enjoy the Mitford tales. sometimes the simplicity and small town goodness is just what I need to lighten my mood. ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41124007]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41124007]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>40743750</id>
    <user>
    <id>1426578</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Pat]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Plainview, MN]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read" />
          </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Wed Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Dec 23 05:25:06 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 23 05:27:13 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Great Christmas story by Jan Karon. This book is part of the Mitford series but can be read alone. It deals with the struggles of everyday life and characters faith to live with them.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40743750]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40743750]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>80314873</id>
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    <id>2928411</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Toni]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Hopkins, MN]]></location>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Wed Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Dec 08 11:51:16 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 08 11:54:15 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[So fun to hear about the Mitford characters again...I haven't read about them in a long time, and it was like a hot cup of cocoa to read this story about Pastor Tim and his wife, Cynthia.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/80314873]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/80314873]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>44920503</id>
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    <id>1698428</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Shannon]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Austin, TX]]></location>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
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  <read_at>Sat Dec 20 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Jan 30 21:02:05 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Jan 30 21:05:21 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I have yet to be disappointed with one of her books. Love her Mitford characters!! Also love her faith that shines through in her stories. Great Christmas read!]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44920503]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44920503]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>74537382</id>
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    <id>2094949</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Acarrawa]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>
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  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
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  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Oct 14 13:53:09 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Oct 14 13:54:02 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[A nice Christmas story.  Very relaxing.  Jan Karon tied up some loose ends with this one.  Anyone who likes Christmas stories will probably like &quot;Shepherd's Abiding&quot;.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74537382]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74537382]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>38280278</id>
    <user>
    <id>1726370</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Moonmomie]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Princeton, TX]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1726370-moonmomie]]></link>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780142004852</isbn13>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227m/71783.jpg</image_url>
  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Nov 20 20:40:14 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Nov 20 20:40:32 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Fun, sweet books! Easy to read through, yet quite engaging. Definitely a series you will want to read in order and in it's entirety. ]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/38280278]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/38280278]]></link>
</review>
      <review>
  <id>65479582</id>
    <user>
    <id>1424291</id>
    <name><![CDATA[Susi]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Reno, NV]]></location>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1424291-susi]]></link>
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  <isbn>0142004855</isbn>
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  <text_reviews_count type="integer">78</text_reviews_count>
  <title>
    <![CDATA[Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)]]>
  </title>
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  <small_image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170790227s/71783.jpg</small_image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71783.Shepherds_Abiding</link>
  <average_rating>4.11</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>1772</ratings_count>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home,   and   countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like.   The   eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of   all presents:   the gift of one’s heart.  <p>  Since he was a boy, Father Tim has lived what he calls &quot;the life of the mind&quot;   and has   never really learned to savor the work of his hands. When he finds a derelict   nativity   scene that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect, he imagines the   excitement in   the eyes of his wife, Cynthia, and decides to undertake the daunting task of   restoring it.   As Father Tim begins his journey, readers are given a seat at Mitford’s holiday   table and   treated to a magical tale about the true Christmas spirit.</p>]]>
  </description>
  <published>2003</published>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Jul 29 19:13:37 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Jul 29 19:16:47 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[these books by Jan Karon are well written and very similar to All Creatures Great and Small. Feel good books. Humor and some depth.]]></body>
    
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65479582]]></url>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65479582]]></link>
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