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Mitford Years #2
A Light in the Window
Fiction Book A Light in the Window
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
1445 people are currently reading
5888 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
142 books2,814 followersBorn 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 a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,429 reviews
May 26, 2011
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 composed in part of little old ladies, these stories are anything but what they appear to be on the outside. While the excitement is of a far more subtle sort, it is extremely human... as well as Christian. Without preaching, it successfully delivers the method of the utmost simplicity, something of which I think our Father would approve. It takes a while to become used to reading these, especially when you are expecting something exciting and dangerous, but what you end up with is that people are real and they solve their issues in very real ways.
These are funny, inviting and joyful books of the Christian faith, and without too much of a stretch, I would probably say that they were inspired also. They are works of grace and beauty also, but that takes a while to see, if you are a complicated person with a complicated life. It makes you wonder why we made our lives so complex in the first place...and what we missed when we did so.
While Jan Karon has a huge following, no doubt composed in part of little old ladies, these stories are anything but what they appear to be on the outside. While the excitement is of a far more subtle sort, it is extremely human... as well as Christian. Without preaching, it successfully delivers the method of the utmost simplicity, something of which I think our Father would approve. It takes a while to become used to reading these, especially when you are expecting something exciting and dangerous, but what you end up with is that people are real and they solve their issues in very real ways.
These are funny, inviting and joyful books of the Christian faith, and without too much of a stretch, I would probably say that they were inspired also. They are works of grace and beauty also, but that takes a while to see, if you are a complicated person with a complicated life. It makes you wonder why we made our lives so complex in the first place...and what we missed when we did so.
February 5, 2010
"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 engrossing as all the other books I gave five stars to. I think it's simply impossible to read it and not fall in love with the characters. They are warm, friendly, happy people, and they love and take care of each other. Edith Mallory is a bit too annoying at times, but she provides all the necessary additional spice to the storyline. And I love Cynthia's candor and independence. I think Father Tim took too much time pondering where the relationship was headed but still, all's well that ends well. And that Dooley Barlowe? I have to say he's a total star. I love and adore him.
January 7, 2014
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?) clergyman 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 like most of these and that truly surprised me.
Timothy and the other characters here will I believe appeal to a wide audience. Life lessons, love with "work clothes on", human relationships and plots. Pretty good.
Timothy and the other characters here will I believe appeal to a wide audience. Life lessons, love with "work clothes on", human relationships and plots. Pretty good.
July 18, 2020
4.5 stars
Book #2 in Jan Karon's Mitford series continues the saga of Father Tim and the trials, tribulations and triumphs that he faces daily in his life.
Over the years I have returned several times to the Mitford series because of the comfort it offers me. Mitford is an idyllic small country town with wonderful characters and devoid of the stress of big city living. However, this is not to say that Father Tim does not have stress in his life. As these books continue, one stress is replaced with another. The life of a small village vicar is not stress free, nor is it easy.
Many people shelve this series as "Christian literature" and for some reason or another I have never placed it in that category. To be sure, Father Tim quotes plenty of scripture - especially to his big floppy dog, Barnabus (the only way to keep Barnabus from jumping on you is to quote a verse from the Bible; amazingly, Barnabus immediately sits or lies down upon hearing scripture. Barnabus is also fond of Wordsworth!) Even though scripture is quoted, it is not proselytizing. This series is about how the life of a sixty year old stressed out, worn out priest, was infused with new spirit and energy when a dog, a boy and a new neighbor entered his life. It is also about kindness, love and caring neighbors who look after each other. Who wouldn't want to live in Mitford!
The characters in this series will blow your socks off! How Jan Karon came up with so many wonderful names, characters and dialogue amazes me. I do know that she lived in Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a number of years and that Mitford is loosely based on Blowing Rock. I would love to visit Blowing Rock someday.
The village is indeed idyllic; the characters charming, quirky and lovable. However, as the series continues, Father Tim's life, even though more and more fulfilled, also becomes more and more stressful. These books give me new appreciation for the busy and often stressful life of a parish priest, especially a kind, empathetic and giving priest like Father Tim.
Wonderful writing and a great escape from the present world. Even if we can't travel anywhere right now, I highly recommend a visit to Mitford!
Book #2 in Jan Karon's Mitford series continues the saga of Father Tim and the trials, tribulations and triumphs that he faces daily in his life.
Over the years I have returned several times to the Mitford series because of the comfort it offers me. Mitford is an idyllic small country town with wonderful characters and devoid of the stress of big city living. However, this is not to say that Father Tim does not have stress in his life. As these books continue, one stress is replaced with another. The life of a small village vicar is not stress free, nor is it easy.
Many people shelve this series as "Christian literature" and for some reason or another I have never placed it in that category. To be sure, Father Tim quotes plenty of scripture - especially to his big floppy dog, Barnabus (the only way to keep Barnabus from jumping on you is to quote a verse from the Bible; amazingly, Barnabus immediately sits or lies down upon hearing scripture. Barnabus is also fond of Wordsworth!) Even though scripture is quoted, it is not proselytizing. This series is about how the life of a sixty year old stressed out, worn out priest, was infused with new spirit and energy when a dog, a boy and a new neighbor entered his life. It is also about kindness, love and caring neighbors who look after each other. Who wouldn't want to live in Mitford!
The characters in this series will blow your socks off! How Jan Karon came up with so many wonderful names, characters and dialogue amazes me. I do know that she lived in Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a number of years and that Mitford is loosely based on Blowing Rock. I would love to visit Blowing Rock someday.
The village is indeed idyllic; the characters charming, quirky and lovable. However, as the series continues, Father Tim's life, even though more and more fulfilled, also becomes more and more stressful. These books give me new appreciation for the busy and often stressful life of a parish priest, especially a kind, empathetic and giving priest like Father Tim.
Wonderful writing and a great escape from the present world. Even if we can't travel anywhere right now, I highly recommend a visit to Mitford!
January 10, 2024
I’ve read this book more than twice! Not sure how many times, but I enjoy it every time. Been enjoying rereading these with my sister. She may be enjoying them even more than I do, a huge win for this book lover’s heart ❤️
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4.5 stars. This may be a Father Tim year. I love these characters so much, and they get better with time. So many laughs and smiles inside this one.
This is another reread, and relisten. The audio performances of this series are terrific. The narrator becomes the characters. He changes voices convincingly for each one, and it was a joy to listen.
If you've ever wondered what it must be like to be the pastor of a small parish, where people really walk their faith out, and look after each other, and especially if you need a smile, this is the series for you. There is some drama, but it's always understated, no sex or violence, great animal characters, a boy growing into a man who will steal your heart, etc. All of these characters will steal your heart! Highly recommended. And moving on to number three.
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4.5 stars. This may be a Father Tim year. I love these characters so much, and they get better with time. So many laughs and smiles inside this one.
This is another reread, and relisten. The audio performances of this series are terrific. The narrator becomes the characters. He changes voices convincingly for each one, and it was a joy to listen.
If you've ever wondered what it must be like to be the pastor of a small parish, where people really walk their faith out, and look after each other, and especially if you need a smile, this is the series for you. There is some drama, but it's always understated, no sex or violence, great animal characters, a boy growing into a man who will steal your heart, etc. All of these characters will steal your heart! Highly recommended. And moving on to number three.
April 16, 2018
This is a tender book, a romance in the best, most elevated sense of the word. Father Tim and Cynthia's love for each other is expressed; but what to do about it is one of the conflicts of the story.
Chapter Seven, letters written to each other, is pure gold.
Light illuminates this book — glowing in the window, flickering in the fire, falling on the wood floor, entering the room with Puny, guiding a searching man, shining at the Lord's Chapel, infusing the valley, warming Timothy and Cynthia.
It is a wondrous book to read when winter doldrums and spring-snow dim the natural light.
Chapter Seven, letters written to each other, is pure gold.
Light illuminates this book — glowing in the window, flickering in the fire, falling on the wood floor, entering the room with Puny, guiding a searching man, shining at the Lord's Chapel, infusing the valley, warming Timothy and Cynthia.
It is a wondrous book to read when winter doldrums and spring-snow dim the natural light.
January 27, 2019
Jan Karon continues her charming small-town series with this second volume, which is touching at times, and heartbreaking at others, but also includes a dash of humor. While you'll likely see the ending coming a mile away--I know I did--it still made for enjoyable reading.
October 5, 2020
I loved being back in Mitford! Like the first book, this felt like a slower read, but I never really minded that aspect of it. It’s not a bad thing, it’s more a part of the appeal.
My favorite part is the relationship between Father Tim and Dooley. They’ve come a long way even since the first book.
My favorite part is the relationship between Father Tim and Dooley. They’ve come a long way even since the first book.
August 10, 2021
Another lovely meander through Mitford, this time with the addition of an uninvited houseguest, a hard but hurting construction foreman, and a not-so-grieving widow who won't take no for an answer. I'm so glad I decided to re-read the Mitford series. No other books make me care so much about little snapshots of everyday life. Some scenes made me want to laugh out loud, and at other times, I could feel the characters' pain. Jan Karon writes real life—I may not agree with everything, but I enjoy the journey anyway. Father Tim's struggle with love and fear makes a powerful thread through this book. Buck Leeper, that hard and hurting foreman, is a strong and gritty picture of human pain. The Main Street Grill gang are in a class of their own. Cynthia makes me smile. And Dooley. He's growing up, but he's still Dooley.
February 22, 2018
This one is my least favorite of the Mitford books (at least the original nine), although I still adore it. It just feels less like coming home and more like a stop on the way.
That is not a bad thing, at all! I still absolutely recommend this series...and this book...this particular installment simply feels a little bit melodramatic at times. That may simply be my opinion, however. The third one is one of my all-time favorite books, so I can't wait to get to that one!
That is not a bad thing, at all! I still absolutely recommend this series...and this book...this particular installment simply feels a little bit melodramatic at times. That may simply be my opinion, however. The third one is one of my all-time favorite books, so I can't wait to get to that one!
July 23, 2021
I definitely see why people like these books. They’re just sweet enjoyable books. But nothing stands out to make them super amazing.
Favorite quote: “Scared to step forward, terrified to turn back”
Favorite quote: “Scared to step forward, terrified to turn back”
November 27, 2010
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 outsiders to keep the story going. I was also happier reading this story since it focused on only a few of the characters and did not have as much character introductions, as the first book did. Made it much easier to follow the book. I am looking forward to reading more in the storyline and to continue to see the evolving characters!
November 14, 2008
You have to read this whole series.. The characters are so funny and become your friends. Father Tim is so awesome and Cynthia an absolute doll. The whole time I was reading this, I just kept thinking in the back of my mind, "which celebrities would I cast as these two main characters/" I just kept thinking Carroll O'Conner (Archie Bunker) and Laura Bush as Cynthia. I tried to listen to these books again on tape, and write all of the characters down, but there are so many I just couldn't. Oh, by the way, after I read the first book I sent an e-mail to Jan and she started me up with a nesletter being sent to my home, about her writing and other things. She is one of those people who when asked, "Who would you like to have dinner with?", would be on the top of my list.
November 10, 2025
Oh Father Tim, how I adore you! Please never grow up and old!l even though you are 62 now! You and Barnabas are just the best human and dog duo ever.
Hurry up and marry Cynthia C.!
This is my slow down, appreciate a good book at the end of a long day.
The characters just make me laugh and want to be with them. Dooley- I love you!
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
Hurry up and marry Cynthia C.!
This is my slow down, appreciate a good book at the end of a long day.
The characters just make me laugh and want to be with them. Dooley- I love you!
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
April 11, 2007
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 hearing John McDonough's narration stirs feelings of comfort and recognition. McDonough describes his first reading of a book as being ' like the first listening of a piece of music.' 'You have to be completely free,' he said. . 'As you read and think about the piece, you hear voices, and it starts to take on life.' How fortunate for all of us! In this, the second installment of the popular series, Father Tim has just returned from a vacation - his first in over a dozen years. While he enjoyed the respite he is a bit anxious to come home and see his neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith, a woman with whom he thought he had an understanding. He's perplexed by what he perceives as her coolness and a bit agitated when a widow in his congregation sets her sights on him. The church has undertaken the building of a care center and an unexpected visitor arrives, evidently for an extended stay. Life goes on in Mitford as listeners renew acquaintances with some of the townspeople and once again are charmed by the fictional community.
April 11, 2023
ETA 2023: I think I paid more attention this time to Father Tim and Cynthia's love story. Each of them was afraid (in different ways) to fall in love. She, because she had been hurt big time when her then-husband had a series of affairs. He, because he had been single all his life and was afraid of sharing his heart and his inner life with someone else. I could identify with both. The older we get, the more difficult (for me at least) it looks to share life with another person. I've been divorced for 22 years, and lived alone for 12. I can't imagine how it would be to try to integrate another person into my life, or me into theirs. And having been abused and severely hurt during my marriage, I don't think I have enough trust to allow someone else to know me again. So it was with understanding that I watched these two characters struggle to give up their fears and take a chance on love again.
Listening to this on audio, having read the books multiple times. I am enjoying listening as I fall asleep - this is perfect because I know the story so well, it doesn't matter if I miss a little bit. But I have to say this about the Mitford series, and Jan Karon's writing: There are many, many characters in her books, but each of them is so perfectly drawn and fleshed out, there is no confusion over who is who and who does what. You feel drawn into this lovely little town, with its wonderful and sometimes difficult characters who become like friends and neighbors. I always enjoy my trips back to Mitford!
Listening to this on audio, having read the books multiple times. I am enjoying listening as I fall asleep - this is perfect because I know the story so well, it doesn't matter if I miss a little bit. But I have to say this about the Mitford series, and Jan Karon's writing: There are many, many characters in her books, but each of them is so perfectly drawn and fleshed out, there is no confusion over who is who and who does what. You feel drawn into this lovely little town, with its wonderful and sometimes difficult characters who become like friends and neighbors. I always enjoy my trips back to Mitford!
April 11, 2010
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 to the "family." This reads like it was made for a TV series, which I am surprised it has not been made into for PBS yet!
What I like about this series is that it doesn't try to be anything it is not; that in itself makes it charming, and if you want to read a simple, feel good, clean series, then this is it.
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 to the "family." This reads like it was made for a TV series, which I am surprised it has not been made into for PBS yet!
What I like about this series is that it doesn't try to be anything it is not; that in itself makes it charming, and if you want to read a simple, feel good, clean series, then this is it.
September 26, 2018
A wonderful addition to the Mitford series by Ms. Karon. Father Tim is being pulled in all directions, but mostly by his heart and toward his neighbor. All the little eccentricities and intricacies of small town American life are here again, from the grocery store to the local pastry shop. If you ever need a break from the hurried pace of life and the incessant voice telling you to keep going faster and faster, Mitford is a excellent place to visit. It reminds you, if you let yourself be reminded, of what is truly important in life and how even the small things take on a different perspective if you have your priorities in order. I highly recommend “A Light in the Window” and the series as a whole and hope you will check them out, or come back for a second or third visit.
September 19, 2019
I just loved this so much and I’ve laughed over and over again. What a wonderful town and I love all the people who live here.
Jan Karon is a wonderful writer full of surprises. If you want something good then this series is for you. It’s light, fun and full of laughs.
This was a library loan and all opinions are my own.
Jan Karon is a wonderful writer full of surprises. If you want something good then this series is for you. It’s light, fun and full of laughs.
This was a library loan and all opinions are my own.
June 29, 2025
What is it about these books that makes them so charming?
Is it Father Tim and the way he is adored by the whole town? Or perhaps it’s Dooley and his boyish antics and honesty…Or maybe it’s the mix of the whole town of characters that each bring something unique, and usually humorous, to the story…
Whatever it is, these books are a delight and I can see why they are treasured by so many.
Is it Father Tim and the way he is adored by the whole town? Or perhaps it’s Dooley and his boyish antics and honesty…Or maybe it’s the mix of the whole town of characters that each bring something unique, and usually humorous, to the story…
Whatever it is, these books are a delight and I can see why they are treasured by so many.
September 14, 2009
Another good read in this series. I still wish I lived in a place like Mitford. :)
February 3, 2024
“[Father Tim] felt tears on his face and realized the weight had flown off his heart.”
I had tears running down my face for virtually the last hundred pages of this book. Something about Father Tim’s journey through releasing fear and living in freedom in his life, all the while sincerely seeking to follow and obey God, connected with me at such a deep and personal level! Seeing him work through all of his doubts, frustrations, and fears regarding Cynthia, Dooley, Cousin Meg, Buck Leeper, Percy and Velma, Miss Sadie, and all the rest of this beloved community, ministered to my heart in a profound way.
Compared to the first book in the series, this book differs quite significantly in its structure. While the first book was a series of well-connected, but somewhat independent, vignettes of life in Mitford, this second book is a true novel. It tells a beautiful story through thematic unity, well-developed and utterly relatable characters, and Christian truths hidden in almost parable-like passages at times.
I can’t wait to return to Mitford in the third book of the series, and am still shaking my head in wonder that it took me this long to discover such a soulmate and kindred spirit in Father Tim! Who among us doesn’t feel as though “I am Father Tim! I understand him so completely! Seriously, he’s me and I’m him!” And that’s the utter brilliance and profundity that Jan Karon has achieved in this character for the ages.
I had tears running down my face for virtually the last hundred pages of this book. Something about Father Tim’s journey through releasing fear and living in freedom in his life, all the while sincerely seeking to follow and obey God, connected with me at such a deep and personal level! Seeing him work through all of his doubts, frustrations, and fears regarding Cynthia, Dooley, Cousin Meg, Buck Leeper, Percy and Velma, Miss Sadie, and all the rest of this beloved community, ministered to my heart in a profound way.
Compared to the first book in the series, this book differs quite significantly in its structure. While the first book was a series of well-connected, but somewhat independent, vignettes of life in Mitford, this second book is a true novel. It tells a beautiful story through thematic unity, well-developed and utterly relatable characters, and Christian truths hidden in almost parable-like passages at times.
I can’t wait to return to Mitford in the third book of the series, and am still shaking my head in wonder that it took me this long to discover such a soulmate and kindred spirit in Father Tim! Who among us doesn’t feel as though “I am Father Tim! I understand him so completely! Seriously, he’s me and I’m him!” And that’s the utter brilliance and profundity that Jan Karon has achieved in this character for the ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2009
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 Society), but I find myself unable to commit to you, dear Mitfordians.
Again, please forgive me. It is definitely me, not you. There are thousands, probably millions, of readers who will love you and treasure you for all that you are. Because you are a decent, hard-working and pleasant story. But you don't need me and my unreasonable expectations of action and directness and adventure.
Can we still be friends?
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 Society), but I find myself unable to commit to you, dear Mitfordians.
Again, please forgive me. It is definitely me, not you. There are thousands, probably millions, of readers who will love you and treasure you for all that you are. Because you are a decent, hard-working and pleasant story. But you don't need me and my unreasonable expectations of action and directness and adventure.
Can we still be friends?
October 8, 2019
Although I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did the first book, it is still a lovely story and I will continue with the series as I have grown to care about the people of Mitford. I adore Father Tim and all of the characters in this book minus Edith. I listen to the audiobooks for this series and I am glad I did. John McDonough is outstanding! They could not have chosen a better narrator for this series. This storyline felt like it dragged a little for me. Even so, it made me smile, laugh and it just made my heart feel good. 3 1/2 ⭐️s rounded up.
January 27, 2018
I just finished my third reading of this wonderful book. Jan Karon's 'Mitford ' series of books are some of the best in the planet. Never do they fail to inspire and console me, not to mention a thorough blessing!
'Lord, take this fear and dash it. Rebuke the enemy who is the creator of all fear, and give me the grace to be the man you've called me to be, no matter what lies in store.'
Would that I could have the heart of Father Tim!
Treasures, these books are, pure and simple!
'Lord, take this fear and dash it. Rebuke the enemy who is the creator of all fear, and give me the grace to be the man you've called me to be, no matter what lies in store.'
Would that I could have the heart of Father Tim!
Treasures, these books are, pure and simple!
January 1, 2018
Truthfully it deserves 3.5 stars in my opinion.
It's true, these books don't have a ground-shaking plot. However, they are sweet, charming, and hilarious.
Father Tim is one of my very favorite fictional characters ever created. He is so much like me. I'm so glad he finally ended up with what he deserved.
Good book and lovely writing!
It's true, these books don't have a ground-shaking plot. However, they are sweet, charming, and hilarious.
Father Tim is one of my very favorite fictional characters ever created. He is so much like me. I'm so glad he finally ended up with what he deserved.
Good book and lovely writing!
December 28, 2018
Again, I loved the characters, Father Tim is wonderful, and when his secretary, girlfriend, and other characters are developed, I just can sit back and just enjoy a plain good, clean story with so much enjoyment.
April 4, 2015
too much filler (e.g., love notes between priest and neighbor).
January 15, 2014
These books are really pretty terrible.
June 29, 2015
I don't like saying good-bye to Mitford. It's a good thing there are so many of them.
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