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Mitford Years #9
Light from Heaven
It's never too late.
Father Tim Kavanagh has been asked to "come up higher" more than once. But he's never been asked to do the impossible-until now. The retired Episcopal priest takes on the revival of a mountain church that's been closed for forty years. Meanwhile, in Mitford, he's sent on a hunt for hidden treasure, and two beloved friends are called to come up higher. As Father Tim finds, there are still plenty of heartfelt surprises, dear friends old and new, and the most important lesson of all: It's never too late.
Father Tim Kavanagh has been asked to "come up higher" more than once. But he's never been asked to do the impossible-until now. The retired Episcopal priest takes on the revival of a mountain church that's been closed for forty years. Meanwhile, in Mitford, he's sent on a hunt for hidden treasure, and two beloved friends are called to come up higher. As Father Tim finds, there are still plenty of heartfelt surprises, dear friends old and new, and the most important lesson of all: It's never too late.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
617 people are currently reading
4396 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
142 books2,793 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 700 reviews
February 9, 2015
Wow ... a new favorite poet (Wordsworth) and many new favorite moments. I absolutely LOVED this book (even more than some of the others) and I don't think I read it with the rest of the series many years ago. The wonders of God's love, the blessings of the Lenten season, all these have come home to me as "new" truths ... though I've known them for years. I feel a spiritual renewal beginning to work in my own life, and I'm loving it!
February 1, 2023
2023 read: 3.75 stars. Always enjoy this series. Hoping to finally finish it this year. Rereading it this time with my sister is helping, as she is even more goal-oriented than I am. This isn't my favorite of the series, but I did enjoy it. Loved the ending!
2021 read:
Ive been working on a few series that I love and I’m running out of things to say about them. This series reads more like one continuous story than a series of books. If you love the first, you’ll probably love them all.
The series follows an episcopal priest as he tries to live out his faith by helping and loving people in his orbit. He asks God for guidance, and if you’ve ever wondered what it must be like to be a priest, it’s very enlightening. I love the series bc it always makes me laugh and I’ve grown v attached not just to the main character but to those who’ve become part of his extended family (don’t want to give away anything for anyone who’s unfamiliar).
There’s some new faces in this one bc Father Tim is house sitting for a friend and winds up a vicar to a small, forgotten parish. But Jan Karon has a gift for characterization and so, as quirky as they may be, it’s easy to love her characters.
All of the audiobooks so far have been narrated by John McDonough, who is fantastic as he changes voices for all the characters. Apparently the next two are narrated by someone else...which explains why I’ve never read those. Then McDonough picks up the series once again, thankfully.
I may backtrack to a Christmas novella bc a development in the lives of two of my favorite characters is missed if you skip it. And then I’d like to finally finish this series this year. Other than the novella, all of the other books would be first-time reads for me.
2021 read:
Ive been working on a few series that I love and I’m running out of things to say about them. This series reads more like one continuous story than a series of books. If you love the first, you’ll probably love them all.
The series follows an episcopal priest as he tries to live out his faith by helping and loving people in his orbit. He asks God for guidance, and if you’ve ever wondered what it must be like to be a priest, it’s very enlightening. I love the series bc it always makes me laugh and I’ve grown v attached not just to the main character but to those who’ve become part of his extended family (don’t want to give away anything for anyone who’s unfamiliar).
There’s some new faces in this one bc Father Tim is house sitting for a friend and winds up a vicar to a small, forgotten parish. But Jan Karon has a gift for characterization and so, as quirky as they may be, it’s easy to love her characters.
All of the audiobooks so far have been narrated by John McDonough, who is fantastic as he changes voices for all the characters. Apparently the next two are narrated by someone else...which explains why I’ve never read those. Then McDonough picks up the series once again, thankfully.
I may backtrack to a Christmas novella bc a development in the lives of two of my favorite characters is missed if you skip it. And then I’d like to finally finish this series this year. Other than the novella, all of the other books would be first-time reads for me.
July 25, 2019
The edition I read of this novel--which happened to come from a local garage sale--was large print! Talk about a hefty volume!
I've been hearing about the Mitford novels for quite a while; my mom told me bits and pieces of the stories, and my late grandmother used to read them, too. Father Tim makes for an interesting character, and this final(?) story featuring him was rather sweet and touching. If you've followed the series up to this point, you should definitely read this last(?) novel.
(Can you believe I read this book in one day? Hey, the large print helped!)
I've been hearing about the Mitford novels for quite a while; my mom told me bits and pieces of the stories, and my late grandmother used to read them, too. Father Tim makes for an interesting character, and this final(?) story featuring him was rather sweet and touching. If you've followed the series up to this point, you should definitely read this last(?) novel.
(Can you believe I read this book in one day? Hey, the large print helped!)
June 22, 2024
I can't remember the last time I blazed through a series, but diving back into Mitford has been all delight. I finished up The Mitford Series and am ready to move on to the Father Tim novels.
January 15, 2013
This is the last book in this series. I am so very happy that I chose this book to end the year and begin the new one with. It was like being with a trusted friend. All of the characters in this series have been so very interesting and even over a period of a few years, you don't forget them. (Even if you can't remember where you put the car keys.) As I was nearing the end of the book, a friend called, or maybe I called her. She was in her car, driving in northern Michigan where she lives. She commented on the beauty of the sun coming through the clouds and bursting in rays upon the earth. I told her that over the years when I was driving alone, I always felt it was God letting me know that He was there and with me. After we hung up I realized that the book was right next to me as we were talking with that exact picture. It was like a hug. To me this is what the series has brought into my life. Reminders that what is around us, if we look and listen, we can hear God talking. I look forward to seeing what Jan Karon has in store in additional writings.
October 9, 2017
According to the inside flap, this was the last book in the Mitford series. Apparently the Father Tim series (I've read the one where he goes to his hometown, and the trip to Ireland) both happen after this book. Also I've already read Come Rain or Come Shine, which happens after this book, and I thought it was a Mitford book? Reading them out of order doesn't take away from my enjoyment of them, but probably would've been helpful in keeping track of who's alive and who's dead when, and the status of Dooley's long lost brothers. I'm assuming Jan Karon knew she would continue writing about Father Tim and Dooley after this "last" book, because otherwise the last two sentences would be really frustrating! Luckily I didn't have to deal with any frustration, because of having read other books set in the future of this one, so I knew how everything turns out.
The reason this only gets 4 stars is because I find it really difficult to figure out what order to read these books in. On Goodreads, the books are conveniently numbered, but no where on the physical book does it say what number in the series it is, so when I'm at the library, I have a hard time figuring out the order.
But still, I recommend the Mitford books to anyone who likes wholesome books, second chances, redemption, and clean old-fashioned jokes.
The reason this only gets 4 stars is because I find it really difficult to figure out what order to read these books in. On Goodreads, the books are conveniently numbered, but no where on the physical book does it say what number in the series it is, so when I'm at the library, I have a hard time figuring out the order.
But still, I recommend the Mitford books to anyone who likes wholesome books, second chances, redemption, and clean old-fashioned jokes.
September 28, 2025
I’m not sure how these books get better and better but they do!!!
Now I want to live at Meadowgate and attend Church at Holy Trinity. Seriously! More than anything!!
The ending just about ended me. That tissue box never saw me coming😭
On to the next!!!!
Now I want to live at Meadowgate and attend Church at Holy Trinity. Seriously! More than anything!!
The ending just about ended me. That tissue box never saw me coming😭
On to the next!!!!
November 8, 2020
There are no words to describe the level of comfort and peace the Mitford books bring. I admit, I had completely forgotten how these books made me feel, and I berate myself, why it took me so long before I decided to return to a Jan Karon story. "Light from Heaven" takes us a bit further along into the life of our dear father Kavanaugh, and while reading it, it truly felt like a whole in my heart was filled up a bit more. These books and these characters are a balm to the heart. Truth be told, I had some difficulty getting reacquainted with the myriad of characters, but the essence of the message of the book got through nonetheless.
August 9, 2024
2024 review: It's always a joy to revisit Father Tim and his friends. This one included many new characters from his one year assignment to revive a small country church that has been closed for 40 years. According to other reviewers, this was supposed to be the last Mitford novel, but it seemed to have too many loose ends for that. Fortunately Karon wrote five more novels after this one.
April 1, 2020
Father Tim and Cynthia are at a farm called Meadow Gate watching over things while the owners are away for a year. Tom is assigned an Episcopal congregation in a tiny mountain church near by. I love how the author brings the many new characters in this book to life. I love how Dooly’s family is finally reunited!
December 4, 2024
Lots of loose ends tied up. Tried not to cry listening to the ending while deadlifting lol
December 17, 2021
As comforting a read as the others. Can't help wondering why the new vicar at Lord's Chapel is never mentioned!
April 8, 2025
My second favourite in the series! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this new cast of characters and seeing development with well loved established characters.
April 2, 2016
Lovely, warm story with characters that are like family - this is another excellent installment in the Mitford series. Just right for reading around the Easter season (or any time really). The story begins just before Easter when Father Tim is asked to get a small country church restarted. Tim and Cynthia are living on Meadowgate farm while the owners are away for a year when he's asked to be vicar at Holy Trinity, a small church tucked on the mountainside. There are new characters (Miss Agnes and Clarence, Jubal, Sissie, and Donny) and a few of the old favorites (like Louella and JC). The characters are all so finely drawn and feel like family.
I loved the St Francis prayer included in the book and want to include it here so I can remember it:
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering one. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love's sake. Amen.
I loved the St Francis prayer included in the book and want to include it here so I can remember it:
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering one. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love's sake. Amen.
April 28, 2025
"I believe if I were charged with having a goal, it would be to live without fretting—to live more fully in the moment not always huffing about as I've done in recent years . . . to live humbly—and appreciatively—with whatever God furnishes."
Another masterpiece in this series by Jan Karon. Well written, endearing characters, and strong Christian principles! I loved Father Tim's new church and parishioners, and this one has an absolutely beautiful ending! This one and A New Song are my favorites in the series! Now on to Ireland!
Another masterpiece in this series by Jan Karon. Well written, endearing characters, and strong Christian principles! I loved Father Tim's new church and parishioners, and this one has an absolutely beautiful ending! This one and A New Song are my favorites in the series! Now on to Ireland!
November 1, 2017
I thought that this was a new Father Tim Kavanagh book, but it was one I had read before. – For some reason. This one seemed more “preachy” than previous books. Father Tim has retired and he and his wife Cynthia are taking care of their friend’s farm. Fr. Tim is bored, and luckily is asked to reopen a nearby mountain church. Of course there are difficulties, but meeting all the characters that live in the mountain area give him a grand challenge
February 3, 2011
Oh my goodness! I finally finished this book! I had to drag myself through this one. I'm not sure what happened to Jan with this book. I couldn't keep up with all the characters, I didn't care at all about most of the characters. I'm not sure why this one was so different than her other books, but I was just not into this book at all.
June 14, 2018
A very detailed book of the life of Father Timothy Kavanagh. He led a really full life serving the people at his church and community. There is a lot of good advice, poetry, and Scripture in this book. Father Tim respected people and showed them Jesus' compassion.
July 30, 2025
2018 - another delightful re-read...I love Christmas scenes at Mitford the best.
2025 - I'm flying through these, and it's been so peaceful and relaxing.
2025 - I'm flying through these, and it's been so peaceful and relaxing.
December 15, 2015
Adventure, Love, Laughter, Tears & Fulfilling! An Excellent Light & Peaceful Series! I Loved It...Book After Book After Book!
September 13, 2023
One of my favorites in the Mitford series .
October 28, 2025
I love this series so much!
June 30, 2022
Book -5 stars
Narration by John McDonough - Oh how I love hearing him sing the hymns and songs, simply beautiful!
5 stars and a 💖!
Narration by John McDonough - Oh how I love hearing him sing the hymns and songs, simply beautiful!
5 stars and a 💖!
May 30, 2020
I love this books. Love them. Great light reading for a Caronastay'cation'. Godly but not pushy. Wonderful characters. Spectacular vistas.
"I'm reminded of something George Herbert wrote, that lovely man. 'And now in age I bud again...' I sense that God has set you on a wonderful new course, that you're entering a kind of golden passage." (pg 100)
I love that... 'And now in age I bud again...' I hope that is what God is doing with me working at the library... and I hope and pray that when I am ready to retire from the library God will have another new course for me to travel on.
"Every saint has a past, the sixteenth-century poet had said, and every sinner has a future. And all because of what He did for love." (pg 148)
Thank you Lord!
"Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's Creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love sacrifice and courage." (pg 108)
That is a whole mouthful to live up to... only with the Lord's help.
I highly recommend this series.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
Prompt names completed go here…
"I'm reminded of something George Herbert wrote, that lovely man. 'And now in age I bud again...' I sense that God has set you on a wonderful new course, that you're entering a kind of golden passage." (pg 100)
I love that... 'And now in age I bud again...' I hope that is what God is doing with me working at the library... and I hope and pray that when I am ready to retire from the library God will have another new course for me to travel on.
"Every saint has a past, the sixteenth-century poet had said, and every sinner has a future. And all because of what He did for love." (pg 148)
Thank you Lord!
"Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's Creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love sacrifice and courage." (pg 108)
That is a whole mouthful to live up to... only with the Lord's help.
I highly recommend this series.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
Prompt names completed go here…
April 11, 2025
What a delightful series. This particular one I really enjoyed: the new people at the little historic church high in the mountains, especially Agnes and Clarence; the Kavanaghs housesitting gig at Meadowgate for the year; Dooley and Lace finally a couple; seeing how Sammy struggles to adjust to a very different (and much healthier) family life; the very entertaining Flower Girls who help with cleaning and cooking; and the simple joy of reading the quotes and hymns and insights of the humble, wise, compassionate Father Tim.
I tend to enjoy the ones that are set in Mitford more than the ones set overseas or in a different community entirely; this one was partly set in Mitford (since Tim was always running back there to visit the Turkey Club or pick up something from the little yellow house) but also partly set high in the mountains. And man (to quote Dooley), would I love to have someone like Agnes in my life. I absolutely adored getting to know her, and her steady faithfulness, and her hard history that she shared, chapter by chapter, with Father Tim.
And now I'm sad that I'm more than halfway through this series.... there really is nothing like Mitford's people and the Kavanaghs.
I tend to enjoy the ones that are set in Mitford more than the ones set overseas or in a different community entirely; this one was partly set in Mitford (since Tim was always running back there to visit the Turkey Club or pick up something from the little yellow house) but also partly set high in the mountains. And man (to quote Dooley), would I love to have someone like Agnes in my life. I absolutely adored getting to know her, and her steady faithfulness, and her hard history that she shared, chapter by chapter, with Father Tim.
And now I'm sad that I'm more than halfway through this series.... there really is nothing like Mitford's people and the Kavanaghs.
January 7, 2022
4.5 stars! Oh my goodness-this one packs a punch! I think this is my favorite of the Mitford books. In this installation, Fr Tim and Cynthia are staying at Meadowgate for a year farm-sitting and Fr Tim is tasked with opening a church that has been closed for 40 years. To be honest, I wasn't sure I would care about non-Mitford characters but I was so wrong. Written with the same warmth and compassion as always, we also get to check in on some of our favorite Mitford residents . It has been a long time since I got a book out to look for a quote that stayed with me. This book definitely had me going back for my post its and pencil. What I love about these books is that they are so hopeful, which is just what we all need in these scary times we are living through. I will leave you with my favorite quote- Love is an act of unending forgiveness.
April 22, 2022
This series is pure comfort reading for me. I love every visit with Father Tim, Cynthia and everyone they interact with in the course of the book.
This year, Father Tim has been given the charge to restart the Holy Trinity church, located high in the mountains. It closed almost 40 years ago. He drives up there, not knowing what to expect. Is the roof falling in? What is left of the old building. To his surprise, he finds it well tended and meets the woman and her son who have made it their mission to keep it ready for the return of a vicar and congregation. And the adventure begins.
Heartwarming. Filled with light and goodness. New friends to love.
This year, Father Tim has been given the charge to restart the Holy Trinity church, located high in the mountains. It closed almost 40 years ago. He drives up there, not knowing what to expect. Is the roof falling in? What is left of the old building. To his surprise, he finds it well tended and meets the woman and her son who have made it their mission to keep it ready for the return of a vicar and congregation. And the adventure begins.
Heartwarming. Filled with light and goodness. New friends to love.
April 30, 2025
The ninth and final book in the Milton series. Wow! Double Wow!! There is another book that I have a copy of called “Home to Holly Springs.” It is about Father Tim’s childhood home. Light from Heaven was just the best of all the others. Father Tim took in more children, but more importantly he opened up a church in the mountains that had been closed for many years. My parents opened up a very old church, found people to come and renovated the whole building. It brought back many wonderful memories. This novel was so full of God’s blessings and humor that it enriched me and it will for many others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews