Rating: 
Summary: The Mitford Years and The Coalwood Books
Review: Jan's books always make me smile. They are written with such heartfelt vigor. I like to contrast books. Another series that is so very true and amusing (and much more likely to bring a tear to your eye) is Homer Hickam's series of Coalwood books - October Sky, The Coalwood Way, and Sky of Stone. Mitford fans would love Coalwood.
Rating:
Summary: It's a Treat to Visit Mitford
Review: Once you meet the town of Mitford and its colorful inhabitants, you'll want to visit again and again. Father Tim is a kind, wise and caring clergyman who meets his ideal match in the delightful author/artist Cynthia. As an author myself of an inspirational book (NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, Judson Press), I especially appreciate the inspirational aspects of the Mitford books. Being a true Christian is not easy in our society and that's how it's portrayed in Mitford, never sugar-coated. You'll fall in love with the town and its people, you'll be uplifted, and I'll bet you can't read just one of these warm and well-written books.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I lived in Mitford...
Review: I have now read all five of these books and just got "A Common Life" in the mail and am very eager to read it as well. I loved these books. They were excellent books that I can't wait to share with others. My mom has also read them and enjoyed them profusely. I can't tell you how much I think these books can touch both hearts and souls. They lift your spirit and bring your life into a positive calm.Personally, I suppose Father Tim and I might connect a little bit more closely than many other people. I personally am planning on becoming a minister someday, and he has become not just a fun, fictional character who has helped me handle things different in life, but also an excellent role model for who I would like to become as a pastor. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading these books and actually being able to envision myself in these situations, handling them in exactly the same way that I'm reading almost every time. It was interesting to see. I guess part of that is just wishful thinking. My goodness, I think most of the people who visit this page probably already know that they want to live in Mitford and are disappointed to know that it doesn't exist. If you don't already wish you live in Mitford, it's probably because you haven't visited Mitford yet. I'm sure I speak for all of the citizens of Mitford when I say Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, Barnabas, Violet, and a whole slew of others invite you to laugh, cry (but I promise not too much), and always smile, no matter what the circumstances. That is why I give each of you: Mitford.
Rating:
Summary: Worshipping in Mitford
Review: I discovered the Mitford series as I rediscovered my heritage in the Episcopal church. The descriptions of the chapel, town and characters of Mitford made me feel as though I had visited and worshipped with them often. Jan Karon's words give each character their pecularities, especially the scriptural dog, Barnabas, in a way that can only make you love them warts and all. The Rector proves the idea that endless love is available to us all, regardless of age. The kind of love that is an affirmation to our desire to live happily everafter. I often wonder how the Good Father, his friends and family are doing, as I anxiously await the next book in the series. Do yourself a favor and visit Mitford.
Rating:
Summary: I just love these books!
Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed all 5 of the Mitford books and I'm anxiously awaiting to read the next one. The stories are so dear, a wonderful depiction of a small town that anyone would long to live in. All the characters are so well developed, they seem so real. It's rare to find good, wholesome reading that is entertaining and leaves you wanting more. Jan Karon, you are a blessing! Thank you for writing such lovely books.
Rating:
Summary: Best reading I have experienced in years
Review: I cannot say enough about the writing of Jan Karon. You will be laughing out loud one minute and almost in tears the next. The descriptions in her books are so vivid, your senses will be going crazy. I could almost smell and taste the dishes she describes. The humor is unbeatable and the bottom line to Tim Kavanaugh is servanthood. He is in an everyday, every way relationship with Jesus Christ that is absolutely refreshing. We can all learn from these books the importance of service to others. Thanks, Jan,for the journey.
Rating:
Summary: All of the Mitford Novels
Review: I cannot tell everyone (especially Jan Karon) how much I have enjoyed these pleasant novels. As a college student, grappling with various presures, it is so refreshing to be able to escape to the glorious town of Mitford. It seems as if a part of my soul is able to relate to every character in every novel, namely Dooley and Cynthia, as they sruggle with their relationships with Father Timothy. I am so grateful that my grandmother and aunt recommended these wonderfully refreshing novels to me, and I will surely pass them along to my college friends.
Rating:
Summary: A merry heart!
Review: Awakened in the night after reading the 3rd book. Thinking about Percy's advertising, I began by smiling, then a stifled chuckle and then the bed started to shake as I could not keep from laughing out loud!.... Husband thought it was either an earthquake or a seizure!
Rating:
Summary: Nourishment for the soul, an escape for the time-starved
Review: Karon creates a kinder, gentler community in which we all secretly desire to live. Her series is a great escape from our fast-paced Internet-driven world. Karon has the talent to make Mitford real. Suddenly, these are not characters at all, but neighbors that you begin to really care about. I read one book in the series right after the other when they were not packaged as a set. I highly recommend owning the set -- you will treasure it.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the most entertaining, warm and wonderful!
Review: All of Jan Karon's Mitford books are meant to be savored with a hot cup of tea, a warm blanket and a grey day. Her books warm the heart and soul and restore faith in our fellow human beings. I can hardly wait to read them all over again. We can only hope she never stops writing about Mitford and the wonderful, interesting characters who live there!
|
