Rating: 
Summary: A Celebration of Love
Review: I only recently began reading Jan Karon's series of Mitford novels, so I read this one in between books two and three, where it belongs. While I have found all of the Mitford books to be sweetly compelling, A Common Life is my favorite so far.Father Timothy Kavanaugh, the lifelong bachelor, has finally decided to commit his life to his vivacious neighbor, Cynthia. He thinks that his feelings of worry about his relationship will be over upon making this decision - but Father Tim is so very wrong. There is, after all, a wedding to be planned! The good folk of Mitford proceed with all of their usual flair. Cynthia is subject to showers and teas, while Father Tim gets a good dose of advice at his favorite diner. There are the usual decisions about flowers, songs, and attendants. Yes, all of this is commonplace - but that is the beauty of Karon's writing. She infuses these decisions, gone through by all engaged couples, with a grace and candor that is rare. I read several chapters of this book with tears in my eyes, impressed by the gentleness and true love of the characters. Fans of Mitford are sure to find a blessing in A Common Life.
Rating:
Summary: Short and sweet
Review: I read this sixth Mitford installment after completing the second one, which is where it really belongs, and I have to say that Jan Karon continues to please me. While A Common Life is not as long or as in depth as her other Mitford novels, it still maintained that downhome sweetness and comfortable, cozy feeling that I've come to expect and love in these books. A Common Life tells the story of Father Tim's acceptance of the importance and neccessity of Cynthia in his life. After proposing, the couple encounters the typical problems, jitters and joys that most engaged couples do. And as expected, the whole town of Mitford is getting into the celebration: Hessie Mayhew is in charge of the flowers, Esther Bollick is waiting for her invitation to bake the cake, and Uncle Joe is busily searching for the best joke to tell at the reception. And of course the wedding couldn't come off without at least a small hitch -- at 10 minutes after starting time, Cynthia is nowhere to be found... Jan Karon has written another pleasing and endearing story. It is written in the same beautiful, classy way as the others, and any Mitford fan will consider this novel to be a wonderful addition to the series. Having said that, I can see where some readers could be disappointed if they were reading the books in order since A Common Life (#6) does not continue with the story where #5 stopped but instead goes back in time to between #2 and #3. However, despite which order you read it (and I recommend #6 after #2), I believe A Common Life is a treasure and perfect as a gift for any engaged or newly married couple as it celebrates a wonderful and simple romance. Looking forward to continuing on with the third book in the series. I know I won't be disappointed.
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