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Summary: "A New Song" adds sweet harmonies to the Mitford ballad.
Review: When I was a child growing up in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, my grandfather sang mountain ballads to me that his mother and hers before had passed down. Jan Karon's books, like these ballads, possess a universal appeal because the human drama, with all its pathos, pain and tenderness, plays out as you read her wonderful dialogue and come to know her cast of characters who have become so real that you feel sure you could look them up in the phone book and call to sympathize or rejoice with them. "A New Song" harmonizes beautifully with the Mitford melody line, adding sea-coast sounds and color -- the deep-sea fishing chapter had me all but reaching for the Dramimine -- and though touching but lightly on old themes (I would have liked more of Dooley and even a touch of a few other absent Mitford characters), developing new themes with Ms. Karon's signature gift of storytelling -- a 'symphony in sand'.But the true delight of Ms. Karon's books is that against this crooked and perverse generation, her faith informs her work and shines like a star. The pulsating rhythm of her writing is the God Who pervades life for His glory and our ultimate good. Let her critics pause to reflect on the fact that the vast majority of the reading public around the globe are hungry for books such as Jan Karon writes. Goodness, truth and beauty provide great alternatives to the evening news.
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Summary: I did not find this book as intriguing as the others
Review: I have read all five of the Mitford books. This book was my least favorite of them. I found that I did not care about the characters in their new town the way I did about the people in Mitford. I hope Father Tim and Cynthia are back in Mitford for the sixth book.
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Summary: Mitford Mania
Review: The first four in this series are 5 star books. This new addition, however, is not. Long anticipated, I was disappointed to see Father Tim and Cynthia packing up and leaving Mitford for the duration. The Mitford characters I have come to love were left behind and the North Carolina folks were not sufficiently developed for my taste. I did sense an undercurrent of "anti-Southernism," as if these people are "characters" simply by birthright. Although longing for my old friends in Mitford, I do look forward to "chapter 6" of the life and times of Fr. Tim and his kith and kin. These books are comfort reading indeed.
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Summary: GREAT!!! HEART WARMING!!!
Review: I read the other Mitford books, they just get better with each book. This is a book I have given to all my family and friends. You do not want the book to end. My family, friends and I are waiting for the next book.
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Summary: A gentle reminder of the goodness of people if given a chanc
Review: Uplifting and refreshing reading. All people need to be accepted. Our attitude towards them will determine their response most of the time. If we fail sometimes, nothing is lost. Father Tim sees everyone as "good" and acts accordingly. This is the secret of his success with his parishioners. May we all learn from him and make the world a happier place. I hope Ms. Karon will continue to delight us with her stories.
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Summary: I loved it!! Loved it!!! Loved it!!!
Review: I have read the other Mitford books and loved them as well. I don't know how she does it, but she does. Her books are insightful, inspiring, touching. I was teary-eyed by the end of the book, I didn't want it to end. Keep on writing, Jan!!!!
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Summary: You don't have to be "churchy" . . .
Review: . . . to love this book. What a great read! This is my first Mitford book, and I've already sent for the first four in the series. Don't be put off, fearing that the book is just too preachy -- the protagonist is religious enough for those readers who share his Christian beliefs while being "spiritual" enough to appeal to the rest of us. Mayberry meets Lake Wobegon with a side trip to Northern Exposure, maybe?
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Summary: So enjoyable! Read in hours, couldn't put it down.Lovely!
Review: I loved the original four books so much I thought I would be disappointed that the Father was moving and new characters would be introduced. Was I mistaken? Loved this book as much or more than the others. I only hope the next book is on its way to the press. Keep up the superb work Jan Karon.
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Summary: It keeps getting better with each sequel
Review: We wondered if Karon could keep our interest with a new setting and different characters. She did not disappoint. We still laugh out loud, cry and thoroughly enjoy the entertaining situations in whichTim and Cynthia find themselves. The spiritual and moral lessons come through loud and clear adding much to the story line. Our favorite incident, Tim going deep sea fishing!! My husband and I always read Karon to each other before retiring at night, we could feel poor Father Tims pain (while laughing til the tears rolled down our cheeks). We love the lessons learned by showing the human frailties of Tim and Cynthia, as well as the people they encounter along the way. May Tim and Cynthia live to be 100 (and Barnabus too) and Jan Karon still telling their story. Thank you Jan for a well written series the whole family can read. We have learned to love you through your books.
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Summary: Inspiring
Review: I loved this novel, it was a very uplifting, emotionally fulfilling tale of love and dedication. Only "The Triumph and the Glory" can rival it for pure, inspirational beauty.
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