Rating: 
Summary: Another inspirational novel in the Mitford series
Review: I think this is Karon's best, so far. She introduces her protagonist, Father Timothy Kavanagh--a newly retired Episcopalian priest--to a new island parish, to fill in until they find a new permanent priest. He and his wife, Cynthia, leave their home in Mitford for the small North Carolina offshore island of Whitecap, where they confront the problems of several of the parishioners there, in addition to the burglary of their home in Mitford, the problems of their foster son, Dooley, with the law, hurricane force storms, and the anger of a talented but anti-social neighbor who is holed up in his mansion, refusing to face the world. Karon skillfully weaves the stories together in this narrative, which kept me reading avidly until I had finished all 400 pages. She draws her characters from among people I--and you--have known all of our lives. They live and breathe. Father Tim is no plastic hero; he is a flesh and blood man with fears and weaknesses. He is afflicted with diabetes, for example, and gets seasick. Nobody but one who has been dreadfully seasick at some time in their life could possibly have written of it as sympathetically as does Jan Karon. This is a skilled writer who does not depend upon cliché violence, explicit sex or filthy language to grab your attention. She does it instead with convincing stories about normal, good, everyday people whose problems and solutions get and hold your attention. Strong religious themes are a large part of her work, but the affect is not saccharin. Joseph H. Pierre,
author of "The Road to Damascus: Our Journey Through Eternity"
Rating:
Summary: BEST OF THE SERIES!!!
Review: This was my favorite Mitford book of all. I loved the new town of Whitecap and the new parishioners Father Tim comes to know. I couldn't stop reading this one and I can't really say that about the other 4 although I do love them all. Karon's characters are so real - they are people you know! I was very intrigued by Jeffrey Tolson's character and disappointed that Ms. Karon never really resolved his situation with his wife and with Father Tim and the rest of the congregation. I would like to have heard Jeffrey's side of the story and learned more about why his wife was so severly depressed (was her depression a cause of her husband's infidelity or was the infidelity the cause of the depression - we never find out).... Even with these faults, the book is a joy. As an Episcopalian myself I never fail to recognize the characters in Father Tim's congregation and even more so this time as I grew up on an island much like Whitecap. A friend of mine who read the book was let down that the Kavanaughs had left Mitford but I thought it brought a freshness to the series. I would love to read more about Whitecap!
Pam Funk
Rating:
Summary: A continuation of an endearing group of characters!
Review: After reading the 1st of the series, I was totally hooked! Each book brought me closer to the characters & made me care how they all faired. It was so cool that they all moved right in to the island & were continuing their episodes as interestingly as if they were still in Mitford! Loved the island people too, & were grateful of all the connections to Mitford from calls & letters. The series is great for a total escape from our hi-tech busy world!!! I felt that the series could go on forever & was very confused as to why #5-"A New Song" ended the way it did & why #6 goes back to a time between # 2 & 3 in the series--I AM SOOO CONFUSED!!!! Why did #5 end the way it did, not answering so many questions, like about Dooley's other 2 brothers etc. & others & #6 go back to an earlier scenario??? Someone, please explain!!! However, the series has been so delightful & I'm looking forward to many more books continuing this wonderful group of people & all others Jan Karon choses to add to her stories!!!! I so can relate to Timothy & Cynthia & how they connect & see the world!! Thank you Jan!!!
Rating:
Summary: Continued love affair with this series
Review: Father Tim and Cynthia in tow with Baranabas to Whitecap Island. There is plently there to sink your reading teeth into, new characters, town, and that charm this author pervades. I enjoyed all of this volume as much as the others, especially relating to the anticipation of arrival at a new church and their anticipation of new clergy as well. Tugs on the heart from former parish brought back rich memories for me as well as Father Tim. Mildly let down by the ending to this one. The mystery of it and all left me somewhat amazed and frustrated. Seems author shifted writing and script path she previously carved so meticuously and persistently for confusing waters. Last chapter left me a drift. Not enough though not to purchase the sixth volume which awaits my reading. All volumes in series are wonderful!
Rating:
Summary: God Love Father Tim
Review: In the summer of 2000, my good friend and neighbor gave me book one and told me I might like it. Being an advid romance reader, it took me a short time to 'get in to it', but once I did, I was hooked. I immediately finished books one through four and went hunting down number five. I look at things in my life differently now. I often find myself wondering what Father Tim might do in certain situations. It helps to keep me centered in this busy life that I enjoy with my family. I am anxiously awaiting Father Tim and Cynthia's next adventure, hopefully it will take them back to Mitford, even if only for a short visit. I also purchased many sets of the first four books and gave them away as gifts during the Christmas holiday. Read this series, you can't help but love them.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book and series
Review: I just finished reading "A New Song," and actually finished up the entire Mitford series in sequence. I received the first two books for Christmas and ended up getting the other three for myself because I liked the first two so much! I was hooked on this series from the first chapter. Father Tim, Cynthia, and the entire towns of Mitford (and Whitecap Island in "A New Song") captured my heart. I love Father Tim's ability to get involved with this parishioner's lives and Cynthia's spunk and sense of humor. Even the pets (Barnabas and Violet) were well-drawn in this series, and Dooley Barlowe was a delight! Whitecap Island isn't Mitford; however, and I did miss the fact this book wasn't set in Mitford. However, with phone calls and issues of the "Mitford Muse" I was able to stay in touch with the home folks of Mitford right along with Father Tim! I loved the way Junior's, Morris', and the Tolsons' problems were resolved in this book. And these are just a few of the unforgettable characters Ms. Karon has created -- all her books are full of them. I was truly sorry to turn the last page and finish this book (and the series). I can't wait for "A Common Life" to come out in April! I'll definitely be buying it, and I'll definitely revisit the "Mitford" series, because once isn't enough to read this wonderful set of books. What a refreshing change they were, and what a wonderful way to spend the winter! Here's hoping Jan Karon continues to add many more books to this series. Since "A Common Life" backtracks a little bit, I'm still wondering if Dooley's two lost brothers will be found, and I'm curious about what Helene Pringle will end up doing. And what WAS in that ivory envelope Father Tim gave her? Keep them coming, Ms. Karon!
Rating:
Summary: Can't wait for #6
Review: Jan Karon's Mitford series is the best & I do a lot of reading - it is so wonderful to sit & read these books - you actually feel like you are right there experiencing what is going on in Mitford & the islands. I think "A New Song" is her best. I used to be a secretary for a catholic priest for almost 15 years & Fr. Tim's association with his parishioners is so realistic - I laughed a lot & cried, too, for joy & in sadness - right while I am reading - too bad we don't have more of this kind of literature - I have recommended this series to so many people & have been thanked so many times for the recommendation. Jan Karon must have great insight to what we really need in good literature! Jan, please do not stop writing!
Rating: 
Summary: A New Song
Review: A New Song, like the previous Mitford books was riviting. I have never moved out of town, but my daughter did this summer, I was helped in understanding some of her adjustments through those of Father Tim and Cynthia. The way Father Tim observed and got to know his new parishoners, Cynthia's willingness to do what ever was needed, and their reliance on the Lord was wonderful. The love they had for their "new" family and the way they handled the ready made problems. I especially like the interaction they have with the neighbor across the street. I trust additional books will help us get to know the neighbor better. I would recommend this book and any of the Mitford books to anyone! I am looking forward to more books in this series. I must thank my sister for sharing this wonderful author with me.
Rating:
Summary: A New Song, the unabridged copy)Deborah Goffney@aol.com
Review: I am a new reader and I am hooked. This is a great series. Father Tim is outstanding and Cynthia is unbeliveable. Dooley, to watch him grow from the first meeting until now a teenager. I feel as though I know everyone, including Mamie the kind lady who helps Morris. I am painfully awaiting the next series. Is it Jennett's husband, that Father Tim is talking too at the conclusion? I think so. Pleaseeee the next series.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful ending to a great series!
Review: In this the fifth and final book of the Mitford series, Jan Karon has outdone herself. The town is in a panic as Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia, prepare to leave Mitford to pastor a small parish on an island. But once on the island, we are introduced to another cast of characters that are just as colorful and lovable as the friends they left behind. Jan Karon's Mitford series is a breath of fresh air.
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