Rating: 
Summary: I never want to leave
Review: Every time I get a new Karon novel, I am instantly transported to a place I never want to leave. I have to keep reminding myself that these people are fictional characters and that I can't join their church. Jan Karon must be a remarkably happy woman to write books which exude comfort and joy. I've hooked my mother and several friends on the citizens of Mitford!
Rating:
Summary: WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE
Review: I have not yet finished this book but I anxiously pick it up whenever I get the chance. I was on the waiting list for the first book because I would like to get to know the characters better. Today I finally went ahead and ordered this book because the waiting list at the library for the first book is too long. I was reading the reviews for the first book which seemed mostly favorable. However, there were some who commented that they thought the characters too simplistic or one-dimensional. What I want to know is why when there is an offering of something that is cheerful and offers hope and pleasant entertainment (without gore and depressing storylines), why are people unsatisfied? Don't they realize that the simplest pleasures in life sometimes offer the most fulfillment?
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed!
Review: Karon must have hired a ghost writer, as this book is not nearly as enticing and soothing as former books. Most of the book is based on Father Tim's train-of-thought inner dialog and is full of biblical quotes, uninspired comments, and preachy advice to others. Typical Tim answers to others are such things as "Aha," "OK," and "Amazing." Karon has run out of plot and vocabulary. Especially jarring are her once-trendy slang words, all issuing from Tim's 65-year-old mouth: "Pumped up," "couple of," "on their turf," "out of here," "schlepping," "pretty good," and "dadgum blasted rough." Boring!
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't quite meet Jan Karon's standards.
Review: Not quite finished with this book I have waited so long to read. Enjoyable but like Timothy and Cynthia I am homesick for Mitford. The people here are not nearly as interesting as those back "home" and I miss the daily activity of Dooley. Had three brothers and he was like all of them up until he got into some trouble. But he is a good boy and will survive. In my mind there is something missing in this book -- can't quite figure out what it is but doesn't hold my interest like the first four which I have read over and over. Please take them home and write more books about Mitford.
Rating:
Summary: A New Song (They keep getting better...)
Review: My sister-in-law introduced me to this series and I can't thank her enough. I read A New Song in a matter of days. The last chapter was so absolutely powerful I felt as if I was there myself! Is there a sixth book coming out soon? I certainly hope so.
Rating: 
Summary: More Mitford...Unabridged, please!
Review: I am an audiobook listener and I am loving the warm, unthreatening environment created in my car by the voice of the reader of A New Song. What a nice place to settle into on my way home from work everyday. My request: If Ms. Karon, or her publisher ever reads this, pls give us the other books in this series in UNABIDGED cassette format. Why would we want to miss any part of the stories? If you get them out by this same reader, I, for one, will buy them all. There is a derth of acceptable listening fiction out there...believe me. This book is heaven sent. More of the same, pls...UNABRIDGED!
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed the book!
Review: Whiile reading this book I felt that the author continued in her usual fashion of bringing the reader in. I live in a small town and enjoyed reading her other books as they truely are the way in which a small town works.
Rating:
Summary: A New Song
Review: This unexpected followup to the previous episodes in Father Tim's sojourn made it all the more fascinating. I waited with bated breath for this volume and was not disappointed. The "Mitford" books were so very praised by another shopper that I bought the 1st. 4 that day and then became very impatient for "A New Song". I sincerely doubted that an Episcopal priest's life would be of any interest- period! I was sooo wrong...he's delightful! The tale of the Hurricane hitting the island & Father Tim's journey home actually was quite educational re the dire problems that face North Carolina residents constantly. It's such an accurate portrayal of thoughts & fears we all face, but probably don't express. I need to know where the "prayer that never fails" is found. The episodes about the baby and returning it to the mother are so heart-rending.
Rating:
Summary: Another excellent book
Review: I really enjoyed this book; the whole series is wonderful, and I can't wait for the next one. Just as in all of the Mitford books, the reader really gets a look into the life of a minister. It's taught me to appreciate those in the ministry more; Father Tim works SO HARD. One thing I like about his move to the Outer Banks is that we see how universal human nature is; although they come from two very different parts of North Carolina, both of Father Tim's flocks have many similarities. Like several others who wrote reviews, I missed the people of Mitford, but I found their phone calls to be very entertaining. The whole Morris story is very touching, and the Helene incident adds an air of mystery to the story. I, too, hope that Father Tim and Cynthia are headed back to Mitford soon, but I hope they tie up some loose ends before they go.
Rating:
Summary: White Cap Island here I come
Review: This book was recommended by a friend and from the first page I was hooked. I moved right along with the rector and his wife and loved their new parish and missed their old one even though I hadn't met the folks in Mitford. I felt like I had been a part of their lives since the beginning. Ms. Karon draws you into the goings on and by the books end you want to know more about your friends.
| 
