Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorite Mitford books!
Review: "A Light in the Window" is tied with "These High Green Hills" as my favorite in the series thus far (although I am looking forward to reading the next one about Tim and Cynthia's marriage). The loving letters back and forth between the two as Father Tim lets go of his lifelong bachelorhood are wonderful! I also enjoyed the sinister story twist involving the widow Edith as she attempts to seduce Tim (she pops up in the remaining books from time to time...like an evil spirit). Watching Dooley develop into a loving and trusting boy is terrific too. But special kudos to the plot twists involving Cousin Meg - which was hilarious.
Rating: 
Summary: just as good as the first
Review: A Light in the Window is the second book of the Mitford series. Sometimes sequels are never as good as the original, but in this case, the second book was just as delightful as the first. The book begins with Father Tim returning from a summer vacation to visit relatives in Sligo, Ireland. While the first book, At Home in Mitford, was more of an introduction of the characters, this book has more action. On the very first page Father Tim is almost run over by a guy talking on the phone in a red pickup truck. Later his dog, Barnabus, gets stolen and has to be retrieved. The relationship between Father Tim and Cynthia begins to grow, even though she is in New York for most of the book and he is in Mitford, North Carolina. Their letters to each other show his fear of committment. He is sixty years old and never been married. Jealousy abounds as the hearts grow fonder with the distance. He wonders who the man is on the other end of the phone saying that Cynthia is getting dressed and will call tomorrow. And Cynthia gets jealous when she finally returns home and sees the "beautiful" Irish cousin who has come to stay with Father Tim indefinately. To find out what happens in the end, read A Light in the Window.
Rating: 
Summary: What happened to the great characters?
Review: After loving "At Home in Mitford" I was sorely disappointed in this next installment. Instead of being charming and heartwarming, it was annoying and frustrating. Father Tim, so lovingly developed in the first book, becomes ineffective, brainless, and spineless. And the downfall is that the book concentrates so much on his reverted character, and so little on the wonderful townspeople and small miracles that happened in the prequel. Ms. Karon creates unbelievable, comic book characters (i.e. the widow after Father Tim) and then drags on and on about so few folks. How disappointing, I am not sure I will ever start the third book in the series.
Rating:
Summary: The trials and tribulations of Father Tim
Review: After reading the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to see how the budding relationship between Father Tim and his neighbor, Cynthia would progress. For awhile, the 61-year-old batchelor's bumbling had both my wife and myself wondering if he would ever get his act together. As usual, the supporting cast of characters in the book made the whole experience worthwhile. Everyone should start their day at the Grille and every town (or city) needs the kind-hearted neighbors and off-beat characters who roam the streets in Jan Karon's mind. Wouldn't this make a great TV series
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After reading the reviews, I was hoping for a really nice, light read. I found the two main characters in the story to be very self indulgent and whiny. From the titles I assume that they eventually get married. I have to assume that later in the series both Cynthia and Father Tim become less consumed with their own feelings. Maybe some heavy editing would have helped the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Hot and Cold
Review: After really enjoying the first book, I was looking forward to reading the second book. However, I was quite disappointed. The book dragged on endlessly and I wanted to give Cynthia a good kick- she was hot one minute and cold the next to Father Tim, being completely unreasonable and acting like a 13 year old, not a grown woman. She slams the phone down on him, gets mad when he talks to other women, hints that she is ready to get married (after being together for what, 6 months?) and sends him rude letters. I was hoping he would kick her to the curb, but no. I hope the third book will be much better.
Rating:
Summary: A soothing escape
Review: All of Jan's Karon's novels epitomize escapism at it's best. Every time I finish one of her books, I am sorry and even a bit depressed at having to once again leave Mitford and it's charming, warm, and amusing residents. Start with At Home in Mitford, and enjoy this heartwarming series. You will wish that you lived in Mitford...and for a short while, you will feel as if you do.
Rating:
Summary: It was so good that I didn't want it to end!
Review: As with each of the two previous Mitford books, I was completely involved personally in the lives of the Kavanaughs and the other residents of that delightful little community! Each character and scene is portrayed so vividly! I appreciate having books to read that reflect such wholesome values.
Rating:
Summary: Matchmaking in the Church
Review: Boy, do single pastors relate to this. While single, remember very well the continued efforts people of the congregation would attempt to fix you up with someone they just knew was perfect.This is so humurous and entertaining, with wonderful cast of characters. Buck and Puny and Emma and Dooley and Miss Sadie and Luella. The contrast and play between Edith and Cynthia is a stitch. Father certainly has his work cut out for him. This is just another gem in a series of gems. Delightful, at times, oh so true to life, stories. Can we ever get enough of this, Mitford fans?
Rating:
Summary: A real feel good book!!
Review: From the first page of At Home in Mitford to the last page of Out To Canaan, I could not put the books down. I've never felt compelled to write to an author before but I would love to write to Karon or visit with her in her kitchen over a cup of coffee. Her integration of faith and life is not preachy or sacchrine but sincere and warm. The characters live out the golden rule and have a wonderful sense of humor that more of our world could use. I hope she continues to write about Mitford and Fr. Tim. What a blessing this series is!
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