<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring, touching, and wonderful read by a great author
Review: I am just finishing In This Mountain by Jan Karon and I don't want it to end. That's how I have felt about each Mitford book that I have read. Father Tim is like all of us, so human and goes about his life not really realizing how important he is to the people in his life. He sees only his frailities, not all he does and how much he means to his family and friends. I love the way his heart sings when he is around Dooley and although he isn't his birth father, he has been there for the boy through the good and the bad. Father Tim tries over and over again to place life's activities in God's hands, but like us
all takes control when he really needs to let go. Also recommended: Bark of the Dogwood and Three Junes
Rating:
Summary: pure small town
Review: I grew up in a small town back in the 60's and 70's and I raised my own children in the same small town. This series truly captures the essence of small town living and makes me want to get back to my roots. Jan Karon makes me want Mitford to be a real place that I can move to. I already know most of the people who live there, so the transition would be a piece of cake. Keep it up Jan. I personally would like to see more Mitford books. This is one series I have not and probably never would get tired of.
Rating: 
Summary: Haven't we been here before?
Review: I was eagerly awaiting the seventh installment of the Mitford books, because I have loved them all. Don't get me wrong, I really liked this book, but throughout I felt like we had been covering territory that we'd already journeyed through in the first books, particularly "A Light in the Window." I felt that Ms. Karon got a little bogged down in all the introspection Father Tim went through in this book after his accident (which I won't give away for those who haven't read it yet). And I also thought the Edith Mallory character resurfacing yet again was a repeat of what had happened in previous books. I was really hoping to see the end of her, especially after Father Tim married Cynthia. Maybe it's just a part of the woman's character that she keeps trying to get Father Tim in compromising positions! However, I loved the "Sammy" angle in this story as well as how Ms. Karon further fleshed out Hope Winchester (a delightful character), Helene Pringle, and Hessie Mayhew. And I was happy to return to Mitford, albeit through some familiar territory as said before. I'm looking forward to the eighth book in the series, and am hoping some of the loose ends from this book will be tied up -- Dooley and Lace, Sammy and his mother, and the "year in the country." Oh, and one more thing -- my question at the end of "A New Song" was never answered in this book. What was in the note Father Tim gave Helene Pringle at the end of that book? Was it an oversight that it was left out or are we supposed to think whatever we like?
Rating:
Summary: More of a Good Thing
Review: I was the first to read Jan Karon's 7th book when it arrived at our local library branch. I devoured it over the week-end, turned it in on Monday morning, then went immediately to buy it so I could enjoy it again slowly. Now I'm ready to begin with At Home In Mitford and re-read the whole series. I've begun to include Father Tim, Cynthia, Uncle Billy, and all the other wonderful characters in my conversations like they're real people. Jan Karon, through the voices of her characters, has preached some of the best sermon material ever. She must be a wonderful person to have such wisdom, insight, and inspiration. No fictional work has ever made a greater impression on me. I also have every audio version, and John McDonough is the best!
Rating:
Summary: KARON TRIUMPHS ONCE AGAIN
Review: It is always easy to love the townfolk of Mitford and desire to live in a place as simplistic and care-free as Mitford. After six novels in the series, though, one would think they would know what to expect from Jan Karon's always loveable Father Tim. Yet, inside In This Mountain, Karon manages to skillfully evolve the character of Father Tim, the faithful shepherd who cheerfully attends to every need of his flock and town. In a turn of events, Father Tim finds himself in a situation where he is ministered to by the town folk who show him deepest sympathy, gracious forgiveness and abundant encouragement. This book restores one's faith in the ability of a person to overcome life's most difficult trials. The text is refreshing in it's language (anyone can read it because there are no foul words) and is wonderfully written. The ending will not disappoint the reader. My advice to you is: read In This Mountain slowly (and try to wait patiently for Jan's next offering!)
Rating:
Summary: The Jewels of Thanksgiving for Everything
Review: The back cover photo of the author expresses well the delight of this read, Jan truly looks like the type of person one would delight to set down with an iced tea and chat for quite a spell. In this latest addition to the Mitford fame, Karon develops the first book's setting around Father Tim. There's Cynthia and Barnabas and Dooley and diabetes and Lord's Chapel and Edith and Uncle Billy, et al. She takes life's day to day grind and makes it wholesome, entertaining and delightful. No shame for such a devout Christian woman to center this whole series around a Christian minister with such a spiritual theme and ending. Soli deo gloria!
Rating:
Summary: Let Us Be Thankful And Rejoice In It
Review: This is the book Jan Karon has made; let us be thankful and rejoice in it. An amazing addition to the Mitford series, one that left me gasping at one point and re-reading it almost as soon as I finished it. Once again Ms. Karon presents the reader with the gentle village life of Mitford and the lovable but occasionally cankterous Father Tim, and shows us a gentle side to some very difficult issues. Far from syrupy, the books in this series manage to tackle some really hard turns in the road without becoming a soap opera - more an approach to life through faith and kindness and devotion. For some people, this might be a difficult read but the message of thankfulness and hope will guide you through the darker parts. Life with Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, Puny, Emma, the Turkey Club, Harley, Hessie, Hope & Helene - well ALL the favorite Mitford character, continues to challenge and enrich anyone opening the cover of this truly wonderful book.
<< 1 >>
| 
