Rating: 
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!
Review: The Mitford books are the best books I've ever read and I can't wait for more. It has been such a pleasure. They are wonderful, peaceful books and should be mandatory reading!!!! Keep writing Jan!!
Rating: 
Summary: A Visit to a Charming Town. Strong Christian Themes
Review: The Mitford Series is a collection of incredibly simple books about small town life. Told from the point of view of a preacher in a mythical town in the hills of North Carolina. Everybody knows everybody else, and not much happens. These are the perfect books to curl up with for some summer porch or beach reading.
Like life the plots are winding and not necessarily purposeful but by the end of the stories your can think back and realize how things developed to an inevitable conclusion. You basically follow a 60 year old preacher through his travails. Since he is a Christian man there is quite bit of bible quotation, but otherwise the story is not about his church so much as his efforts to keep life in order and cope with being a newly married man, past his youth yet surrounded by a small town that loves him - sometimes too closely.One warning..this is very much a "sweet" book. It challenged me to forgo my natural skepticism. I put this in the category of a read that won't tax the reader all but may instead impart a little smile. Also be aware that a stong Christian message plays throughout much of the dialogue and thinking.
Rating:
Summary: Another visit to Mitford!!
Review: The third in the series, this one will have you rolling on the floor with laughter, and reaching for a Kleenix with tears. And running to buy the fourth one to find out what happens next!!
Rating:
Summary: The joy of Mitford
Review: The third installment of life in Mitford continues to explore the lives of our favorite people. Father Tim and Cynthia are happily married, Dooley grows in both education and spirit, Miss Sadie brought me to tears and laughter, while the rest of the gang simply enchanted me. Father Tim's happiness is almost palpable in his delight with his newly married life with Cynthia. His courage in dealing with the daily life struggles of his congregation seems daunting at times, but through pain he finds answers and joy. His love of God shines through him in his daily dealings with the gang at the Grill, Homeless Hobbs, and Uncle Billy. I want to read these stories so fast for the joy they bring me but long to delay the end of my time with my new family. These books speak to my heart.
Rating:
Summary: Feel a little better when you're done
Review: There is just something special about Mitford, North Carolina. Jan Karon has created a magical yet ordinary place, with memorable, endearing characters. I love these novels and enjoy each and every trip I take back. In the 3rd installment, things are looking up! Father Timothy and Cynthia are settling into married life, and the marvels at having a soul mate after Tim's 60-plus years of bachelorhood has yet to stop amazing him. Their first year will definitely be an adventurous one -- a camping trip gone awry; a 90th birthday party for Timothy's favorite parishioner, Sadie Baxter; the opening of the new nursing home, Hope House; as well as a few newcomers to the Mitford community. And of course all of our favorite characters, like Dooley, Mule and Fancy Skinner, and J.C. Hogan, and places, like The Grill, The Porter Place, and Fernback are back in full swing. Reading these books feel like the best a family reunion has to offer. A helpful hint for those who are reading the books in order: Book 6 actually fits in between book 2 and 3 -- it is a detailed story of Timothy and Cynthia's wedding. I read it before reading These High, Green Hills. I suggest doing this if you are the type of reader that likes things in chronological order. I can't wait to continue on with the series. There is a certain beauty about these books, a calming, soothing beauty that makes me want to pack up and move to Mitford! Although not novels of huge, twisting, turning action, Jan Karon manages to turn the ordinary things of life into great milestones. I applaud her and the rewards I receive every time I visit.
Rating:
Summary: Ahhh...to be back in Mitford!
Review: There is just something special about Mitford, North Carolina. Jan Karon has created a magical yet ordinary place, with memorable, endearing characters. I love these novels and enjoy each and every trip I take back. In the 3rd installment, things are looking up! Father Timothy and Cynthia are settling into married life, and the marvels at having a soul mate after Tim's 60-plus years of bachelorhood has yet to stop amazing him. Their first year will definitely be an adventurous one -- a camping trip gone awry; a 90th birthday party for Timothy's favorite parishioner, Sadie Baxter; the opening of the new nursing home, Hope House; as well as a few newcomers to the Mitford community. And of course all of our favorite characters, like Dooley, Mule and Fancy Skinner, and J.C. Hogan, and places, like The Grill, The Porter Place, and Fernback are back in full swing. Reading these books feel like the best a family reunion has to offer. A helpful hint for those who are reading the books in order: Book 6 actually fits in between book 2 and 3 -- it is a detailed story of Timothy and Cynthia's wedding. I read it before reading These High, Green Hills. I suggest doing this if you are the type of reader that likes things in chronological order. I can't wait to continue on with the series. There is a certain beauty about these books, a calming, soothing beauty that makes me want to pack up and move to Mitford! Although not novels of huge, twisting, turning action, Jan Karon manages to turn the ordinary things of life into great milestones. I applaud her and the rewards I receive every time I visit.
Rating:
Summary: Nice, friendly visit
Review: These books are like a nice visit with a friendly, hometown pastor. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and plan to own them all!
Rating:
Summary: I love these books!!
Review: They are very refreshing and interesting to read. The characters would be people I would like to know.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful reconnecting with life's simplicity!
Review: Thirteen hallelujahs for an uncommon talent who captures the reader's mind and heart!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just the mention of Jan Karon's book titles spreads appreciative smiles across her reader's lips for her Hometown USA characters are irresistible. Even more unique, each volume travels a spiritual path that can't help but lift the human spirit. This writer offers SOMETHING OF VALUE for any age and I shall keep her books on my list for "special gifts."
Rating:
Summary: Relaxing escape!
Review: This book provides a relaxing escape from the real world. It does not burden you with sex, deep problems, or a hammering religious message. All the Mitford years books are broken into parts that make it easy to pick them up and put them down. Karon is an expert at character development. You come to deeply care about each character. Although Christianity is a part of each book, the message you get is that it's a subtle part of everyday life.
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