Rating: Summary: Disappointed in Mitford Review: As a professional librarian and a fan of Jan Karon, I awaited this latest Mitford tale with anticipation. After reading the first chapter, I knew that this was not Karon at best. The story deals with the wedding of Father Tim and Cynthia. Perhaps you feel that you have been there, done that in previous works dealing with Mitford. You will not be disappointed for there is absolutely nothing new or added in this book. After 50 pages, I became convinced that this author was either under the gun to write a book or in dire need of money. For all of her previous appeal, save your money on this one.
Rating: Summary: A blast from the past Review: This was a nice little story; it was good to hear some kind of news from Mitford even if it isn't exactly fresh. I had to wonder if Jan Karon is getting extremely burned out, yet feels compelled to keep writing about Father Tim just to hush the clamoring of her many fans who are hungry to read about where Father Tim and Cynthia left off. As pleasant as this was, I am not particularly looking forward to the Christmas novella unless it can provide something new. This all goes to show that writing books for a living probably isn't as nifty a job as we readers all think it is.
Rating: Summary: The wedding...Lost chapters Review: It's easy to review this book. No plot. No storyline. I didn't notice the wide margins or size, but I did notice that there wasn't much going on. Will I keep reading Karon? Of course!
Rating: Summary: Disappointing drivel Review: I was also very disappointed with this novel. I knew that it wasn't a continuation of the series--that's very clear in all descriptions of the book. However, it was a cheap trick. I pity anyone who paid full price for this lightweight. I took it out of the library, thank goodness.It was too sappy and too insubstantial. A rip-off actually. Reader, beware.
Rating: Summary: Don't Bother Review: Don't bother to buy this book if you are waiting to see what happens next! This is not the continuation of the fifth book, but simply a review of past events. Very short, quick read that probably could be skipped. I think this was just a marketing ploy and I will certainly look closer before buying another Jan Karon book and I really enjoyed all the other Mitford books.
Rating: Summary: I've been ripped off! Review: I can't believe it. I loved the Mitford series. What is this book? It's as though Jan needed some money, took something we had already read, slightly expanded on it and charged us full price. I'm feeling like a fool for buying it. If you've got an hour or two and are really bored, borrow it from the library.
Rating: Summary: Another charming story of Mitford, but--out of sequence Review: This is yet another utterly charming vignette by Jan Karon about the people of Mitford, a village in north Carolina. These stories in the Mitford series are a puzzlement to me; there is no plot! In this particular story, it is all about the Episcopal priest, Father Timothy Kavanaugh, getting married to his next-door neighbor, Cynthia. There is no single over-arching conflict to resolve--no villain; only the myriad small tales of the village's inhabitants within the main story of the preparations for the marriage. There is no real suspense at all, only the interplay of the personalities involved. In so small a village, everyone interacts with everyone else, and the beauty of the story is to simply absorb the atmosphere the author manages to impart of a friendly village inhabited by nice people. Jan Karon says she writes "to give readers an extended family, and to applaud the extraordinary beauty of ordinary lives." In this, I think she succeeds admirably. This book will not appeal to detective story aficionados, or those who like to read things in the James Bond genre, but it was a delight for me, anyway. I would have given it 5 stars, except that I had expected the story to continue the series, and so was disappointed. The events in this book, number 6 in the series, actually precede the events in number 4, "Out to Canaan." I have no idea why it was published after the other. However, each story stands alone well. Both my wife and I enjoyed each of them. Joseph H. Pierre
Rating: Summary: An enchanting little book Review: This book signals a return to the beloved characters of Mitford, specifically Father Tim Kavanaugh and his next-door neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith. It chronicals the 62-year-old Episcopal priest's nervousness upon proposing marriage for the first time in his life, describes the gently amusing engagement period, and the disasters and eventual triumph of the actual wedding and honeymoon. This book falls chronologically into the middle of the series, but gives some charming details about the Kavanaughs' wedding. Karon's prose often sounds suspiciously like poetry, and her insight into human nature and its frailities and successes is a joy to behold. Her stories are always lovingly and carefully told and this book about the Mitford years is a worthy addition to its predecessors.
Rating: Summary: To new Mitford Fans Review: To those of us lucky ones who are just now discovering this wonderful series, I suggest reading this book right after the second. It seems to me, based on what I've read in these reviews, that the events will flow more naturally. And to those who have already finished the series, change your perspective and enjoy! Who of us hasn't had to relive a past experience? It's still a good story. A similar retelling of the trip to Ireland in Book One would also be welcome!
Rating: Summary: Disappointment Review: This book was a major disappointment - I considered it "filler" and not much more than a rehash of the prior books. I really expected more after waiting so long for a new book. The book could have been written "in order" and would have made a great deal more sens.
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