Rating: 
Summary: Mitford "Lite"
Review: I eagerly anticipated the release of this book, looking forward to a lengthy return to Mitford and it's lovable characters. Instead I received an unsatisfying hour and a half of Mitford "lite", a book barely more meaty than an outline. The margins are obviously widened and the spiritual messages, always portrayed by Jan Karon with such "right to the heart" flair, are barely set to motion before spinning out into another quick direction.
I would skip this one if I had it to do over. There's no engaging plot, and other than a moment here and there of familiar nostalgia for the town of my dreams, I was largely disappointed.
I hope Ms. Karon's heart is back in the next book.
Rating:
Summary: You'll enjoy it, but also try....
Review: I had only read the first of Ms. Karon's Mitford books, and I liked it very much. I snatched this one up next because I love a Christmas story. Though it did not have the depth of activity and character as the first book, it was a pleasant read. It was while searching for something to read between Van Reid's Moosepath League novels that I decided to try Jan Karon, and I'm glad I did. I will go back, now, and read her others. But if you're looking for the best recent Christmas book, try Van Reid's "Daniel Plainway." More than one reviewer made mention of Dickens' "Christmas Carol" when discussing "Daniel Plainway" and with good reason. It takes place in Maine in 1897 and has all the generosity and magic that we look for in a great Christmas novel. But don't overlook "Shepherd's Abiding." If the subject matter interests you or you're a Karon fan, I think you'll enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: a wonderful start to the holiday season
Review: This is a wonderful story that will definitely get you excited for the holiday season. It's a quick read, but a sweet tale that reminds us to appreicate the real meaning for Christmas, and also to appreciate the little things that people do for us. I highly recommend it - don't go in thinking it's a regular long epic, just a sweet reminder of the holidays from our favorite characters.
Rating:
Summary: Lacks the depth of the earlier Mitford books
Review: I have been a Jan Karon fan since I read "At Home in Mitford" and I have read each one of the books that she has written since. Her gentle humor and all-too-human characters have been a delight to me over the years. However, this book somehow misses the mark and it neither interests me nor tugs at my heart as the other Mitford books have done. In this installment, Father Tim is re-doing a manger scene for Cynthia for Christmas. Working with his hands is quite foreign to him so this is truly an effort of love. The characters from the other books reappear here, but they are not fleshed out enough for a reader to be involved with them and the rapid movement from character to character is quite distracting. Hopefully, any future Mitford books will return to the charming qualities which make these books so special.
Rating:
Summary: Faith abides in Mitford
Review: I picked up the newest installment in the Mitford series from my church library. Yes, the margins are pushed in and yes I wished for more...but I was blessed with what was there. The story of Father Tim's Christmas was exactly what I needed. It is a story of faith, faith in doing what you didn't imagine you could do, faith in hoping for something you never dreamed of having, and faith in the simplicity of the lives of our Mitford family. The book is setting the stage for the end of the series where we may see the conclusion of all the loose threads, will Kenny be found, will Father Tim and Cynthia travel to Ireland, will Dooley stay a Barlowe or become a Kavanagh...these are worth waiting for, in detail and in depth.To get to enjoy Christmas in Mitford makes this book worth my time to enjoy the story. But most of all it gave me faith when I needed to replenish my soul.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration
Review: This is the first book in Jan karon's series that I have read.The story was very inspiring.The story was very easy to read an understand. I would recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Shepherds Abiding
Review: This is a cozy, quick read...and should get you in the mood for the holiday season. However, IF you have not read the earlier books in this series you will be at a loss as to some of the relationships and their importance to the community. Many of the continuing characters are mentioned only by first names and then just briefly. This is a book that only die hard fans of Mitford will enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: I Felt Cheated
Review: I waited so long for this book to be released. Called the local Christian bookstore on the day of its release (October 20 -- even wrote it on my calendar!) Did something I never do -- paid FULL PRICE. Brought it home, opened it, and almost fell over. I had paid nearly $27 for a book that had 4-inch margins, and was quadruple-spaced. This isn't a full-length book -- and to charge that amount for such a padded effort is, well, sinful! Like the other reviewers, I love Mitford, but I don't love such chicanery. Shame on you, Jan!
Rating:
Summary: Not her best book...
Review: I have loved all of Jan Karon's previous books. Have read some twice even. I looked forward to meeting my favorite characters again. I am not sure how to describe this very short book. I always have told my kids the teacher will notice huge fonts and generous double spacing. We have noticed Jan! Also, I never did get a feel for the story even though it started out in a familiar way, then boom! on to the next story. Please for the new readers, do not start with this book. It will not make any sense to you. Read the series from the start. Buy the series even, but borrow this from the library.
Rating:
Summary: Very disappointed
Review: The first review described my feelings exactly. There is no plot in this book and very little substance. And I was very very bored by the end. Painting shepherds is not a compelling enough plot.
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