Rating: 
Summary: They Just Get Better and Better
Review: I have been a fan of the Mitford Series ever since a friend told me about them a few years ago. I have had "In This Mountain" for quite some time and finally sat down to read it. I was spellbound, eagerly waiting to see what came next. Karon's stories are believable because they take one into the mind and soul of the characters. I just know that if I were to run into Father Tim and Cynthia on the street, I would recognize them instantly (Father Tim would probably be in need of a haircut!) The Christian mores are woven so intricately into the story that they do not "hit you over the head." I have found life lessons in the books that I have put into my journal to refer to over and over again. I like the fact that Father Tim, even as a spiritual leader, wrestles with the very same emotions and spiritual issues as the rest of us and that he uses prayer to see him through. I am involved in a couple of Bible studies; these books are a wonderful complement, putting the principles into everyday situations. Can't wait for the next Mitford book! Thank you, Jan Karon!
Rating: 
Summary: Get real!
Review: I've liked Karon's Mitford books, but this one was almost too much. Must EVERY exchange between Tim and his friends include, "Im praying for you," and "And Im praying for you, too"? I started noting this early on, checked each occurrence, and there's more than forty such exchanges. Now even for a priest, that'a little much. And I have come to skip over the paragraph where Tim asks Cynthia, "And what DON"T you love?" Her cutesy replies are gag material. And the description of Edith Mallory "trapping" Tim in a locked room and trying to seduce him is almsot Saturday Night Live material. All this said, the nice telling of ordinary stories in an ordinary town is refreshing, and with the above qualifications, this still is a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Karon takes it deeper
Review: While I have enjoyed the other Mitford books, if I've had any complaint it is that the stories are a little too pat and everyone is a bit too cute. I was pleased and moved by the direction that Karon took In This Mountain. I felt this book had more substance than her previous books, while retaining their charm. Father Tim's wrestlings were very meaningful to me, and sermon he delivers near the end of the book is a masterpiece. I hope this indicates the future direction of the Mitford series.
Rating: 
Summary: This one had a sad note to it
Review: I love all the Mitford books. I love the characters, the town and even Barnabas. But for some reason, the whole tone of the book seemed sad. With Father Tim having his diabetic blackout and the repercussions that followed were unlike the other books. I always found them uplifting so I am wondering if the next Mitford tale will be within the same vein. Is this the prelude of Father Tim's more grim illness or just an instance of showing us that life is never perfect, even in Mitford? We will have to see.
Rating:
Summary: Feel a little better when you're done
Review: In modern times where any bit of 'entertainment' can leave you feeling a bit down, its nice to have something that lets you walk away with a smile. The quality writing and uplifting story with solid values can make you feel grounded as well as full of hope. The world is an amazing place and though this book is fiction, it gives a positive perspective that may help you get a fresh focus. The characters from Mitford always have something going on and Father Tim seems like someone that you could really enjoy knowing.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh, it isn't the best............
Review: some of Jan Karon's other books are better..... but it is always just so wonderful to be back in Mitford and Ms. Karon keeps her characters true and she also has a gentle way of reminding us what happened in the past. While this is a very easy read I thoroughly enjoyed it. As usual, at the end I was happy to have been back but sad it was over so soon. If I ever find a real Mitford I'm going to live there - along with millions of others, I'm sure!
Rating:
Summary: Deus ex Machina
Review: Karon is definitely nearing her best again with this latest installment in the life of Father Tim. Well worth reading, and as always I come away from her better works refreshed in mind and in spirit. However! I take it Ms. Karon has an editor, and while I know that one of the most thankless tasks on earth must be the editing of a highly successful author...if Ms. Karon uses as verbs the words "crow" or "relish" ONE MORE TIME I will personally drown her in a vat of wisteria eau de toilette! The two largest criticisms of her work in general, and I think we can safely say in this book in particular, are Karon's propensity to be precious...suffocatingly precious...and her use of the good Lord to solve all the problems that prove a bit too taxing for her storytelling skills. In this novel, Father Tim suffers not only a crisis of the soul, but clinical depression. While Karon describes the disease very well indeed, she hands off the cure to a convenient religious revelation, which sells short the real life experience of this condition. It strikes me as vastly unwise to suggest that God will send a cure in the absence of prescribed medication (Father Tim ditches his for no good reason) or skilled therapy (Father Tim gets none...a rather damning omission on Dr. Hoppy's part, I thought). The book could also have benefited enormously from another 50 pages or so, delving into the minds of those around Father Tim. Dooley goes through some major stuff off screen, as does the Bishop, Cynthia...jeepers, everybody. The stuff here is good, and don't miss the wonderful diatribe against those who spurn cake-eating, but Ms. Karon needs to pull out the stops and give these books the much better shot I am sure she is capable of.
Rating:
Summary: To all city dwellers
Review: I enjoy the Mitford series. However, I would like to tell Cynthia and misguided readers not to take your moles, voles, or whatever, out to the country! We who live in rural areas don't want them either, likewise your kittens and puppies.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have been a true fan of the Mitford books, always eagerly reading the newest installment. However, In This Mountain, was a real disappointment in Jan Karon's otherwise delightful series.
The storyline was disappointing, the characters weren't as interesting, and Father Tim's depression was way too drawn out. The lengthy religious aspects of the book made it feel as if I was reading a theology book instead of a book for pleasure. I will stick with the seies in the hopes that the next book will move back to Jan Karon's usual excellent work.
Rating:
Summary: The Continuing Saga of Father Tim is a Great Read!
Review: In This Mountain finds Father Tim and Cynthia again living in Mitford, following their stint on Whitecap Island a few years ago. In the little town of Mitford, life hums along. Dooley looks toward his career as a vet. Joe Ivey and Fancy Skinner fight a haircut price war that takes no prisoners. Percy steps out on a limb with a risky new menu item at the Grill. Uncle Billy feels pressure to produce a surefire joke, and 'The Man in the Attic,' returns to Mitford as the town holds its breath to see what happens. Though Father Tim dislikes change, he dislikes retirement even more. His wife wins awards, receives bouquets, gets invited to tour the country. What's he doing? Father's health with his diabetes takes a turn for the very worse when he is neglectful taking his medicine. This bad spell leaves him in the throes of depression and sadness. To top it all off, Edith Mallory, who absolutely despises Father Tim, gives him more problems. Finally, he snaps out of his depression, and decides to take on a unique and difficult ministry. This makes him feel more energized than ever before. The book was a dandy one as all the preceding ones before it. I couldn't put it down once I started it.
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