Rating: 
Summary: On This Mountain --Ration it out to last a long time!
Review: I absolutely enjoyed all of the Mitford series and this book is no exception. I have even rationed out the number of pages I read nightly so that I can spend the summer with the Mitford gang. They are like extended family. I am sorry, however, to read that there will be only two more forthcoming,with the end of the series is coming in 2005. Jan Karon has captured my laurels with her simple, gentle readings. Believe me, in these times the Mitford books are a delightful retreat from the horrors on the news. I suppose it is difficult to keep producing these books for the demand, but I with the Muse would inspire Jan Karon to give us many more.
Rating: 
Summary: Retirement for Two
Review: After reading In This Mountain I have decided that Jan Karon should follow Father Tim's example and retire. I have been a Mitford fan since I read the first book and always beat a path to the bookstore to get "the next one". In This Mountain isn't as bad as "the last one" but I found myself doing the unthinkable - skipping whole sections! And I had a headache after every few pages - poor Father Tim's head is always pounding! Sad to say - very disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: A pleasant, if fluffy read
Review: Once I got into the book, which has a slow start as the main character is worrying about moles in his yard (yawn....), I enjoyed it. It's a quick read. Unfortunately, much of the action is predictable and corny, but it's also relaxing to read something that isn't, frankly, challenging. Think of this as an adult version of a children's bedtime story. Peaceful and sleepy. Nothing wrong with that. I won't hold it against the author that the photo of her on the back of the book, complete with too much jewelry, too much hair, and what looks like real fur trimming her clothing, makes her look like Edith Mallory, one of the book's antagonists. Somehow, I assumed the author would look more like the sweet Cynthia character (the minister's wife). All in all, this book is delightful, undemanding, and spiritually uplifting. As someone with a number of Jewish friends, I do wish the author would downplay the Christian rhetoric, though. One can be spiritual without pushing a particular religious agenda. (I gave a hospitalized Jewish friend a copy of this book before I had read it and before I realized it had Christian overtones.)
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 has done it again
Review: Thank you, Jan Karon for giving me the opportunity to bask in the glow of the Mitford occupants. I learn to depend on my family and my God as I read about your wholly imperfect characters. It is through observing them in trials, listening to their thoughts, and seeing the way events unfold that I am continually reminded of the One who is in control, and of love which is to be poured out of me.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational, entertaining and wonderful
Review: This is my kind of book. When all the world seems to be in turmoil, Jan Karon knows how to calm our feelings and help us realize that all is not bad in the world. We could all take lessons from people in Mitford.....slow down and smell the roses and know there is still much good in the world. I can hardly wait for her next "Mitford Book". I have recommended her books to countless friends and all are hooked. I have the entire series and my first order of business at the beginning of each new year is read them all in the order they were written......uplifting for the soul and the only problem I can see is the new one is not yet published. Keep up the good work and thank you, Jan Karon, for helping us see the goodness all around us.
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: Heartfelt and uplifting as always
Review: The 7th book in the Mitford Series is a joyful read, and just what I had hoped for. Father Tim and Cynthia blossom as their years together move on. Their devotion to each other never wanes, even through the trials and tribulations that are about to test their beliefs to the core. Father Tim goes through some dark days, after an occurrence that shakes all of Mitford to the bone. As usual there are lessons to learn, for with every darkness comes a dawn, though it might be an unexpected one. All the regulars are back and gizzards are the Tuesday special at the grill, Percy is as cantankerous as ever, some things never change. Emma Newland is working on getting Father Tim into cyberspace, while he's still working on learning to use the microwave. Dooley is back and still searching for his brother Sammy, and George Gaynor "The Man in the Attic" returns. Jan Karon has created a wonderful place to come with every book of this series, and she doesn't disappoint in her latest edition of the town that everyone should spend time in. She has a wonderful way of allowing the reader to step right into the setting she has created so clearly in her minds eye. We all should spend a little time in Mitford. Kelsana 7/12/02
Rating: 
Summary: Important topics!
Review: I think not only did we get an update on the "Mitford" family, but some important subjects were touched upon. We are all human and we all have faults and failings, both physicial and mental -- we just try to do better through prayer and friendships.
Rating:
Summary: Not her best
Review: Although the return to Mitford is welcome and the subject matter is timely, this book is very choppy and repetitious. If you are not a very religious Christian you may find the constant scripture quotation (more than her previous books) distracting. This book ought to be classified as "religious fiction" rather than "fiction"
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