Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I was disappointed in this book, and was glad I waited to check it out from the library rather than buy it. I was expecting a lot more than I got. It was nothing more than a long drawn out version of the smaller Christmas books, Esther's Gift, and The Mitford Snowmen. I believe the author could've done more to develope the characters-Dooley Barlowe was barely even mentioned-
It was a charming little Christmas story-which does warm the heart, but leaves a lot wanting. I'm hoping the final book will be back up to the standard I've grown to love in the rest of the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Mitford - Lite
Review: I would characterize this book as "Mitford Lite" - just does not stand up to the high standards we have come to expect in the Mitford books. Previous reviewers hit the nail on the head when they expressed dismay at the flimsy plot line....a story of Father Tim re-finishing a manger scene just couldn't quite hold my attention, and the sub plots weren't very compelling either. I'm chalking this up to the author and her publisher giving us a "snack" to keep us sated until the next, and last, Mitford book comes out in 2005 . I'll still read the final book, but hopefully Ms. Karon will complete this series by giving her readers the rich and descriptive writing for which she is deservedly famous.
Rating:
Summary: Charming but disappointing
Review: I've been a Jan Karon fan since the beginning and enjoyed most of her books, but find the early editions much more entertaining and inspiring. I love the characters, but wished there could be more insights, a broadening of their character. I find the new Dosetville series by Katherine Valentine much richer fare.
Rating: 
Summary: A short-story dressed up as a novel.
Review: In a couple of Ms. Karon's other efforts she has produced small short stories and sold them as such to those who will buy anything with the word MITFORD on it. But this was sold as a novel at full price. As I love recorded books I got it from the library as an audio and lost no money on it. But I think it is most definatly dishonset to bill this as a NOVEL just to pry full price from the wallets of her faithful readers. LOW BLOW JAN! Your readers dserve better. I still eagerly await her last book but will make sure it IS a TRUE novel before I buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Thankful for Goodness
Review: In the writing business it's said that there are no new stories, which is obviously true. The talent to write about human nature that reflects divine love, however, is rare. I believe such talent is a gift that Jan Karon possesses. "Shepherds Abiding" is a true evergreen because it will, I pray, never be out-of-style. Jan Karon's refreshingly non-commercial approach to the "Christmas" story warms my soul! I recommend it, and all of her Mitford books, to anyone whose spirit yearns for genuine decency and a world where people care about each other.
Rating:
Summary: An early Christmas present
Review: Jan Karon's latest offering is a sparkling Christmas card and a celebration of the deeper meaning of the Advent season. The story revolves around Father Tim's efforts at restoring an old Nativity scene as a surprise for Cynthia's Christmas and also includes flashbacks into his own Christmases growing up in Mississippi. All the beloved Mitford characters are here -- each celebrating in their own way. I loved the way Ms. Karon further explored the story of Hope and Scott, and Uncle Billy's attempts to come up with Rose's Christmas gift were a joy. She has also laid the groundwork for some of the events that might happen in the next and final book of the "Mitford" series -- and oh, how I hate to see it end! My only complaint about this book, and it's a tiny one, is that I wish it had been longer. I hated to turn the last page and finish this book! However, I plan to reread it during the actual Advent season, and I think it will enrich my own celebration. Thanks, Jan Karon, for another wonderful book! You have blessed my life with this entire series.
Rating:
Summary: And they'll abide a little longer if it's a book they await
Review: Karon's latest book achieves the length of a novel only through the grace of wide margins and generous line spacing; its content would barely sustain a short story. A long-time Mitford series fan, I was severely disappointed in this latest installment: Karon presents us with nothing more than a vague, breezy update on some of the village's inhabitants - no depth of character or emotion; no real turmoil or triumph; no spiritual insight or inspiration. And precious little plot to boot. The book gives new meaning to the phrase "painted with a broad brush;" indeed, Karon seems to have employed a roller. If you're a fan of the series, do yourself a favor and pass this one by.
Rating:
Summary: Somewhere you would want to live yourself
Review: LOVED this book and am currently reading the Mitford series and would highly recommend it, living in the south this book reminds of the little towns that we drive through and the people in the book are very down to earth but not without there problems so they are easy to relate to and father Tim is very human and east to relate to, it makes you realize that the clergy are just as human as we are.
Rating:
Summary: Shortchanged
Review: Shepherds Abiding is a short story masquerading as a full-length
novel. Jan Karon seems to have already said all she has to say in her previous Mitford books, and is now just trying to satisfy her publisher by filling a niche in the Christmas market.
Rating:
Summary: One of the better books
Review: Some of Jan Karon's books are too short. This one was just right. It kept me intertained for three days (in my spare time). I really enjoyed it since it was about Christmas surprises. A fun read.
MJ
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