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Summary: Meet the people in the ideal American village
Review: This is another fine book in Jan Karon's series on Mitford. Mitford is a nice little North Carolina town, filled with nice people who interact with each other. The main character is an Episcopalian priest who loves his wife, and (believe it or not) believes what he preaches. Father Timothy Kavanaugh not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. Don't look in this series for foul language, explicit sex, fast car chases or gruesome murders. Some of those stories are alright in their place, but this one is different. The nastiest word you'll find is "poop." But the story avoids being saccharin. The characterizations are excellent, the people live and breathe and their motivations are utterly real. Furthermore, the author demonstrates amazing insights into human nature. The tale was never boring to me. This is the fourth book of Karon's I've read in this series, and I loved them all. The only fault I've found is that number six was published out-of-order, and should have been number two. But they all stand alone. Try them, you'll like them. Joseph Pierre
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Summary: Mitford and Mayberry
Review: Jan Karon is a gifted author who writes of simpler times and ordinary folks. I was hooked at once after reading the first book in the series. Each book keeps getting better as Father Tim and Cynthia and their friends live their busy productive lives in a small mountain community.
People who enjoyed Andy Griffith and the Mayberry TV shows will feel the same warmth and joy in Mitford stories. Although there is a strong Christian message throughout, these books are for people of all faiths. The characters are outstanding, so real they could be people you know (or wish you knew). You will marvel at the surprising twists and turns as the stories evolve. Read the first book and continue with the series for sheer pleasure. Share this book and the others in the series with friends and neighbors. They are so special, so satisfying, and contain a powerful message of hope. All ages will benefit and be uplifted.
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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.
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Summary: Faith and Forgiveness
Review: In this, the third book of the Mitford series, Father Tim Kavanaugh and his charming newlywed wife Cynthia return to face the challenges of building a new life together. The obstancles start when they begin trying to live together - they find that Tim's bed is far too old, and Cynthia's far to big for comfort. Once the dilemma is solved, the challenge of remodeling the parish rectory into the Italian Villa look must be undertaken. Of course, life in Mitford can't be just about the happy couple. The newlyweds take a rather adventure-filled camping trip with the Lord's Chapel Youth Group, call upon old friends in the parish, and continue to care for Dooley. New members of the community are introduced - a new policewoman provides a love interest, and an abused little girl challenge Father Tim's views of what is right and wrong. Jan Karon continues her impeccable Mitford series with this book. Any fan of the series is sure to agree.
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Summary: Ahhh...to be back in Mitford!
Review: There is just something special about Mitford, North Carolina. Jan Karon has created a magical yet ordinary place, with memorable, endearing characters. I love these novels and enjoy each and every trip I take back. In the 3rd installment, things are looking up! Father Timothy and Cynthia are settling into married life, and the marvels at having a soul mate after Tim's 60-plus years of bachelorhood has yet to stop amazing him. Their first year will definitely be an adventurous one -- a camping trip gone awry; a 90th birthday party for Timothy's favorite parishioner, Sadie Baxter; the opening of the new nursing home, Hope House; as well as a few newcomers to the Mitford community. And of course all of our favorite characters, like Dooley, Mule and Fancy Skinner, and J.C. Hogan, and places, like The Grill, The Porter Place, and Fernback are back in full swing. Reading these books feel like the best a family reunion has to offer. A helpful hint for those who are reading the books in order: Book 6 actually fits in between book 2 and 3 -- it is a detailed story of Timothy and Cynthia's wedding. I read it before reading These High, Green Hills. I suggest doing this if you are the type of reader that likes things in chronological order. I can't wait to continue on with the series. There is a certain beauty about these books, a calming, soothing beauty that makes me want to pack up and move to Mitford! Although not novels of huge, twisting, turning action, Jan Karon manages to turn the ordinary things of life into great milestones. I applaud her and the rewards I receive every time I visit.
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Summary: not bad
Review: I have more complaints with this book than I did with the first two, though I still enjoyed it overall. I got very tired of Father Tim's constant contemplation of his new marriage, how much it had changed it his life, and how he could hardly believe his fortune. How had he survived all these years without Cynthia? How could he have not known what he was missing? And so on, over and over and over again. This book seems filled with more cheesy dialogue, old-fashioned language, and quaint expressions than the first two. And it seemed to me that nearly everything written about Father Tim's and Emma's new computer was completely made up by someone who had never used a computer before. However, all criticism aside, I still enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the fourth one.
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Summary: Like One Big Family! A Book That Stays in Your Heart!
Review: I was totally absorbed in this book, just like the other two before it. In this sequel, Jan Karon shows us small-town life for what it really is, completely engrossing. Father Timothy Kavanaugh is married to more than his lovable and eccentric Episcopal parishoners. He's also married to Cynthia, his vivacious and talented neighbor, who is a famous children's author. Suddenly, the routine of a sixty-something bachelor is out the window. Will they be able to keep Father Timothy's dog, away from Cynthia's arrogant cat? Can Father learn to love the old-Italian-villa look his wife is bent on giving the rectory? Dooley Barlowe, the neglected boy, whom Father Tim loves as his own son is experiencing "growing pains." Then, above all, the pverty and violence of an area known as the Creek comes knocking at the rectory door. Being at home in Mitford, has its challenges for sure. The book is fun to read, and extremely hard to put down!
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Summary: I love these books!!
Review: They are very refreshing and interesting to read. The characters would be people I would like to know.
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Summary: A Visit to a Charming Town. Strong Christian Themes
Review: The Mitford Series is a collection of incredibly simple books about small town life. Told from the point of view of a preacher in a mythical town in the hills of North Carolina. Everybody knows everybody else, and not much happens. These are the perfect books to curl up with for some summer porch or beach reading.
Like life the plots are winding and not necessarily purposeful but by the end of the stories your can think back and realize how things developed to an inevitable conclusion. You basically follow a 60 year old preacher through his travails. Since he is a Christian man there is quite bit of bible quotation, but otherwise the story is not about his church so much as his efforts to keep life in order and cope with being a newly married man, past his youth yet surrounded by a small town that loves him - sometimes too closely. One warning..this is very much a "sweet" book. It challenged me to forgo my natural skepticism. I put this in the category of a read that won't tax the reader all but may instead impart a little smile. Also be aware that a stong Christian message plays throughout much of the dialogue and thinking.
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Summary: Best "feel good" book I've ever read
Review: I have read all of the books in the Mitford Series. Jan Karon's characters come alive and make me smile. The best books I have ever read. I rate them 5+.
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