These High, Green Hills

Mitford Years #3

by Jan Karon

In These High, Green Hills we're once again in Mitford, a southern village of local characters so heartwarming and hilarious you'll wish you lived right next door. At last, Mitford's rector and lifelong bachelor, Father Tim, has married his talented and vivactious neighbor, Cynthia. Now, of course, they must face love's new sleeping arrangements for Father Tim's sofa-sized dog, Cynthia's urge to decorate the rectory Italian-villa style, and the growing pains of the thrown-away boy who's become like a son to the rector. Add a life-changing camping trip, the arrival of the town's first policewoman, and a new computer that requires the patience of a saint, and you know you're in for another engrossing visit to Mitford-the little town that readers everywhere love to call home.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Adult Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary, Audiobook

333 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Born Janice Meredith Wilson in 1937, Jan Karon was raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina. Karon knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a writer. She penned her first novel when she was 10 years old, the same year she won a short-story contest organized by the local high school. Karon married as a teenager and had a daughter, Candace.

At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.

During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.

The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.

Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.

Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked for years in a situation where I spent hours in driving so I often I listened to books on tape or CD.

I mentioned before that I was surprised that I got into these books. I have noted that most of the reviewers of these are women (no surprise). Had I not been desperate for something to listen to I would probably never have tried them. Yes they are Christian in content, but they don't get preachy. Yes we do follow Father Tim and his (new) wife and his shaggy dog, but they don't slump into soap opera.

I am a Christian and these are a cut above a lot of "so called" Christian fiction.I'd describe it this way. There are works of Christian fiction that happen to be very good books.Then there are very good books that happen to be Christian fiction. These are, in general, the latter.

Even if this doesn't seem like the kind of book you would usually read let me suggest you consider trying them.

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mitford book is good for the soul.

I've read several of Jan Karon's series...out of order, I'm embarrassed to say...and I've always enjoyed them. They're nice slice-of-life stories. They make you smile. They make you appreciate your life.

This book touched me in different ways though. Perhaps because it focused on Father Tim and Cynthia's new marriage, and they are older when it comes to this wedded life. Maybe because we see the opening of the new senior center/nursing home on the hill--and it is what we'd all like nursing homes to be. It could have been the funny passages as Father Tim avoids technology. I loved it all.

I found the story to be fresh and moving and inspiring. What more could I want in a book? Though I now realize, reading them in order would make a lot more sense.

Highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Really enjoying rereading this series with my sister, who’s not read it before. These books are chicken soup for the soul of anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to be a pastor.

A new character is introduced in this volume who adds a bit more spice to the pot, much like Cynthia, whom we met in the first book. The fourth one, coming up, is one of my favorites. I’ve never finished this series but reading with a buddy may be just the ticket I need to finally finish.

There are hard things in the series but the light overcomes the darkness. Many laughs and smiles, along with a few tears, and it’s hard to go wrong with John McDonough’s wonderful narration. He has a voice for each character, and makes the books even better. If you need a soul book, this series is highly recommended, along with Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Both have excellent audio narration too!


///////////
4.5 stars. I'm always sad to close the books in this series at the end. I just want to stay in Mitford. I love the main characters, I love the eccentric characters living in the village, I just love them all.

I would say this is a great series if you're looking for an escape, but this one can be tough to read at times. The series is generally sunny, but there is abuse and neglect and, in short, real problems here too. There were a couple of scenes in here that were very hard to read. But it is worth it, because the young people in here are just great. There are now more than one and I love them both.

The audiobook narration is first class straight across the board. John McDonough is the narrator and he is top-notch. I would listen to him read anything.

I've read this series at least twice and I'm so happy to be revisiting it. Highly recommended.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, as always! I have never been disappointed by Jan Karon!

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two Mitford books, but there is something very special about this third one. Maybe it's because I feel like I know the townspeople well enough now to really care about them. Or maybe it's because this book (even more than the others) shows deep suffering while still offering plenty of solid hope (not to be confused with fluffy optimism).

I gave this four stars in 1998, but added one this time.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Father Tim's, Dooley's and Cynthia's story continues with another year in one of my favorite small towns as one season flows into another. I have missed living in a place with four seasons for many years and Karon describes Mitford's seasons in vivid detail:

"Autumn drew on in the mountains.  Here, it set red maples on fire; there, it turned oaks russet and yellow.  Fat persimmons became the color of melted gold, waiting for frost to turn their bitter flesh to honey.  Sassafras, dogwoods, poplars, redbud - all were torched by autumn's brazen fire, displaying their colorful tapestry along every ridge and hogback, in every cove and gorge."

Father Tim's world has greatly expanded since the first book now that he has new responsibilities and loved ones with whom to share his life, including his lovable, scripture loving dog, Barnabus.  However, Father Tim's life has not become less busy or less stressful. 
 
The same characters add color and zest to Mitford, but we say goodbye to some and new ones are added.  Many of Karon's secondary characters have fascinating (or interesting, or sad) back stories.  It takes a village of characters to make the idyllic village of Mitford and you find yourself wanting to spend time with all of them. 

At the beginning of each chapter in Karon's books there is a lovely line drawing.  However, the artists change with different books and I liked the illustrations in previous books better.  Father Tim in books one and two looked just as I pictured him - slightly plump, with glasses and thinning hair, comfortable and approachable.  In this book, he is pictured as slightly younger, has too much hair and looks just a little too slick.  However, Cynthia is now looking after his health, he is exercising more and Fancy Skinner is cutting his hair instead of Joe Ivey, so maybe that's it!

Nevertheless, Blowing Rock, North Carolina on which Mitford is modeled is on my bucket list to visit someday even if I can't meet all of Mitford's wonderful characters.  It lifts my spirits just dreaming about it.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the middle of reading, I thought perhaps this was only 4 stars. But when I finished, especially when I reviewed my underlining, there was no option other than 5 stars.

In the span of the Mitford series, clearly this book is a hinge. One particular plot point the ingathering or reclaiming, one by one, of Dooley's siblings is set into motion here.

I have pondered why the book is titled These High Green Hills. The hills are unchanging, unmovable. This is in contrast to the motif of change that is shot through each chapter. Moving, blending, learning, building. New marriage, new school for Dooley, new computer, new babies, new construction , new friendships. There are also departures, one which told in a simple sentence, wrenches my heart.

The hills outside of Mitford are a place of poverty, darkness, violence and abuse. Yet there is shelter in an unlikely mobile home with three snarling dogs. I imagined the Appalachia of Hillbilly Elegy as I read.

I love the cultural references. I listened to every hymn mentioned (asking my favorite Anglican friend to which tune they sang Love Divine, All Loves Excelling — it's Hyfrydol for fellow hymn geeks), looked up poems (Rosetti and Cowper, both favorites of mine), underlined quotes.

Here's one:

...wouldn't God care as much about our bodies as our souls?
Isn't redemption total?
Doesn't it involve body, soul, mind — all?

I am pleased to know I can read through this series at least once more in my life (given the time). These books are staying on my shelf.

[Tori Samar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some fragment of a poem came swimming to him, something, he thought, by Wendell Berry: “. . . and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings.”

The beauty of “these high, green hills” is that they are not flat. They crest and fall—a picture of life. The third installment in the Mitford series is structured like a panorama of high, green hills. It moves between celebrations and sorrows, heartbreaks and healings. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is that the peak and the valley are one and the same. Death and rebirth in a cave!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of this series. After I finish each volume, I am so eager to begin the next one. Karon's eclectic Mitford characters have definitely captured my attention and I realize that I am seriously invested in what becomes of them. I admire Karon's apt ability to keep the stock characters engaging - the story lines have remained fresh and animated and the additions of new characters are lively and anticipated. I feel like I currently truly know these people.
In this volume, I found Fancy Skinner and her ceaseless chatter to be fantastically believable - I have known several women during my life whose faces I could easily place in her stead, minus the over-abundantly pink wardrobe. Another fresh character is Scott Murphy; the history of why he comes to Mitford is telling and especial, a definite asset to this North Carolina community. And then there's Dooley Barlowe. There continues to be such growth with this character as her struggles to put his former piteous ways behind him and parade the skills that he is obtaining in private school. The "ain'ts" continue to slip in and I applaud his response of "love ya back". Very enriching reading!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to write the same thing for the entire series. It's a syrupy sweet old fashioned read which does not demand anything of the reader. Many find the series feel good, and there are some sparkles of true conflict here and there, but mostly it's about the mundane daily plight of a vicar who finds love later in life and saves people - emotionally and physically.

If you like the first in the series, keep reading because you will be comforted by the characters and will want to see who is added to the "family." This reads like it was made for a TV series, which I am surprised it has not been made into for PBS yet!

What I like about this series is that it doesn't try to be anything it is not; that in itself makes it charming, and if you want to read a simple, feel good, clean series, then this is it.

[Jayna Baas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even in Mitford, things change. New characters come, old ones go. This book had less of Dooley, although it starts the series' turn toward finding his family—a great story but not my favorite part of these books. The Main Street Grill crew cracks me up, though (oh, J. C.), and Lace is a good addition. A five-star book as far as writing, but more of a four-star read in terms of my enjoyment.

[⋆˚°✩*˖ Gohnar23 (•˕ •マ.ᐟ ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1️⃣🌟, It's part of the Mitford series... No wonder I hated it

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

#️⃣7️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 🧊🏔️
Date Read: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 ☃️🌨️
42th read in "Its TIMEEEE!!!!! (to read more books)" December ❄️⛄

Here we go again with the city that doesn't know what it wants to be. There are too many characters with too many storylines that doesn't relate to each other at all. Mitford is just one of those series where you don't really know what is happening. So many things are happening to the point where nothing is almost happening. There is no cohesive plot for all of this. There is nothing to attach to. No main characters to focus on or even a cast that made any sense. Father Tim & Cynthia are BARELY visible in the story. NOTHING IS HAPPENING. Extremely unbelievable characters with unrealistic situations and scenarios. Pretty basic and pretty common. It's like visiting a city you never even wanted to go to. It's an extremely boring read as you literally don't have anything to latch on to.

With a non-existent and One of the flattest writing style I've ever read. It's one that truly embodies dullness. It has zero redeeming moments and only a slight chance of being mediocre. It does not require anything for someone to read. It's like brainrot but 1990s. It's visibly a pretty nothing and corporate collection of random circumstances. A simple feel good, fast food novel that adds nothing to the table.


Spice Level 🌶️: 1️⃣
Vibe ☘️: Like a messy city with too many characters to focus on
Who'd Like This ❓👥: Unorganized people

[J.T. IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these days of political craziness and insanity, a trip back to Mitford will at least let you slip into the kind and clam world of small town America. Well, it may not exactly be calm for Father Tim, but it is generally kind and comforting. His new wife is changing his world as well as his little boy, but life is good, his faith is reassuring, and it reminds us that the way our country is right now in reality is a far cry from the way it needs to be and should be and has been in the past. If find yourself wanting to read something other than the news, take a trip back to Mitford. Ms. Karon does a fantastic job of telling life as it is, but still focuses on the good and the laughter and the hope and potential. I highly recommend These High, Green Hills and the Mitford series as a whole.

[Joanna Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I’m a convert—this series is really great, and has measured up to its praise! Its pace is slow, yet things are happening all the time. It’s so colorful and natural; Father Tim is one of the most realistic fiction characters I’ve ever read. I found that I like books better when I know what to expect. So by the third one of the series, I knew they would be soothing, methodical, yet always interesting and different. I love Mitford and all the characters, this is fiction at its best. I love imagining the 90s, and the introduction to computers is hilarious. 😆😍

[Lena Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan Karon is such a great author.
The third novel in the Mitford Series was no exception.
I am so glad that Father Tim is now married! You can feel his happiness. Cynthia is perfect for them. They really love each other.
Father Tim had many adventures, and some were sad, but some were heartwarming.
Great read for anyone who loves Mitford!

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Mitford book is Book #1 and part of me wants to argue that it should have been a stand alone. The other part of me is happy to learn more about Father Tim, Cynthia and Dooley.

Jan Karon won me over by the end of this particular title. I won't offer any spoilers but I was given a very good cry and feel myself incredibly invested in the residents of Mitford.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Enjoyed each moment of this story. After I read these books the first time, we went to North Carolina for a sabbatical. So many years later we've just planned a return trip to the Asheville area—right as I'm rereading the books. Not a coincidence:)

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Starting to like this author's books!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of these audiobooks!

I’ve listened to the first three straight in a row.

The story line is Magnifique.
The characters are truly that, they are characters!
And the narrator was the perfect choice. John McDonough captures each of these wonderful people beautifully.

Other than Harry Potter I don’t think any book has ever made me cry as much ~ sometimes they are tears of joy and sometimes not. But don’t worry there is so so so much to laugh at. As I said there are some real characters.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Father Tim and all his cohorts there on Mitford. I find myself loving his parishioners like they are from my own congregation, mourning when they mourn, and feeling joy for those that have triumphed! Great read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heart warming series. It's like a nice long visit with old friends.

[Joseph Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is consoling, charming, amusing. I love how Jan Karon wove faith into ordinary life.

There's not much of a plot to this book. It's mostly just little glimpses into a small town pastor's life.

This is my Mom's favorite series and I can see why! Jan Karon's a very good writer! I enjoyed it but don't know that I'll read more. I prefer books that have more of a plot.

I don't know that I'll read more... maybe someday, but not anytime soon. It's not a series that leaves you in the edge of your seat longing for more.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just delightful and cozy as the other first ones.
I absolutley love finishing my day with these characters. They all make me laught out loud, sigh, cry, and just wish I could live in Mitford my self.
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Darryl Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another completely brilliant and achingly moving instalment in the Mitford series.

[BarbaraW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice third book in a series. Really gets to the heart of being a minister including dealing with troubled people 24/7. You feel like you’re part of Mitford, the little hilly town where this book takes place. He finally marries Cynthia, who is a lively jovial person. He is awestruck that he’s 61 and getting married for the first time and really cherishes her so sweetly. You can really feel the love. These books are well done and make me chuckle which is rare.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am continuing my love affair with Mitford. I absolutely love this lovely, charming series. So many great characters coping with everyday life, individually and together. The novels are deceptively simple. This author has a wonderful feel for small town life, love, heartbreak, triumph, trials, death, marriage-everything that life gives to all of us. A very special series.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure nourishment for the soul are these Mitford books. I am on my third reading and they are as fresh and wonderful as ever. Mitford is one fictional place I would love to live.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book - 5 stars
Narration by John McDonough -5 stars and a 💖!

[Beka Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all these books! This one was wonderful! My heart is full❤️

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and with each book I am more engaged with these characters and their stories. I have listened to the books on audio, and the reader is great at giving each different person in the story a voice that fits with the wonderful characterizations developed by the author. The setting is a small town in North Carolina, and pastor Tim Kavanaugh strives to serve all the community, whether members of his church or not; he is very much a part of their joys, sorrows, and daily lives. In this book, the pastor begins to have increasing concerns for a small area outside of town called “the creek”, where poverty, drugs and violence prevail; pastor Tim feels that he is not doing enough to reach those who live at “the Creek”, although he and his wife are raising a young boy from there, he has found a home for another child, and formed a relationship with Homeless Hobbs, who lives in a shack and serves soup to the others living along the creek. I am looking forward to learning more about his efforts to reach the people living in "the creek" community in the next book.