To Be Where You Are

Mitford Years #14

by Jan Karon, John McDonough (Narrator)

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Jan Karon returns with the fourteenth novel in the beloved Mitford series, featuring three generations of Kavanaghs.

Wounds heal, bonds grow stronger, and celebrations continue...Welcome back to beloved Mitford.

After twelve years of wrestling with the conflicts of retirement, Father Tim Kavanagh realizes he doesn't need a steady job to prove himself. Then he's given one. As for what it proves, heaven only knows.

Millions of Karon fans will be thrilled that it's life as usual in the wildly popular Mitford series: A beloved town character lands a front-page obituary, but who was it, exactly, who died? And what about the former mayor, born the year Lindbergh landed in Paris, who's still running for office? All this, of course, is but a feather on the wind compared to Muse editor J.C. Hogan's desperate attempts to find a cure for his marital woes. Will it be high-def TV or his pork-chop marinade? In fiction, as in real life, there are no guarantees.

Twenty minutes from Mitford at Meadowgate Farm, newlyweds Dooley and Lace Kavanagh face a crisis that devastates their bank account and impacts their family vet practice. But there is still a lot to celebrate, as their adopted son, Jack, looks forward to the most important day of his life--with great cooking, country music, and lots of people who love him. Happily, it will also be a day when the terrible wound in Dooley's biological family begins to heal because of a game--let's just call it a miracle--that breaks all the rules.

In To Be Where You Are, Jan Karon weaves together the richly comic and compelling lives of two Kavanagh families, and a cast of characters that readers around the world now love like kin.

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

18 pages, Audible Audio

First published September 19, 2017

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

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big happy sigh and a bit of sadness too because I am back from the land of Mitford after two really pleasurable days spent wallowing in its friendly atmosphere. I love the town, I love the people and I love it every time this author writes a new book.

I have been reading this series for many years now and as the characters have developed I have become more and more involved. Dooley and Lace have grown up before my eyes and now have a child of their own - a bit like my own children! Of course Father Tim and Cynthia are the main characters but is still good to move around and visit all the other people we have grown to know and love.

A book like this is a palate cleanser between all the other stuff I read. Five stars because it took me right out of my world into a place that probably could never really exist but wouldn't it be nice if it did!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to be chintzy and take a half star away because there was simply not enough Father Tim and Cynthia for me but I just loved the warm embrace of Mitford so much that I gave it the full five stars. How can a 78 year old retired Anglican priest and his artist wife be so fascinating? Because Father Tim is someone we would all like in our lives. A kind man who came to love late in his life, fatherhood by adoption even later and grateful for every blessing he has.

This story mostly centers around his adopted son, Dooley, and his wife, Lace, married all of five months now. They are adopting 4 year old, Jack, who has demons but is a true delight. Dooley is starting his vet practice with trials and tribulations but joy. They have so many things going on that I was tired just reading about it but isn't that the way we all were in our 20's?

All the delightful Mitford characters are around. There are two famous Esthers in town, one the former mayor and one who makes the famed orange marmalade cakes. One dies and the paper runs the picture of the other one with the correct name. It doesn't sound funny but it was.

This is such a delightful series and I have loved these characters for years. As the book ends, Father Tim and Cynthia are off on a new journey. I hope they stop by my house. I'd love to spend more time with them. If you ever need a feel good book, you can't go wrong here.

Thanks to Net Galley for letting me romp in Mitford again.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now listening to the Audio, which is great, and so calming!

How could the 12th book (or 14th if you count the Fr. Tim books) of any series, still be so fresh and stunning?! Jan Karon again works her word magic with this new book as if she’s just introducing all her Mitford characters. I have read the entire series and this book is right up there with the best.
Fr. Tim has been retired for ten plus years but at 77 he’s not ready to slow down and neither is his wife, Cynthia busy painting pictures for their donation to the Children’s Home auction. They help out at Meadowgate while their son, Dooley builds his Vet practice as his artist wife, Lace paints from her attic space at home. Not to mention the pasture full of beautiful heifers eyed by the charming bull, Choo Choo. Jack Tyler, the adorable 4 yr. old adopted son of Lace and Dooley keeps everybody busy every minute by his curious nature and many questions no one can resist answering.
Most of Mitford’s characters we know and love are back, but many are nearing Fr. Tim’s age and slowing down just a little bit. Ms. Esther Bolick may have baked her last OMC (Orange Marmalade Cake), but Winnie at the Sweet Stuff has that backed up. Avis Packard, proud owner of the town’s only grocery store, the Local, has been denying his fading health. As he’s forced for an extended hospital stay, Fr. Tim takes on running the grocery store. As they say, hilarity ensues; but hard work too. As the town gets ready for Thanksgiving and its Christmas parade, the former mayor, Esther Cunningham, soon to be 90 is bending Fr. Tim’s ear about running for Mayor again and wants to ride in the parade, prominently (i.e. like a Queen). Fr. Tim never fails for creative ideas that wouldn’t insult a flea.
Enter the town of Mitford once again saying hi to old friends and welcoming in some new. It takes a village for sure; you’ll never want to leave.

By the way, I hope "I'd rather be in Mitford" T-shirts will be available for purchase when this book is published!

Thank you Netgalley, C.P. Putnam, and Random House.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a special fondness for the town of Mitford and its inhabitant. Yes, that means Tim Kavanagh, retired Episcopalian priest and his younger artist wife Cynthia. The elderly Tim who found love late in life is a beautiful example of a godly man who lives out his faith. The interactions between him and Cynthia are very sweet and often made me chuckle. This story also focuses on Dooley, Tim’s adopted son and his wife Lace, who are in the process of adopting a son of their own, Jack. Dooley and Lace are struggling with the farm at Meadowgate, the vet practice, unexpected expenses that occur, as well as an opportunity of a commission for Lace that could help ease monetary problems but lead to them being apart, which neither of the young marrieds want. But Mitford is about so many more people than these, some of them quite quirky but nearly all of them endearing.
Even though it doesn’t show up on Goodreads I have read and loved most of the Mitford books, if not all. Since it was a couple of years since I read the last one it took me a little to catch up with who was who , especially when a paragraph often started with he or she and now name. But after a while I settled in the rhythm and it was like settling down into my favourite comfy chair with a sigh of contentment. Some of the moments I particularly loved were those with Lace and Jack as she helps him tell his story. I loved young Grace Murphy and her story writing, especially the last one, though I could have done without the small print. The story with Avis and the dog Chuckie is guaranteed to bring a tear or two. Humorous moment abound as do sadder moments. But it is all told with warmth that radiates from the pages.
This is a book not to rush through, but one to absorb and savour and lose yourself in. I finished it this morning and for the next few moments sat in the car hugging it to myself, as if I could keep hold of the charm that is Mitford. That’s not to say all of these characters have had easy lives. Far from it. But with God’s help they find a way to not just cope but to grow, change and show forgiveness. What a joy to read this book and share in the town of Mitford and the lives of these characters. A highly recommend this book but do yourself a favour and start at the beginning so you get the full sense of all of these wonderful characters.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first trip to the town Mitford and I was totally captivated. What a wonderful series and I'm so upset with myself for not reading them before. Better late than never, right? Father Tim Kavanagh is dealing with his retirement and his new health regime which is quite humorous. He's trying you have to give him that, even if his smoothies are a bit chunky! I didn't find myself lost at all as I read through this series with all its loveable characters. It was quite easy to follow them through this holiday read. It starts about the time when the town is getting ready for the invasion of the leaf peepers and ends after Christmas, so I would consider it a great holiday read. This novel covers a lot of the trials of Dooley and Lace Kavanagh's Vet practice. It's like everything that can go wrong does go wrong but with the couple's faith and friend's they make the best of it. This is such a feel-good series that I hated it to end. I will be waiting for the next novel in this series, that's for sure. I would like to thank the publisher and First-to-Read for a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Beautiful. I honestly don't know how to write a proper review for this book, so I don't think I will.

Jan Karon's Mitford series as been the most influential piece of fiction on my life, both spiritual and otherwise. Period. I just have not words to describe the beauty, heartache, and raw emotion that fills this book. I cried numerous times, especially at a plot twist towards the end. Just wow.

I'm not sure if this will be the last Mitford book, but I almost wouldn't mind if it was. As much as a would LOVEEEE more of these amazing characters, this book ended in a way that I would be fine with it being the end of the series. I don't know. I will be thrilled if there is another one in the works, but I won't be crushed if there isn't.

I cannot recommend these books enough! Please, do yourselves a favor and find a copy! You won't regret it.

[Chris Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, I am not sure what that is, I struggled with this Mitford outing. I have read all of the previous books and love the town and its people. I just could not stay engaged with this one. I may try again and see if the stars align.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the ways a book can get a rare five star rating from me is when the setting and characters make me want to crawl inside of it and hang out. This is one of those books. While in some ways Mitford and its inhabitants are idealized, there are also plenty of realistic problems and life events. The action picks up not too long after the events of Come Rain or Come Shine, and the reader gets plenty of time with Lace and Dooley on their farm and with Father Tim and Cynthia. One thing I love about reading a series is reconnecting with characters that feel as if you know them and this installment provides encounters with lots of old familiar faces. The book ends on a happy, hopeful note that makes you feel fine if this is the last Mitford novel, but also makes you eager to visit again if another is written. Anyone who has enjoyed prior books in the series will gobble this one up with a spoon -- I know I did. Thanks to the First to Read program for the loan of an early ebook ARC.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I hoped to like this one, I felt it was all over the place. Too many storylines to keep track of and of those storylines I just didn’t “get it”. Not for me. Dnf

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are the books that mean the most to you, the hardest ones to write your feelings and thoughts about it? Sometimes, it takes a few days, some time, to step away from the novel you read, so you can get a feel for what you experienced from your book. I will be up-front. My five star rating is probably biased, but I love these characters too much to give them anything less than a five in this book. Jan Karon's books are special to me. They give me moments to think about life. How life is always changing and moving on. There will always be trials and hurdles to jump through, but God is with us through it all. These stories also remind me that some things never change. All people need someone to love, everyone needs to feel loved and everyone needs something to look forward too. People need to forgive one another and also seek forgiveness when we make mistakes. I also appreciate the gentle reminders that we need to put effort into our relationships if we want them to remain full of life, love, and energy. Although I would never recommend reading this book without reading the previous 11 or 13 novels ( depending on whether or not you consider the Father Tim novels as part of this series) that come before this book. Karon's later books aren't written, so much, for the characterization, but more like little vignettes into the lives of the characters she penned in her first few novels, so I think the depth and authenticity to the novel would be missing.
Some touching moments in this book, for me, were when Lacy was going through her college things and all the memories flooded over her as she looked at old clothes and items that once meant so much to her. Another tender moment was when Father Tim desperately carried Chucky to the hospital. And lastly, I spilt happy tears when Dooley and Lace shared the news of how God was making the impossible, possible, in their little family.
I will be honest, though. And please, I hope all you Mitford lovers won't hate me for saying this, but I feel like this should be the last book in the series. It just had that feeling to it, much like watching the credits at the end of a movie. It was wonderful, but all good things must come to an end. Now, it's time to reread this series and fall in love, again, with a younger Father Tim and a little boy named Dooley.

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me home.

Mitford is a series that's very near and dear to my heart. And while this was not the strongest installment, as an ending...which I believe it is...I was fully satisifed. I laughed. I cried. I hugged it. I savored it. Every word was like one last chance to take a new trip to Mitford.

I loved it.

This series won't be for everyone, but it's beautiful and it's godly and it's full of people living ordinary lives and all the messiness therein. It's beautiful.

Farewell to the home of my childhood. <3

[Jill Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't do it. I have been a long term fan of Jan Karon and reading Mitford novels are like going home. But this one was horrible. I could not follow her writing style (which seemed very different), I had no idea who was talking when, and it was just boring. As much as I hated to do it, I put it down. I will stick with my memories of Father Tim and Mitford from the previous novels.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way more than 5 stars! How do I even begin to craft a review worthy of such a novel? I adore my Mitford books. They have pride of place on my shelves. I have read all of them, most twice. And my heart yet yearns to read them all again. Jan Karon has the most amazing heart to write these novels. They are such spiritual nourishment to this reader. I've grinned, gasped, laughed, and wept out loud, sometimes a big, full out ugly cry. This is 447 pages of pure joy.

Seeing old friends from Mitford is so wonderful; saying goodbye to one was so sad. A lot of the townspeople are aging, including Father Tim, but they keep on giving Karon's readers great joy, just hearing from them.

The love in this book just seeps into your soul and fills you completely up! I devoured it in one day! Could NOT tear myself away. I was simply thrilled to be back in Mitford and see everyone again: Father Tim and his dear wife Cynthia (who always smelled faintly of wisteria, Miss Louella, Coot, Mule Skinner, JC Hogan, Avis Packard (dear Avis), all the folks out at Meadowgate. How I love Dooley, Lace and their sweet Jack Tyler!

There is some heartache, true, but there is SO much joy in Mitford. Oh, please, can't I just go live there? If a person could indeed live in a fictional town, it would be Mitford for me. Hands down. No contest. It's like my heart longs to be there. These Mitford books have brought me so much joy and pure spiritual nourishment over the years. I hope Jan Karon never stops writing Mitford books.

[Anne Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the last two books of this series tedious. I am the world's biggest fan of Jan Karon's writing and John McDonough's narration. With that said, this book seemed to concentrate on Avis, the local grocer. If you had not read the rest of the series, this book would be very confusing and off putting. There was not a smooth transition between one character's thoughts and another's thoughts or actions. I found myself wondering why Dooley was in Mitford only to realize that Karon had changed voices with no transitional clues. The rapid back and forth between the farm and Mitford also seemed jarring to me. I feel like the author wanted to wrap everything up and only managed to go off on bunny trails here and there until I was confused and somewhat exhausted. There were some great moments in the book such as " Skype the grannies!" All of Jack's moments were absolutely precious and Jan Karon absolutely spends time with young children as has been evidenced with her writing about Jonathan in A New Song and Amy Larkin in The Mitford Snowmen. She does kids really really well. Those of us who love Mitford and its' kindness will still like this book but it's not nearly as entertaining and delightful as the first four or five books in the series. All good things must come to an end, sadly.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not journeyed to Mitford before, this is not the place to begin. But if you’re like me and you have Mitford in your heart, this book allows us to hang onto the magic just a little bit longer.

The people who inhabit Mitford come with baggage. They all, even the children, have real problems—abuse, abandonment, rejection, betrayal, loneliness—to overcome. They are just as flawed, fearful, and far from perfection as we are. But what makes Mitford magical is that we get to pull up a porch swing for an inside view of the characters’ hearts as God’s love fills voids, erodes barriers, and helps folks bring out the best in each other. I’m always amazed at how Jan Karon’s simple style produces such rich character portraits that I feel like I know these fictional folks. ❤️

Visiting Mitford inspires me to cherish the small stuff, to find beauty in daily life, and to make time for people.

As my favorite quote from this book reminds: “Now is always a good time.”

[Anne White · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 update: Looking forward to the new book too!

[Randi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I often marvel at those on the right who long for "the good old days" and want to "take back [their] country" and "make America 'great' again." I never really understood what they were talking about because they seem to be longing for an America that has never existed. Then I read this book, which can only be considered mythological. Granted, as a Jewish woman with disabilities who has struggled against poverty many times and spent most of my adult life in major coastal cities, I'm definitely not this book's target audience. However, I'm glad I read this book because it gave me insight into everything that is wrong with this country. It glorifies an America that doesn't exist, completely ignores the experiences and oppression of Americans who are not white Christians (the most egregious example being an African American character who says there's nothing wrong with the word n****r), coddles those white "Christian" Americans who are afflicted with the disease of xenophobia, and perpetuates the myth of "the good old days." To say this book is one of the worst books I have ever read is an understatement. It's so bad that it is a detriment to society. America needs to wake up and stop reading garbage like this if we have any hope of healing our country and making it better for *ALL* Americans.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know that 13 is considered an unlucky number in many cultures, but I think Karon could have stopped right there, leaving Dooley and Lace married to live "happily ever after," in the minds of their readers, Instead, she has gone on to this, #14. And Jan Karon is becoming formulaic.

The kids are more and more twee (Grace Murphy's sequence here is especially icky cutesy), everyone with a crisis overcomes it with the help of the Lord and/or a dog, and Karon takes a sad situation she has set up and rather than letting the protagonists deal with it, gives them another miracle. One, which I might add, that I spotted coming.

And everyone is aging, which can make it hard to read this series. Especially if you yourself are feeling the passage of time. As is, I would expect, Ms Karon herself.

Above all, if I have to read one more sequence with a mysterious stranger whom Father Tim tries to convert to Christianity as the one and only way to transform their life, I will gag. Yes, he's an Episcopalian priest, but he's always seemed pretty open to not having the one and only line to the Almighty. At least the Mysterious Stranger here doesn't go for the "turn it all over to God," right on the spot, though I suspect if there's a 15th book, she will.

I wonder if the next volume will stay in Mitford, or if Karon will do another of her books with Father Tim and Cynthia elsewhere, this time on an RV trip.

As much as I love Mitford (and truly, I do and have for many years) I'm not looking forward to that next book so much right now.

[Bookworman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think that Jan Karon could top her last book but she did! To quote Dooley, “Man!” This story was so good! Like “Come Rain or Shine”, I finished it and then turned back to page one to read it again!

I hope and pray that this series continues as I so love these characters.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would try to write and describe the people and the story line but there is a lot going on in this book. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. If I had not gotten stuck or confused a couple of times I would have easily given it a 4.
I really loved the characters they were all so lovable and well described. During the reading I kept getting a horrible feeling in the bottom of my stomach that something bad was going to happen to the characters but thankfully that did not happen. I am not sure I could have finished the book if that happened. They felt like family and old friends.
The book started off slow. I did like the book but it was a little bit of a slower read for me. The narration of individual people jumped around a lot with out warning so I did have to stop and re read some so that I was reading in the right persons voice. I did also get a couple of the people confused in a couple of chapters because it mentioned something that sounded like one character but then 2 or 3 pages in it would reveal it was really someone else. If the characters had not been so lovable I am not sure I would have gotten myself through. Another thing that confused me was in relation to parents. I think it is great that many of the people were adopted. In this book it wasn't fully clear until a little way in to the dialog about the people that I realized who was who.
I did not realize this book was in a series. I was able to read it as a stand alone and get most of what I needed to know. I did not realize that it was set in the United States in North Carolina until almost 10 chapters in. Because of my curiosity about the Characters I might go back and try to read the other books in the series. I am not sure.
I received this book free to read from First to read in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon is the fourteenth A Mitford Novel. Father Tim is surprised when he receives a call that Esther Bolick has passed away. He is asked to return to Lord’s Chapel to give her eulogy. Dooley and Lacy Kavanagh have an unexpected expense when the pipes burst at Kavanagh Animal Wellness Clinic. Lacy has an opportunity to earn the money needed, but it would mean going away for a couple of months. Would it hinder the completion of Jack Tyler’s adoption? Life is always busy and full in Mitford. Come along for a visit and catch up with all your favorite characters.

Let me start by saying I have been a fan of the Mitford series since the beginning. But I have noticed a difference in Jan Karon’s writing style in the last two books. To Be Where You Are is my least favorite book in this series. It was all over the places. I wish Ms. Karon had kept the focus of the story on Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, and Lacy. Every other chapter was on a different character. You would just settle in to one person’s story and it would change to someone else. You then have to figure out which character it has jumped to and remember what happened to them five or so chapters ago. You just start to figure it out, then it’s a new chapter and you have to start all over again. It lacked the flow that was present in the earlier books in the series. It was just about impossible to keep track of all the various characters and what was happening to each of them. I do not recommend reading this book as a standalone. You need to read the books in order. My rating for To Be Where You Are is 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). This story failed to capture and hold my attention.

[Clwseattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been reading Jan Karon since 1999. When I found her back then I binged on the Mitford series until I caught up, then waited for every new installment and was never disappointed when it came.

To Be Where You Are did not evoke that same satisfaction or contentment. I found it very disjointed, jumping from one previously very minor character to another, too often with no context or reason for the jump. I understand that Karon was flushing out new stories of old characters (some of whom I barely remember and why I'll never know). I just hate the way she did it. To Be Where You Are is like gossip in a small town: it meanders around every corner, touches every lamppost and lands on every front door. About halfway through I began to wonder if this might be the last of the Mitford series. I hope not, but I also hope Jan Karon puts her stories back together more tightly or provides more context. I will acknowledge that it is the "Mitford Series" and not the "Fr. Cavanaugh and Family Series", but it was a sloppy way to remind the readers of this and of these 'new' old, previously minor characters.

Granted it was a busy holiday week with lots to do, but I started this book on the 20th and struggled through it until finally finishing it on the 28th. Eight days that should have taken two.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Jan Karon's books, and ordinarily I would give this five stars, but I didn't like the way most of the chapters started. It would be something like "He was walking toward the barn..." and I couldn't figure out who "he" was for a few sentences. Was it Dooley? Jack? And some of the minor characters I couldn't remember. It would have been helpful to have a small explanation for context. I still for the life of me do not remember who Willie is, or Lily.

Other than this minor flaw, I thoroughly enjoyed this visit with the people from Mitford, and can't wait for the next installment!!!

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this series since the very first book . Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this one. I felt the writing was scattered. I did not like how she jumped around from one thing to another . I found it confusing. This story just seemed too scattered to me. Not what I expected from an author that I have enjoyed for all these years. Sad to say, the Mitord Series seems to have lost the heart of what made it so enjoyable for all these years.

[Allison Tebo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trying to decide between two and a half stars and three stars...

[Amy Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning starts off slow but by no means is this a boring book. This is a continuation of the popular Mitford Series by Jan Karon. It continues the emotional and raw stories of the Kavanagh families. Father Tim is coming to realizations about himself and his purpose. The newly-wed Dooley and Lace have to deal with major tragedy, stress and loss. Jack is the hero or shining star as he heals old wounds and brings the family and town much happiness. This story takes place in a small town but there isn't anything small about it. It's full of real life situations infused with comedy, love, forgiveness and bonding. You may find yourself wishing you were part of this beloved family and their magical town.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want it to be done! As far as I am aware, this is the last (and will be the last) of the Mitford books. Over the past decade or so that I've known about Fr Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, and the lovely folks of Mitford, NC, they've become like family.
I liked that this book didn't send Lace and Dooley off into their new life at Meadowgate as if it would all be roses and sunshine, but was very real with the 'stuff of adulting'. But, even when things don't go as smoothly as they plan, they both know that it's better to be together, facing the difficult stuff with God leading them.
I loved seeing little Grace Murphy, and her delight in the written word, and catching up with Coot Hendrick. Avis Packard's storyline was a surprise, though, and I grew to love the man who runs the Local.
The Mitford series is one I'm going to be coming back to again and again for the rest of my life. What a gift Jan Karon has given us!

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now listening to the Audio, which is great, and so calming! This set of books has been a terrific calming to me. Before my mother's death, she had read the books that had been written at that time and just loved them. I visited an aunt after that and she gave me her copies of the Father Tim series, and I became hooked instantly. Love Love Love them. What terrific friends we've made with them over the last 18 years.

How could the 12th book (or 14th if you count the Fr. Tim books) of any series, still be so fresh and stunning?! This book is quite long, but it sure is good. Jan Karon again works her word magic with this new book as if she’s just introducing all her Mitford characters. I have read all but two of her series. Fr. Tim has been retired for ten plus years but at 77 he’s not ready to slow down and neither is his wife, Cynthia busy painting pictures for their donation to the Children’s Home auction. They help out at Meadowgate while their son, Dooley builds his Vet practice as his artist wife, Lace paints from her attic space at home. Not to mention the pasture full of beautiful heifers eyed by the charming bull, Choo Choo. Jack Tyler, the adorable 4 yr. old adopted son of Lace and Dooley keeps everybody busy every minute by his curious nature and many questions no one can resist answering.
Most of Mitford’s characters we know and love are back, but many are nearing Fr. Tim’s age and slowing down just a little bit. Ms. Esther Bolick may have baked her last OMC (Orange Marmalade Cake), but Winnie at the Sweet Stuff has that backed up. Avis Packard, proud owner of the town’s only grocery store, the Local, has been denying his fading health. As he’s forced for an extended hospital stay, Fr. Tim takes on running the grocery store. As they say, hilarity ensues; but hard work too. As the town gets ready for Thanksgiving and its Christmas parade, the former mayor, Esther Cunningham, soon to be 90 is bending Fr. Tim’s ear about running for Mayor again and wants to ride in the parade, prominently (i.e. like a Queen). Fr. Tim never fails for creative ideas that wouldn’t insult a flea.
Enter the town of Mitford once again saying hi to old friends and welcoming in some new. It takes a village for sure; you’ll never want to leave.





1 like ·

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars for this ongoing series. As a longtime fan, I so delight in reading each edition. Karon does such an excellent job with character development. We see the years pass in Mitford and get to know more of the residents in each volume. They have real struggles and triumphs and we are there with them. Karon's writing style makes us feel like family. She can use a few words to reference a thought or routine in the lives of one of the characters and we know exactly what she is referring to. It is like being in on the inside joke in the best, most inclusive kind of way. In this volume we see alternating chapter POVs for Mitford and Meadowgate. Another example of how the folks in and around Mitford continue to grow and change and we have a front row seat. Highly recommended!!

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Mitford. 4.5 stars. This book didn't have the tension/celebration of a wedding but there were some fine moments. I just listened to an interview Karon gave for Wisconsin Public Radio; she said this is the last Mitford book. [sob] I will come back after I've copied quotes into my commonplace book.

I'm ready to go back to At Home in Mitford and reread the whole canon.

Reading intersection: Jan Karon said that she imagined the Orange Marmalade Cake. Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock developed a recipe for it. Sigh... I read Edna Lewis' glorious memoir, A Taste of Country Cooking earlier this year after she was referenced in another book (Home Cooking?) I read.