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Mitford Years #7
In This Mountain
Father Tim Kavanagh and his wife, Cynthia, return from Whitecap Island to "the little town with the big heart" in Jan Karon's seventh novel in the bestselling Mitford series, In This Mountain. Retirement holds challenges Father Tim hasn't anticipated, and even as Cynthia's career as a children's book author and illustrator brings her new accolades, he finds himself dogged by health troubles and dissatisfaction with the way his life is turning out. However, the beloved villagers of Mitford are on hand to offer support and humor through every crisis, and a few new characters are introduced to keep interest in the series fresh. Throughout the tale, Karon folds in themes of grace and forgiveness, and offers hope for even the most difficult situations. Fans will be delighted to find that this installment of the series is full of the engaging descriptions and charming depiction of life in Mitford that first won Karon the loyalty of legions of readers. --Cindy Crosby
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
665 people are currently reading
4046 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
142 books2,795 followersBorn 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.
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.
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June 30, 2013I'm not going to rate this book...I'll explain why.
I noted in an earlier review that many consider these "women's books". I questioned what makes a book a "woman's book"? Then I found A Common Life: The Wedding Story, the wedding book and I couldn't take it. So I guess I may have gotten my answer though some may not agree. To me that book was so totally an emotional story it seemed estrogen soaked. I put it aside and didn't try to rate or review it. I figured, "hey I get it, some people just want a book about the love story".
But this one went down the same road. There is just so much and so many examples of Timothy, "saying the wrong thing" and then "tearing up" and Cynthia being "quietly hurt" or both of them being "self-sacrificing" it just got too much for me. I mean my doctor did tell me to cut back on sugar and this thing drips syrup.
So I had to put it down. I've liked the stories of the cleric and his wife functioning with their parishioners dealing with problems meeting challenges and so on.
The big scene here so far has been Timothy telling off the local newspaper editor because he dared to use a headline "Local Pastor's Wife Gets Award" rather than "Cynthia Gets Award". And then he got a little jealous of Cynthia's literary agent and had to get all teary and beg her forgiveness....and on and on we go.
If you enjoy this type story, please enjoy. I may try another "later volume later" but for now the Mitford books have finally managed to make me feel that these last two at least are most definitely aimed at a female audience and males are somewhat superfluous.
Oh well, maybe there needed to be a turn to the overtly female for these, I don't know. As I said if it's what you're looking for enjoy.
I noted in an earlier review that many consider these "women's books". I questioned what makes a book a "woman's book"? Then I found A Common Life: The Wedding Story, the wedding book and I couldn't take it. So I guess I may have gotten my answer though some may not agree. To me that book was so totally an emotional story it seemed estrogen soaked. I put it aside and didn't try to rate or review it. I figured, "hey I get it, some people just want a book about the love story".
But this one went down the same road. There is just so much and so many examples of Timothy, "saying the wrong thing" and then "tearing up" and Cynthia being "quietly hurt" or both of them being "self-sacrificing" it just got too much for me. I mean my doctor did tell me to cut back on sugar and this thing drips syrup.
So I had to put it down. I've liked the stories of the cleric and his wife functioning with their parishioners dealing with problems meeting challenges and so on.
The big scene here so far has been Timothy telling off the local newspaper editor because he dared to use a headline "Local Pastor's Wife Gets Award" rather than "Cynthia Gets Award". And then he got a little jealous of Cynthia's literary agent and had to get all teary and beg her forgiveness....and on and on we go.
If you enjoy this type story, please enjoy. I may try another "later volume later" but for now the Mitford books have finally managed to make me feel that these last two at least are most definitely aimed at a female audience and males are somewhat superfluous.
Oh well, maybe there needed to be a turn to the overtly female for these, I don't know. As I said if it's what you're looking for enjoy.
August 2, 2009
Whenever my life gets too busy, I'm drawn to simple books. Not simple in terms of writing - bodice rippers are for cold winter nights - but simple in terms of plot. This summer, Mitford has been a great source of comfort.
In this installment, Father Tim is dealing with life after retirment, and finding it not exactly to his liking. While some of the conflict in this novel is a little too black-and-white to my liking, I really appreciated seeing how several characters were approaching faith. and wrestling with their views. This novel has several different points of view, which helps shed light on the story.
I've seen someone compare the Mitford stories to The Waltons television series. I agree that they are similar in tone and approach. But again, when life gets out of control, it's nice to retreat to a small town with beloved characters, and see how they deal with the ongoing complexities and challenges of living a life of faith.
In this installment, Father Tim is dealing with life after retirment, and finding it not exactly to his liking. While some of the conflict in this novel is a little too black-and-white to my liking, I really appreciated seeing how several characters were approaching faith. and wrestling with their views. This novel has several different points of view, which helps shed light on the story.
I've seen someone compare the Mitford stories to The Waltons television series. I agree that they are similar in tone and approach. But again, when life gets out of control, it's nice to retreat to a small town with beloved characters, and see how they deal with the ongoing complexities and challenges of living a life of faith.
October 23, 2019
: 2019 ::
This book is like Brussels sprouts: at first not a favorite, but soon you find yourself quite attached. A devastating thing happens. Father Tim is hospitalized. He becomes deeply depressed. While the subplots carry the story along and deliver winces and chuckles, I think the Karon's writing about Fr. Tim's descent into depression and slow recovery is the best, albeit not the most pleasant, part.
Here are three delights of In This Mountain:
— the chapter titles: enticing clues that had me searching
— Jan Karon sprinkles poems or lines of poems into her prose in a seamless, winsome way
— the structure: some finger-fluttering doubling and reverses
When Lace brings Father Tim a gift of cowboy boots I laughed! Being a loafer man for roughly the whole lot of his existence, he was a tad nonplussed. Boots, like capers and eggplant, might be an acquired taste.
:: 2014 ::
Kudos to John McDonough, whose narration of the Mitford books is superb. Although I've read all of the Mitford books, I'm enjoying listening to them read by McDonough. It is like the joy of wearing your favorite sweater when the weather gets crisp.
I'm finding some of Fr. Tim's phrases infiltrating my thoughts: "Consider it done." "Thanks be to God." "I will pray. Faithfully." The literary references and quotes are also highlights.
This book is like Brussels sprouts: at first not a favorite, but soon you find yourself quite attached. A devastating thing happens. Father Tim is hospitalized. He becomes deeply depressed. While the subplots carry the story along and deliver winces and chuckles, I think the Karon's writing about Fr. Tim's descent into depression and slow recovery is the best, albeit not the most pleasant, part.
Here are three delights of In This Mountain:
— the chapter titles: enticing clues that had me searching
— Jan Karon sprinkles poems or lines of poems into her prose in a seamless, winsome way
— the structure: some finger-fluttering doubling and reverses
When Lace brings Father Tim a gift of cowboy boots I laughed! Being a loafer man for roughly the whole lot of his existence, he was a tad nonplussed. Boots, like capers and eggplant, might be an acquired taste.
:: 2014 ::
Kudos to John McDonough, whose narration of the Mitford books is superb. Although I've read all of the Mitford books, I'm enjoying listening to them read by McDonough. It is like the joy of wearing your favorite sweater when the weather gets crisp.
I'm finding some of Fr. Tim's phrases infiltrating my thoughts: "Consider it done." "Thanks be to God." "I will pray. Faithfully." The literary references and quotes are also highlights.
August 21, 2018
Not the best of the Mitford books, but marvelous nonetheless.
December 1, 2022
2022 reading:
Really enjoying rereading this with my sister. This series will lift you up and shows you many living examples of how a *real* Christian, not just someone who wears the jewelry, walks out their faith. It’s an encouragement and an inspiration.
<><><><><
2021 reading:
I love this series so much. If it weren’t for the medical condition of the main character cropping up in this in a fairly serious way, I’d have given it five stars.
If you’re religious and interested in a gentle read, I’d highly recommend this series. If you’re not religious but would like to understand people who are, this would also be a good series to try. Start with the first one. That’s important. The main character’s life changes in most every respect after other characters are introduced.
There are a series of young characters in this series that are so close to my heart. Even though agewise, I’m closer to the main characters, I just love hearing about what’s going on with the younger ones.
Many smiles and even a tear or two with most every book in this series. It isn’t preachy at all, but the main character is an Episcopal priest. So sometimes you’ll hear Bible verses, especially when he runs into trouble. And characters do pray throughout the series. Not all the time, but several times in every book.
I wasn’t very religious when I started this series many years ago (I’m rereading it). It brought me closer to God in the process, because I started to understand how truly religious people depend on Him and how He helps them through the rough patches. At about the same time, my husband was becoming more religious and through it all, it spread to me too. At this point, I can’t imagine navigating the really tough parts of life without God. I’m not a churchgoer but I’ve experienced His presence and he is definitely real.
Anyway. Not to get too into the weeds, but if the life of a priest doesn’t turn you off for some reason, and particularly if you’re going through a rough patch, this is a good series to at least try. The audio performances are all done by the same narrator, Jon McDonough, and he makes the books that much better with his interpretations and inflections. These books are a joy. Now that Overdrive has purchased Recorded Books, you may find them much more available for digital download. Another plus!
Really enjoying rereading this with my sister. This series will lift you up and shows you many living examples of how a *real* Christian, not just someone who wears the jewelry, walks out their faith. It’s an encouragement and an inspiration.
<><><><><
2021 reading:
I love this series so much. If it weren’t for the medical condition of the main character cropping up in this in a fairly serious way, I’d have given it five stars.
If you’re religious and interested in a gentle read, I’d highly recommend this series. If you’re not religious but would like to understand people who are, this would also be a good series to try. Start with the first one. That’s important. The main character’s life changes in most every respect after other characters are introduced.
There are a series of young characters in this series that are so close to my heart. Even though agewise, I’m closer to the main characters, I just love hearing about what’s going on with the younger ones.
Many smiles and even a tear or two with most every book in this series. It isn’t preachy at all, but the main character is an Episcopal priest. So sometimes you’ll hear Bible verses, especially when he runs into trouble. And characters do pray throughout the series. Not all the time, but several times in every book.
I wasn’t very religious when I started this series many years ago (I’m rereading it). It brought me closer to God in the process, because I started to understand how truly religious people depend on Him and how He helps them through the rough patches. At about the same time, my husband was becoming more religious and through it all, it spread to me too. At this point, I can’t imagine navigating the really tough parts of life without God. I’m not a churchgoer but I’ve experienced His presence and he is definitely real.
Anyway. Not to get too into the weeds, but if the life of a priest doesn’t turn you off for some reason, and particularly if you’re going through a rough patch, this is a good series to at least try. The audio performances are all done by the same narrator, Jon McDonough, and he makes the books that much better with his interpretations and inflections. These books are a joy. Now that Overdrive has purchased Recorded Books, you may find them much more available for digital download. Another plus!
May 26, 2017
I found myself reading this book a little bit slower than the others. Often because I know the Scripture the author is quoting, I sort of rush through it. This time I took the time to read it fully, more slowly, and grab the context of how it fits within the situation in the story.
Maybe because I read this one a little more slowly, I found that I enjoyed this book more than some of the others. I like how things are going for Father Tim, for Dooley, for Cynthia, for Hope, for George. I'm not sure how many books are in this series, but as I read I keep hoping this is not the last one. (This is not the last one, by the way.)
I'm growing very comfortable with this author's particular style of writing. Toward the beginning of the series I was a little bothered by what I considered the over-use of some phrases. Now I'm getting to where I am a bit upset if I don't see one of those phrases (such as, "and he meant it.")
How this series didn't get more attention than it did is beyond me. I'm looking forward to my Kindle getting here so I can download the next one!
Maybe because I read this one a little more slowly, I found that I enjoyed this book more than some of the others. I like how things are going for Father Tim, for Dooley, for Cynthia, for Hope, for George. I'm not sure how many books are in this series, but as I read I keep hoping this is not the last one. (This is not the last one, by the way.)
I'm growing very comfortable with this author's particular style of writing. Toward the beginning of the series I was a little bothered by what I considered the over-use of some phrases. Now I'm getting to where I am a bit upset if I don't see one of those phrases (such as, "and he meant it.")
How this series didn't get more attention than it did is beyond me. I'm looking forward to my Kindle getting here so I can download the next one!
December 10, 2022
As with all the Mitford books, this story deals with some hard things in a very realistic and yet hope-filled way. Father Tim’s struggle with depression following a physical crisis is one of those very realistic hard things, yet the hope lingers in the midst of it. I especially appreciate how, even though his depression had a physical cause, he learned to choose what he would think about. The message of thankfulness is a challenging one, but one I’m thankful for. Of course, the story has plenty of lighter moments as well. Hope Winchester learning to live by her name, another missing piece fitted into the puzzle of Dooley’s family, and the classic Mitford cast carrying on in their usual way. As usual, there were a few doctrinal issues I disagreed with, but taken altogether, this is another story of life, loss, and love from one of my favorite authors, well worth the read.
February 21, 2016
I never thought that I would rate a Jan Karon this poorly but this book just made me depressed and I wanted it to end as soon as possible.
Father Tim is nearing 70 and he has diabetes type 2. Still he does not do anything to preserve his life. He is packing his things to go to the mountains in Tennessee with his wife Cynthia where they will live in a hut with cement floor and try to be an inspiration to children and youth in that area. But they never get there. He doesn't exercise, he doesn't eat well, he decides to cut back on his insulin even though the doctor want to up the dose instead, he breaks his glucometer and doesn't buy a new one and when out driving in the woods, he stops to buy water at a petrol station and when told water is in the back, he settles on a coca cola instead. Result? He crashes in to a stop sign in Mitford, seriously injures a Baptist pastor and kills the pastors dog while he himself goes in to a coma that almost kills him. When he wakes up to life again, he can't shake depression. And reading about a depressed episcopalian priest in his late 60s was not really my thing. Usually these books are cozy and uplifting but this was not so in this book. Two ex-convicts that have made changes in their lives, are no longer that welcome in Mitford. Two old maids are depressed and go through religious doubts. Bill, the joke teller gets a heart attack. The list of misery is endless.
This book is too much about depression, too much about disease, too much about people wondering what God wants them to do. I am a deeply religious person but this was way too much Hallelujah for me! Yes, we are supposed to always have God in our thoughts but we don't have to stop at every shop, every corner to say a prayer with people! In this book I really did NOT find myself "At home in Mitford"!
Father Tim is nearing 70 and he has diabetes type 2. Still he does not do anything to preserve his life. He is packing his things to go to the mountains in Tennessee with his wife Cynthia where they will live in a hut with cement floor and try to be an inspiration to children and youth in that area. But they never get there. He doesn't exercise, he doesn't eat well, he decides to cut back on his insulin even though the doctor want to up the dose instead, he breaks his glucometer and doesn't buy a new one and when out driving in the woods, he stops to buy water at a petrol station and when told water is in the back, he settles on a coca cola instead. Result? He crashes in to a stop sign in Mitford, seriously injures a Baptist pastor and kills the pastors dog while he himself goes in to a coma that almost kills him. When he wakes up to life again, he can't shake depression. And reading about a depressed episcopalian priest in his late 60s was not really my thing. Usually these books are cozy and uplifting but this was not so in this book. Two ex-convicts that have made changes in their lives, are no longer that welcome in Mitford. Two old maids are depressed and go through religious doubts. Bill, the joke teller gets a heart attack. The list of misery is endless.
This book is too much about depression, too much about disease, too much about people wondering what God wants them to do. I am a deeply religious person but this was way too much Hallelujah for me! Yes, we are supposed to always have God in our thoughts but we don't have to stop at every shop, every corner to say a prayer with people! In this book I really did NOT find myself "At home in Mitford"!
February 28, 2024
2024 review - It's been 20 years since I read this, and it was wonderful to revisit these scenes (many of which were embedded in my heart - especially of Bill Watson and his struggles to find just the right joke for Father Tim).
Karon has a gift for writing about people who are living out their faith without making them holier-than-thou. Intertwined in every victory is a thread of suffering that makes these characters believable and lovable.
I really loved this one.
Karon has a gift for writing about people who are living out their faith without making them holier-than-thou. Intertwined in every victory is a thread of suffering that makes these characters believable and lovable.
I really loved this one.
June 14, 2018
*This review references an event in a future book*
This is the kind of Mitford book I love! The last few I read apparently happened after this one, so I'm reading the series out of order. It doesn't really matter. I remember not liking the ones that take place outside of Mitford as much. This one takes place completely in Mitford, woohoo! I've already read the one where Dooley and Lace get married and I remember being confused, mostly because all the skipping around to different characters and only using pronouns so I never knew who she was talking about. This one, Karon uses proper names to introduce characters, stays with each scene long enough so I know what's going on, and builds up several plot lines smoothly. It's cozy and homey and has a happy ending. Father Tim deals with a bout of depression but gets through it and encourages others. It's all very uplifting.
This is the kind of Mitford book I love! The last few I read apparently happened after this one, so I'm reading the series out of order. It doesn't really matter. I remember not liking the ones that take place outside of Mitford as much. This one takes place completely in Mitford, woohoo! I've already read the one where Dooley and Lace get married and I remember being confused, mostly because all the skipping around to different characters and only using pronouns so I never knew who she was talking about. This one, Karon uses proper names to introduce characters, stays with each scene long enough so I know what's going on, and builds up several plot lines smoothly. It's cozy and homey and has a happy ending. Father Tim deals with a bout of depression but gets through it and encourages others. It's all very uplifting.
June 28, 2022
I love this series. I am not a traditionally religious person, but I am spiritual, in that I carry hope and a faith in my heart that the universe wants good things for me. Organized religion is not my cup of tea, so why do I love this series? Because, I think, I love the seeming simplicity of a small town, of the people who are now dear to me, and because when life gets messy, Father Tim practices gratitude-during good times and bad. And I admire that trait. It is my mantra.
I did not like this one as well as the others, and I think for me it could be timing. This one seemed more heavily religious (Christian) and in light of the recent events in our country, I am not enamored of blindly religious people, who are talking the talk, but not walking the walk.
I did not like this one as well as the others, and I think for me it could be timing. This one seemed more heavily religious (Christian) and in light of the recent events in our country, I am not enamored of blindly religious people, who are talking the talk, but not walking the walk.
May 16, 2024
After the first book, this is my next firm favorite. I might even go so far as to say I appreciated Book 7 in the Mitford series more than Book 1. Maybe.
I loved it because we find Father Tim really wrestling with life. Instead of focused on other people's trials and tribs, he has his own. He struggles with depression and issues related to his own life events and, in doing so, became more real to me as a reader. I marked so many passages that spoke to me. I think the older one gets, the harder life can be sometimes and reading about a character who genuinely struggled but kept his eyes focused on Christ all the while was a great blessing.
I loved it because we find Father Tim really wrestling with life. Instead of focused on other people's trials and tribs, he has his own. He struggles with depression and issues related to his own life events and, in doing so, became more real to me as a reader. I marked so many passages that spoke to me. I think the older one gets, the harder life can be sometimes and reading about a character who genuinely struggled but kept his eyes focused on Christ all the while was a great blessing.
September 23, 2023
This is only the second book I’ve read in this series. Ms. Karon fills her books with a lovely, soothing, congenial glow that is very relaxing. I did the audio version, and the reader’s voice had the same quality. He was perfectly chosen.
While Father Timothy finds himself a bit at odds with himself in this installment. He is tired of dealing with his health; he is not happy being retired, and his wife’s career success makes him a bit jealous.
The one drawback to these books is that they do go on a bit with details that aren’t necessarily all that interesting. My mind did wander a bit a few times.
While Father Timothy finds himself a bit at odds with himself in this installment. He is tired of dealing with his health; he is not happy being retired, and his wife’s career success makes him a bit jealous.
The one drawback to these books is that they do go on a bit with details that aren’t necessarily all that interesting. My mind did wander a bit a few times.
November 3, 2011
I have enjoyed all 6 of the previous Mitford books but this one is my favorite for so many reasons. There were too many wonderful messages & lessons to share them all but all basically saying "count your blessings", "stop and smell the roses", "listen that you may hear"...
-The joy of receiving a brief phone call from your grown child sharing a momentous event
-Why does it take an accident or illness to slow us down enough to appreciate the people, places & events around us?
-The love and companionship a pet adds to our lives
-An open heart can find good in all situations
-Spontaneity can be enjoyed at any age
-No one is perfect
-Friendship is a give and take. Sometimes you are needy and sometimes you are needed.
-Life goes on.
-Absence does make the loving heart grow fonder.
-You don't need an invitation to "life"...everyone is invited.
Absolutely Five Stars!
-The joy of receiving a brief phone call from your grown child sharing a momentous event
-Why does it take an accident or illness to slow us down enough to appreciate the people, places & events around us?
-The love and companionship a pet adds to our lives
-An open heart can find good in all situations
-Spontaneity can be enjoyed at any age
-No one is perfect
-Friendship is a give and take. Sometimes you are needy and sometimes you are needed.
-Life goes on.
-Absence does make the loving heart grow fonder.
-You don't need an invitation to "life"...everyone is invited.
Absolutely Five Stars!
February 4, 2015
Although I love this entire series, this is the BEST. I LOVE the Father's message on giving thanks, and want to commit the entire message to memory so I can remind myself daily. I have also been further encouraged to take care of my own diabetes due to Father Tim's struggle with the dreaded disease. This is absolutely a wonderful book of inspiration, both spiritually, and healthwise.
February 6, 2018
I love my time 'in Mitford'! The characters feel like people I'd love to get to know, and the setting makes me wish to visit North Carolina at least once before God calls me Home!
Ever in a situation when you can just 'see' what's going to happen next (or eventually), but the characters involved just don't see it coming? Yeah, there were several moments like that in this book for me. But, despite my frustration at the character's choices in some parts, I left this journey to Mitford feeling hopeful about one character in particular whom I thought would never choose to be redeemed.
4.5 stars
Ever in a situation when you can just 'see' what's going to happen next (or eventually), but the characters involved just don't see it coming? Yeah, there were several moments like that in this book for me. But, despite my frustration at the character's choices in some parts, I left this journey to Mitford feeling hopeful about one character in particular whom I thought would never choose to be redeemed.
4.5 stars
June 20, 2025
Another 5 star Father Tim book! Jan Karon is by far my favorite author!
May 20, 2018
❤️ Loved re-visiting this beautiful story! Everyone in Mitford has problems & baggage. Cynthia’s first love betrayed her with other women. Miss Pringle also suffered from rejection & betrayal. Joke-teller Uncle Billy suffered under abandonment & cruel poverty. Teenage Lace was viciously abused before Harley, Father Tim, Hoppy & Olivia gave her a new life. As a teen, George Gainor lost his family in a tragic accident. Fearful Hope can’t understand the meaning of her name or the meaning of life. Of course, there’s Dooley, Father Tim’s beloved adopted son, who is just beginning to trust his heart to others. And Father Tim, who as a boy suffered indifference, rejection & abandonment from his own father, has a heart big enough to take in all of them.
The author does not dwell on the grisly details but so vividly captures her characters’ heart wounds, fears, dreams, fledgling hopes, loves, and courageous first steps that often even the humorous scenes spark tears for me.
At this point in the series, Father Tim is in the midst of helping Dooley find the other Barlowe siblings and help them make new lives. Even though I know what’s coming, I enjoy the journey!
The author does not dwell on the grisly details but so vividly captures her characters’ heart wounds, fears, dreams, fledgling hopes, loves, and courageous first steps that often even the humorous scenes spark tears for me.
At this point in the series, Father Tim is in the midst of helping Dooley find the other Barlowe siblings and help them make new lives. Even though I know what’s coming, I enjoy the journey!
July 5, 2018
'And while I'm at it, Father, please......show me how to put and end to this darkness, or if You choose to let it go on, give me a brighter spirit to endure it.'
Mitford is the best place in Fiction Land. Ever. Jan Karon surely wrote under the anointing of the Holy Spirit as she wrote these books. I have loved Mitford ever since the first word I read in At Home In Mitford. Currently, I am on my third reading of these powerful and spiritually nourishing books.
In this one, Father Tim walks through a powerfully dark valley, at times despairing of seeing the light again. But God comes through for Father Tim as he continually prays the prayer that never fails: 'Thy will be done.' And on page 305, we see God minister to him in an awesome way. Then, beginning on page 310 and ending on 314, we read the most wonderful and spirit moving sermon ever. I have marked that passage and flagged so much and read it so many times, the book is separating from the spine!
I highly recommend this series of books. They are the best!
Mitford is the best place in Fiction Land. Ever. Jan Karon surely wrote under the anointing of the Holy Spirit as she wrote these books. I have loved Mitford ever since the first word I read in At Home In Mitford. Currently, I am on my third reading of these powerful and spiritually nourishing books.
In this one, Father Tim walks through a powerfully dark valley, at times despairing of seeing the light again. But God comes through for Father Tim as he continually prays the prayer that never fails: 'Thy will be done.' And on page 305, we see God minister to him in an awesome way. Then, beginning on page 310 and ending on 314, we read the most wonderful and spirit moving sermon ever. I have marked that passage and flagged so much and read it so many times, the book is separating from the spine!
I highly recommend this series of books. They are the best!
July 12, 2021
First, waiting till the very end of the audiobook to tell me it was abridged was a low-down dirty rotten trick, and somebody oughta be flogged for that.
Second, does Timothy's stupidity know no bounds? To walk into yet another obvious Edith Mallory trap was the absolute limit.
Third, the Methodist pastorette. Ugh. Jan, sometimes the faith side of your simple evangelical faith shines through, and sometimes it's the simple side. Whoever's been responsible for your spiritual formation ought to put in a pillory right next to your own pitiful pastoral creation. Sentimentality is poison, and you and your books would be immeasurably better off if you hadn't imbibed so much of it. There is a good kind of sweetness and gentleness, and I read you for that, but I wish you had enough discernment to keep the bad kind out.
Second, does Timothy's stupidity know no bounds? To walk into yet another obvious Edith Mallory trap was the absolute limit.
Third, the Methodist pastorette. Ugh. Jan, sometimes the faith side of your simple evangelical faith shines through, and sometimes it's the simple side. Whoever's been responsible for your spiritual formation ought to put in a pillory right next to your own pitiful pastoral creation. Sentimentality is poison, and you and your books would be immeasurably better off if you hadn't imbibed so much of it. There is a good kind of sweetness and gentleness, and I read you for that, but I wish you had enough discernment to keep the bad kind out.
August 11, 2018
Oh, my how I love this series. It took me less than 2 weeks to read this, and that is not bad considering I have to work and I am reading another book for our book club.
I love Mitford and oh how I wish I could live there, or in a town like it. Oh, to live in a town where you can walk to stores and buy almost everything you need, and to have neighbors that are really friends.
Father Tim has some very serious problems in this book of the series. Oh, how my heart ached for him and since my husband also has diabetes it really hit home and caused me some anxiety. I do worry about my husband and pray he continues to take care of himself.
"At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him. . . . Watch where God puts you into the darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet. . . . When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light." (pg 178)
"' 'The significant, life-forming times are the dull, in-between times.' A pretty simple statement, but profound if we think it through. I used to believe the life-forming times were the times on the mountain, the great hurrahs . . .'
'The glad hosannas . . .'
'Your buddy. Oswald Chambers-you knows I read him avidly in prison-said something like, 'The height of the mountain is measured by the drab drudgery of the valley.' He went on to say it's in the sphere of humiliation that we find our true worth to God, that there's where our faithfulness is revealed.'
'I'm ashamed to confess it, but I thought I knew my true worth t oGod. I thought my faithfulness had long ago been revealed to Him. I didn't think He'd . . . require anything more.' There. He'd said it.
'Perhaps you should be glad He's requiring more. It seems to me He doesn't ask more of just everybody.'" (pg 229-230)
Father Tim... on bitterness...
"He pondered his own axe blade. Over the years, time and time again, he would forgive his father, then the bitterness would seep back into his soul like a toxin. Often, it lingered and did its damage for months before he came awake to the Enemy's ruse, whereupon he forgave Matthew Kavanagh yet again.
Without faith, his soul may not have survived the blade. but like the tree, God had enabled him to grow, even flourish, around it." (pg 242)
Father Tim continued to feel the darkness... until...
"'Lord,' he said, 'speak to me, please. I can't go on like this. Speak to me in a way I can understand clearly. I've read your word, I've sought Your counsel, I've whined, I've groveled, I've despaired, I've pled-and I've waited. And through it all Lord, You've been so strangely silent.'
He sat for a time, in a kind of misery he couldn't define; wordless, trying to listen, his mind drifting. Then as last he drew a deep breath and sat up straighter, determined.
'I will not let You go until you bless me!' he said, startled by his voice in the silent room.
He took his Bible from beside his chair and opened it at random.
Stop seeking what you want to hear, Timothy, and listen to what I have to tell you.
He felt no supernatural jolt; it happened simply. God had just spoken to his heart with great tenderness, as He'd done only a few times in his life before; it produced in him an utter calm.
'Yes,' he said. 'Thank you. Thank you.'
Where the book had fallen open in his lap, he began to read with expectation and certainty.
He found the passage only moments later. Instantly, he knew: He'd discovered at last what God had held in reserve expressly for him, expressly for now, and expressly for tomorrow morning.
The peace flowed in like a river." pg 305.
Do you want to know what God revealed to him? I won't tell. I recommend if you haven't read this series that you start at once. There is great peace and there is much wisdom in these books as well as troubles and trials, fun and lightheartedness.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) – The next book in a series you've started.
I love Mitford and oh how I wish I could live there, or in a town like it. Oh, to live in a town where you can walk to stores and buy almost everything you need, and to have neighbors that are really friends.
Father Tim has some very serious problems in this book of the series. Oh, how my heart ached for him and since my husband also has diabetes it really hit home and caused me some anxiety. I do worry about my husband and pray he continues to take care of himself.
"At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him. . . . Watch where God puts you into the darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet. . . . When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light." (pg 178)
"' 'The significant, life-forming times are the dull, in-between times.' A pretty simple statement, but profound if we think it through. I used to believe the life-forming times were the times on the mountain, the great hurrahs . . .'
'The glad hosannas . . .'
'Your buddy. Oswald Chambers-you knows I read him avidly in prison-said something like, 'The height of the mountain is measured by the drab drudgery of the valley.' He went on to say it's in the sphere of humiliation that we find our true worth to God, that there's where our faithfulness is revealed.'
'I'm ashamed to confess it, but I thought I knew my true worth t oGod. I thought my faithfulness had long ago been revealed to Him. I didn't think He'd . . . require anything more.' There. He'd said it.
'Perhaps you should be glad He's requiring more. It seems to me He doesn't ask more of just everybody.'" (pg 229-230)
Father Tim... on bitterness...
"He pondered his own axe blade. Over the years, time and time again, he would forgive his father, then the bitterness would seep back into his soul like a toxin. Often, it lingered and did its damage for months before he came awake to the Enemy's ruse, whereupon he forgave Matthew Kavanagh yet again.
Without faith, his soul may not have survived the blade. but like the tree, God had enabled him to grow, even flourish, around it." (pg 242)
Father Tim continued to feel the darkness... until...
"'Lord,' he said, 'speak to me, please. I can't go on like this. Speak to me in a way I can understand clearly. I've read your word, I've sought Your counsel, I've whined, I've groveled, I've despaired, I've pled-and I've waited. And through it all Lord, You've been so strangely silent.'
He sat for a time, in a kind of misery he couldn't define; wordless, trying to listen, his mind drifting. Then as last he drew a deep breath and sat up straighter, determined.
'I will not let You go until you bless me!' he said, startled by his voice in the silent room.
He took his Bible from beside his chair and opened it at random.
Stop seeking what you want to hear, Timothy, and listen to what I have to tell you.
He felt no supernatural jolt; it happened simply. God had just spoken to his heart with great tenderness, as He'd done only a few times in his life before; it produced in him an utter calm.
'Yes,' he said. 'Thank you. Thank you.'
Where the book had fallen open in his lap, he began to read with expectation and certainty.
He found the passage only moments later. Instantly, he knew: He'd discovered at last what God had held in reserve expressly for him, expressly for now, and expressly for tomorrow morning.
The peace flowed in like a river." pg 305.
Do you want to know what God revealed to him? I won't tell. I recommend if you haven't read this series that you start at once. There is great peace and there is much wisdom in these books as well as troubles and trials, fun and lightheartedness.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) – The next book in a series you've started.
October 19, 2023
This is a rare time when I’m going to plead with you to read the six books prior to this one if you can. Granted, you can read this out of order, but much of the richness of it will wash out if you do.
This is a gloriously written reminder of the reality that time and adversity happens to us all. It’s baked into the mortality cake, and Father Tim Kavanagh gets a chance to learn that lesson arguably better than at any time in his life.
He has reached that point in his life where he feels like a man out of his time. The world rushes on without him, and its perfunctory nods and glances aren’t enough to make him feel valued. Contrast that to the fact that his beloved wife, Cynthia, continues to get increasing recognition for her children’s books, and you have a man who struggles for a sense of mission and purpose. Granted, he’s done make-work things here and there, but it’s abundantly clear that the world not only forges on, but it does so without his expertise and without noticing that his expertise is missing. He and his adopted son, Dooley, go for a drive, and diabetic Father Tim buys a sugary coke in a convenience store. The result is tragedy and a kind of adversity that leads to full-blown depression—the one thing he assumed happened to his parishioners, but never to him.
The book moved me to tears when Father Tim discovered the solution to the darkness he experienced. He found it as an answer to prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. He realizes that every thing really means every experience. I’ve come to unshakably agree with this philosophy, more especially in the last three and a half years.
This installment of the series is rich in emotion, low on preachy moralizing, and high in facilitating the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life regardless of your situation.
This is a gloriously written reminder of the reality that time and adversity happens to us all. It’s baked into the mortality cake, and Father Tim Kavanagh gets a chance to learn that lesson arguably better than at any time in his life.
He has reached that point in his life where he feels like a man out of his time. The world rushes on without him, and its perfunctory nods and glances aren’t enough to make him feel valued. Contrast that to the fact that his beloved wife, Cynthia, continues to get increasing recognition for her children’s books, and you have a man who struggles for a sense of mission and purpose. Granted, he’s done make-work things here and there, but it’s abundantly clear that the world not only forges on, but it does so without his expertise and without noticing that his expertise is missing. He and his adopted son, Dooley, go for a drive, and diabetic Father Tim buys a sugary coke in a convenience store. The result is tragedy and a kind of adversity that leads to full-blown depression—the one thing he assumed happened to his parishioners, but never to him.
The book moved me to tears when Father Tim discovered the solution to the darkness he experienced. He found it as an answer to prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. He realizes that every thing really means every experience. I’ve come to unshakably agree with this philosophy, more especially in the last three and a half years.
This installment of the series is rich in emotion, low on preachy moralizing, and high in facilitating the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life regardless of your situation.
February 12, 2015
I last visited Mitford over seven years ago. The truth be told, I thought I had completed the series with A New Song, Father Tim's retirement and interm on the isle of Whitecap. It was a pleasant surprise to discover I had missed more adventures with my old friends.
Well, seven years is a long time to be apart. People change. Was it me? Had my tastes changed? Or was it Ms. Karon's writing? I found I had to push myself to get through the first third of the book. Then, for whatever reason, perhaps reacquainting myself with the Mitford folk, or possibly the pace of the story line picking up, I found the last half of In This Mountain much more enjoyable. Very delightful. In fact I'm looking forward to starting on Shepherds Abiding later today.
Well, seven years is a long time to be apart. People change. Was it me? Had my tastes changed? Or was it Ms. Karon's writing? I found I had to push myself to get through the first third of the book. Then, for whatever reason, perhaps reacquainting myself with the Mitford folk, or possibly the pace of the story line picking up, I found the last half of In This Mountain much more enjoyable. Very delightful. In fact I'm looking forward to starting on Shepherds Abiding later today.
February 12, 2020
This bored me the first time around, but moved me to tears on this re-read. Definitely improves upon acquaintance.
January 21, 2024
I don’t understand Him. If I did, would He be God?
The significant life forming times are the dull in between times - simple statement but profound.
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess 5:19). Everything is the hook, the key, the word on which this command stands
How can a man thank God for a brain tumor? This question was asked by the character Gene Bollick and I cried thinking of my dad who passed away last year from CNS lymphoma. Mr Bollick’s answer was the God used the tumor to look closer at the good that has happened.
The significant life forming times are the dull in between times - simple statement but profound.
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess 5:19). Everything is the hook, the key, the word on which this command stands
How can a man thank God for a brain tumor? This question was asked by the character Gene Bollick and I cried thinking of my dad who passed away last year from CNS lymphoma. Mr Bollick’s answer was the God used the tumor to look closer at the good that has happened.
March 5, 2025
This was a Spectacular seventh novel in a wonderful series. I’ve enjoyed each one but this was almost as great as the first book. Father Tim searches for Dooley’s brothers, he suffers through depression, guilt and a long recovery from a horrendous accident. Edith Mallory traps him in a subtle deception. Cynthia goes on a rewarding tour for her last children’s book. Tim grows closer to neighbors, and friends. He does some preaching but can’t come up with a sermon until he really listens to his great instructor-the Lord!
September 12, 2024
Always nice to spend a little time in Mitford. This book was exactly what I expected after reading the first six in the series: warm, comfortable, without much of a driving plot but with endearing characters.
March 18, 2021
As comforting as ever.
May 17, 2025
I cherish every moment spent in Mitford
April 27, 2016
This is one of my favorite in the series. I like the balance of plot and character, humor and pathos. We enough of the minor characters - including Dooley - to make me happy but the focus is still firmly on Father Tim. In this book Father Tim and Cynthia are back in Mitford and everything looks rosy. They're preparing to head to rural Tennessee to work with children, Dooley is finishing his first year of college, George (from the first book) is being released from prison - it all looks fine. But just like real life, some things begin to go wrong and Father Tim has to deal with a number of disappointments, the greatest one being in himself.
I love Christian books that show characters who are trying to live a godly life but don't always succeed. I appreciate watching them come to terms with their failures and learn to trust God through them. To me the biggest message of Christianity is that God loves us - even when we mess up. Father Tim knows this, but it's a message that has to be relearned sometimes.
I'll admit the timing of my revisiting this book was unique, as my husband's dog, the last pet still alive since his death, died the day I listened to the section where I appreciated again the Karon doesn't push her scenes for maximum emotional effect, but lets the reader bring their own feelings to play themselves. So I was able to keep listening and reach a better spot emotionally. :) Towards the end I loved the sermon Father Tim preached from Thessalonians, too. Is there any other lesson we need any more than that?
I had given this book 4 stars, but perhaps it deserves 5. I really don't know how it could be any better.
NB- You could read these books out of order, but why would you want to? Their effect is greater if you follow chronologically. Also, the narrator of the e-books is great, so try listening to them sometimes.
I love Christian books that show characters who are trying to live a godly life but don't always succeed. I appreciate watching them come to terms with their failures and learn to trust God through them. To me the biggest message of Christianity is that God loves us - even when we mess up. Father Tim knows this, but it's a message that has to be relearned sometimes.
I'll admit the timing of my revisiting this book was unique, as my husband's dog, the last pet still alive since his death, died the day I listened to the section where I appreciated again the Karon doesn't push her scenes for maximum emotional effect, but lets the reader bring their own feelings to play themselves. So I was able to keep listening and reach a better spot emotionally. :) Towards the end I loved the sermon Father Tim preached from Thessalonians, too. Is there any other lesson we need any more than that?
I had given this book 4 stars, but perhaps it deserves 5. I really don't know how it could be any better.
NB- You could read these books out of order, but why would you want to? Their effect is greater if you follow chronologically. Also, the narrator of the e-books is great, so try listening to them sometimes.
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