What do you think?
Rate this book
A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim
From Jan Karon, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mitford series comes a collection of Father Tim's favorite words of wisdom and spiritual inspiration...
For years, Mitford’s Father Tim Kavanagh has transcribed into his dog-eared journals words of wisdom, faith, and encouragement. Written in his own hand or typed on his idiosyncratic Royal typewriter, A Continual Feast contains the lively ideas, common sense, profound wisdom, and plain good humor he has gleaned from the likes of C. S. Lewis, Emily Dickinson, William Blake, Helen Keller, G. K. Chesterton, and Will Rogers, to name just a few. Together with its successful companion volume, Patches of Godlight , Father Tim’s latest quote journal is sure proof of the truth of an entry from Lord "A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think."
This entertaining and useful handbook is for all those who relish a good “Aha!,” including authors, clergy, speechmakers, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys provocative insight into everything from the righteous to the ridiculous.
For years, Mitford’s Father Tim Kavanagh has transcribed into his dog-eared journals words of wisdom, faith, and encouragement. Written in his own hand or typed on his idiosyncratic Royal typewriter, A Continual Feast contains the lively ideas, common sense, profound wisdom, and plain good humor he has gleaned from the likes of C. S. Lewis, Emily Dickinson, William Blake, Helen Keller, G. K. Chesterton, and Will Rogers, to name just a few. Together with its successful companion volume, Patches of Godlight , Father Tim’s latest quote journal is sure proof of the truth of an entry from Lord "A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think."
This entertaining and useful handbook is for all those who relish a good “Aha!,” including authors, clergy, speechmakers, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys provocative insight into everything from the righteous to the ridiculous.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
59 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
143 books2,816 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 19, 2021
A gorgeous change of pace from most works, as a way of stepping back from fiction that carries you along, whether sweetly or thrillingly. This book of quotes will cause you to think of your life and the path you follow, and of ways to improve or change your outcomes. The spirituality of its fictional author is readily apparent, and will make you wish that he were a real person. Father Tim could be one of my favorite characters that has never lived; however, he’s so very real in my imagination. A book that was a gift from a dear friend— isn’t it amazing how many great books come to you that way?
November 23, 2025
I enjoyed so many of the thought provoking and really good quotes in this slim volume, and would recommend it as a stocking stuffer to gift to faith-based friends who appreciate quote books to sip read from.
May 23, 2021
I enjoyed reading a page or two a day from this book. It is full of quotes from inspiring people, books, devotionals, and Bible verses.
April 13, 2021
Another treasure of inspiration from Father Tim and Mitford ....
August 13, 2010
I haven't read Jan Karon's fiction. I came across this book in the non-fiction section of a library where I was doing a survey of materials. It caught my eye, as a handful have while doing research, and I brought it home.
I read it far faster than I'd recommend it to be read. To fully enjoy it and make the most of it, I'd recommend only reading a few pages a day (or night as the case may be).
Many of the quotes collected in the book are Christian (from scholarly saints and the Bible). However, the book is not directing readers to a set religious direction. The quotes are varied and can be thought provoking in a positive and at times soothing way.
Perhaps if I were an atheist, I might find the book offensive however, given that the title clearly states it is a collection by "Father Tim", fastidiously anti-religious readers should consider themselves forewarned.
If you think you can stomach it, indulge. Who among us couldn't use a few kind words of inspiration to lift us each day?
I read it far faster than I'd recommend it to be read. To fully enjoy it and make the most of it, I'd recommend only reading a few pages a day (or night as the case may be).
Many of the quotes collected in the book are Christian (from scholarly saints and the Bible). However, the book is not directing readers to a set religious direction. The quotes are varied and can be thought provoking in a positive and at times soothing way.
Perhaps if I were an atheist, I might find the book offensive however, given that the title clearly states it is a collection by "Father Tim", fastidiously anti-religious readers should consider themselves forewarned.
If you think you can stomach it, indulge. Who among us couldn't use a few kind words of inspiration to lift us each day?
February 23, 2017
This book is a nice little collection of quotes and pithy sayings which are perfect for either daily devotions or just plain pondering. From the inside of the book: "Father Timothy Andrew Kavanagh is the principal character in author Jan Karon's series of bestselling Mitford novels, set in a mountain village in western North Carolina. Father Tim is a sixty-something Episcopal priest beloved by all for his unfailing concern for their needs, and for his exceptional warmth, grace, charm, and devotion to God. In this second volume of his quote books, Father Tim has recorded favorite wisdom from a variety of thinkers, philosophers, and poets who have enlisted his admiration over the years."
July 3, 2008
I was glad to read this, then place it on my shelf next to its "companion" book Patches of Godlight. I am a sucker for collections of quotes, and this one did not disappoint. It will be a book I remove from the shelf and read again and again when I am looking for words of wisdom, comfort, and inspiration. I just love that Father Tim...even if he's only a fictional character. :) Jan Karon's pretty cool, too. :)
January 27, 2011
A delightful collection of quotes, letters, and inspiration from the main character in the Mitford Years' Series, Father Tim. Although I do not enjoy Karon's writing style, or the Mitford Series, I loved this collection from Father Tim. Wonderfully uplifting...the kind of book that makes your heart smile. Around 200 pages, it was a very quick read.
March 16, 2013
As with Jan Karon's other book, Patches of Godlight, this is also an excellent resource for spiritual quotations written in fictional character Father Tim's "own" handwriting or ancient typewriter complete with typo's. Adorable and inspiring. I will continue to go back to this on a regular basis.
March 5, 2017
A book of quotes from Fr. Tim's quote journal. Entertaining. Found a few a really liked. A couple favs are:
"A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think. " -Lord Byron
"A cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it. " -Doug Larson
"I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless i buy something. " -Jackie Mason
"A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think. " -Lord Byron
"A cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it. " -Doug Larson
"I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless i buy something. " -Jackie Mason
March 6, 2010
I was so looking forward to reading this after completing the Mitford series... And it might be really good and have a lot of great things to say but the font was impossible to focus on to read... disappointing.
March 10, 2014
I loved it!! Every now and then I turn turn some pages of this book and find some inspiration. Really great book. I also appreciated the typography. It really resembles as if a real person wrote the book himself.
November 21, 2008
Very nice book of Father Tim quotes. Interestingly presented in a journal-handwritten style. Not necessary for reading the Mitford Series, but a nice addition.
May 25, 2010
Sometimes I have had to give a talk of inspiration or encouragement at various bible studies and groups. This book comes in handy so many times when I am looking for an opoening or closing statement.
March 5, 2016
The entire book is just quotes from various authors and a few from "Father Tim". Got old after about 10 pages.
June 15, 2011
A book of quotations that I used for my happiness project. The only weird thing is that a lot of of the font is cursive, which makes it not so easy to read
November 1, 2011
a continual feast by jan karon
a lot of different inspirational things collected
form father tim over the years.
a lot of different inspirational things collected
form father tim over the years.
May 7, 2012
As an incurable quote collector, this and Patches of Godlight are 2 of my favorites - and I've added some of my own
September 10, 2012
A collection of quotes and small blurbs. A very quick read. It seems to be a good choice for a distraction and a little humor.
January 7, 2013
This was book of various quotes and short essays collected by Father Tim. A fine read to begin the new year with uplifting thoughts.
January 11, 2013
I keep the book handy and open it everytime I need a boost of inspiration. Lovely and heartfelt all the time!
January 6, 2016
One of my favorite little books. I always take it with me to hospital waits with others. You won't lose your place because you can start in the middle or wherever.
January 27, 2018
All words to live by. I do and I should reread this collection of quotes over and over again, and maybe then one day I will be as wise as Father Tim.
October 13, 2022
From quotes that range from Confucius, Dolly Parton, Bible Scripture, Hamlet, Mother Teresa and anonymous, "A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration" has a quote that will speak to your heart and your issue. Some quotes that i loved are as follows:
- Cat motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it." by
Anonymous
- "A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think." by Lord Byron
- "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." by French Proverb
- "The poor get poorer by acting rich and the rich get richer by acting poor." by Plaque on the wall
I wish that 1/2 stars were available because I would give this book a 3.5 rating. I understand that this is the actual writing of the author, however, her cursive writing was hard to read at times. Going forward, the book may need to be re-released and the text typed instead. Many schools aren't teaching cursive writing and unfortunately the written word is no longer understood by a new generation.
- Cat motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it." by
Anonymous
- "A small drop of ink produces that which makes thousands think." by Lord Byron
- "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." by French Proverb
- "The poor get poorer by acting rich and the rich get richer by acting poor." by Plaque on the wall
I wish that 1/2 stars were available because I would give this book a 3.5 rating. I understand that this is the actual writing of the author, however, her cursive writing was hard to read at times. Going forward, the book may need to be re-released and the text typed instead. Many schools aren't teaching cursive writing and unfortunately the written word is no longer understood by a new generation.
October 20, 2019
Like "Bathed in Prayer" also by Jan Karon, this book is made to look like Father Tim's notebook of quotes that he wrote down himself and would use in his sermons or send in cards to parishioners. The text is done in handwriting, presumably that of Father Tim's. At the back, there's a few empty pages and then a few pages of lists that Father Tim has made: grocery lists and gift lists, and a recipe for pickles. It's a charming layout for a book of quotes and has made me want to start my own. Also, I want my own copy of this book since the one I read was a library loan. Here's some of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Who knows better than He how to guide our mind and pen for his design?" John Bunyan
"Ancora impara" (I am still learning.) Michelangelo at age 87
"A real book is not one that we read but one that reads us." W.H. Auden
"It took me 15 years to discover that I had no talent for writing but I couldn't give it up by that time because I was too famous." Robert Benchley
"Who knows better than He how to guide our mind and pen for his design?" John Bunyan
"Ancora impara" (I am still learning.) Michelangelo at age 87
"A real book is not one that we read but one that reads us." W.H. Auden
"It took me 15 years to discover that I had no talent for writing but I couldn't give it up by that time because I was too famous." Robert Benchley
November 28, 2024
This is a collection of quotes and thoughts from a variety of writers and thinkers that inspired the fictional Father Tim over the years. If you do much public speaking, this book could have much added value for you depending on your target audience.
You get quotes from people like G. K. Chesterton, William Blake, Thomas Jefferson, C. S. Lewis, Helen Keller, Emily Dickinson, Will Rogers, and more.
Karon also includes the pastor’s favorite Bible verses. There’s a great section here on the value of dogs.
The publisher calls it “provocative insight[s] on everything from the righteous to the ridiculous.” That’s an excellent summation.
You get quotes from people like G. K. Chesterton, William Blake, Thomas Jefferson, C. S. Lewis, Helen Keller, Emily Dickinson, Will Rogers, and more.
Karon also includes the pastor’s favorite Bible verses. There’s a great section here on the value of dogs.
The publisher calls it “provocative insight[s] on everything from the righteous to the ridiculous.” That’s an excellent summation.
March 2, 2025
This little book was so sweet & insightful. I loved reading through all the different quotes. It's inspiring to hear the powerful words of so many authors - many being of my favorites. Jan Karon is such an amazing writer & it's so interesting to see some of the work that has inspired her. For a contemporary writer, Karon writes in such a classical way. I loved taking a peek at this book intended to appear as her character, Father Tim's notes. I would highly recommend her own Mitford series to those who have not yet read it.
Read
January 8, 2026This is a short book of quotes collected by the fictional Father Tim. It consists of quotes by famous authors, philosophers and other well-knowns, as well as some Bible verses sprinkled throughout. There are also a few recipes and lists Father Tim has written. Some quotes have brief notes written by Father Tim regarding specific people, events or thoughts that came to mind with the quotes.
Overall, this was a good book, with some selections being laugh-out-loud funny, while many were thought-provoking. I could see Father Tim in a lot of these.
Overall, this was a good book, with some selections being laugh-out-loud funny, while many were thought-provoking. I could see Father Tim in a lot of these.
May 19, 2024
Having read all the Mitford and Father Tim books I decided to read this too. I really enjoyed the quotes and a couple recipes not in the Mitford Cookbook. Some of the hand writing was a little difficult for me to read though. Intersting touch was the double ii in some of the typed essays. Those gave me a chuckle as Father Tim mentioned in one of the other books about his typewriter doing that because the I key got stuck.
April 25, 2019
I loved being able to begin this book many months ago, put the book down and pick the book up again not having to remember what I had previously read. These are words of comfort and celebration from Father Tim from Mitford. This book is a keeper! So many words of wisdom; a book to be read again and again and ponder!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews