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Mitford Years #4
Out to Canaan
Father Tim, the Episcopal rector, and his talented and vivacious wife, Cynthia, are pondering the murky uncertainties of retirement. They're also trying to locate the scattered siblings of Dooley Barlowe, the mountain boy they love as their own. A brash new mayoral candidate is calling for aggressive development, and a tough survivor must hunker down for the fight of her life. Worse, the Sweet Stuff Bakery may be closing, and a suspicious real estate agent is trying to turn the beloved house on the hill into a spa. Can change be coming to Mitford? The buzz on Main Street says yes. Change is certainly coming to the tenderest regions of several townspeople's lives. A woman struggles every day to stay on course after years of hard living. A man tries to forgive himself for a tragic mistake. And the town's most eligible bachelor leaves Mitford -- and returns with a stunning surprise.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
749 people are currently reading
3900 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
142 books2,789 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 750 reviews
September 20, 2022
I enjoy this series so much. The only thing that could make it better is introducing it to one of my sisters and seeing it anew through her eyes. We are both loving these books so much. It reminds us of simpler times, and opens up interesting conversations. I can highly recommend the series, and I think this book may be my favorite. Three favorite characters, actually four, are introduced/fleshed out in this. The last two chapters are magical.
*****
I've been rereading the Father Tim series because they're such great comfort reads. This fourth book in the series may be my favorite. This is at least my third time reading it, and they truly get better with each reread.
If you've ever wanted to read a modern book that feels like it took place years ago, during a time when people in small towns truly took care of each other, this is a great series to try. As it moves on, key characters are added who give the series more flavor. If the series were a soup, this would be the celery. I don't know how else to explain it. We've met most of these characters before, but you really get to know some key people better in this one. If you hadn't fallen for them yet, this one seals the deal.
The only way to make these books better is to listen to the audio performances by John McDonough. He is to Mitford what Lisette Lecat is to Botswana in the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. They are artists, not only changing voices smoothly and consistently, but becoming the character through each voice chosen.
I don't often shout about a series from the rooftops, but when I do, it's been stitched in to my soul. Father Tim is duking it out with Mma Ramotswe for my heart. I don't think there'll be a winner, as they're both incredible. And if these characters ever met, they would love each other wholeheartedly. I'd have finished this one much faster, but I didn't want it to ever end. Thankfully, the series is a long one.
*****
I've been rereading the Father Tim series because they're such great comfort reads. This fourth book in the series may be my favorite. This is at least my third time reading it, and they truly get better with each reread.
If you've ever wanted to read a modern book that feels like it took place years ago, during a time when people in small towns truly took care of each other, this is a great series to try. As it moves on, key characters are added who give the series more flavor. If the series were a soup, this would be the celery. I don't know how else to explain it. We've met most of these characters before, but you really get to know some key people better in this one. If you hadn't fallen for them yet, this one seals the deal.
The only way to make these books better is to listen to the audio performances by John McDonough. He is to Mitford what Lisette Lecat is to Botswana in the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. They are artists, not only changing voices smoothly and consistently, but becoming the character through each voice chosen.
I don't often shout about a series from the rooftops, but when I do, it's been stitched in to my soul. Father Tim is duking it out with Mma Ramotswe for my heart. I don't think there'll be a winner, as they're both incredible. And if these characters ever met, they would love each other wholeheartedly. I'd have finished this one much faster, but I didn't want it to ever end. Thankfully, the series is a long one.
April 7, 2023
"Take any books of your mom's that you want," Dad said.
One was a copy of Out to Canaan, that I'd given Mom a few years ago. I re-read it over the next few days, wondering if Mom had gotten around to reading this, and if she'd enjoyed it; if she'd laughed when Gene stepped in Esther's orange marmalade cake; if she'd related at all to Father Tim's worries over retirement; and there's the unforgettable scene of the church ladies trying to get the aforesaid cake recipe out of Esther with her two broken arms and her jaw wired shut...("She blinked twice, that's no. Try again. One teaspoon? Oh, thank God! Vanita, one teaspoon.")
And then, near the end, this Christmas Eve vignette:
"He reached up to the closet shelf for the camera and touched the box of his mother's things--the handkerchiefs, her wedding ring, an evening purse, buttons....He would not take it down, but it had somehow released memories of his mother's Christmases, and the scent of chickory coffee and steaming puddings and cookies baking on great sheets....'Mother...' he whispered into the darkened warmth of the closet. 'I remember...'"
I was glad that part came so near the end of the book. I was glad it was followed by nothing but joy.
One was a copy of Out to Canaan, that I'd given Mom a few years ago. I re-read it over the next few days, wondering if Mom had gotten around to reading this, and if she'd enjoyed it; if she'd laughed when Gene stepped in Esther's orange marmalade cake; if she'd related at all to Father Tim's worries over retirement; and there's the unforgettable scene of the church ladies trying to get the aforesaid cake recipe out of Esther with her two broken arms and her jaw wired shut...("She blinked twice, that's no. Try again. One teaspoon? Oh, thank God! Vanita, one teaspoon.")
And then, near the end, this Christmas Eve vignette:
"He reached up to the closet shelf for the camera and touched the box of his mother's things--the handkerchiefs, her wedding ring, an evening purse, buttons....He would not take it down, but it had somehow released memories of his mother's Christmases, and the scent of chickory coffee and steaming puddings and cookies baking on great sheets....'Mother...' he whispered into the darkened warmth of the closet. 'I remember...'"
I was glad that part came so near the end of the book. I was glad it was followed by nothing but joy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2022
The life of a small village parish priest is not an easy one. With each book in the Mitford series, Father Tim's life grows increasingly complex in difficult, heartbreaking ways, as well as uplifting and heartwarming ones.
This series has dealt with child and spousal abuse, alcoholism, horrific accidents and a host of other traumatic events in Mitford. But that, of course, is not what always draws me back to these books. They also deal with the power of love and forgiveness, the power of community working together and caring for each other, and the power of kindness.
Mitford, an idyllic village in the mountains of North Carolina, has a host of quirky characters who each have a story to tell. Mitford became an addiction for me more than twenty years ago. I eagerly awaited the publication of each book in the fourteen book series (plus other companion ones).
In this book, #4 in the series, a political election enters the equation, one filled with dishonesty and dirty tricks funded by a wealthy, mean-spirited donor without scruples or compassion. Sound familiar?! Perhaps this wasn't the best book for me to read during our own election year.
One always knows that Father Tim, his wife, Cynthia, and the other good townspeople of Mitford will prevail, but this book was a nail-biter. The villainess, Edith Mallory, strongly reminded me of the archvillainess in Disney's 101 Dalmatians, Cruella de Vil! Note: The Hundred and One Dalmatians was originally a children's novel by English author, Dodie Smith, published in 1956.
I will be setting my Mitford vacation aside for now, but it was lovely revisiting the first four books again after more than twenty years. Somewhere I know this village exists - and that is the power of the written word!
This series has dealt with child and spousal abuse, alcoholism, horrific accidents and a host of other traumatic events in Mitford. But that, of course, is not what always draws me back to these books. They also deal with the power of love and forgiveness, the power of community working together and caring for each other, and the power of kindness.
Mitford, an idyllic village in the mountains of North Carolina, has a host of quirky characters who each have a story to tell. Mitford became an addiction for me more than twenty years ago. I eagerly awaited the publication of each book in the fourteen book series (plus other companion ones).
In this book, #4 in the series, a political election enters the equation, one filled with dishonesty and dirty tricks funded by a wealthy, mean-spirited donor without scruples or compassion. Sound familiar?! Perhaps this wasn't the best book for me to read during our own election year.
One always knows that Father Tim, his wife, Cynthia, and the other good townspeople of Mitford will prevail, but this book was a nail-biter. The villainess, Edith Mallory, strongly reminded me of the archvillainess in Disney's 101 Dalmatians, Cruella de Vil! Note: The Hundred and One Dalmatians was originally a children's novel by English author, Dodie Smith, published in 1956.
I will be setting my Mitford vacation aside for now, but it was lovely revisiting the first four books again after more than twenty years. Somewhere I know this village exists - and that is the power of the written word!
June 8, 2018
This may be—dare I say it?— my new favorite in this beautiful series.
After the melodramatic-ish second book and the deep darkness of the third one, this installment, while the conflict exists and is real and worrisome, is so much lighter. I didn’t own this one til recently and thus was unable to read it as often as some of the others, but that made this reread all the more sweet. Dooley and Lace get their first real interactions in this book, which made me so happy. Father Tim and Cynthia’s marital bliss makes me so happy. They’re not perfect newlyweds anymore, but they have a sweetness to their relationship that I love. Everything about this trip to Mitford was perfect—a refreshing glass of water in the midst of a hassled and darker life.
5/5 stars and absolutely recommend.
After the melodramatic-ish second book and the deep darkness of the third one, this installment, while the conflict exists and is real and worrisome, is so much lighter. I didn’t own this one til recently and thus was unable to read it as often as some of the others, but that made this reread all the more sweet. Dooley and Lace get their first real interactions in this book, which made me so happy. Father Tim and Cynthia’s marital bliss makes me so happy. They’re not perfect newlyweds anymore, but they have a sweetness to their relationship that I love. Everything about this trip to Mitford was perfect—a refreshing glass of water in the midst of a hassled and darker life.
5/5 stars and absolutely recommend.
March 29, 2022
I just realized that I never reviewed this. Oops. Well, it’s been long enough that I can’t exactly remember what I liked and didn’t like, as the Mitford books all form one long story in my head, but I think it’s fair to say that I heartily enjoyed it, same as the rest of the series. Four stars for now, and I’ll up it to five later if I re-read (which is sure to happen) and remember to write a better review (which is perhaps not so sure to happen).
June 1, 2025
Another glorious instalment in the Mitford series. (And more utterly brilliant narration by John McDonough!) I’d say this one had a more serious tone (though not one I’d go so far as to call “dark”), and the town and residents of Mitford face some truly daunting and sobering challenges. But there are also moments of complete joy and humour, and I continue to wish with deep longing that Mitford and Father Tim were real.
March 24, 2025
Some twenty years ago I’ve read the first books in the Mitford series and was so enchanted that I decided I wanted to read the whole series. So I bought the last volumes in a beautiful boxed set but then they just sat on my bookshelves untouched year after year.
I liked revisiting the small town and the lives of its inhabitants, so well characterised that they end up feeling like an extended family. But this time I did not feel the enchantment. I still found it a cosy reading, the writing is good, with beautiful descriptions of the changing seasons, some humour and a lot of spirituality. Maybe too much, actually… But then, the main character is a priest, so what could I expect?
I wonder whether I would have liked the book more, if I had read it after the first volumes. I will never know. What I know is that I want to stick with my decision to avoid bringing books into the house unless I am confident I will be able to read them within the year. And now I will go straight to the next Mitford volume, two more still to go!
I liked revisiting the small town and the lives of its inhabitants, so well characterised that they end up feeling like an extended family. But this time I did not feel the enchantment. I still found it a cosy reading, the writing is good, with beautiful descriptions of the changing seasons, some humour and a lot of spirituality. Maybe too much, actually… But then, the main character is a priest, so what could I expect?
I wonder whether I would have liked the book more, if I had read it after the first volumes. I will never know. What I know is that I want to stick with my decision to avoid bringing books into the house unless I am confident I will be able to read them within the year. And now I will go straight to the next Mitford volume, two more still to go!
December 5, 2018
The small town of Mitford has a few things going on.
A development company wants to buy up property for a spa . The house on the hill.
There is going to be a mayor elected, with signs all over the community. What will Father Tim do when his favorite bakery may close, due to retirement.
Father Tim is also thinking about retirement. Maybe he should wait a year.
So goes the town and it's sentimential ways.
A development company wants to buy up property for a spa . The house on the hill.
There is going to be a mayor elected, with signs all over the community. What will Father Tim do when his favorite bakery may close, due to retirement.
Father Tim is also thinking about retirement. Maybe he should wait a year.
So goes the town and it's sentimential ways.
January 15, 2023
This is the first Mitford series book I read with my eyes because I loved the narrations by John McDonough. However, I couldn't find his narration of book #4 and it seems that the audio version is perhaps abridged?? By Jan Karon? I'm not sure, but I was unwilling to switch narrators so I finally just picked up the physical copy and oh my goodness!!! Love these books! I'm going to give myself a few days break and pick up #5 soon!
June 19, 2013
I love Jan Karon's wit. Her characters are so real I feel like I know them, like I live in Mitford. The affable, bumbling goofball Father Tim delights me. "He wanted to say something to her, something to let her know that having her beside him meant the world to him, meant everything. 'I'm going to buy us a new frying pan today.' he said. . . . He hadn't meant to say that. He hadn't meant to say that at all!" (page 51) He ruined a romantic moment with unintended humor, just one example of his bumbling ways.
In Out to Canaan it seems like everything that can go wrong in a small town is going wrong in Mitford, and the general peace of Mitford is disturbed. Good old Father Tim plays detective in many aspects of his life and calling, all the while praying the prayer that cannot fail: "Your will be done."
How can someone not love the character-driven Mitford books? They're light-hearted, humorous, and captivating. If Mitford, NC were real, I'd move there. These are books worth reading especially if you desperately need a good laugh.
In Out to Canaan it seems like everything that can go wrong in a small town is going wrong in Mitford, and the general peace of Mitford is disturbed. Good old Father Tim plays detective in many aspects of his life and calling, all the while praying the prayer that cannot fail: "Your will be done."
How can someone not love the character-driven Mitford books? They're light-hearted, humorous, and captivating. If Mitford, NC were real, I'd move there. These are books worth reading especially if you desperately need a good laugh.
November 30, 2024
It was lovely to be back in Mitford!
May 14, 2023
Listening again in 2023. Ditto to the below.
"A Trip to Mitford is Good for the Soul" proclaims the book cover, and indeed it is true. I think the Mitford series is the most comforting series I've ever read. The inhabitants of this small imaginary town feel like friends and neighbors, and the time spent with them restores the soul, even as they meet and overcome difficulties in their everyday lives. The audio by John McDonough is so perfect; his voice soothes and entertains. During this tumultuous time, I've been putting myself to bed with the Mitford series audio books. I've read them so many times that even if I doze off, I can catch up with the story later. It's a good way to send myself off to dreamland. I always hate for one of these books to end - I want the story to go on and on and on. Take a trip to Mitford - and read them in order if possible. Otherwise they won't make much sense.
"A Trip to Mitford is Good for the Soul" proclaims the book cover, and indeed it is true. I think the Mitford series is the most comforting series I've ever read. The inhabitants of this small imaginary town feel like friends and neighbors, and the time spent with them restores the soul, even as they meet and overcome difficulties in their everyday lives. The audio by John McDonough is so perfect; his voice soothes and entertains. During this tumultuous time, I've been putting myself to bed with the Mitford series audio books. I've read them so many times that even if I doze off, I can catch up with the story later. It's a good way to send myself off to dreamland. I always hate for one of these books to end - I want the story to go on and on and on. Take a trip to Mitford - and read them in order if possible. Otherwise they won't make much sense.
December 13, 2015
Heartwarming, Encouraging & Refreshing! An Uplifting Read! I Loved It!
February 17, 2023
Now he knew otherwise, and felt a tremulous excitement about stepping out on faith and finding his Canaan, wherever it may be. Indeed, the fear he now wrestled with was the fear of the unfamiliar. Hadn't he been wrapped in a cocoon for the last sixteen years, the very roof over his head provided?
"By faith, Abraham went out," he often quoted to himself from Hebrews, "not knowing where. . . ."
“Out to Canaan” truly does encapsulate this novel. Those going out to Canaan are going to a new place, and that means change. So this novel explores change, both good and bad. Circumstances, relationships, and even hearts change. Father Tim is headed toward one of the greatest changes of his life as retirement approaches. The mayoral race revolves around whether Mitford needs big changes in the name of “progress.”
Those going out to Canaan are also going to the promised land, and that means a journey to find home and rest. It’s no surprise then that physical homes come up big in this novel—Fernbank, the rectory, and Cynthia’s house, to name a few. Then there’s the characters who leave home, come home, stay home, or are brought home. The capstone of it all is the novel’s final chapter, in which one character’s wayward soul finds home and rest in God at last, and we leave Mitford in a beautiful state of shalom.
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Free read)
"By faith, Abraham went out," he often quoted to himself from Hebrews, "not knowing where. . . ."
“Out to Canaan” truly does encapsulate this novel. Those going out to Canaan are going to a new place, and that means change. So this novel explores change, both good and bad. Circumstances, relationships, and even hearts change. Father Tim is headed toward one of the greatest changes of his life as retirement approaches. The mayoral race revolves around whether Mitford needs big changes in the name of “progress.”
Those going out to Canaan are also going to the promised land, and that means a journey to find home and rest. It’s no surprise then that physical homes come up big in this novel—Fernbank, the rectory, and Cynthia’s house, to name a few. Then there’s the characters who leave home, come home, stay home, or are brought home. The capstone of it all is the novel’s final chapter, in which one character’s wayward soul finds home and rest in God at last, and we leave Mitford in a beautiful state of shalom.
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Free read)
April 30, 2021
Out to Canaan started out a bit slow for me but then it got busy quickly. There was a lot of real estate and political drama in this episode. I found much of the story to be predictable. I can only think of one loose end that wasn't neatly tied up, but wish there had been a couple more to be more believable.
I enjoyed the reflection: "Suppose for a moment...that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks." as well as the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.
I enjoyed the reflection: "Suppose for a moment...that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks." as well as the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.
June 4, 2021
Jan Karon writes fantasy. It's fantasy set in a mostly realistic world, but there's still a lot that requires a willing suspension of disbelief. Happily, I am willing. I just have to leave the fantasy in Mitford and not look for it out here.
August 14, 2024
Total joy! It’s so much fun to see the relationship developing between Dooley and Lace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
Somehow I forgot to mark this as read even though I read it a month ago.
My favorite Mitford so far.
My favorite Mitford so far.
December 31, 2009
The 4th book in this beloved series. The fact that I have now read four books in the saga of Mitford and Father Tim Kavanagh is testament to the fact that I love these books. Father Tim is one of my all time favorite characters in literature. This loving servant of God tries so hard to be the good shepherd of his charming, lovable, sometimes exasperating "sheep". In this episode Father Tim is rapidly approaching retirement and he struggles to tie up some rather frustrating loose ends before he leaves his post. One of those "loose ends" is what to do with Fernwood,the crumbling estate left to him by one of his dearly departed parishioners. A real estate developer from Florida has made a very tempting offer to take the decaying structure off his hands, but Father Tim, in an attempt to live up to the dying wishes of it's previous owner, can't quite get comfortable with selling the property to this developer.
With his reliance on God for guidance Father Tim finds answers to many vexing situations and in the process has his own faith strengthened. One of my favorite elements in the Mitford books are the quotes used by Father Tim to illustrate a concept or principle of faith. They have lead me to new sources of inspiration and authors of faith based literature.
Decidedly a delightful reading experience.
With his reliance on God for guidance Father Tim finds answers to many vexing situations and in the process has his own faith strengthened. One of my favorite elements in the Mitford books are the quotes used by Father Tim to illustrate a concept or principle of faith. They have lead me to new sources of inspiration and authors of faith based literature.
Decidedly a delightful reading experience.
April 7, 2023
Another winner from Jan Karon. In this one there is a bit of a mystery. (Who is buying up all available property in Mitford and why?)
The writing is always wonderful: “Marge Owen’s French grandmother’s chicken pie was a study in contrasts. Its forthright and honest filling, which combined large chunks of white and dark meat, coarsely cut carrots, green peas, celery, and whole shallots, was laced with a dollop of sauterne and crowned by a pastry so light and flaky, it might have won the favor of Louis XIV.”
There are happy moments when a couple of characters find true love, followed by sad moments with two characters who are struggling to give up their addictions. The weaving together of joy and woe is what Karon does so beautifully. In Chapter Ten she juxtaposes Father Tim’s memory of the church that had burned down years ago with the beautiful nursing home that now stands in its place. “Wasn’t that the gist of life, after all, making the everyday choice between fire and phoenix?”
I enjoyed it from start to finish.
The writing is always wonderful: “Marge Owen’s French grandmother’s chicken pie was a study in contrasts. Its forthright and honest filling, which combined large chunks of white and dark meat, coarsely cut carrots, green peas, celery, and whole shallots, was laced with a dollop of sauterne and crowned by a pastry so light and flaky, it might have won the favor of Louis XIV.”
There are happy moments when a couple of characters find true love, followed by sad moments with two characters who are struggling to give up their addictions. The weaving together of joy and woe is what Karon does so beautifully. In Chapter Ten she juxtaposes Father Tim’s memory of the church that had burned down years ago with the beautiful nursing home that now stands in its place. “Wasn’t that the gist of life, after all, making the everyday choice between fire and phoenix?”
I enjoyed it from start to finish.
November 19, 2018
Ah, well. He could muddle on about the fire, or he could look at what had risen from the ashes. Wasn't that the gist of life, after all, making the everyday choice between fire and phoenix?
These books reward a second, third, or fourth reading. You see things you had forgotten, e.g. I didn't remember how angry Father Tim got in one trying episode. There are plot points to be refreshed. But. It's really the culture of Mitford, the dynamics of Father Tim and Cynthia's household, the quotes from living authors, and the growth in characters that compel. Karon's phrases like a virtual cantata of moaning and groaning.
~ For fun ~
Me: I love this book!
You: Carol, what *don't* you love?
Me: The illustrations at the beginning of the chapters; the outdated diabetes advice; when a dear character dies.
~ For the laugh ~
A husband of a devoted reader complained that there was no sex in these books. Jan Karon objected. There certainly is! (It's on page 283 of my copy): He reached for her, and she turned to him, eagerly, smiling in the darkness.
These books reward a second, third, or fourth reading. You see things you had forgotten, e.g. I didn't remember how angry Father Tim got in one trying episode. There are plot points to be refreshed. But. It's really the culture of Mitford, the dynamics of Father Tim and Cynthia's household, the quotes from living authors, and the growth in characters that compel. Karon's phrases like a virtual cantata of moaning and groaning.
~ For fun ~
Me: I love this book!
You: Carol, what *don't* you love?
Me: The illustrations at the beginning of the chapters; the outdated diabetes advice; when a dear character dies.
~ For the laugh ~
A husband of a devoted reader complained that there was no sex in these books. Jan Karon objected. There certainly is! (It's on page 283 of my copy): He reached for her, and she turned to him, eagerly, smiling in the darkness.
April 11, 2010
I'm going to write the same thing for the entire series. It's a syrupy sweet old fashioned read which does not demand anything of the reader. Many find the series feel good, and there are some sparkles of true conflict here and there, but mostly it's about the mundane daily plight of a vicar who finds love later in life and saves people - emotionally and physically.
If you like the first in the series, keep reading because you will be comforted by the characters and will want to see who is added to the "family." This reads like it was made for a TV series, which I am surprised it has not been made into for PBS yet!
What I like about this series is that it doesn't try to be anything it is not; that in itself makes it charming, and if you want to read a simple, feel good, clean series, then this is it.
If you like the first in the series, keep reading because you will be comforted by the characters and will want to see who is added to the "family." This reads like it was made for a TV series, which I am surprised it has not been made into for PBS yet!
What I like about this series is that it doesn't try to be anything it is not; that in itself makes it charming, and if you want to read a simple, feel good, clean series, then this is it.
June 19, 2025
January 2025
Reread, audiobook
January 2022
Reread, audiobook
Really enjoyed this visit to Mitford and the hopeful note it ended on.
January 2017
Another delightful jaunt to Mitford.
Reread, audiobook
January 2022
Reread, audiobook
Really enjoyed this visit to Mitford and the hopeful note it ended on.
January 2017
Another delightful jaunt to Mitford.
September 15, 2017
I read this book, and the entire series, quite a while ago; but I recently started listening to them on audio. I'd forgotten how wonderfully written they are, with wit and humor sprinkled throughout. They're also so calming to listen to when you need to just "chill." Enjoy.
April 24, 2021
I think these books are getting better as the series progresses - or is it that I just enjoy my visits to Mitford more as I get closer to the characters? I really like how this one ended, for the most part. I think the characters are making some good choices and there were a few dramatic developments in the story.
One thing I don't like is the multiple female names starting with E: Emma, Edith, Esther and Esther! That's so confusing, especially the two Esthers. Why did Jan Karon do this to us? I've written some fiction and thought it was standard to make sure people wouldn't be confused by multiple names starting with the same letter, or in some other way being too similar.
Anyhow, great story nonetheless. Can't wait to read the next in the series. That will happen next month, if all goes as planned.
One thing I don't like is the multiple female names starting with E: Emma, Edith, Esther and Esther! That's so confusing, especially the two Esthers. Why did Jan Karon do this to us? I've written some fiction and thought it was standard to make sure people wouldn't be confused by multiple names starting with the same letter, or in some other way being too similar.
Anyhow, great story nonetheless. Can't wait to read the next in the series. That will happen next month, if all goes as planned.
December 28, 2020
My late mother loved the Fr. Timothy/Mitford series, and gave me several of them when she moved out of her house. As I have said in my reviews of the earlier books in the series - sometimes you just need to read an old fashioned series that focuses on God and the good things in life, and serves to remind you to count your blessings.
April 2, 2021
Life in Mitford continues, Dooley is growing up, Father Tim and Cynthia are settling into marriage, and their home is bursting at the seams with those they help. This fourth installment in the series is a comforting and relaxing read, often making me chuckle. Delightful!
July 2, 2018
This Mitford series becomes more touching, fun and readable as I go along.
September 13, 2021
Just a joyful, charming read. Do I want to read the rest of this wonderful series? YES! Consider it done!
December 18, 2024
Man I wish I could write like this.
The way Karon keeps hold of so many little story lines, and character quirks is masterful. And the ways it's all wrapped up in the end is beautiful.
The way Karon keeps hold of so many little story lines, and character quirks is masterful. And the ways it's all wrapped up in the end is beautiful.
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