Customer Reviews

The Mitford Years, Books 1-6 (At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan / A New Song / A Common Life)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I remember when my mother asked me if I had heard of the Mitford series. At the time I had heard of the series only vaguely and not enough to tempt me to begin reading. It just so happened that on this 18 hour trip I looked inside my mother's bag and found the first book of the series. I eyed it with curiosity and cautiously flipped open the book to begin reading. Amazingly, time went by without my notice. I found myself sucked into the lives of the characters. While reading I could not help comparing the characters and the town to my own real life neighbors and small town in which I live and discovered some very real similarities. I thoroughly enjoyed and related to the biblical faith expressed in the life of Father Tim. Yes, the community in which I find myself expresses and lives out the same kind of faith. I am thankful that my whole life and heart have changed because of the personal belief I have in the Bible. (Very much like Father Tim.) Since that very long car ride I have read almost all of the series. I strongly recommend this series.

I just finished reading the Mitford series. The books were given to me almost a year ago and sat on my shelf. Recently, I had a personal crisis and have spent much alone time which allowed me time to read the entire series in less than 6 weeks. These are not deep books but often the simple is what we really need. The series provided an escape which could be perceived as a shallow endeavor but reflecting on the deep sprirtual undertones, I found the books inspiring and healing for me during a trying time personally and in light of our national situation as well... I would recommend these books for anyone who is looking for something better.

These books are the most uplifting books I've ever read. Father Tim is human and believable as a Episcopalian priest while imparting spiritual wisdom by the page. The characters become friends who will touch your heart. This is my second set, I loaned the first one out and never got it back. I loved them so much I ordered another set and am on my third reading. As an avid reader I enjoy most everything, from Robert B Parker (another favorite) to Tom Clancey. So I understand folks who prefer action or mystery books may not care for this type of literature. But if you are a "people" book consumer, these are a must read. Just try one to get started and go from there if you like them. I think that you will also find yourself blessed.

The Mitford books are charming books about the small town life of Father Tim in a fictional town in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We meet Father Tim in his twilight years as he works in this Southern community chock full of country "characters" that will make you smile. Along the way, he adopts a cantankerous young boy, finds romance and helps friends with problems.

Karon is from Lenoir, NC, so I find the town and its folk quite familiar. Mitford is tucked in the mountains of NC and the cities of Asheville, Winston-Salem and Charlotte are all mentioned.

These books are heartwarming and the town of Mitford is a refreshing retreat. I recommend reading them chronologically. I like to read one as a respite after a particularly heavy or disturbing novel for balance. It's definitely a Christian series, and although Father Tim is Episcopalian, you'll find the books uplifting and familiar no matter which branch of Christianity you cling to.

The Mitford series is followed by a Father Tim series and there is also a byproduct children's book series, as Father Tim's wife is a children's book author of a series about her cat Violet.

For more of my book reviews and musings on Southern living, visit my blog at [...]

To my surprise, a person I owed big time had never read Jan Karon. Knowing what a pleasure she hss been to me over the years, I knew exactly what to give my pal for Christmas. I purchased the box set of the first six Mitford books with the promise of the rest of the series when she is finished with those. As I wrapped her gift, I thought of how much I've loved the characters Karon has brought to life in her writing. My friend recently lost her husband and dispairs of ever having a loving relationship as a part of her life again and these books are full of hope for those of a certain age finding love again. I know my friend will fall in love with the Mitford gang and know there is a second chance for the most unexpected romantics.

I have read the entire Mitford series in less than one month. The series is an incredible and a refreshing read. With so much negative, brutality, and corruption in today's world, it was a wonderful experience to drop into a town where good is good and wrong is wrong. It's a clean, heartwarming read. I highly recommend these books if you want to be reminded of the good in the world and improve your positive outlook.

Very enjoyable. Easy reading,characters are warm and quirky. Couldn't wait to read the next book. Wonderful reading with a hot choclate on a cold winter night for that warm cozy feeling.

These books are absolutely wonderful, heartwarming and humorous. I would not suggest reading them in succession, but taking a break to other reads after reading one or two in a row. Start with the first and read all. If you are one who loves only mystery, blood, gore and sex, forget this series. If you are one who wants pure pleasure, don't miss the Mitford Series.

I have all of the Mitford Series books and "Esther's Gifts" and the "Mitford Snowmen". Her books are truly what I call "A feel good book". We've also started buying her children's books for our Grandchildren. Jan Karon's books always put you in a "feel good" frame of mind and leave you wanting more.

These books and the story of the people in Mitford are the dearest I have read in a long time.... Jan Karon's writing style really makes me want to get back to the happenings in Mitford as soon as I can!! I have even ordered book seven - will keep these on my bookshelf so I can visit every now and then.