These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years, Book 3) [Hardcover]

Jan Karon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 1997

Mitford rector Father Tim faces the new challenges of matirmony after he marries his vivacious Cynthia, from the trials and tribulations of the parish's new computer, to redecorating the rectory, to his dog's new sleeping arrangements. Reprint. Tour. K.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The village of Mitford is soothing tonic for a readership that feels starved for community and yearns for clear morals. The recently married Father Tim and his plain-folk neighbors live the best of Christianity in everyday life. Even the rampant gossip in Mitford is the good kind: folks worrying about other folks and everyone minding one another's business out of concern rather than malice. As a result, no one faces a crisis alone. Often the crises are cause for a belly laugh, such as the rectory's new computer system that seems programmed to torment. But just as often the crises have the bite of real-life problems, such as the bloody young girl in shredded clothes, whom Father Tim finds after she was beaten by her drunken father, and the soul-wrenching despair Father Tim feels when he loses a surrogate mother. The heavily quoted scripture gives a day-to-day context for biblical teachings as well as spiritual solace during the sadder days at Mitford. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly

This third in the Mitford series (At Home in Mitford?a 1996 ABBY Book of the Year finalist?and Light in the Window) is another sympathetic portrayal of small-town Southern life with just enough drama to carry the plot and gracefully developed portraits of endearing characters. Allusions to past events and cameos by peripheral characters will delight the fan but may frustrate the reader new to Karon's work. Mitford is a Southeastern mountain town where everyone turns out for benefactress Sadie Baxter's birthday, where the police chief gives copies of Southern Living to inmates?and where social trouble brews in a hillbilly enclave across the creek. Episcopal minister Timothy Kavanagh of Lord's Chapel is the pivotal character. A lifelong bachelor adjusting to marriage for the first time at 63, he has no perspective on his faith and future until he and his new wife, Cynthia, are lost?and found?in a cave on a youth-group camping trip. Most compelling in Timothy's affectionately drawn flock are the young people. Thirteen-year-old Dooley Barlowe was abandoned at the rectory and now struggles to adjust to Timothy's Pygmalion efforts; Lacey Turner, also 13, is saved from her father's abuse as much by Timothy as by social services. Like glass chips tumbling in a kaleidoscope, the people at Mitford fall neatly into place at story's end, having provided a cozy and satisfying read. Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 414 pages
• Publisher: Thomas T. Beeler (June 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574901036
• ISBN-13: 978-1574901030
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,375,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jan Karon is the author of the bestselling series of nine Mitford novels featuring Father Timothy Kavanagh, an Episcopal priest, and the fictional village of Mitford. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Karon's Mitford books include At Home in Mitford; A Light in the Window; These High, Green Hills; Out to Canaan; A New Song; A Common Life: The Wedding Story; In This Mountain; Shepherd's Abiding; and Light from Heaven. The Father Tim Novels include "Home to Holly Springs" and last fall's release of "In the Company of Others," set in County Sligo, Ireland. There are over 40 million Mitford and Father Tim novels, childrens books, and CDs in print.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ahhh...to be back in Mitford!, June 13, 2003

By 

Dianna Johnston "Compulsive Reader" (Joplin, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years #3) (Paperback)

There is just something special about Mitford, North Carolina. Jan Karon has created a magical yet ordinary place, with memorable, endearing characters. I love these novels and enjoy each and every trip I take back.

In the 3rd installment, things are looking up! Father Timothy and Cynthia are settling into married life, and the marvels at having a soul mate after Tim's 60-plus years of bachelorhood has yet to stop amazing him. Their first year will definitely be an adventurous one -- a camping trip gone awry; a 90th birthday party for Timothy's favorite parishioner, Sadie Baxter; the opening of the new nursing home, Hope House; as well as a few newcomers to the Mitford community. And of course all of our favorite characters, like Dooley, Mule and Fancy Skinner, and J.C. Hogan, and places, like The Grill, The Porter Place, and Fernback are back in full swing. Reading these books feel like the best a family reunion has to offer.

A helpful hint for those who are reading the books in order: Book 6 actually fits in between book 2 and 3 -- it is a detailed story of Timothy and Cynthia's wedding. I read it before reading These High, Green Hills. I suggest doing this if you are the type of reader that likes things in chronological order.

I can't wait to continue on with the series. There is a certain beauty about these books, a calming, soothing beauty that makes me want to pack up and move to Mitford! Although not novels of huge, twisting, turning action, Jan Karon manages to turn the ordinary things of life into great milestones. I applaud her and the rewards I receive every time I visit.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner in this wonderful, heartwarming series, April 30, 2000

By 

Jackie Tortorella - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years #3) (Paperback)

I have zoomed through the first 4 Mitford books and am now midway through the 5th. The characters grab you and transport you to a town where I think, deep down, we would all like to call home. Father Tim is a "real" person with very human characteristics. Yet his basic goodness will restore your faith in humanity. The theology is not shoved down your throat, but rather is grasped between the lines. All the characters are memorable. Cynthia and Dooley in particular help shape the wonderful story line. The huge dog, Barnabus, who is disciplined only by hearing Bible verse, worms his way into your heart. I am so glad I discovered this series, and I recommend it to absolutely anyone!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peace with Ms Karon in Mitford, January 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years, Book 3) (Paperback)

I have read four of the Mitford books and am anxiously awaiting the fifth. Since I read so much I must wait for the paperbacks--and waiting for this one is difficult. Having been to Blowing Rock I know what a delightful community it is and were it not for the hurricanes, etc would like to live there. Ms Karon is a most excellent writer and makes one feel they are in all the areas she writes about -- makes me a part of the book and I feel I know all the characters. After I read the next one I know I will be just as eager to read number six. Please write faster.