Customer Reviews

These High, Green Hills

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This is another fine book in Jan Karon's series on Mitford.

Mitford is a nice little North Carolina town, filled with nice people who interact with each other. The main character is an Episcopalian priest who loves his wife, and (believe it or not) believes what he preaches. Father Timothy Kavanaugh not only talks the talk, he walks the walk.

Don't look in this series for foul language, explicit sex, fast car chases or gruesome murders. Some of those stories are alright in their place, but this one is different. The nastiest word you'll find is "poop." But the story avoids being saccharin. The characterizations are excellent, the people live and breathe and their motivations are utterly real. Furthermore, the author demonstrates amazing insights into human nature. The tale was never boring to me.

This is the fourth book of Karon's I've read in this series, and I loved them all. The only fault I've found is that number six was published out-of-order, and should have been number two. But they all stand alone.

Try them, you'll like them.

Joseph Pierre

I was totally absorbed in this book, just like the other two before it.

In this sequel, Jan Karon shows us small-town life for what it really is, completely engrossing. Father Timothy Kavanaugh is married to more than his lovable and eccentric Episcopal parishoners. He's also married to Cynthia, his vivacious and talented neighbor, who is a famous children's author. Suddenly, the routine of a sixty-something bachelor is out the window. Will they be able to keep Father Timothy's dog, away from Cynthia's arrogant cat? Can Father learn to love the old-Italian-villa look his wife is bent on giving the rectory? Dooley Barlowe, the neglected boy, whom Father Tim loves as his own son is experiencing "growing pains." Then, above all, the pverty and violence of an area known as the Creek comes knocking at the rectory door.

Being at home in Mitford, has its challenges for sure. The book is fun to read, and extremely hard to put down!

I was involved with this one from the start. It made me want to be in Miford with these folks. I would love to find a town like this and live there forever. Jan has done a fine job making the reader part of the story. You get the feeling you are part of this lovely community.

In modern times where any bit of 'entertainment' can leave you feeling a bit down, its nice to have something that lets you walk away with a smile. The quality writing and uplifting story with solid values can make you feel grounded as well as full of hope. The world is an amazing place and though this book is fiction, it gives a positive perspective that may help you get a fresh focus. The characters from Mitford always have something going on and Father Tim seems like someone that you could really enjoy knowing.

If you enjoyed the first two books of the series, you will enjoy this one. Character development continues in a positive, enjoyable fashion. Although the primary audience of the series is probably female, I found this to be an enjoyable book for the beach: light and entertaining.

For those who have been craving yet another helping of Mitford, Jan Karon's, These High Green Hills will surely satisfy your appetite. This third book in the series immediately dives into the newlywed lives of Tim and Cynthia Kavanagh. As frequent Mitford readers know, Tim's marriage to Cynthia came as a shock to everyone, including Tim himself. Being a bachelor for over sixty years had definitely created many habits that Tim finds hard to break. However, with Cynthia's bright spirit, and ever flowing creative juices, Tim soon realizes that change is inescapable, even in the small town of Mitford.

While Tim plunges into married life, many of his closest friends experience variation in their lives as well. Tim's surrogate son, Dooley ventures into the world of private education, thanks to benefactress, Ms. Sadie Baxter. Though she is aging, Ms. Sadie shows the same old spunk, and continues to develop her lifelong friendship with her domestic employee, Louella. When the town helps Ms. Sadie celebrate her ninetieth birthday, the future seems as bright as ever. However, Ms. Sadie takes a turn for the worst when she falls and injures her wrist. Despite the worries of her health, everyone anxiously awaits the completion of The Hope House Retirement Home, Ms. Sadie's largest contribution to Mitford. She is providing the money in honor of the Episcopalian church, where Tim holds the pastoral position. Since Father Tim resides as her priest [her most beloved in her years of membership], Ms. Sadie gives him the task of finding a chaplain for the home. Apart from the worries of this job, Father Tim must still fulfill his duties to his parish, including the labors he detests. For instance, the understanding of technology. Due to the slow progression of Mitford, hardly anyone knows much about electronics, especially computers. However, the church soon discovers that a computer is a must for keeping things organized. Will Tim win the technological battle with his longtime secretary, Emma Newland? Change is forever creeping into the quiet peace of Mitford.

Beyond the borders of the small town lies a rough area known as `The Creek'. Poverty, drugs, abuse, and much more are prevalent throughout this domain. As Father Tim becomes more involved with helping the people in this area, the struggles become involved with him as well. Several situations leave him feeling helpless, and he must rely solely on his faith in God's strength. Tim and Cynthia encounter another faith-testing experience when they agree to help chaperone the youth camping trip.

Throughout the ups and downs in the hills of Mitford, Tim continues to learn the meaning of true faith, and that God is in complete control. He professes this lesson to others during the story, amongst birth, death, romance, new life, and whatever else is served to the town of Mitford. Karon has truly outdone herself this time. She's shaken things up a bit, which leaves readers with the usual: still hankering for more!!

These High Green Hills is the 3rd in the Mitford Years series...I read the first 5 books in the series in paperback and loved them so much that I am replacing them with the hardback copies to keep in my personal library to read again and again...appreciate the great prices on these.

Marilyn Fowler

Tyler, Texas