Customer Reviews

In This Mountain (The Mitford Years, Book 7)

5 star:		(90)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I was so sad to finish this book! What a delight: such an optimistic and hopeful view of life. I almost turned to the first page and started reading it over!
Father Tim and Cynthia have moved back to Mitford after their stint on Whitecap. They are happy to be back, but Fr. Tim is dissatisfied with retired life. He doesn't know what to do with himself. He wrestles with his faith and with the direction his life is turning. Cynthia has received major accolades for her children's books. The Man In The Attic is back in Mitford, Dooley is lovesick, and the "Turkey Club" is meeting at The Grill as always.
With a few surprises along the way and an ending that will leave you gasping, Jan Karon delivers the most notable Mitford story yet! All the characters we have come to love are still in Mitford, and we love them even more.

Very much like A LIGHT IN THE WINDWOW, I found this book equally as enjoyable. Even if you haven't lived in a small town you'll be able to "get into" this book. There's so much there. It reminds me in many ways of McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD or even TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in its writing and well-drawn characters. This is a timely and moving tale, sure to please.

Also recommended: McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD and I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

This is the 7th book in Jan Karon's wonderful Mitford series, and it was definitely worth the wait. This one displays more insight and emotion into the characters, particularly Father Tim, as he deals with several tough issues. But there is still the same small town humor that we've all come to know and love in this series, and I again finished another Mitford book wishing I could visit this place and meet these eccentric, loveable, and strong characters. Pick this book up today - I read it in 2 days and could barely put it down. You won't be disappointed, and will hopefully find your faith stretched as a result!

This is the book Jan Karon has made; let us be thankful and rejoice in it. An amazing addition to the Mitford series, one that left me gasping at one point and re-reading it almost as soon as I finished it. Once again Ms. Karon presents the reader with the gentle village life of Mitford and the lovable but occasionally cankterous Father Tim, and shows us a gentle side to some very difficult issues. Far from syrupy, the books in this series manage to tackle some really hard turns in the road without becoming a soap opera - more an approach to life through faith and kindness and devotion. For some people, this might be a difficult read but the message of thankfulness and hope will guide you through the darker parts. Life with Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, Puny, Emma, the Turkey Club, Harley, Hessie, Hope & Helene - well ALL the favorite Mitford character, continues to challenge and enrich anyone opening the cover of this truly wonderful book.

The seventh book in the popular Mitford Years series returns fans to peace, comfort and serenity despite obstacles. John McDonough, known to many as Captain Kangaroo on the Fox Family Channel's "The All New Captain Kangaroo," turns in a measured and understanding reading, investing characters with authenticity.

It has been over three years since the beloved cleric, Father Tim Kavanaugh, and his wife, Cynthia, have returned to Mitford. For Father Tim it is a time of introspection as his 70th birthday approaches. He, unfortunately, reaches some painful decisions about his career while Cynthia seemingly flourishes professionally.

Favorite characters from past Mitford books abound: Dooley Barlowe finds romance and his life's work as a veterinarian; duck for cover as there's a haircut war between barber and hair stylist; and there's an updated menu over at the Main Street Grill.

Karon hasn't lost her touch at creating characters we'd love to know. Readers of her previous Mitford books will find these pages populated with friends, and listeners will be beguiled by the voice of John McDonough...

"in This Mountain" takes on a new direction for the beloved Mitford series and its characters. Father Tim deals with the issues of depression, failing health, and self-doubt. There is more dramatic tension in this issue than in previous books. Jan Karon matures right along with her characters. Keep them coming Jan!

I was eagerly awaiting the seventh installment of the Mitford books, because I have loved them all. Don't get me wrong, I really liked this book, but throughout I felt like we had been covering territory that we'd already journeyed through in the first books, particularly "A Light in the Window."

I felt that Ms. Karon got a little bogged down in all the introspection Father Tim went through in this book after his accident (which I won't give away for those who haven't read it yet). And I also thought the Edith Mallory character resurfacing yet again was a repeat of what had happened in previous books. I was really hoping to see the end of her, especially after Father Tim married Cynthia. Maybe it's just a part of the woman's character that she keeps trying to get Father Tim in compromising positions!

However, I loved the "Sammy" angle in this story as well as how Ms. Karon further fleshed out Hope Winchester (a delightful character), Helene Pringle, and Hessie Mayhew. And I was happy to return to Mitford, albeit through some familiar territory as said before.

I'm looking forward to the eighth book in the series, and am hoping some of the loose ends from this book will be tied up -- Dooley and Lace, Sammy and his mother, and the "year in the country."

Oh, and one more thing -- my question at the end of "A New Song" was never answered in this book. What was in the note Father Tim gave Helene Pringle at the end of that book? Was it an oversight that it was left out or are we supposed to think whatever we like?

If you ever doubted that these books are divinely inspired, then I urge you to read this book!

If you have ever suffered with depression, I urge you to read this book!

If you have ever felt yourself waver in your faith, I urge you to read this book!!

In this installment of Jan Karon's glorious Mitford series, we, "Come Home To Mitford", again, and oh what a happy reunion it is!

This book takes us from the valley's to the mountaintops, as we see Father Tim struggling with certain issues in his life.

We are reunited with Uncle Billy and Miss Rose, Hessie Mayhew, Dooley, Jessie, Poo, and most of the other characters that we've grown to love.

I found this to be a much deeper book than the others in the series, and we see these characters grow, through their struggles!!

This book will have you laughing and in tears, and it will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul!!

If you've ever felt in need of a soul-satisfying, divinely inspired book, READ THIS BOOK!

A Devoted Fan, and Mitford Cheerleader!!

Becky Carden, rec@hiwaay.net

Father Tim Kavanaugh and his author-wife, Cynthia, are back in Mitford, thank goodness, for this 7th installment of Jan Karon's lovely series about a tiny village in the North Carolina mountains. Compared to her last book, a prequel about the couple's wedding that only took a couple of hours to read, this book is much more substantive and fun to read. Once again, Tim's fussy personality and Cynthia's practical sense make for a pleasurable read. It just goes to show you that it doesn't take blood and guts and cussing and sex to make a very good book.

The 7th book in the Mitford Series is a joyful read, and just what I had hoped for. Father Tim and Cynthia blossom as their years together move on. Their devotion to each other never wanes, even through the trials and tribulations that are about to test their beliefs to the core. Father Tim goes through some dark days, after an occurrence that shakes all of Mitford to the bone. As usual there are lessons to learn, for with every darkness comes a dawn, though it might be an unexpected one.

All the regulars are back and gizzards are the Tuesday special at the grill, Percy is as cantankerous as ever, some things never change. Emma Newland is working on getting Father Tim into cyberspace, while he's still working on learning to use the microwave. Dooley is back and still searching for his brother Sammy, and George Gaynor "The Man in the Attic" returns.

Jan Karon has created a wonderful place to come with every book of this series, and she doesn't disappoint in her latest edition of the town that everyone should spend time in. She has a wonderful way of allowing the reader to step right into the setting she has created so clearly in her minds eye. We all should spend a little time in Mitford. Kelsana 7/12/02