Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good (Mitford)

For those of us who love reading about Mitford, the sheer joy of having another book about this fabulous town when we thought for years there would be no more is pure bliss.

I'm not going to give anything away about what happens in this book since it isn't widely available yet, but Mitford fans will

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be welcomed back with open arms to the small town with the big heart. Here's a tidbit though - an old mayor might be making a comeback and all the children of Pauline Barlowe have been found.

Yes some townsfolk are no longer with us, Uncle Billy and Miss Sadie come to mind but we are still enjoying the company of Dooley, Lace and of course Timothy and Cynthia.

I thank Jan Karon for giving us another book set in Mitford. I loved it and have placed it on my shelf next to my other well-worn copies of the series.

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I have been keeping up with Father Tim and Cynthia while they were away from Mitford, and loved both those books. It was a period of growth for them both, and some hard times as well.

It's nice to have them back home in Mitford. I didn't realize how very much I missed Dooley and the rest of his

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family. And all the rest of the fine citizens of Mitford. And they're all here.

It astonishes me that there are people who say this series is too "cozy" for them. I think these might be people who've never given them a try. While I find Mitford and its citizenry a comfort, I don't find it twee or too cozy. "Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good" has its share of sadness, but it also brings us great joy, and a few laughs along with a few tears.

The Mitford books help me remember to say thanks for the joy and blessings in my own life where I'm "Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good."

If you've been waiting for a new Mitford book, I can't imagine how you might be disappointed. This is just lovely.

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I have read all of Jan Karon, with the exception of a couple of her children's books. While I loved reading her last two books, in which she branched out from the idyllic mountain village of Mitford and sent Father Tim to Mississippi and Ireland to discover more about his past and, consequently,

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himself, I greatly missed Mitford! Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is a cozy return to small town life, in which Father Tim attempts to figure out what it means to be retired. Many familiar Mitford characters return, along with a few new ones. We get to see Father Tim struggle with how to help the troubled seventeen year old Sammy Barlowe, and discover how several Mitfordians pull together to help keep the local bookstore afloat while the proprietor goes through a trying time, amongst several other subplots. I love many things about this book, as well as all of the Mitford series, but here are two charming aspects that I found especially delightful: 1) The hilariously bad local newspaper articles penned by Vanita Bentley and peppered throughout the book are a riot. I think everyone has encountered a Vanita Bentley at some point in our lives- a person who is passionate about what they do, but clueless as to how terribly they do it. 2) All the bookstore bits. Who among us hasn't longed to own, or at least work in, a home-owned book shop? I was living vicariously through Father Tim in this book, and could almost smell the coffee and hear the soft classical music.

This book is a portrait of everything we wish small town life could be- caring neighbors, a host of eclectic characters, a thriving downtown, and a wonderfully endearing Christmas celebration. If you are going through a hard time, read this book. If life is going great for you, read this book. Either way, you will be encouraged to do your part to make the world a little bit more like Mitford.

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Wonderful return to Mitford, though I did find it a bit of a slow start. Father Tim and Cynthia are back in Mitford after their travels. Cynthia is deep into her next book, but Father Tim is at loose ends. His friend and doctor is retiring and headed off to do charity work in the Sudan, leaving him

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feeling that he should be doing something useful with his time. But when trouble comes to his old parish, he realizes that he is not the one best suited to dealing with it, leaving him wondering what he should be doing.

The people of Mitford don't leave him wondering for long. Father Tim soon finds himself involved in many aspects of peoples' lives. I loved seeing his patience with Sammy, one of Dooley's younger brothers. Sammy is still dealing with his anger over his mother's treatment of him and acts out in many ways. He has an explosive temper, resents his oldest brother's success, and does his best to push everyone away. Even when Sammy wrecks Father Tim's car, he doesn't wash his hands, but continues to show his love. Though there isn't a complete turnaround, progress is made by the end of the book. Hopefully there will be more of Sammy in another book.

One of Father Tim's favorite places in town, the Happy Endings bookstore, is in danger of closing. The owner is newly pregnant and having problems that have sentenced her to bedrest. To prevent that from occurring, he offers to open the store for her one day a week, leading others to do the same. I loved seeing him get so involved in the running of the store and helping people find books. The support from the various townspeople is wonderful to see, and I loved the various book quotes they posted on the bulletin board. Father Tim seems to have found a perfect place to influence many lives.

Running throughout the book is the local paper's campaign to name the town's "Leading Citizen". The frontrunner is Father Tim, who is not at all happy with the idea. He doesn't feel worthy of such a title, and doesn't like being held up as such a role model. And yet, he finds a way to help so many. I enjoyed seeing his relationship with Coot, the local handyman, and how he was there for Coot during a heartbreaking loss and then helped make a dream come true. I loved seeing the "Turkey Club" back together, and hearing their observations on life in Mitford. Father Tim also has a wonderful way of listening to people who come to him, allowing them to work out their own problems with only some guidance from him. This especially shows in his relationship with Dooley and his struggles with his love for Lace. So much support, but also trust that Dooley will do what is right for both.

There are plenty of updates on old friends, and the introduction of new ones. I loved the surprise visitor to town and the incredible news she brings to a resident. There are interesting developments with Esther's Orange Marmalade Cake, and also with the former mayor of Mitford. I enjoyed the arrival of Fancy's sister Shirlene, and the effect she has on the morale of many residents. There are some things left hanging, which I hope means that there will be another visit to Mitford soon.

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I have read most of the Mitford novels. This one came to me as an Early Reviewer book, and I was happy to get it. I liked reading the letter from the author in which she explained about not writing for a few years. This book presents the old friends of Father Tim and company, and catches the reader

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up on what is happening with them. Again, the characters are not without their faults and worries, as all of us experience. It is definitely worth the read, especially if you are already a follower of the Mitford stories.

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I thought I would never get through this book. I have heard so many wonderful things about the Mitford Series that I was sure I would love this book. I didn't. I found it extremely boring. I thought it might be because I never read the series so I checked out the first two books from the library. I

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couldn't get through the first book. I was bound and determined to finish this book but it took a real force of will to do it.

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When I PICK UP a book and begin to read, I want to be taken into an adventure. I want something to remember and characters to take me away from myself and into my imagination. I love romances and mysteries. I love thrillers and human interest stories.This my first experience with "Father Tim".

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Maybe the other novels would be helpful, and add something to the storyline, but, unfortunately, I found this to be the most boring book I have ever tried to wade through. I only read 319 of the 511 pages, but that was enough. This could have been my boring life. Sorry!
Thank you Penguin for allowing me to review this book. I apologize for a bad review.

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I've read others in Jan Karon's Mitford series, although not all by any means. This is singularly the best I've read, and should appeal even to those who know nothing of the quirky characters which populate her books. Karon's style, while light and breezy in some ways, Karon is nevertheless a

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wordsmith par excellence and those who enjoy carefully crafted English language will love this book. Father Tim Kavanagh, having married his next door neighbor quite late in life, is now five years retired from a lengthy stay at the Episcopal Lord's Chapel parish in Mitford, a small southern town in North Carolina. Father Tim knows and cares about everyone in his little world, but is somewhat adrift and needs grounding in this story that clearly shows both the benefits and disadvantages of small town life. I particularly enjoyed the armchair theology that highlights the grace of God, the grace that man can bestow as a result of receiving God's grace, and how wonderful and varied are the ways that the Father deals with His wayward children.

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I received this book through the Librarything's Early Reviewer feature. I've read all Jan Karon's "Mitford" series, in order. While it certainly helps, getting to know these quirky characters through the years, the author summarizes their history well enough that a new reader can follow along

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without any problem. This novel opens with Father Tim and his wife Cynthia finally home from their extended vacation in Ireland. The story lines include Father Tim's activities during retirement, his adopted son Dooley's relationship with the beautiful Lace Harper, Dooley's brother Sammy's anger and rebellion, Scott and Hope Murphy's difficult pregnancy, as well as the variety of changes happening among the lives of the many citizens of Mitford. Karon's novels are filled with well developed characters in whose lives the reader can't help but feel engaged. The "faith-challenges" everyday people experience, and the ability to see God's hand in our lives is a theme seen frequently in Karon's writing. One of the aspects of Father Tim's personality that I enjoy and appreciate most is that he is filled with imperfections, yet he is loving and lovable. I find the relationships between Karon's characters, as well as their relationship with God thought provoking and inspiring. I have found that all her novels are worth reading a second (and third?) time because with each reading, depending on where I am in my life, I find something I didn't see the first time. This book is filled with warmth and wisdom and is one of Jan Karon's best novels to date.

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I was pleased to hear that fans of the Mitford series were going to get a chance to head back to Mitford with Father Tim and Cynthia, and catch up with all our old friends. I have read all of the Mitford books, so following Father Tim around town, whether checking in on former parishioners or just

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on his own adventures (in retail!), The book's pace and Hope's pregnancy give the book a feel of passing time, but it was quite a long time in these people's lives. OMC all around, this was a pretty good finale for Mitford.

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I love the title of this book, Somewher Safe with Somebody Good; it really says where we all yearn to be. I have read most of the Mitford books and it was nice to visit with old friends. As usual, the stories were interesting and the characters finely drawn. I just wish that Karon had resisted the

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urge to tell us the entire back story of each of the characters, making the book twice as long as it needed to be.

It may not be fair to point out an error in my proof copy because it may have been corrected in the final copy but I came to a screeching halt on page 313 as Father Tim is reflecting on the worth of fleeting moments and says, "Charles Wesley's heart was strangely warmed." No, No, No! John Wesley's heart was strangely warmed and he went on to found the Methodist movement. Charles was his younger brother and writer of more than 6,000 hymns.

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Jan Karon is back, bringing lovers of the charming small mountain town of North Carolina and quirky characters (#10 in the Mitford Series) with cozy Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good –offering hope for the future.

Lovable, humble, and wise Father Tim Kavanagh reflects on the past, and looks

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forward to the future with his wife Cynthia, back in Mitford. After a few years into his retirement, following an emotional trip to his hometown in Ireland, and the discovery of his unknown half- brother. (separate books)

However, upon his arrival the entire village seems up be in unsettled with all sorts of problems. Even though Father Tim is glad to be back, something is missing, and he is undecided about his future.

Cynthia is a beloved author of children's books, and quite busy; however, Father Tim feels certain God will provide and offer him answers. He decides to turn down the bishop's request, to return to his old parish, after what has taken place in the past.

He decides to take on the job of operating the village bookstore, while the owner is on bed rest due to her pregnancy, while still raising money for the children’s hospital and continuing with his good deeds. Dooley Barlowe, his foster son, and the young man he raised as his own, is well on his way to becoming a veterinarian.

However, there are still siblings, with issues, like Dooley’s brother Sammy. Wanda’s Feel Good Café opens, a romance catches fire through an Internet word game, their former mayor hatches a reelection campaign to throw the bums out, and the weekly Muse poses a probing inquiry: Does Mitford still take care of its own?

The heartwarming novel is filled with the delightful characters from the previous Mitford novels: Ester Cunningham, the mayor; Fanny Skinner and her sister Shirlene; Harley and Hèléne; plus Dooley's brothers; Father Tim's special buddies, Mule, JC and Coot.

As a native of NC, only a few hours from Mitford (the fictional town, based on Blowing Rock, NC) is one I have visited many times. As always, when I read Jan Karon’s books, I think back to my times at this special place throughout my childhood. I am planning a trip next month for my fall fix with log cabin, reading, rocking chair, fireplace, and lots of hiking with beautiful waterfalls and scenery. I miss the days my son attended college in Banner Elk, NC and quaint B&Bs, shops, and skiing.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator offered an engaging performance; however, missed the town maps, as I always enjoy viewing in her print books.

Jan Karon has a special gift of creating lovable yet flawed characters, ordinary people, with problems and struggles and always includes an inspiring and a special takeaway which will readers remember long after the book ends.

I would recommend reading, even as a standalone, if you have not read Karon’s previous books; however, even more spectacular, if you have read the previous books to catch up with friends of Mitford!

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I was excited to learn I was going to receive an ER copy of this book, and I was not at all disappointed when I read it. Well, yes I was disappointed because I was done with it and don't know when or if there will be another Mitford book, but the writing didn't disappoint me!

This is a lovely return

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to Mitford. Jan Karon still has the ability to draw the reader in and make him or her care about fictional characters. Most of the old favorites are there, particularly Father Tim, Cynthia, and Barnabus, as well as some new characters who may become favorites. There is love, joy, sadness, anger, fear, rejoicing, and nearly every other emotion known to man.

For anyone who has enjoyed the previous Mitford novels, I highly recommend this. For anyone who has yet to make the acquaintance of Father Tim and the rest of the village of Mitford, I highly recommend reading the previous books!

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Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is one of a series featuring the small town of Mitford, North Carolina. Novels which centered around small towns are one of my favorite reads but unfortunately this book was tedious to finish. The book was far too long in content to tell the latest chapter of this

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small town saga.

The protagnist is the local retired minister, Father Tim who is the most selfless character with so many sterling attibutes. In my opinion, Ms. Karon skipped too much from his story to some of the other quirky characters in the town that I was totally confused. I reread so many paragraphs to understand who was telling their story that the book was put on my bed stand for another night of reading.

The story of this town should be read from beginning to end to fully enjoy all the citizens of Mitford and their stories. I have read countless series based on small towns where one character was the focus of the novel...my head is still spinning from this book.

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Father Tim and his wife Cynthia, return home from an extended trip to his Irish ancestors home. He is glad to be back home in Mitford; however, he is not the same and searches for an answer. His adopted son, Dooley is struggling with his own doubts, while Wanda's Fell Good Cafe opens. Enjoy reading

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the latest Mitford story.

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Another great book by Jan Karon. I got hooked on the Mitford Series and made a point to find every book that was out at the time. When I heard that a new book was coming out in the new series she started about Father Tim's new life I was very excited. This book holds true to form and allows you to

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keep up with what is happening in the lives of the characters that you have grown to love.

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I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters in Mitford, especially since I have read most of the series. It has been a while since I've read the previous books, and it was good meeting up with them again. I did think, however, that this book dragged along more than the others. Father Tim spends too

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much time moaning about his retirement, something that at times seems to go on for pages. There were also times when I found it hard to follow who was doing the talking, and some thoughts or comments would have me wondering what I had missed in previous pages. I think the flow was missing a little from the previous books. Still, I enjoyed the likable characters and the gentleness that is Mitford, where the town continues to take care of its own. (This review is based upon reading an advanced copy, an uncorrected proof. Some of the problems may be corrected in the published novel.)

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I've really liked all of the Mitford books and this one didn't disappoint. I only wish Ms Karon would write more often.

This is the first Mitford book I read. It was interesting with very well developed characters. Father Kavanagh and his wife Cynthia are delightful people and father Tim as he is known is so real. He laughs and cries with his flock as when he reports sales of almost $500 on one day in the bookstore

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to the owner . "Tears. Not hers. His." Father Tim's volunteering in the bookstore gives him an opportunity to give us some great quotes like, "All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened." - Ernest Hemingway. This book is indeed an example of that very apt quote.

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It was so nice to be back in Midford with Father Tim, Cynthia and the gang.
While there were times that this book was a bit disjointed, it was still a marvelous read that I had to buy for myself because I kept wanting to underline passages from the library copy I had borrowed.
Not perfect but very

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very close!

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What next? Even though he firmly believes God has a plan, Timothy Kavanagh is struggling to be patient and wait to see what it is. He’s been retired for five years but is still uncomfortable with the lack of structure in his life. It isn’t enough to be surrounded by people he loves and who love

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him. He wants to continue serving. How?

As usual, his friends and neighbors in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina give him plenty to deal with along with lots of laughs. He and his wife Cynthia are enjoying the growth of their adopted son Dooley, while trying to cope with his brother Sammy who is having trouble adapting to small town life after leaving his abusive father. Hope Murphy, the owner of Happy Endings book store, is dealing with a health problem Lord’s Chapel is facing a scandal and the Mitford Muse is asking “Does Mitford Still Take Care of its Own?”

I was thrilled to receive this book as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. I’ve been reading the Mitford books since a friend mentioned them to me and I’ve loved them all. It’s all about the writing for me because that encompasses everything: plot, setting and character development. Jan Karon excels at portraying the quirky characters without condescension, while at the same time making me laugh at their antics. I also love the way she honors Father Tim’s faith while exploring his doubts. She portrays a wonderful sense of place. These stories feel as though they couldn’t be written anywhere else but in the North Carolina Mountains.

This is definitely a winner!

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This wonderful novel sees Tim and Cynthia back in Mitford after their trip to Ireland. Father Tim is retired and trying to find ways of occupying his time constructively; Cynthia is still writing and illustrating her series of children’s books featuring her cat Violet.

As with the earlier Mitford

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books, this is character-based rather than having any single plot. We follow Tim’s life as he tries to meet the needs of those around him, and gently shares God’s love with his former flock. But it’s not preachy; Tim’s faith is part of who he is, his prayers from the heart. He’s flawed, often tired, and sometimes feels low.

The sections I loved the most were some adult reading lessons, with more than a nod to one of my favourite children’s authors; yet amidst the smiles there’s sadness too, and some very moving moments which the author writes with great sensitivity.

There were places where I didn’t have much idea what was going on; perhaps I missed some subtlety of small-town America, but it didn’t matter. Sometimes I had to flip back and remind myself of some incident, or character, as there’s quite a large cast. But, again, it wasn’t a problem. It’s been some time since I read the earlier books and although I’d forgotten some names and details, I found myself easily caught up again in the lives of the Mitford residents.

While the book stands alone, I think it would be quite confusing to anyone who had not read the earlier books, so I’d recommend strongly reading at least the first few, and ideally all of them. But if you have read and enjoyed the earlier books in the series, then I would recommend this very highly.

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It is the current final book in the Mitford series. It's been a while since I've read the others and it was good to revisit the comfortable town and beloved characters. There wasn't much that was earth-shattering. Father Time became a part-time bookseller and found that even with that title he

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could still serve the Kingdom. It serves as a good reminder that we all greet each day with the ability to be a comforter and good-deed-doer.

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I am surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this gentle tale of a NC town, told largely from the perspective of a retired Episcopal priest. The book was this month's book club read, chosen in memory of someone I loved very much. I wish I could talk to that person and tell her how much I enjoyed

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this book. Judging from her bookshelves, she loved all of the Mitford novels. Maybe I will read some of the others now.

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