And in Light from Heaven, the long-anticipated final volume in the phenomenally successful Mitford Years series, Karon deftly ties up all the loose ends of Father Timothy Kavanagh's deeply affecting life.
On a century-old valley farm where Father Tim and Cynthia are housesitting, there's plenty to say grace over, from the havoc of a windstorm to a surprising new addition to the household and a mystery in the chicken house.
It's life on the mountaintop, however, that promises to give Father Tim the definitive challenge of his long priesthood. Can he step up to the plate and revive a remote, long-empty mountain church? Or has he been called to accomplish the impossible? Fortunately, he's been given an angel, in the flesh, of course.
Light from Heaven is filled with characters old and new and with answers to all the questions that Karon fans have asked since the series began nearly a decade ago. To put it simply, it's her best. And we believe millions will agree.
©2005 Jan Karon; (P)2005 Penguin Audiobooks
Mary in Palos Verdes 15 year listener of audio books because I don't have time to sit down and read and many many times the narrator enhances the story.
"Parting Is Sweet Sorrow"
I'll miss Father Tim and the Mitford Crowd. I'll visit by listening again and again over the years but what a joy and comfort this series has been! I'm so sad to see it end. This last installment has been every bit as enjoyable as the ones that came before it. Jan Karon has a gift for transporting us to this lovely area, the people, simplifying Christian beliefs, feelings of gratitude for what we have and who we have to love...I could go on & on. It just feels good! John McDonough is the absolutlely perfect narrator and makes Father Tim live in our hearts! I highly reccommend the entire series (I'm a fan of unabridged and they are not yet all available unabridged through Audible)and this final installment is fantastic! And definitely ties up loose ends and we can visualize Father Tim and Cynthia living on to do good works with their faithful friends and extended family for years to come. A happy ending to a happy and fun series!
"A Good Book to Enjoy"
I've enjoyed listening to this book, as well as the other Jan Karon books. The reader is excellent to listen to and I've enjoyed his singing voice as well as his reading voice. I hated to see the book end.
"At Home in Mitford"
The Mitford series by Jan Karon are warm, wonderful, inviting books. The narrator has a wonderful North Carolina home accent that draws you in and makes you feel like part of the family. I highly recommend this great little series. Jan Karon makes ordinary lives so very extraordinary and comforting. I just love all of them! Every book in the series is wonderful!
"Great read!"
How can an author keep writing better and better each time? Such is the case with Jan Karon. Every time you read one of her books, you get the greatest feeling. There are not many books you can read that have you smiling the entire time! This particular story was just as wonderful as all her rest. Don't miss it.
"It Ended All Too Soon"
The ending came too soon for me. But all good things must end. It ended well, but I hate to say good bye to such dear friends, for Father Tim and his family and friends have become friends to me. I will miss them, but can revisit anytime by re-reading (listening to) the books. These books are a treasure.
"Not as good as the rest of the series"
I was a little disappointed in this finale but it was good to see how all the characters where doing.
It is good but don't get it unless you have read all the other books first!
"Enjoyable"
This was really a very enjoyable read. It is a warm and comforting story. Jan Karon's Mitford world is a fantasy, a place where life seems almost perfect. Maybe you wouldn't want to live there, but this novel offers the reader a nice long visit which will leave you smiling and happy to have known all these engaging characters.
"Great Series"
I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters of Mitford. I am sad to see the series end. The only thing I would change, is that I would have liked a scene with all 5 Barlow children together.
"I love Mitford!"
I have this entire series and can't get enough. I've listened to the series from start to finish 3x.