The Mitford Series of Jan Karon is one set of books that I read over and over, about once a year. I love the characters, the small town and the basic humanity of the stories. ( )

The saga continues as we follow our favorite couple through the rough patches of settling into marriage. The town, as always, is there to help, or criticize, depends on who is talking. Mitford is my happy place. Things work out the way they should there. ( )

Not usually one to read a series all at once, it's been a couple of years since I read book 2 in Jan Karon's Mitford series. But after reading House of Sand and fog, an excellent book but an incredible downer, I wanted a book I knew would be uplifting and pleasant, which Karon's books definitely are. As with the two previous books, there are several plots, no one taking precedence over the others. Father Tim and Cynthia settle into their marriage, Dooley grows up a bit and begins to drift away, Miss Sadie falls into poor health, Lace Turner is introduced - an abused girl from The Creek community, and other stories as well. A few good laughs, a few tears, but mostly refreshing pleasantness. ( )

This will be a quick one - because I have little more to say about this book other than, "If you liked the other ones, you'll like this," and make a comment on the writing style.

On the writing style: There is always just a touch of awkwardness in the writing of the Mitford books... a smidge of "this situation feels manufactured" here and there. There is a point when Fr. Tim is trying to think of a way to tell Miss Sadie that a lifestyle change is in order... He thinks of a solution for the problem, and the problem is immediately resolved. There was a very strong sense of, "The author saw this particular string of plot wasn't going anywhere and got rid of it," rather than "This was a well-resolved issue."

That said, I don't think that the writing style or plot structure issues impair my enjoyment of the books. Third book in the series, the author makes a good attempt at explaining back story for readers who may be unfamiliar with the other two... But really, there is a lot you would probably be scratching your head over if you hadn't read them. I recommend reading this book, in order, after the other two. Like the other two, I read this book very fast and enjoyed it thoroughly. ( )

A continuation of the wonderful Mitford Series, this book featuring the integration of a 62 year old bachelor Anglican priest and an author of children's books into the overwhelmingly and unexpectedly (on the part of Father Tim) delightful state of marriage. All of the old characters remain to cheer on the undertaking and to work through the myriad of problems that abound in the families of Mitford. ( )