Customer Reviews

Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years, Book 8)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Again Jan Karon does a terrific job. I probably enjoyed this book even more than the others and that is hard to believe. They bring me peace and comfort. I have read all of them over and over and try hard to pattern my life and my thoughts after Father Tim & Cynthia. I really hope that she will write more on Father Tim instead of what I hear is the last of the series coming out soon.

I loved Shepherds Abiding, just as I have loved all of the Mitford novels. They're so sweet and refreshing. If you're into sex and violence, you probably won't like the Mitford novels. But if you would like a relaxing little trip to a town kind of like Mayberry, you'll love Mitford. I recommend reading them all IN ORDER. I'll be sad when Jan Karon writes the last one.

I've been a Jan Karon fan since the beginning and enjoyed most of her books, but find the early editions much more entertaining and inspiring. I love the characters, but wished there could be more insights, a broadening of their character. I find the new Dosetville series by Katherine Valentine much richer fare.

LOVED this book and am currently reading the Mitford series and would highly recommend it, living in the south this book reminds of the little towns that we drive through and the people in the book are very down to earth but not without there problems so they are easy to relate to and father Tim is very human and east to relate to, it makes you realize that the clergy are just as human as we are.

I am truly a fan of Jan Karon but this book was a disappointment to me. Too much of the same thing. Too much of Father Tim's diabetes (we all know he has it) and not enough about the young people. I want to know what Dooley is doing and also Lace and somehow the other child needs to be found. But I had a feeling this was written just to fill up pages. I reread all the Mitford Series every January and saved this one till last and found it shallow compared to the previous books.
Hopefully the next one will tie up the loose ends of what is happening to all.

I was disappointed in this book, and was glad I waited to check it out from the library rather than buy it. I was expecting a lot more than I got. It was nothing more than a long drawn out version of the smaller Christmas books, Esther's Gift, and The Mitford Snowmen. I believe the author could've done more to develope the characters-Dooley Barlowe was barely even mentioned-
It was a charming little Christmas story-which does warm the heart, but leaves a lot wanting. I'm hoping the final book will be back up to the standard I've grown to love in the rest of the series.

In the writing business it's said that there are no new stories, which is obviously true. The talent to write about human nature that reflects divine love, however, is rare. I believe such talent is a gift that Jan Karon possesses.

"Shepherds Abiding" is a true evergreen because it will, I pray, never be out-of-style. Jan Karon's refreshingly non-commercial approach to the "Christmas" story warms my soul! I recommend it, and all of her Mitford books, to anyone whose spirit yearns for genuine decency and a world where people care about each other.

I passed up this book one day, because although I own every Mitford book, I was feeling broke, and the large margins and abundance of white space on each page just ticked me off. But then a friend asked to borrow it, and was so upset that I hadn't pre-ordered the darn thing that I went and bought it. I didn't read it right away. But on the week I chose to read it, I got to some advice from Father Tim that was a specific and perfect answer to my prayers and struggles of that week. In addition, it was just as familiar, fresh, and faith-filled as I expect from Jan Karon, and I'm very glad I broke down and paid full price. A wonderful addition to the series.

Some of Jan Karon's books are too short. This one was just right. It kept me intertained for three days (in my spare time). I really enjoyed it since it was about Christmas surprises. A fun read.
MJ

I have read all the books and have listened to the tapes narrated by John McDonough and have been completely captivated. Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading the books, I enjoyed the audiocassettes read by Mr. Mc Donough even more than the books. He gives Father Tim and all the other characters in the book a life of their own. I have recommended this series to anyone who would like to have a good clean look at life in a small town. I even bought a set for my elderly mother-in-law and she got a real kick out of listening. I wait in utter anticipation for the next book. I have just completed Shepherds Abiding. It did not disappoint me in the least.