Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Fiction: Christian. Audio from Penguin Audiobooks. Published in 2007. 11 hours 43 minutes. Read by Scott Sowers. Purchased at Audible.com.

I enjoyed the book, though it’s definitely fiction. I seriously doubt that any real people coming home after “38 years and change” for the first time would have everything work out as neatly at the end as Father Tim did. I think this book is a bit more preachy than the others have been. Not that I disagree with what it’s preaching, necessarily. It seems a bit at odds to be talking about how to deal with real stuff life throws at you without making the story admit that things don’t always turn out great at the end.

Publisher’s summary:
Readers of the nine bestselling Mitford novels have been captivated by Jan Karon’s “gift for illuminating the struggles that creep into everyday lives—along with a vividly imagined world” (People). They learned quickly that “after you’ve spent time in Mitford, you’ll want to come back” (Chicago Tribune). Millions eagerly awaited the publication of each novel, relishing the story of the bookish and bighearted Episcopal priest and the extraordinary fullness of his seemingly ordinary life.

Now, Jan Karon enchants us with the story of the newly retired priest’s spur-of-the-moment adventure. For the first time in decades, Father Tim returns to his birthplace, Holly Springs, Mississippi, in response to a mysterious, unsigned note saying simply: “Come home.” Little does he know how much these two words will change his life. A story of long-buried secrets, forgiveness, and the wonder of discovering new people, places, and depth of feeling, Home to Holly Springs will enthrall new readers and longtime fans alike.

Online book shopping:
Powell’s: Home to Holly Springs
amazon.co.uk: Home to Holly Springs
amazon.com: Home to Holly Springs
Audible.com: Home to Holly Springs

Here’s Jan Karon talking at a book signing. I think based on the age of the people in the audience, I may still be a bit young to be reading these books!

~ by bibliophilist on Thursday, 20 December 2007.