The second book in Jan Karon’s bestselling Mitford series confirms that a trip to Mitford is good for the soul His attractive neighbor is tugging at his heartstrings. A wealthy widow is pursuing him with hot casseroles. And his red-haired Cousin Meg has moved into the rectory, uninvited. As you can see, Mitford's rector and lifelong bachelor, Father Tim, is in need of divine intervention. In this beautifully crafted second novel in the Mitford series, Jan Karon delivers a love story that's both heartwarming and hilarious. Only time will tell if the village parson can practice what he preaches. Like At Home in Mitford, this book is filled with the miracles and mysteries of everyday life. And the affirmation of what some of us already know: Life in a small town is rarely quiet and it is absolutely never boring.
Download and start listening now!
"John McDonough is Father Tim. He has narrated all of the Mitford series books and is a treasure. As many know, quite often the scenes center on his fictional church or the choir. A veteran of the Glimmerglass Opera Company, he sings the hymns himself which is an extra treat for listeners. When one voice actor has read all of the titles in a series, that performer has created a strong connection to listeners. Thus, just as listening to another story of Mitford is enhanced by its familiarity so hearing John McDonough's narration stirs feelings of comfort and recognition. McDonough describes his first reading of a book as being ' like the first listening of a piece of music.' 'You have to be completely free,' he said. . 'As you read and think about the piece, you hear voices, and it starts to take on life.' How fortunate for all of us! In this, the second installment of the popular series, Father Tim has just returned from a vacation - his first in over a dozen years. While he enjoyed the respite he is a bit anxious to come home and see his neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith, a woman with whom he thought he had an understanding. He's perplexed by what he perceives as her coolness and a bit agitated when a widow in his congregation sets her sights on him. The church has undertaken the building of a care center and an unexpected visitor arrives, evidently for an extended stay. Life goes on in Mitford as listeners renew acquaintances with some of the townspeople and once again are charmed by the fictional community."
— Marilyn (4 out of 5 stars)
" A Light in the Window is another installment of the well loved Mitford series by Jan Karon. The narrator, John McDonough has such an inviting and calming voice that it makes me smile. I feel like I've had a good visit with old friends after listening to the story unfold. Will Father Tim and his neighbour Cynthia ever get together? Listen to find out. "
— F. Janzen, 11/30/2024" Fun to follow familiar characters in Mitford, which would be a lovely place to live. "
— Margeemax, 6/12/2022" This is the second book in this series that I've read. I'm done with the series. Pretty boring book, boring characters, boring plot. "
— Amy, 2/19/2014" Love this series so far! "
— Susan, 1/31/2014" This is a charming series! I really enjoyed the wholesomeness of them! "
— Mandy, 1/30/2014" I read the whole Mitford series a few years ago (at mom's suggestion), and I remember being annoyed by Cynthia, Father Tim's love interest, because she was so quick to criticize or turn a cold shoulder when he made the slightest offense or didn't pour out his guarded heart to her satisfaction. Unfortunately, my church's book club choose this particular book in the series that details Father Tim and Cynthia's blossoming relationship, and I recall it was the one I liked least. The characters of Mitford are still fun to read about, and small town life is still neat. "
— Catherine, 1/25/2014" It is called "gentle fiction" because it is just that. Still, I enjoyed it. "
— Daisy, 1/20/2014" Enjoyed reading the second book of the series. Just got my hands on the entire series which consists of 8 books. This may take me 2 years to read the entire series; better get reading! "
— Roslyn, 1/3/2014" I was hooked with the first book and was glad to see find the sequels. "
— Sandy, 12/23/2013" Liked this one, but not as much as the first in the series. "
— Fara, 12/23/2013" I was worried that this second book wouldn't be as good as the first, but it was. I really enjoyed it alot and am now half way through the third book. What a descriptive author! "
— Connie, 12/15/2013" Not as good as the first one. I don't understand why his best friends, Hal and Marge, didn't show up at all in this installment! "
— Rachel, 12/8/2013" More comfort reading from Jan Karon. I am pretty hooked on these people in this charming little, completely unrealistic (I think???) mountain village of North Carolina. "
— Trudy, 12/8/2013" Another light Mitford book with more of the small-town quiet feel. "
— Alison, 11/28/2013" I have read all her books, but sometimes I enjoy reading through them again. Terrific! "
— Angie, 11/22/2013" More of the funny, warm and interesting tale of Father Tim and the people of Mitford. "
— Carole, 11/13/2013" Of course I love this one Cynthia is one of the main characters and I love her and relate with her. "
— Kellee, 11/9/2013" Father Tim & his life in a small town. "
— 'Chele, 8/28/2013" I loved this book, almost as much as I liked the first volume (At Home in Mitford). Slightly less, just because the novelty wasn't there anymore. "
— Pequete, 5/10/2013" This one moved along more quickly than the first. A good story. "
— Brandalyn, 4/20/2013" i really enjoy the simple delights in this book. when i'm reading about the small town of mitford -- i actually feel like i'm part of the community -- one of the "characters" that attends the church, roams the streets or eats at the diner. a good series to read and enjoy. "
— Karen, 10/26/2012" This one was slow. Can't say I didn't like it, but saying I like it may be a bit too strong. Wanted to finish it though in the hopes that the next one is better. "
— Sharon, 10/7/2012" I like these books about a small town and their minister. "
— Jen, 8/2/2012" The Rector that age has nothing to do with the need for companionship and love. A sweet discovery in the "light in the window". "
— Barbara, 6/11/2012" Thos is tne one Father Tim and Cynthia find their way through the hedge! Heartwarming, wise, funny. "
— Leslie, 5/4/2012" I really enjoyed this 2nd book. "
— Emily, 2/23/2012" Again, Karon is slow and easy in small town Mitford ... but I'm hooked on her characters and I can't stop reading the series. "
— Kathy, 12/9/2011" What else can I say about Mitford? Karon delivers in the sequel to At Home in Mitford. I can't count how many times I laughed out loud when reading it. Purely delightful! Loved it! "
— Ashley, 8/10/2011" Beautiful story! Loved this second visit to Mitford, and I already got the third one to read next! "
— Carly, 8/6/2011" Loved the entire series! I felt like I was really "at home" with the Mitford community. "
— Susan, 5/21/2011" Pleasant, enjoyable read. Engaging characters and comforable setting. Comfort food. After reading one, you'll read the whole series. "
— Dan, 5/20/2011" My favorite series author! Very character based. Comfortable. "
— Robyn, 5/19/2011" Well written, but these days I enjoy a lot more action. I found myself skimming...<br/> "
— Amandajackson77, 5/13/2011" Loved this light and sweet tale of small town. "
— Wendy, 5/12/2011" Absolutely loved this book! Father Tim is such a great character and the people of Mitford! I learned so much about loving and accepting people from this book! Thank you and looking forward to reading the others! "
— Carmen, 5/3/2011" Father Tim is a minister of a little church in a quaint little town with colorful characters. It's the first of a series of heartwarming stories. "
— Terry, 4/28/2011" Such memorable characters! A treat is in store for future readers! "
— Andrea, 4/24/2011" Ok, I'm not exactly sure how to classify this book (or this series as a whole.) Its part humour, part "feel good" part essay. But it was an enjoyable read and you did get involved in the lives of the various occupants of the town of Mitford.<br/> "
— Ann, 4/21/2011" This is my second time through this series. The first time I was charmed by the characters and I still am. Its not great literature but you really can get involved with the plot. At the end of each book I find myself wishing that I could spend some time in Mitford. "
— David, 4/19/2011" These books are so delightful to read. A series of a small town with the main character as a preacher, where you feel as if you are sitting on the bench watching the people and stories go by. "
— Brit, 4/18/2011" Sweetly told story in a very comfortable setting. This is the kind of cozy novel that restores spirit. "
— Nicole, 4/17/2011" i couldnt get into this book...just didnt feel like it was going anyplace to me, and to be honest, i found the characters alittle boring..nothing in this book made me want to keep reading... "
— Kelly, 4/11/2011Jan Karon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the Mitford novels, the Father Tim novels, a popular cookbook, and several books for children. She lives near Mr. Jefferson’s Monticello, a World Heritage site in Central Virginia.
John McDonough, one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices, has narrated dozens of audiobooks, and won eleven Earphones Awards. He is known for his narrations of children’s books, including Robert McCloskey’s Centerburg Tales and Albert Marrin’s Commander-in-Chief Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Outside of his audiobook work, he has starred in a revival of Captain Kangaroo on the Fox Network.