Join Father Tim on a profoundly personal journey back to his childhood home in this charming novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon's Mitford series. Thirty-eight years have passed since Father Tim Kavanagh left his Mississippi hometown, determined not to return. Then he receives a handwritten note postmarked Holly Springs. Cryptic and unsigned, it says only Come home. These two words compel him to make the most challenging journey of his life. Traveling to his boyhood home doesn’t merely take Father Tim across hundreds of miles. Thanks to a thousand sights and smells, he also travels back through memories—some fond and some he’s tried for nearly forty years to forget, from his quick-to-anger father and his lovingly tender mother to the picturesque small town he’d tried desperately to leave behind. And once Father Tim discovers who was behind the mysterious note, a truth is revealed that will change his life—forever.
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"I wish all priests/pastors were like Father Tim! It does not read like a religious book but the subject is brought up gently here and there. The main story is about Father Tim's upbringing in the South. There were many surprising twists and turns."
— Kim (4 out of 5 stars)
" Fun, sweet book! Easy to read through, yet quite engaging. Definitely a series that a fan of the original Jan Karon-Mitford Series will want to read. This second series based on Father Time (the main character in the Mitford Series) is a bit of a stretch, lacking in original and endearing characters. I never fully appreciated the newer characters as much and was very happy when, at the end, a couple original characters made a brief appearance. This book is necessary, despite it's shortcomings. Reading it helps to answer questions which often came up in the previous books about Father Tim's past. "
— Moonmomie, 2/20/2014" This was a nice book. Almost kindof depressing. There seemed to be quite a bit of saying goodbye and letting go. I still absolutely love the characters and the stories. Especially a part about something that happened in the Vietnam war. I researched a little more and found out that part is true. That was very interesting. A good book, but a bit depressing. "
— Jennifer, 2/18/2014" I liked all the Mitford books. This is a little more intense and serious. I learned a lot and thought is well-written and a good read. Good story. "
— Jane, 2/5/2014" Could not really get into it. "
— Winonaford1, 2/2/2014" You can go home again, evenif it's 38 years later. Jan Karon has written a novel about Father Tim's earlier life. There are reunions and surprises. Those who have enjoyed the Mitford series should also enjoy this book. "
— Cyndy, 1/23/2014" I have read all the books in Jan Karon's Mitford series, but this one was by far the best. I loved every minute of it. "
— Kathy, 1/19/2014" A new series by the author of the Mitford series - this book takes you back through Father Tim's memories of his childhood with some surprises of his own history. "
— Kel, 1/17/2014" Even though I knew it would not be a "Mitford book", I was still disappointed. We had Father Tim but none of the other characters I loved. At times, it was kind of depressing altough some good moments reminding us why we are believers. "
— Aldafan, 1/10/2014" I LOVE anything and everything Jan Karon writes! "
— Robin, 1/8/2014" This is the best of Jan Karon. Father Tim becomes a real person in this series. He is a good man in the first series,but now we know why he is the way he is. "
— Sharon, 12/25/2013" confusing storyline - but was an ok read. "
— Twila, 12/19/2013" Another light read that fills in the gaps for the characters in the Mitford series. "
— Sheryn, 11/26/2013" An unsigned note calls Father Tim home to Holly Springs, MS. He's finally able to make peace with the past. Excellent. "
— Kitty, 10/24/2013" It's not very often that I don't finish a book that I start, but I hated this book and I was very disappointed! "
— Melissa, 10/18/2013" I listened to this as an audiobook. I enjoyed it. "
— Christine, 1/1/2013" One of a highly recommended series of books that fell flat. The pieces all fit together a bit too smoothly. Not a series I will be part of. "
— Susan, 11/25/2012" There was clear beautiful writing tucked in this book, and most particularly when the main character, Father Tim, spoke of his parents. Those were my favorite parts. "
— Kathryn, 9/8/2012" A nice story of a man that visits his childhood home and conquers his fears and faces them only to have a positive experience and one different than he ever imagined. "
— Jill, 6/9/2012" so glad she wrote another book about Father Tim. I love her stories and the easy way she writes. Makes me feel like these characters are real. "
— Robin, 5/24/2012" If you've read the Mitford series, you'll love this look into the younger days of Fr. Tim. Very sweet book. "
— Diane, 11/17/2011" I read all of Jan Karon's books about Father Tim and they are so special! And this book did not disappoint me! I highly recommend it, however it would help to have read some of her other books before reading this one. "
— Norman, 10/22/2011" Loved it and can't wait for the next in the series "
— Sparky, 6/5/2011" This is a wonderful book. A must read for those who enjoyed The Mitford Series of books. "
— Joanne, 6/2/2011" Another hit by Jan Karon. This was actually my second read of the title and I think I enjoyed it more the second reading than I did the first reading. "
— Pearson,, 5/13/2011" I loved being back with Father Tim as he goes home to settle his past in Mississippi. "
— Mimi, 4/28/2011" At times I had trouble figuring out who was speaking (when there were 3 people in the conversation.) I always enjoy Jan Karon's books and enjoyed this one. "
— Ngdecker, 4/3/2011" I loved hearing about Father Tim's childhood. Karon did a great job bouncing back and forth from the past to the present. Will read again. "
— Brooke, 3/29/2011" All Mitford books get five stars from me - I love Father Tim! "
— Katherine, 3/19/2011" There was clear beautiful writing tucked in this book, and most particularly when the main character, Father Tim, spoke of his parents. Those were my favorite parts. "
— Kathryn, 3/8/2011" A quick and enjoyable read. I usually get burned out on series but this was a surprising turn for Jan Karon as her character Fr. Tim goes back to his roots in a little town of Holly Springs "
— Arlene, 2/20/2011" Even though it isn't technically part of the Mitford series, it has the same feel and enough of the Mitford characters that it feels like "home" "
— Ina, 2/16/2011" This book is good at clearing up a lot of the secrets from father Tim's childhood. Lots of answers given to questions brought up from the earlier books. "
— Robin, 2/10/2011" Just as good as the previous series. It's great to read a positive book! <br/> <br/> "
— Melissa, 1/24/2011" If you like Karon's Mitford books you will like this. Read them first.<br/><br/> "
— Michael, 1/7/2011" I was looking forward to reading this because I love the Jan Karon books in the Mitford series. This was the same main character in a new setting, his Mississippi home town. While the Mitford books leave me feeling happy, I found this book to be depressing. "
— Colleen, 1/6/2011Jan 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.
Scott Sowers is an actor and audiobook narrator. AudioFile magazine named him the 2008 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense. He is the winner of seven Earphones Awards.