Auntie's 2016 Bookworm Challenge 08

Book: Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good.

Author: Jan Karon

Info:  Copyright 2014: New York:  G. P. Putnam and Sons

Where acquired: Library check out.

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 hashtags): # # # #

What it's about:  Picking up where Light From Heaven left off (sort of), Jan Karon brings us back to the world of Father Tim Kavanagh and the downhome folks at Mitford.  Retirement is not setting well with the Episcopal Vicar, while change is not setting well with the rest of the town.  Changes in leadership, suicide, and angry teenagers bring Father Tim to the brink of breakdown.  Through it all God remains faithful.

Favorite Quotes: 

"His relationship with Emma Newland [retired church secretary] personified what he'd heard about childbirth--one forgot the agony 'til the next time around." - p. 90.

When questioned about the breed of his dog:  "Mongrel, like the rest of us." - Father Brad.  p. 341.

"Love is an act of endless forgiveness." - p. 350.

What I Liked:

• This book is part of a series.  Karon does a masterful job of weaving the differing storylines from the previous novels together.
• The quotes sprinkled in about books and reading were quite enjoyable.
• The humor infused in this volume gave many "LOL" moments.
• The love letters between Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia were precious.
• The Christmas celebration at the end of the book was truly moving.

What I didn’t like: 

• There were several instances of missing essential information.  Without giving spoilers, an example would be that a character ended up in the emergency room, yet the outcome was never revealed.
• What was the deal about the raisins?

Takeaway:  I feel that my review doesn't do the book justice.  Those of us who've read the previous series are glad to be back to the small town fun of Mitford.   Reading the ups and downs of Father Tim is an inspirational example of exceptional living.  Not only is Father Tim deeply spiritual, but remarkably intelligent and has the depth of feeling needed in any man of faith.