Opening the cover of IN THIS MOUNTAIN feels like arriving at a family reunion. By this volume, the seventh in the series, Jan Karon's fans greet every chapter eagerly, awaiting word of who's doing what about town. The busy villagers bustle in and out, eliciting smiles and chuckles. News of deaths and births, local gossip, disasters, and miracles fills the pages. There are some new faces but mostly old friends, many of whom we wouldn't mind calling kin.
Father Timothy Kavanagh, although older than when we first met him six volumes back, continues to make his rounds in tiny Mitford, population 1,033. His beloved wife Cynthia, author of best-selling Violet The Cat books, finds her popularity skyrocketing and strikes out on a tour after a trip to New York to accept another prestigious award. Dooley Barlowe, the priest's "adopted son" heads off to college, visiting occasionally so as to keep in touch with the folks and check on the progress in the effort to find his biological father and brother --- and maybe catch a glimpse of Lace Turner, his childhood friend now grown into a lovely young woman.
Retirement started out with quiet days, and the priest found himself at loose ends too often. Filling the time steamrolls, however, and he soon discovers his calendar booked up as much as ever. Along with recuperating from a nasty accident, his days become packed with guest preaching, hospital visits, a small crisis here, and a large disaster there.
In town, the rivalry between barber and stylist wages on, the competition stiffer than ever. The Man in the Attic returns, after his eight-year stint in prison, finding a job at the local bookstore, whose manager becomes smitten with the reformed convict. Father Tim's headstrong secretary Emma goes on frustrating and delighting him as ever before. And a host of lovable townsfolk vie for his attention. Of course, never too far away is man's best friend, now no longer a pup, Barnabas, the dog who adopted the Father. There's never a dull moment in Mitford.
There are dark sides, however. Father Tim's nemesis, Edith Mallory, drums up an evil scheme, putting him in a sticky situation. Beyond that, he finds himself challenged time and again. The Sweet Stuff Bakery lures him daily with its pastries, as does the Main Street Grill with many forbidden foods. Despite Doc Harper's warnings, he can't seem to get the right balance of food, exercise, and rest figured out. His diabetes flares when he falls victim to temptation, landing him in the hospital. But his problem involves more than a sugar high and he faces some difficult healing, both in body and soul. Recovery takes a fair piece of time.
IN THIS MOUNTAIN, as indeed all of the others in the series, is the ultimate feel good book. If everyone periodically read one of Jan Karon's Mitford Years novels, the world would be a happier place. Once again, you'll put this book down with a smile and a wistful hope that number eight isn't too far off.
If this is your first visit to Mitford, North Carolina, a pleasant surprise awaits you. Enrich your life with the story from its inception. Try starting with AT HOME IN MITFORD and get to know the community through A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW; THESE HIGH, GREEN HILLS; OUT TO CANAAN; A NEW SONG; and A COMMON LIFE: The Wedding Story. Your heart will thank you.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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