To Be Where You Are

Best Series & Narrator Ever!

If you have not journeyed to Mitford before, this is not the place to begin. But if you’re like me and you have Mitford in your heart, this book allows us to hang onto the magic just a little bit longer.

The people who inhabit Mitford come with baggage. They all, even the children, have real problems—abuse, abandonment, rejection, betrayal, loneliness—to overcome. They are just as flawed, fearful, and far from perfection as we are. But what makes Mitford magical is that we get to pull up a porch swing for an inside view of the characters’ hearts as God’s love fills voids, erodes barriers, and helps folks bring out the best in each other. I’m always amazed at how Jan Karon’s simple style produces such rich character portraits that I feel like I know these fictional folks. ❤️

I especially love listening to the Audible books because for me, narrator John McDonough IS Father Tim! He brings all the other characters—especially my new favorite Jack Tyler—to life as well.

Visiting Mitford inspires me to cherish the small stuff, to find beauty in daily life, and to make time for people.

As my favorite quote from this book reminds: “Now is always a good time.”

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Only For The Strong And Persistent

I had such high expectations for this title and I stuck with almost 18 hours of listening doggedly hoping it would perk up. No such luck. This book floats over Mitford randomly dropping in on characters from past books. Sometimes it's just to tick the box on certain people and other times it is for a longer look at how they have fared with time.

For the most part this final entry in the series is for diehard Mitford fans that are feeling really hopeful and strong. Overall I thought it all felt unrealistic and dare I say it--even a bit depressed? I wish I had given this a pass. Disappointing.

19 of 25 people found this review helpful

Hard to follow

What disappointed you about To Be Where You Are?

i loved reading the early Mitford series. But found listening to this book hard to follow and the narrator poor.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jan Karon again?

If someone else narrated it

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His delivery was to fast and not right for the story

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The worst book ever started

I couldn't listen to more than a few hours of this book. It was superficial, trite and downright boring. I won't be trying this author again.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I never tire of Mitford

I have been following Father Tim, Cynthia and the growing circle of family and friends for years. Having an adopted son from foster care, I can relate to all the complicated family relations that you have to navigate. It's been such a joy to hear more about the lives of Dooley and Lace as they grow in their marriage and their professions.
The narrator, John McDonough is absolutely amazing. As every Audible Listener knows, even the best story can be rendered intolerable by a poor performance...So it's a joy that he continues to bring Jan Karon's colorful characters alive with his interpretation of their voices. If you and your family want a great series you can listen to in the car on a long road trip...Here you go! All ages can listen and enjoy, there is no concern about inappropriate content nor language. Be sure to start with the first book in the series...don't skip any, I promise it's worth every credit.

Another fantastic novel by an American treasure!

Jan Karon has delivered another outstanding book. This book has a great mix of issues related to aging and stories of youth. We continue to love the characters in their moments of tragedy and their moments of joy. Through it all, we enjoy the love that the people in Mitford share so freely.

Thank you, Jan, for taking care of us as if we were your own!

another absolutely wonderful book and narration .

the mitford series is a wonderful series it allows you to live and be in a town with people who care yet have real problems real trials real joys thank you for sharing your time and your talent hope that there's a book 15

In Love with Mitford

To Be Where You Are was a delight. Another home run by Jan Karon. The folks in Mitford and at Meadowgate just grow dearer with each subsequent story. I can hardly wait for more!

not the best Mitford novel

Who is Dooley in this book? Not realistic to the characters that have been developed over past novels. the narrators voice for 4 yr old Jack almost forced me to delete this audiobook several times. I finished it because I felt I owed that to Father Tim

Great story!

I've really enjoyed this whole series! I started the Mitford Series a year ago when traveling and became hooked! I feel like I know this family now. The narrator is wonderful and I would recognize his voice any where. Jan Karon is an excellent story teller.