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.”

5 people found this helpful

Wisdom

I began reading Jan Karin books right around 20 years ago.. At the time I was a healthy, active and a new Chrisitan. Mitford and all the souls in it have helped me through the years strengthened my faith in the simple wisdom that God loves me. I did not earn it because His nature is love. These books have made me a better person, a kinder person a more living person. now at 72 and into my 5th year of fighting Stage 4 cancer I rely more than ever on the wisdom and peace I get from them.

2 people found this helpful

Quilter42

Absolutely love this Series! John McDonough is a great narrator. He makes you feel like you’re living Mitford! Sad that this is the last book of the series.

2 people found this 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.

20 people found this 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 person found this 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 person found this helpful

Loved it!

I absolutely love the Jan Karon Mitford series! I highly recommend this series to anyone wanting an uplifting, true to life read.

So sad

Unfortunately, this will be my last Karon book. I have loved the Mitford series for over 20 years and will miss it terribly. However, I feel that this book was "phoned in." There was no plot and much of the book was filled with song lyrics. It felt like a collection of vignettes and not a novel. I am grateful for the books that came before.

wonderful!

I loved the latest update on my friends in Milford! I can't wait for more!

Family

Initially I wondered why I was reading another Mitford novel, but like all the others before, I was graced with knowing these characters. Their faith and wisdom are inspiring. At first thought it seemed like a book with no plot, but a glimpse into the lives of these wonderful characters was just what I needed. I always feel better for having read a Mitford novel! The narrator did a wonderful job but I did need to play it at 1.5 speed.