To Be Where You Are

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 24 people found this review helpful

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.”

1 of 1 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

outstanding

I feel this is the best book Jan Karin has written and that's saying a lot.

In Love

I loved every minute of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to John McDonough narrate Jan Karon’s delightful stories! Now I am anxiously awaiting the next part of the story.

Another Great Book

I loved the narrator...and the author. They make the book come ALIVE...With Mrs Karons words and his voice I felt like I was a part of Midford.

another great book

Love love love Mitford and this doesn't disappoint!
John's voice is pleasant and keeps you wanting more.

Blessed

When I listen to your book, I feel as though I am in the background of their lives. Thank you!

I didn't want it to end!

I am a Mitford fan from the very beginning. I have loved each and every book, but this one was extra special. Jan did an amazing job with Jack Tyler, Dooly and Laces' adopted boy. My heart was melting. If you're a true Mitford fan, you'll love catching up with the whole cast of characters. Some sadness and lots of happiness in this title. I can never get enough of Mitford and Father Tim. I hope Jan continues to write about Mitford for a long time to come. These stories are very refreshing.

I even read the first 4 or 5 books aloud to my teenagers back in the early 2000's. It started with just my daughter, but in slinks my son and my husband too. They loved the stories and all the crazy characters!