My mom has wanted me to read this book for ages. She was in the hospital right before my wedding and I remember flying home to Florida to see her. This book was on her side table and I read parts of it to her. I remember enjoying it and she told me I should pick it up and read it. Well, I got married right after that and then came two kids to live with us, so I never did get to read it. 'Til now. So far, so good. The author is very descriptive. I love how she has a map at the front of the book, showing you where the different places are in Mitford. It's much easier to picture when you can see it in front of you!

*** Updated 10/31/07 ***

I couldn't put this book down! I was hesitant to read it because it seemed so "old timey," I guess. I always thought I couldn't relate to the characters in this book, but I was so wrong. It has such unusual people. I love the small town setting and Southern drawls. I love the humor! It's got everything -- humor, drama, mystery, romance. I'm really pleasantly surprised by this book!

Here I am, just finished with the first book in the series -- about to begin reading the second one -- and I'm already shopping on Amazon.com for the other books she wrote for the series. Not the actual books themselves (there are 9), but the companion books. I'm already hooked!

One more thing - I stayed up WAY too late on far too many nights reading this because I just couldn't put it down. Don't say I didn't warn you. ( )

These are great and I’ve loved them for years, they hold up to repeated readings. Excellent book for times of trouble. ( )

After being reminded by a friend that this series is delightfully like "curling up with a cup of tea," I realized that the whole series is missing from my Goodreads list. It's been quite a while since I've read this book, so I'm just guessing on the date. I won't rate it, because the details are fuzzy, but I loved this series. Don't pick it up if you're looking for something exceptionally deep or literary. It's just a warm-hearted and good series with characters striving to learn and do what it right.

51056

Despite The Rector being more than a little "slow on the draw" in many scenarios,
from the Church Attic and disappearing food to his inviting neighbor,
the heavily Christian plot moves pleasantly along.

Missing Barnabus went on way too long and The Rector going to Sligo (huh?)
instead of staying home and welcoming him safely back as he healed was hard to understand.

Other plot falters are forgetting the most important part of Barnabus being stolen: the license plate ID,
as well as stopping his exercise and medications...(double huh?)...

And what accounts for his mean reaction to Andrew Gregory when asked for advice? ( )