Skip to main content

SOCIAL MEDIA

Literary Friday: Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Friday, January 15, 2021

 





Happy Literary Friday, Lovelies!  Have you seen the beautiful January/February issue of Victoria Magazine yet?  It is one of the best issues I've read in a very long time.  It's the Entrepreneur Issue, and there are also lovely articles about Valentine's Day, "An Ode to Romance," and in Cooking and Entertaining there is a delightful article about "Gathering the Book Club."  The best news, though:  Jan Karon has been named the 2021 Writer in Residence.  She's the author of the popular Mitford Series, and if y'all have been paying attention, then you know that I started reading the series from the beginning during 2020.  This series, with its inspirational themes, has been a comfort to me during these unprecedented times.  I had read a couple of the books years ago, but it has been fun to read them in order.  




Jan Karon has been the Writer in Residence in the past; so happy to see her back in this role!


Today I'm reviewing the tenth installment, Home to Holly Springs.  I have four more left to read, and I'm hoping I will have read them all by spring.  I checked the book out from my local library.



According to Goodreads:

Readers of the nine bestselling Mitford novels have been captivated by Jan Karon's gift for illuminating the struggles that creep into everyday lives along with a vividly imagined world (People). They learned quickly that after you've spent time in Mitford, you'll want to come back (Chicago Tribune). Millions eagerly awaited the publication of each novel, relishing the story of the bookish and bighearted Episcopal priest and the extraordinary fullness of his seemingly ordinary life.


Now, Jan Karon enchants us with the story of the newly retired priest's spur-of-the-moment adventure. For the first time in decades, Father Tim returns to his birthplace, Holly Springs, Mississippi, in response to a mysterious, unsigned note saying simply: Come home. Little does he know how much these two words will change his life. A story of long-buried secrets, forgiveness, and the wonder of discovering new people, places, and depth of feeling, Home to Holly Springs will enthrall new readers and longtime fans alike. 


My Review:

I can't really share many plot points in this well-written novel because it would involve too many spoilers.  However, I can say that it was fun visiting Holly Springs and the places where Father Tim spent his childhood.  He returned to Holly Springs because he received a mysterious, unsigned letter saying simply, "Come home."  Tim drives his Mustang convertible with his huge dog Barnabas from Mitford, North Carolina to his hometown in Mississippi.  The narrative alternates between the contemporary plot and Father Tim's memories from childhood.  I enjoyed reading about Timothy as a boy and young man: I really feel like I know his character even better now.  I've always enjoyed books about family dynamics and secrets, and this one has them in spades.  If you've never read the Mitford Series, I highly recommend it.  I have enjoyed every single one of them so far, which is unusual for me because it seems like book series authors usually run out of storyline after a few books.  A major plus is that Father Tim and many of the other characters are inspiring: scripture and biblical truths are always integral elements in the stories.



Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

Above is an IndieBound affiliate link


Have a great weekend, Lovelies.  What are you currently reading?


Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill


11 comments

  1. I haven't had an actual magazine in my hand in so long. I used to love then, sadly most that I've subscribed to have been discontinued. I should sign up for Victoria. I always enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't read any Jan Karon, although my sister has been singing her praises for years, going on my to do list! Sounds like wonderful escape books, and I love Southern fiction... It's a good weekend for reading, too cold for me!!!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like a great read. I still love magazines and have many. Even past editions I love to go back through. Happy Weekend. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like very good reading. I love reading magazines and also getting inspired. Happy weekend Ricki. Hugs and blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Victoria is a beautiful publication. I am reading the series The Matchmakers Of Huckleberry Hill.
    Marion

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am reading Deadly Vows A cozy mystery. The author is Jody Holford.
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Right now I an reading the final book in The Wells Landing series Christmas in Wells Landing.by Amy Lillard. Victoria is my favorite magazine. Tea Time also by Hoffman publications is another wonderful magazine.
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  8. I need to find a good book to read. I love historical fiction but need to find a good one. You have such a knack at finding interesting books.

    ReplyDelete
  9. These sound like good reading, especially during this cold weather. A good time to get familiar with Jan Karon. Happy January........

    ReplyDelete

Comments are friendly!


Hello!

I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

Follow me on Instagram