So Many Books; So little Time

Out to Canaan

Out to Canaan

by Jan Karon

c. 1997

Welcome back to MItford! This is Jan Karon’s fourth journey in to the small North Carolina town where we once again spend time with Father Tim, his lovely wife Cynthia, the lost and found boy Dooley, and all the rest of the gang.

In this volume, Esther Cunningham is opposed in her re-election bid for mayor by a man many question on several levels. Fernbank, which Miss Sadie failed to take exemplary care of is in danger of falling down and must be sold. Someone wants to buy the rectory. Joe Ivy leaves town and Winnie has an offer on the bake shop so she can follow him. And all this adds up to a mystery that leads to the question, has Father Tim made an enemy for life somewhere?

We also spend time with Pauline, Dooley’s recovering mother, and PooBah as Father Tim faces the question of finding Pauline’s other children. Lace brings another friend in to Father Tim’s life but an old and dear friend goes home. And, yes, Barnabas is back–that scripture obeying dog who really wants to do away with that most famous of cats, Violet. Meanwhile, Violet has moved into the rectory–kind of–she lives just out of Barnabas’ reach on top of the refrigerator.

This book is just as funny and down to earth as the first three and is almost enough to make you want to move to Mitford. Yes, there is romance in here and Father Tim acquires two new nicknames that make his heart soar. He also still fights with his diabetes and also with a teenager who wants to learn to drive. But the age-old question is also answered–will Esther Bolick take the Orange Marmalade Cake recipe to her grave?

Just lots of fun and the gospel too. Look for old friends to come back and memories to be shared. There is nothing so wonderful as being reunited with old friends. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Father Tim, this volume will warm your heart with laughter and tears.