Helpful Score: 8
just couldn't get into this book and I truly enjoyed all the other books on the Mitford series. I hope the next book in the Father Tim series is better. This was definitly not the best book Jan Karon has written. It did clear a little of Father Tim's past. But other than that I could care less.
I lost interest a little over half way and just couldn't finish the book.
I lost interest a little over half way and just couldn't finish the book.
SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 7
This is the best thing Jan Karon has written in years! I had been slowly losing interest as I read the Mitford books in order. Then I read this book, and POW! I am as interested, involved and excited as I was by the first Mitford book. This is a beautiful story that stands on its own merits. And I cannot wait for more Father Tim stories. My faith has been restored in both Jan Karon and Father Tim.
Helpful Score: 5
Not as lighthearted as most of the Father Tim books and a wee bit confusing as there are a lot of "He said" and not always sure which He she is referring to.
Still, a great book about Father Tim's somewhat mysterious past. Clears up a bunch of unanswered questions (what happened to Tommy Noles and why did Peggy disappear without a word?) and introduces some interesting new characters.
Glimpses into the lives of Cynthia, Dooley and his brothers also.
Still, a great book about Father Tim's somewhat mysterious past. Clears up a bunch of unanswered questions (what happened to Tommy Noles and why did Peggy disappear without a word?) and introduces some interesting new characters.
Glimpses into the lives of Cynthia, Dooley and his brothers also.
Helpful Score: 4
Father Tim returns to his home town and renews old friendships as well as coming to an understanding of his family's life. Very good.
Linda S. (ChoctawLady) - , reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I did not enjoy this book as much as her others. It seemed to contrived. It appears she wanted to answer all the questions concerning Father Tim's early years and was determined to do so, even if she had to stretch to do it. I was disappointed.
Helpful Score: 3
This was definitly not the best book Jan Karon has written. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt, it did clear a little of Father Tim's past. But other than that I could care less. There are a few curse words that shocked me when I came upon them.
I lost interest a little over half way and have yet to finish the book.
I lost interest a little over half way and have yet to finish the book.
This book answers a lot of the questions we've all wondered about Father Tim from his early years. As far as the timeline in Father Tim's life, the book takes up where the Mitford series left off. He receives a letter from someone in his hometown of Holly Springs, MS, so he goes there to find out who sent the letter and why.
Personally, I wouldn't read this book until I had read the entire Mitford series, but that's just me. I like to read things in chronological order, and since this book continues Father Tim's life, even though he's on the road to Holly Springs, it still takes place "after" everything in the Mitford series.
I really enjoyed the book and hope there's another one to come. Jan Karon leaves plenty of questions still hanging, so I am hoping that's a good indication of another book!
Personally, I wouldn't read this book until I had read the entire Mitford series, but that's just me. I like to read things in chronological order, and since this book continues Father Tim's life, even though he's on the road to Holly Springs, it still takes place "after" everything in the Mitford series.
I really enjoyed the book and hope there's another one to come. Jan Karon leaves plenty of questions still hanging, so I am hoping that's a good indication of another book!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed catching up with Father Tim. Karon continues to entertain us with his wit and humor. Even though this is a little more serious than I remember the Mitford series being, this series appears to be another great one. This first book in the series was truly a pleasure to read and she writes so much into her stories. A great book; a wonderful family read, as are all her Mitford books. Fun and enlightening at the same time â and CLEAN! If you haven't read The Mitford Years series, you might start there, but it is not necessary. However, some of the characters in this new series are introduced in her first Mitford books. Enjoy.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book!
Helpful Score: 1
I have read the complete Mitford Series and I enjoyed this book as much, if not more. It tells the story of the life of the young Tim and how his early life shaped him to be 'Father Tim'. Perfect in every way.
Helpful Score: 1
Father Tim goes home. They say you can't, but he does, and hunts for solutions to mysteries of his youth. A good read as he travels thru his stuff, with some Christian prayers/thoughts/prayers/poems thrown in. Since I really like the good father, I tolerated this part. Overall, a good read, and if you have read Jan Karon's other Father Tim's you will no doubt enjoy this.
Helpful Score: 1
Jan Karan's books make you think you're reading a biography rather than a fiction book because the characters are so real. I enjoy the humor and the way the conversations reflect the character she is portraying.
Sandra S. (LibertyBelle) - , reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As I began reading this first Father Tim book, I was not sure it would be as good as the Mitford series. However, it did not take long to become immersed in the life and adventures of this wonderful character. What a fun read!! I love the values and the personality Jan Karon has given to Father Tim, and I feel I always benefit from his "wisdom."
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It goes deep into the past of Father Tim, and gives such insight into the complicated relationship he had with his father, Peggy, and how it led him to being a priest. Excellent. Emotionally complex. Would recommend it to anyone. I'd recommend the entire Mitford and Father Tim series to anyone!
I had a hard time getting into this book. It was not easy to read and I didn't finish it.
Jennifer R. (cucina1520) reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
I wanted to like this new series but it is a pale imitation of Fathet Tim and Cynthia. I found it forced, with too many references trying to make it relatable and hio. Far worse were the dirty secrets of the past all coming to light.
I felt like I was visiting Holly Springs along with Father Tim. I wasn't sure I would enjoy the Father Tim books as much as the Mitford series. However, Jan Karon kept the story full of interesting characters and the story defiantly kept my interest.
This is a very warm and moving book, with lots of surprises for Father Tim!
If you like the Mitford books, you'll like this.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
Yeah! A really fun great read about Father Tim as a little boy. A must read if you love the Mitford Series. Explains a lot of things, wonderful book!! A really must read.
After the Mitford years, Karon delves more deeply (if that's possible) into Father Tim and what made him the man he is. A credit to the series and the author. Brava!
The book is okay. There are times where the writer leaves you wondering what has happened.
Enjoyed reading about Father Tim's trip home. Full of surprises.
Rebecca W. (vizslalady) reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 171 more book reviews
I really like all of Jan Karon's books. This gave new insight into Father Tim Kavanaugh by "going back" to his childhood. Some of the book was too predictable, but it was sweet nonetheless.
Tim goes back to his childhood home to find a piece of himself, resolve a few issues find a few childhood Heroes. This book kept my interest. A good book draws you in until you become a part of the story. This book does that!!!
ANDRE' E. J. (Expeditious) - , reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 504 more book reviews
Great step back to find out how the Father really 'came to be'. Wonderful storyline.
This ties the Mitford series all together! I love this book!
Delightful, as usual!
Good story, but sort of a forced narrative with Father Tim meeting almost every old friend from his home town in a 4 day visit.
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed Home to Holly Springs (Father Tim, Bk 1) on + 353 more book reviews
I Enjoyed this book very much. A trip to Father Tims home town and reliving his childhood. Secrets he finds out about his family and forgiveness abounds by the grace Of God.
Great book! I have enjoyed everything I've read by Jan Karon.
After the Mitford series, which I loved, I found this book very disappointing. If there is a book 2 I think I'll pass. Too many other good books out there.
I really enjoyed this book. It is how alot of peoples lives are and how God can work all things out.
Oh how I had missed Father Tim. Loved getting back in touch. Enjoyed this book very much.
Okay, but I liked the first books much better.
Another wonderful Jan Karon book that continues Father Tim's story from Mitford and beyond. This time he returns to his childhood home, and Karon weaves a delightful, unpredictable story of his deeply personal experiences, discoveries, and revelations.
This book series follows the Mitford series so don't mix them up. All of them that I have read so far are very good
Jan Karon's Mitford series and the Father Tim series are so warm and so friendly. So familiar. Highly recommended!!
I loved this story. It involved family, love, commitment, forgiveness, respect, caring, GOD.
Father Tim is on the road to where he grew up. What shaped him into the man he is today. Great story and shows us that sometimes things aren't as how we remember them or that we didn't know the whole story as a child.
A beautiful tale of going home again, even if you're not sure you want to. I read the book on suggestion by my mother. It is in my top 5 of the best books I've ever read. I will now go back and read all she has written. My mother has them all and loved them. but I had no interest to read them when she did as they came out. Just goes to show you, You should always listen to your mother.
Enjoyed every bit of it
This is a brand new book.
