“Shepherd’s Abiding” is a warm and fuzzy book that is part of the Mitford Years Series. I read about three or four of the series and always felt refreshed after reading them. Places like Mitford are where we all want to be at times—away from the maddening crowd.In this novel Father Tim and his wife Cynthia are preparing for Christmas. It begins in October when everyone is waiting for the maples to turn their brilliant colors. He finds an old plaster nativity set in the antique store and is somehow captured by it and decides to buy it, restore it and give it to Cynthia for Christmas. He has never done anything like this before and discovers that he loves working with his hands and doing something completely different. In each chapter of the book he introduces another figure he has restored.And as in all the Mitford series we are introduced to others in town. Hope Winchester operates the Happy Endings bookstore and sets out to buy it. Velma and Percy Mosely, who have operated THE GRILL for 40 years are about to retire. Uncle Billy who is house ridden and recuperating is trying to figure out what to give his wife Rose of 50 years. And finally Lew Boyd is struggling because his new wife Earlene is taking care of her ailing mother and not living with him. And his marriage is a secret in Mitford.Naturally, everything comes together beautifully at the end, and with the help of Father Tim many people’s faith is strengthened. It’s magical and it’s a feel good read at this time of the year.
304 pages.Since he was a boy growing up in Mississippi, Father Tim has lived what he calls "the life of the mind." Except for cooking and gardening and washing his dog, he never learned to savor the work of his hands. And then he finds a derelict nativity scene-twenty figures, including a flock of sheep, that have suffered the indignities of time and neglect.Could he give the small company new life? Restore the camel's ear, repaint every piece, replace a missing nose on a wise man? "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" he reminds himself. It's when he imagines the excitement in Cynthia's eyes that he steps up to the plate-and begins a small journey of faith that touches everyone around him. The eighth novel in the bestselling Mitford Years series is a meditation on the best of all presents-the gift of one's heart. Lovingly written and beautifully illustrated, it seeks to restore the true Christmas spirit and give everyone a seat at Mitford's holiday table.
I found this book a few years ago when I was looking for something Christmas-y to read. I did not realize this was part of a series until later, although I had no problem following the story or understanding the characters--with the exception of Dooley. I knew there was a backstory there that I wasn't getting. This book was just what I needed to get in the holiday spirit. I love Father Tim's spirit of giving in so many ways. I fell in love with the characters and the little town of Mitford. I later went on to read the rest of the series, but I come back to this book every year at Christmas time. It helps me to prepare my heart for the season.
—Joy
I don't feel right offering a review of this, because it's really not my type of book so I probably wouldn't have cared for it even it was the very best book of its kind. I picked it up for a few bucks at a used book sale several years ago and was in the mood for a Christmas book, so here we are. The novel meanders a bit, kind of aimless, not a lot of conflict or much of anything else going on. Didn't get connected to any of the characters, but as part of a series I guess series readers already know the characters. If you like the series and this type of thing, and Christmas, you'll probably like this.
—Eric
12/10 - I decided, while reading this book, that Mitford novels are like milk chocolate. They do lack the sophistication and complexity of dark stuff - but they still make great comfort food.I've been a long time enjoy-er of Karon's books, and this was like revisiting sweet memories. Like all the Mitford books, it's a gentle, simple story with a simple plot and lots of personal triumphs for the characters involved. The only thing I didn't like about this one was the passages told ENTIRELY in Uncle Billy's dialect. It's okay to read a bit of dialogue told that way, but I hated having to work my way through a page or two at a time written in broken English. Other than that, though - a lovely Christmas read, and it made me want to look up the rest of the Mitford books I've missed.12/11 - Read this one again to celebrate the season... my thoughts were basically all the same as last time. Delightful Christmas read.
—Cindy
