By Jan Karon
Skipping over books 5 and 6 in the Mitford series, In This Mountain finds Father Tim several years into his retirement. Having spent a few years on Whitecap Island off the NC coast transitioning into retirement, Timothy and Cynthia are happy to return to their beloved Mitford. Cynthia is having great success in her children's book writing/illustrating career, but Tim, nearing 70, feels unsettled and discontented with his present status. He neglects his diet and exercise and stops injecting his insulin - with dire results. Much of the remaining story revolves around Father Tim's recovery. Meanwhile, the search continues for the missing family members of Dooley Barlow (now studying to be a veterinarian).
Many familiar characters return, and some minor characters are fleshed out (e.g., barber Joe Ivey and hair stylist Fancy Skinner, jewel thief George Gaynor and bookseller Hope Winchester), while a few new faces surface (e.g., Methodist pastor Millie Tipton).
Through the "years" of getting to know Tim, Cynthia, and the Mitford community, it's easy to see myself and others in these characters. Their foibles and pitfalls are mine, and their joys and successes are mine to share as well. Reading these Mitford stores are good for the heart and soul.
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