Jan Karon returns her readers to the charming town of Mitford. Reading Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good reminds me of a homecoming. Ms. Karon’s fans are reconnected with old friends: Esther Cunningham, Harley Welch, Winney Ivey, Hessie Mayhew, Coot Hendricks, Puny and JoJo Guthrie, Hope and Scott Murphy, Dooley, Lace, and many more. We also meet new characters: Vanita, Irene, Kim, and Shirlene. If you have not read The Mitford Series, don’t start with this book. You must begin with At Home in Mitford and enjoy the series because you might be confused by the long cast of characters.
The author allows us to see Father Tim’s imperfections and struggles with retirement, irritating habits of friends, and the frustration of mentoring the sullen Sammy. I loved getting to know more about Dooley’s brothers, Kenny and Sammy. There’s a mystery, a scandal, a romance and a coming together as “Mitford takes care of its own.” Library patrons complained they missed Mitford when Ms. Karon wrote of Holly Springs and Ireland. Mitford fans will love Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good.
#Mitford, #JanKaron #Bookreview
