To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon on Bette's Bookshelf
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon returns with the fourteenth novel in the beloved Mitford series, featuring three generations of Kavanaghs.
After twelve years of wrestling with the conflicts of retirement, Father Tim Kavanagh realizes he doesn't need a steady job to prove himself. Then he's given one–but what, exactly, does it prove? Meanwhile, newly married Dooley and Lace face a crisis that empties their bank account and turns their household upside down. Is the honeymoon over? Is this where real life begins?
As the Mitford Muse editor stumbles on a quick fix for marital woes and the town grocer falls in love for the first time, Father Tim and Cynthia receive an invitation to yet another family wedding.
But perhaps the bottom line is this: While a star blinks out in the Mitford firmament, another soon blinks on at Meadowgate, and four-year-old Jack Tyler looks forward to the biggest day of his life–for now and forever.
Jan Karon weaves together the everyday lives of two families, and the cast of characters that readers around the world now love like kin.
To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon on Bette's Bookshelf
I've started reviewing books with the New York Journal of Books. This is my first one. I picked Jan Karon's latest Mitford novel, To Be Where You Are. It reminds me of the Wyattsville Series where the story takes place in a particular town in the south. Both series are full of quirky characters. Readers have responded to both series by saying how they wish this was a real place that they could live in. I feel the Wyattsville Series might have a little more angst and mystery in it but both series still have a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
I enjoyed Mitford and I hope you do to. I have a hardback book to give away to celebrate. Please comment about the Wyattsville Series or the Mitford Series to enter to win. ***US shipping only***
Giveaway ends September 11, 2018
About Bette Lee Crosby
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.
USA Today Bestselling Author - Bette Lee Crosby
Scroll Through Stories by Bette Lee Crosby
Congratulations Dana! You won and I sent you an email so you can receive the book. 🙂
Would love to win
I am so behind on my tbr list it’s insane but I will bump this one up in the pile now!
I love the Wyattsville Series and all of Betty Lee’s books. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to learn about this author.
i like Jan’s books just because they actually have characters that are kind to each other.
I have yet to read the Mitford series, but am looking forward to checking out this new author! I’ve read the first three books of the Wyattsville series so (my fave was Passing Through Perfect, so far) and I’m looking forward to reading the rest. 🙂
The Mitford Series was the first faith based series I read besides CS Lewis’ Narnia Series. I absolutely fell in love with Mitford and its residents!
I love the Mitford series.. especially the dog named barnabas. I have some of the Mitford series, but would love all the books someday.
I discovered the Mitford books years ago and have read the early books several times. I have shared them with many friends who also fell in love with the town and the people of Mitford. I would love to win a copy of this latest Mitford story! I can’t wait to continue the journey.
I love them both! I have all but the last couple of Mitford books and I’m ready to revisit! Hallmark made a movie with Cameron Mathison. I think he’s a bit young to be playing Father Tim but I also think he’s great so I want to watch it. Small town settings are my favorite. Thanks for the chance, Bette!
I haven’t read this series but my dear mama has and loved them.
I read my 1st Mitford series books in 1998 and I have read most of them. I have not read this one yet though. My youngest daughter was born and required heart surgery so this series kept me company while I stayed at the hospital with her. Thanks for the chance!
I have read some of the mitford series and like it
I also lo like the Wyattsville series
I of course have read your wyattsville series but The Mitford series is new for me. Guess a new one to check out. THANKS FOR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY.
Robin
I have always wanted to read The Mitford Series. A little difficult finding the first books in the series. Can’t wait to catch up with everyone else. I love the Bette Lee Crosby books, and hope to read many more!
I have not read the Mitford Series but would love to read it. I absolutely love the Wyattsville series. It is such a good feeling book. It has all the emotions and small town charm. Thank you for the chance.
I have read all of the Mitford series and Father Tim books numerous times. They feel like home. When I need a lift in spirits I always go back to Mitford and Father Tim books. In the first book of the Mitford series you start to develop a rapport with all the characters and Fathet Tim and his family and each successive book just adds more to depth to them. Through the book series you get to see how their lives grow and change, and you cheer then own, shed a few tears and ultimately become vested in each family.
Ethan Allen in Spare Change is one of my favorite characters. Well written book. Thank you for sharing your talent.
I have read nearly all of Jan Karon’s books, the Mitford series in particular. They are wonderful. I have also read Bette Lee Crosby’s Wyattsville series and enjoyed that as well. However, I do feel that Ms Karon’s character development is superior to that of Ms Cosby. BUT, I would strongly recommend both authors.
I love the Wyattsville series. I know I have at least one of the Mitford books on my TBR but haven’t read one yet. I’m looking forward reading them.
I haven’t read either of these series; however, they sound intriguing. Thanks you for sharing!
Love Mitford. About to start the newest one.
I haven’t read all of the Mitford series, but sure enjoyed the ones I did read! I think Jan Karon makes her characters seem real. I’d LOVE to read this book! Thanks for the chance.
I loved the Mitford series. My sister-in-law introduced me to the series. I loved Father Tim and so many of the other characters. We loved to talk about them. I lost my sister-in-law it will be 3 years ago this Christmas Eve.
I have really enjoyed all the Mitford books. They are full of kindness and love.
Betty, your books bring me in from page one and keep me until the very end.
Two wonderful series to read.
Thanks so much.
I LOVED THE MITFORD SERIES AND AM READY TO READ OTHER BETTE LEE CROSBY BOOKS.
Would love to win and start the series!
I have read the first books in the Mitford series. I really enjoyed these books1 I have not read the new book by Jan Karon in the Mitford series.
I adore stories with small town settings. The sense of community and people knowing everybody’s business leads to so many great tales. 😉 I haven’t read either of these series, but they sound wonderful.
Both series are great. Read the Mitford series a few years back, even had my mom read it. The Wyattsville series is also a great series.
I have read one of Jan’s books, but it has been awhile. I do love her writing. Thank you for sharing with us.
Sounds like an enjoyable read. Thanks for this opportunity.
I have read most of the Mitford Series and I just love it! The Mitford series is what invoked my love of small-town romances and fiction. Thank you for the chance!!!
I haven’t read any of the Wyattville series, but love the Mitford books.
Love you both and thanks for the update. Jan karon and your books are going on my list
I love your books and Jan Karon is another favorite. To be on my TBR list
Hi, Bette! I haven’t read any of the Mitford series but they sound good. I have read several of yours. I love your storytelling and the characters you have in your books. I appreciate the opportunity to read them very much.
Love the Mitford series!
LOVE the Mitford series!!!! I am always afraid when a new book comes out that something will happen to Father Tim I also love your books- my 2 favorites are Cracks in the Sidewalk and the Regrets of Cyrus Dodd! Please keep them coming
I agree, your Wyattsville series, with the small town feel makes me think of Mitford. I love the Mitford stories. I read them years ago, before kindle (Ha!) and have just recently started reading them again. I loved the recipes the author shared. I would love to have the latest release. Thank you for the chance.
I love the sweet little town of Mitford.
I am always looking for new authors to read. Jan’s books sound intriguing and ones I would enjoy.
Good question Margie and I had a tough time answering it. On the one hand I think it would have helped to have read some of the earlier books but the story in this one was good enough that I wouldn’t have wanted to wait.
I love the Mitford series. An elderly gentleman from church where I attended introduced me to Jan Karon’s books. I’ve read all of them except this latest book. I would love to read it.
Bette, I have literally every Mitford book ever written with the exception of the latest and the new Father Tim coming out this fall.
When I was on hiatus between parishes a long time back, I was living and working in Cincinnati and I was in a wonderful bookstore when “At Home in Mitford” fell off the shelf and literally hit me in the head. And I’ve always gotten them since! Even in my retirement U have managed to get them used, but have to wait for then then.
From Father Tim to Barnabas I have loved every truly blessed moment I have spent in Jan Karon’s world and would love a chance to win this book
I love the Mitford series!
One of my all-time favorite series! The Mitford Series by Jan Karon.
I just started reading this book. It’s like getting together with some old friends you haven’t seen in a while. Eager to find out what they’ve all been up to since I last visited.
i started reading the Mitford series when I lived in Connecticut. My sister was into them and she passed her books on to me. I loved the series and its characters as well as the recipes interspersed through out the books.
These are two of my favorite authors. When Jan had a board that we could chat on I was on it and made several great friends. Many of them I have met personally. We are meeting now on a website started by one of those that was on there with us at “Through the Hedge”. We pray for each other and chat.
As I said I enjoy both authors.
I have just finished reading “Passing Through Perfect” – for the second time. So the Wyattsville series was so great – I’ve read most of those books two times – and they are just as enthralling the second time around as they were the first. The difference, of course, is I already “knew” the characters – and love most of them! They all become so real, it’s as if these are people I know around town. When one of them has difficulties of any kind, I actually FEEL for them – and worry until the crisis has been solved.
Benjamin and Isaac, going through losing their beloved wife/mother and traveling with change they could find around the house – sleeping in the truck or under the stars….and when Sydney and Carmella took them in, I grew to love them as well. These characters, as described by Bette Lee, become as flesh and blood – you can visualize exactly what they look like, even the sound of their voices! I have never read any books that made the characters come as alive as those in Bette Lee Crosby’s books! And when one is done, I have to find the next – even if it means reading that book for the second time!
Thank you, Bette Lee, for giving us so many hours of enjoyable, relaxing (most of the time – except in a ‘crisis’) and books I cannot put down.
Hi Bette! I read the entire Mitford series years ago up to the last few I believe. I so enjoyed seeing life in that town and the quirky people. I grew up in a small town so can relate to a point. So enjoyable and I need to read the Wyattsville series!
I suppose I could be accused of bias, but, Wyattsville series would take a lot of beating, as far as I am concerned, as that was the first series of books I really got into once I got my first ever Kindle. I now read mostly on my iPad or one my laptop with the kindle app, but I still love my original kindle and I have so many happy memories of those people for books like Jubilee’s Journey,(which is still one of my favourites lol) plus of course, Memory House 🙂 Yes I suppose there is some bias there but sorry, that’s how I feel 🙂 <3
Sounds like a very good book Bette. As for your Wyattsville series. It can’t be beat. I’ve read everyone of your books except the very latest one, fixing to start it, and the Wyattsville is my favorite series. You write the best books that really bring out lots of feelings. Just what I love in a book. 🙂
The Wyattsville series sounds like great reads. Right up my alley. I haven’t read any yet, but on my list! Thank you.
I haven’t read either of these series, but a small town story with interesting characters sounds very intriguing. Thanks for this giveaway.
I have almost all of your books in Ebook form and the ones I’ve read so far I have loved and enjoyed very much. My question is this, for the Mitford Novels, can you start with this one and understand the story line as if it’s a stand alone or would it be best to start from the beginning of the series? I’ve never read any of Jan Karon’s books. However, I would like to so thank you for the chance at your hardcover copy.
Absolutely love the Mitford series. You learn to love and live with the people of Mitford!!
I loved the MItford series. The characters seemed like friends!
I loved the Wyattville series because it’s Small Town, Heartbreaking & Heartwarming
Thank You for sharing and for the chance to win
I have loved the Wyattsville series and have read all the books by Bette Lee Crosby. Each one brings a new friend gif me to treasure
What Matters Most was one of my faves