A Cord Of 3 Strands

To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon is a comprehensive Christian novel that follows the beloved characters of Mitford once more. It is the fourteenth book in the Mitford Years series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment I recommend buying and reading all the Mitford books. It is a delightful series and one you will want to re-visit again and again.

The reader joins Lace, Dooley and four year old Jack Tyler, just a few months after the wedding. We witness the love within this little family unit as we see Jack Tyler grow in confidence as he rests secure in love, for the first time ever.

Mitford is family. It has always been family. We see residents offer their services when one of their own is in hospital.

We also say goodbye to a long-term Mitford resident. The town provides a good send off. There is light hearted humor too as the newspaper obituary does contain a rather large faux pas!

Father Tim and Cynthia still have dreams. This shows that no matter how old you are, you are never too old to dream.

We see the results of God working in hearts. Hearts of stone become hearts of flesh when they let the light of God into their lives. Bitterness is exchanged for forgiveness, and we just know that now these characters are free to bloom.

I loved the inclusion of family pets. The bond between a dog and his master is beautiful to see. It is not only humans who need to feel loved, animals do too.

All the characters are delightful. I have ‘visited’ Mitford over the years since the very first book. It has been a pure pleasure to journey with characters as they grew old. Tears have been shed when characters have died. It is wonderful to see the next generation of Mitford grow up.

This book, and all the books, are most charming. The hand of God has been seen in the lives of the characters. Their faithfulness to God has been there throughout as God guided their lives.

JULIA WILSON