SABBATH SNAPSHOT : gra-TEA-fyingly wholesome

Jan Karon's latest in her "Mitford series," Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is indeed gratifyingly wholesome. Since it's been a while since a Father Tim book was set in Mitfor, Karon provides some flashback moments to jog our memories and give us insight, as we recall characters and situations of old.

Possibly, Father Tim's "station of life" as a retiree speaks to me. He desires to serve others but sometimes takes on too much, trying to do it all. Many retirees can relate to that. His friend Hoppy reminds him, "To do it all and deprive others of doing---is a misguided notion." (p. 163)

Few writers can weave a prayer into a well crafted book without it looking like an afterthought, as well as Karon. So many tenets of  faith are the fabric of the "less than perfect town" of Mitford---but Father Tim offers hope to many.

Yet, even he has to learn that, "Love is an act of endless forgiveness." (p. 511)

Dooley was their hope---a door opening to all that could be healing and genuine.

'Take it from here, buddy,' he said. 'Take it from here.' (p. 511)

Sounds like a sequel or a new series in the making----for which I am gra-TEA-fyingly excited!