I was so excited when I heard about Somewhere Safe with Someone Good. Previously Jan Karon had said she wasn't going to write any more Mitford books. And then she went and wrote another Mitford book. I've been a big fan of Mitford for years. I still remember finding the first in the series, At Home in Mitford, at a small Christian bookstore back when she was published by Lion. (Her books soon took off, and she found herself one of the big publishers, who could market her work correctly). 

I was living in Nashville when I first found her work, so now it reminds me of those facets of life that are unique to the South. Although I've since moved back to the Midwest where I was raised, there are facets of Southern life that I still cherish. It's become a part of me. 

Mitford is a charming small town in the North Carolina mountains where Episcopalian priest Father Tim Kavanagh has to deal with his own crises of faith, teenagers, neighbors, cantankerous secretaries, and a dog the size of a Buick. But it's all worth it. The way he celebrates the miracles he sees, the way he believes when it's so difficult, the way he opens up his heart and his life to others is charming and inspiring. 

For several years now, I've been hovering around Mitford. During struggles, loneliness, and times of faithlessness, I've grabbed for those Mitford novels to remind me of what is important in life. They are a touchstone for me. My shelves will never be without these books. 

So I was thrilled to discover that there was a new one. Somewhere Safe with Someone Good brings back all the best characters, all the old memories, and all the faith in a life well lived.