Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon (Mitford Years, #13)

Paperback, 304 pages

Published May 3rd 2016 by G.P. Putnam's Sons (first published September 22nd 2015)

About the Book

Over the course of twelve Mitford novels, fans have kept a special place in their hearts for Dooley Kavanagh, first seen in At Home in Mitford as a barefoot, freckle-faced boy in filthy overalls.

Now, Father Tim Kavanagh's adopted son has graduated from vet school and opened his own animal clinic. Since money will be tight for a while, maybe he and Lace Harper, his once and future soul mate, should keep their wedding simple.

So the plan is to eliminate the cost of catering and do potluck. Ought to be fun. An old friend offers to bring his well-known country band. Gratis. And once mucked out, the barn works as a perfect venue for seating family and friends. Piece of cake, right?

In Come Rain or Come Shine, Jan Karon delivers the wedding that millions of Mitford fans have waited for. It's a June day in the mountains, with more than a few creatures great and small, and you're invited--because you're family.

By the way, it's a pretty casual affair, so come as you are and remember to bring a tissue or two. After all, what's a good wedding without a good cry?

My Review
★★★★ 1/2

Dooley and Lace’s wedding story is quite the feast. In relatively short bursts of thought, instead of traditional dialogue and one or two POV’s, I was treated to a more intimate look at what the wedding couple and their guests are thinking and feeling as the big day approaches and preparations are made. I felt as if I could hear each person's thoughts and experienced a few laugh out loud moments. A couple of times I had to pause briefly to realize who was doing the thinking but it didn’t detract from the overall story or my enjoyment of it.

I’m going to throw in my opinion of Lace’s wedding dress because I’ve read numerous reviews that bemoan the fact we aren’t given a lot of detail as to what it looks like. When you realize what she is wearing (and you’ll not hear from this reader what it is), how much more of a description can there be?! I think the whole ensemble she put together speaks more to her personality than a fancy wedding gown would.

Come Rain or Come Shine is a sweet and tender story with some sigh-worthy moments. The flow is relaxed and makes for a satisfying read. I highly recommend this book to all established Mitford fans. It's a must in the continuation of one of literature’s finest series of books! 

I appreciate the publisher sending me a copy for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion.  No compensation has been received.

Find out more about Jan Karon and Mitford on her website http://www.mitfordbooks.com/

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~Happy Reading~

GIVEAWAY ~ Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good by Jan Karon

UPDATE: Please read carefully - I heard back from the publisher about opening the giveaway to International readers. I can offer THREE copies of the book. If you live OUTSIDE the US, you can get an eBook (digital copy) sent to you (no print). If you live INSIDE the US, you can CHOOSE print or digital. Sound good? I thought so J

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When I received an email from G. P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin Group) asking me if I would like to read and review Jan Karon's newest book, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, I was elated! I might have even done a little happy dance. Because we all want to go back to Mitford, right?!

They also offered a copy to one of my blog readers. Yeah. That's cool! (READ UPDATE ABOVE!)

But before I give you the details regarding the giveaway, I just want to share a little back story as to why I love the Mitford Series of books.

I was introduced to the charming and witty characters of Mitford back in 1996. I remember laying on our couch reading the first book, At Home in Mitford, laughing at some crazy antic of Uncle Billy's when my 11 year old daughter asked me what was so funny. I read an excerpt from the book and she chuckled. If you've read any of these books you know you don't just chuckle once. It's a repeated action, as well as shedding some tears. As soon as I put the book down to go do something, she grabbed it and started reading. From that point on, we were in a sort of book war. I didn't have empty hours back then to just read like I do now, so I had to read in short bursts. It became a race to see which one of us would get to the book first. Some mornings she would come out of her room, see me reading already, and say, "Rats, I thought I got up early enough to get the book. When will you be done?" Sometimes I would get a break from taking care of the little ones (naptime!!!) and go looking for the book only to find my daughter sequestered in her room with it. Nope. She didn't turn loose of it, even for me.

We became faithful followers of Ms. Karon's stories and read the whole series together. That is what endeared me to this author. The fact that she wrote a series of books that my daughter and I could both read, enjoy and discuss throughout the years. Not too many works of fiction have been able to accomplish that feat.

So that is why I am happy to be able to offer you a copy of Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, compliments of G. P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin Group).

Putnam Adult (September 2, 2014)

You must be a follower of my blog, either through GFC or Email, to enter this giveaway. Leave a comment letting me know how you follow, and if you have read any of the Mitford books, who your favorite character is, what are you looking forward to in the new book, or anything Mitford related, if so. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Don't forget to leave your email address in a format like this: you [at] here [dot] com. Giveaway ends Sept 6th. US winner gets to choose print or digital copy. International winner gets digital copy. Remember, I have THREE copies to give away, so share with your friends and book clubs!