How lovely to be back in Mitford if only for the time it takes to read the latest installment.

Father Tim, now retired and staying busy most of the time - well, some of the time, is trying to take care of his Christmas shopping. His wife, Cynthia, wants nothing from him except a letter written by him to her. This he can do and all goes well until he somehow loses the letter in the muddle of Christmas wrapping paper and packages. The letter passes from person to person, each person knowing the letter was meant only for them. Thanksgiving arrives and everyone is angry and hurt by many others, families not speaking to one another, neighbors expressing irritation with other neighbors. What has happened to their beloved Mitford? Then the letter starts to work its magic. How it enriches and changes the community is the story. As Christmas rolls around, everyone is hoping for some resolution. Will they get it? Or will they remain at odds with one another?

It was lovely catching up with the residents of Mitford, and hearing some more of the back stories of residents. Lovely to hear the impact on the community of those who have passed on. As the author says, she writes about "ordinary people living ordinary lives."

It’s always a treat to visit with Father Tim, Mitford, and the wonderful cast of characters we’ve been introduced to over the years. It’s the Holiday season, families, neighbors and townfolk are gearing up for the season. Father Tim has written Cynthia a love letter for Christmas, wrapped and ready for Christmas, when it disappears from the house. All the Barlowe family are together for Thanksgiving, (disastrous) and possibly Christmas (hopefully not disastrous).
Everyday lives are elevated through the eyes of Jan Karon, the ordinary made extra ordinary. I especially love peering into the lives of Cynthia, Dooley and Lace. What a treat to visit with them again.

Jan Karon highlights the lovable characters from her Midford. series in a sequel that will charm you to the nth degree as a missing gift unravels a bevy of promises for many characters as they review their lives and finally take the big plunge. This novel is priceless and s refreshing read

From the first to the most recent book (#15) in Jan Karon's much-loved Mitford series, she has described the novels as "ordinary people living ordinary lives" in a fictional town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That's absolutely true, but it doesn't begin to express the depth of emotion, humor, and universal truths that are contained in these pages. In My Beloved, confirmed bachelor and former Episcopal priest Tim Kavanagh is now a happily retired family man with a an artist wife and an adopted son--a veterinarian with his own wife and children. Both Tim and his wife, Cynthia, have dealt with dysfunctional families, but their marriage has been a blessing for both.

As the narrative reaches the holidays, Cynthia asks Tim to write her a letter instead of buying her a Christmas gift, and he thinks it's a fine idea. But his heartfelt letter, wrapped carelessly along with a book of the poetry she loves, disappears from its hiding place. It is inadvertently passed from place to place, person to person, sometimes inspiring the recipient, even when they know it wasn't written for them. But Thanksgiving is a disaster, as estranged family members can't restrain themselves from exchanging damaging words that inflame the situation even more. Can they possibly try again at Christmas, and will anything have changed?

The author says she has purposely limited physical descriptions of most of the characters so that readers can imagine the details, and I didn't even miss these descriptions. I was more involved with the lives of the many characters who have populated various books in the series. They represent a variety of ages, family experiences, living conditions, financial situations, and occupations, but they are all looking for the same thing--lasting love of all kinds. I have to say my favorite character in this book is a 9-year-old girl who is a promising pianist and book author and demonstrates wisdom far beyond her years.

Because quite a bit of background from previous series entries is included, it's possible to enjoy this book even if you haven't read the rest. But I recommend reading the books in order. The author explains in the Afterword that she hadn't written a book in this series since 2017 because of family tragedies, and I'm so glad she was finally able to do so. I think this may be the most ambitious, interesting and memorable book in the entire series, even though I hope she decides to write more. I absolutely loved it.

My sincere thanks to G.P. Putnam's sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of the book.

I was absolutely thrilled to get another Mitford Series book! I loved reconnecting with all the characters and catching up. Once I started reading, it was hard to put down as I was eager to solve the mystery of the letter. I would have loved to read the actual letter but feel that the ending left open the possibility of a future book. Well written, great values, lots of humor. It does not disappoint.

First, I would like to thank NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Jan Karon never fails to touch our hearts and this was no exception. It's been a few years since our last visit to Mitford, and folks are growing up and growing old.
We join Father Tim and Cynthia as they approach Thanksgiving. Father Tim has figured out the perfect gift for Cynthia.. a beautiful love letter to his beloved. But, in the craziness of the season and everyone's lives, the letter gets misplaced and travels through town, landing in different houses. The effect in each house is different, but there is a string that connects the outcomes.
As we travel through town, we catch up with old friends and family. (It's been a while, I should have re-read her last book as a refresher!) We learn more about them, including some stories that they had kept hidden from everyone.

All in all, a delightful book, as always. Short chapters, glimpses in to everyone's lives from their perspective, and filled with love, hope, and grace.

I was thrilled to be back in Mitford! It felt like the best kind of homecoming, surrounded by all my beloved characters and their stories. Jan writes as if you live in Mitford, and we all feel like one big, funny, messy family. You can see all the layers that help you relate to your own stories, family, friends, and community.

A welcome return to Mitford and Father Tim. Whether you are reconnecting with the beloved residents or meeting them for the first time you will love this story of faith, hope, love and family (in all its sometimes messy forms). Totally a feel good holiday read that should not be missed.

This was a pleasant read for anyone familiar with Karon’s wide range of characters. Newcomers to the series may beat a loss to understand or appreciate this book, but anyone who has followed the Mitford series will enjoy spending a bit more time with these characters. Not Karon’s best (by a long shot), but still an absorbing and heartwarming read.

4.5 stars

Christmas is coming and Father Tim asks Cynthia what she would like. Her one request is a love letter so he sits down and pours his heart out. As he’s finishing, he gets a call about Miss Louella and dashes out of the house. When he returns, the letter is nowhere to be found. Readers follow the letter as it makes its way through Mitford and enjoy the Kavanaugh family through Thanksgiving and Christmas.

MY BELOVED is another sweet addition to the Mitford series by Jan Karon. There’s just something about these characters who are trying (not always successfully) to live good, meaningful lives that speak to me. Neither the characters nor the plot are complicated but they’re comforting. I do think readers need to be familiar with this series to really enjoy this book.

It has been a long time since I read a Mitford novel. I still love Karon's writing. I remember looking forward to her novels don't know if I just missed them or there haven't been any.. This book is as good as her first

I did not realize how much I needed a new Mitford book where everyone is kind to and takes care of each other.. Revisiting Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley and the rest of the characters was balm for the soul in these turbulent times. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

This book is a beautifully crafted journey that blends rich storytelling with memorable characters. The prose flows effortlessly, drawing you deep into its world from the very first page. Themes of resilience and hope shine through, making the story both powerful and uplifting. It’s a truly captivating read that stays with you long after the final chapter.

What a luxurious treat to be able to immerse myself once again in the wonders and kindness that is Mitford! I loved every moment of ALL the characters' stories. I didn't have time to re-read the books in the series so I was worried that I wouldn't remember the previous characters and their stories, but the author did a beautiful job of weaving in some of the backstories so it was very easy to fall right back in.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

How simply wonderful to get another trip to Mitford and during the holidays no less! In addition to Father Tim and Cynthia, we get to catch up with all our favorite residents. The book has poignancy, humor and lots of heartfelt emotions shared from many perspectives. A truly delightful read.

Retired Father Tim puts his heart in a letter for his devoted wife Cynthia. He slips the letter in a book and wraps it for Christmas morning. The wrapped package goes missing and travels around the town. Father Tim is troubled, knowing that he won't be able to replicate the emotions and intensity of the original letter. Along the way, the letter has an effect on those who read it. Past grievances are forgiven, hardened hearts are softened and the Mitford elements of love and community spirit are in full swing. We learn more about Cynthia's troubled journey and her jubilant discovery of a blessed existence. The many characters of Mitford have numerous questions to solve - Will Sammy be able to get beyond his dark past and focus on mending relationships? Will the bookstore be around another year? Will either Miss Pringle or Pauline be able to lessen the shame of past deeds?

Emotional and filled with the journeys of characters Mitford readers have loved for over thirty years, My Beloved is a wonderful addition to the series. The author's afterword provides additional thoughts and recent emotional events of her own life.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons, Jan Karon and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a sweet surprise to learn we would get to hear from Father Tim and all of the other beloved characters from the town of Mitfhrd once again! Jan did not disappoint. It was a wonderful stroll down memory lane catching up with such memorable characters. The whole premise of the book is genius and befitting a Jan Karon novel! I can only hope it's not the last one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A trip back to Mitford is like going back to heaven. The town you wish you lived in. The friends you wished you had. It has been years since the last Mitford book and in My Beloved Jan Karon fills us in on the lives of our beloved characters. In this time of political stress and constant bad news I think we will all benefit from a trip back to Mitford.

It’s been more than 30 years since readers were first introduced to Father Tim and the delightful cast of characters in the first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. I stumbled across this heartwarming series a few years ago and read all 14 of the novels which were out at the time in 6 weeks. They remain my favorite comfort reads to this day.

Father Tim was an Episcopal priest at the beginning of the series, but has since retired. This book is a wonderful story leading up to Christmas in Mitford, where Tim writes a heartfelt letter to his wife as part of her gift. Then the letter disappears and manages to make its way around the town, making an impact on all who come in possession of it.

Told from multiple points of view, we get to see many of our favorite characters from the series return and have a piece of their own story shared. Revisiting the town of Mitford and its residents is a balm for the heart.

I was elated when I heard Jan was writing a new book, and beyond ecstatic when I was selected to receive an ARC of it. If you have followed the Mitford series, you will not be disappointed with this latest installment. If you haven’t followed the series, I think you’ll enjoy this as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of this book.

What a treat to get an unexpected addition to the Mitford series, which is my favorite book series of all time!
This one was beautifully written and a lovely story, as all of the books have been. I know our patrons (who all live close to the little town Mitford is based on in the mountains of NC) will love this book as much as I have-I look forward to telling them about it.