I’ve been hiding out in Mitford. To the tune of rereading half the series in just a few days, ignoring the stacks of shiny library books on my coffee table. I’ve been alternately chuckling and wiping away tears on the T, not caring who sees me. These books are that good.
I love them for their honest depiction of faith, for the cast of quirky characters filling their pages, for the beautiful ways in which “all things work together for good” for Father Tim and his ever-expanding family. And oh, I’ve needed a good dose of all those things lately.
During a strange transitional season, when I might leave the house in wellies and a coat and come home in ballet flats and a cardigan; when some weekends brim with fun and rich community and others feel oddly barren; when some days on the job are fulfilling and others are just plain flat; when I alternately long for the comfort, safety and warmth of Abilene and try to enjoy this new adventure…
…it’s nice to escape to “the little town with the big heart,” where everyone takes care of each other, where everyone is known, and where, somehow, things always work out for the best.
Where do you go to hide out?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I LOVE Mitford! It is one of my very favorite fictional communities.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I own this series, given to me by my mother after she completed them and raved about them- and I have yet to read them. My PhD really blocked my time and energy from doing much leisurely reading. With that behind me, I’ve been reading more and more- but had completely forgotten that I own this series. Yay! I’m beginning them today! xoxo
I hang out in Mitford too. I consider those books my reading “comfort food” and just plain good for my soul. I love the marriage that Father Tim and Cynthia have and the family they forge together with Dooley. I laugh and cry at those books and so easily get caught up in their town and those people that I could swear I’ve actually met.
Thanks for sharing!
I love those books. I think its time for another re-read!!!
I love Mitford!!! My roommate introduced me to them in 2012, and I fell in love. I checked every one out from the public library! Then I bought all of them (except for the most recent) one at a time from a used bookstore! I pull them out when I’m stressed and use them also as my reading “comfort food,” especially “These High Green Hills” and “In This Mountain” (because Fr. Tim is struggling with a lot of things in those two).