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    Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good
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    Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good
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    Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good
    Audiobook17 hours

    Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good

    Written by Jan Karon

    Narrated by John McDonough

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    After five hectic years of retirement from Lord's Chapel, Father Tim Kavanagh returns with his wife, Cynthia, from a so-called pleasure trip to the land of his Irish ancestors.

    While glad to be at home in Mitford, something is definitely missing: a pulpit. But when he's offered one, he decides he doesn't want it. Maybe he's lost his passion.

    His adopted son, Dooley, wrestles with his own passion-for the beautiful and gifted Lace Turner, and his vision to become a successful country vet. Dooley's brother, Sammy, still enraged by his mother's abandonment, destroys one of Father Tim's prized possessions. And Hope Murphy, owner of Happy Endings bookstore, struggles with the potential loss of her unborn child and her hard-won business.

    All this as Wanda's Feel Good Café opens, a romance catches fire through an Internet word game, their former mayor hatches a reelection campaign to throw the bums out, and the weekly Muse poses a probing inquiry: Does Mitford still take care of its own?

    Millions of fans will applaud the chance to spend time, once more, in the often comic and utterly human presence of Jan Karon's characters. Indeed, they have never been more sympathetic, bighearted, and engaging.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateSep 2, 2014
    ISBN9780698179561
    Unavailable
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    Reviews for Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good

    4/5

    170 ratings42 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      I always know what to expect as a reader when I return to Mitford and Father Tim and Cynthia and their many friends. This book did not disappoint - Father Tim gets involved in the lives of a bookstore owner, a long lost twin sister, and his adopted son Dooley. Challenges arise out of nowhere and he faces them with scripture, prayer, the support of his wife and administers his wisdom to all - including the reader. I always leave feeling better than when I left, and this book truly took me to somewhere safe with Somebody good.
    • 5/5
      This book was exceptional! I have read it three times now, and it only gets better each time I read it. It is definitely one of my favorite books, which is saying a lot, as I have read so many books and it is so hard to pick a favorite. I have read the whole Mitford series, and they are all just amazing. The characters feel so homelike, and it is incredibly well written. The storyline with Sammy is amazing and heart-wrenching (in a good way), as is the storyline with Hope and Scott Murphy. Definitely go check this out! Five stars!
    • 3/5
      It's an easy, pleasant story, but occasionally the tone can get a bit cloying.
    • 5/5
      An unprecedented act on my part: I jumped right in, deep into a series, without having yet read any of the series' earlier books, which I'm aware are meant to be read in sequential order. Additionally, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is the first book whatsoever that I've read by Jan Karon. Perhaps this act of mine is somewhat of a violation against the International Bookworm's Unofficial Code or something, but, really, how could I pass up a novel with such a title when it came across my path?A possible plus here is that my rating for this novel isn't riding in on the coattails of any previous/established love for this series or its characters, since I came in absolutely new to Father Tim Kavanagh and the people of small-town Mitford.I can't tell you at exactly what point I became so engrossed in this novel that I wished I could swallow it whole, but it must have been somewhere during the first fourth of the book. I loved Karon's deft style and pacing, the chance to catch woven glimpses into her well-written characters' lives. Their joys, their hardships, and their questions are real; I could've hugged good ol' Coot Hendrick, and I made a delightfully failed attempt at restraining my laughter while encountering J.C. and Mule's banter while I was reading in public. (Albeit I did keep my chortling as quiet as was possible, in the moment.)Do I intend to go back and read more of the Mitford Years series? Yes! Though, please pardon me, I still shan't guarantee the order I may read them in.____________I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      As with all the Mitford books, we thoroughly enjoyed this one, too! We are looking forward to the next book in the series. Also, having just read that Jan Karon credits the "Miss Read" books as an inspiration, that explains the feeling of peacefulness that I have always had reading Mitford. Having read the "Miss Read" books eons ago, it now all makes sense!
    • 5/5
      It was so nice to be back in Midford with Father Tim, Cynthia and the gang. While there were times that this book was a bit disjointed, it was still a marvelous read that I had to buy for myself because I kept wanting to underline passages from the library copy I had borrowed. Not perfect but very very close!
    • 4/5
      TITLE: Somewhere Safe with Somebody GoodDATE READ: 01/27/15RATING: 4/BGENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS Fiction/2014/Penguin Audio/14 discs SERIES/STAND-ALONE: #10 in the Mitford SeriesTIME/PLACE: Present/Mitford, NCCHARACT ERS: Father Tim, retired minister Cynthia, his wife and children's book authorFIRST LINES: "His wife was determined to march him to the Country Club this Saturday evening. Worse he'd have to stuff himself into his old tux like sausage into a casing." COMMENTS: I won this on Good Reads and was very happy to return to Mitford w/ Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley and the other residents. I looked at my notes on this series and the last book I read was the one published in 2001, the seventh in the series. So it has been quite a while & I skipped a few. In this 10th book Father Tim is retired and he & his wife are returning from a long trip to Ireland. Father Tim feels a bit out of sorts and is not sure what is missing from his life. Should he return to preaching or can he be an active and needed participant in life in Mitford helping the residents in other ways? Lovely to revisit Mitford! I think at some point I will go back and read the other books I've missed. The narrator of this audio book, John McDonough is very good!
    • 5/5
      I always enjoy my visits to Mitford. I especially enjoyed Father Tim's endeavors to figure out retirement and his interaction with his community. I found his actions with Sammy particularly insightful - sometimes grace isn't logical but is powerful. A satisfying read.
    • 5/5
      I am surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this gentle tale of a NC town, told largely from the perspective of a retired Episcopal priest. The book was this month's book club read, chosen in memory of someone I loved very much. I wish I could talk to that person and tell her how much I enjoyed this book. Judging from her bookshelves, she loved all of the Mitford novels. Maybe I will read some of the others now.
    • 4/5
      More Fr. Tim and the people of Mitford we've grown to love. It's nice to have him back home.
    • 4/5
      This is the 10th book in the Mitford series, and it is just as lovely as the first nine. It might be too sweet for some, but I love the quirkiness of the on-going characters and their quaint antics in this small town that is trying its best to stay small and care for one another. Looking forward to #11 coming out in September "Come Rain or Come Shine."
    • 5/5
      New Mitford! What more can be said? My favourite series of all time!
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this new Mitford novel with all the old characters and beautiful lessons. I did find it kind of disjointed and rushed. I felt like Father Tim was going to collapse because of the pace he was keeping. I hope Jan Karen continues with this series. I fully vested in their lives!
    • 4/5
      It is the current final book in the Mitford series. It's been a while since I've read the others and it was good to revisit the comfortable town and beloved characters. There wasn't much that was earth-shattering. Father Time became a part-time bookseller and found that even with that title he could still serve the Kingdom. It serves as a good reminder that we all greet each day with the ability to be a comforter and good-deed-doer.
    • 5/5
      First Jan Karon book that I have ever read and I was not disappointed. Although part of a series it was very easy to dive right in. The story takes place in the small town of Mitford which has a feel not unlike Mayberry of TV fame. Lots of interesting and unique characters populate the pages central of which is Father Tim who is the unifying force in the book. He is full of kindness and wise insights ans adds to the overall relaxed atmosphere of the novel. No big tragedies and lots of friendships. I want to live there.
    • 4/5
      This is the first Mitford book I read. It was interesting with very well developed characters. Father Kavanagh and his wife Cynthia are delightful people and father Tim as he is known is so real. He laughs and cries with his flock as when he reports sales of almost $500 on one day in the bookstore to the owner . "Tears. Not hers. His." Father Tim's volunteering in the bookstore gives him an opportunity to give us some great quotes like, "All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened." - Ernest Hemingway. This book is indeed an example of that very apt quote.
    • 5/5
      I've really liked all of the Mitford books and this one didn't disappoint. I only wish Ms Karon would write more often.
    • 4/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters in Mitford, especially since I have read most of the series. It has been a while since I've read the previous books, and it was good meeting up with them again. I did think, however, that this book dragged along more than the others. Father Tim spends too much time moaning about his retirement, something that at times seems to go on for pages. There were also times when I found it hard to follow who was doing the talking, and some thoughts or comments would have me wondering what I had missed in previous pages. I think the flow was missing a little from the previous books. Still, I enjoyed the likable characters and the gentleness that is Mitford, where the town continues to take care of its own. (This review is based upon reading an advanced copy, an uncorrected proof. Some of the problems may be corrected in the published novel.)
    • 4/5
      Wonderful return to Mitford, though I did find it a bit of a slow start. Father Tim and Cynthia are back in Mitford after their travels. Cynthia is deep into her next book, but Father Tim is at loose ends. His friend and doctor is retiring and headed off to do charity work in the Sudan, leaving him feeling that he should be doing something useful with his time. But when trouble comes to his old parish, he realizes that he is not the one best suited to dealing with it, leaving him wondering what he should be doing.The people of Mitford don't leave him wondering for long. Father Tim soon finds himself involved in many aspects of peoples' lives. I loved seeing his patience with Sammy, one of Dooley's younger brothers. Sammy is still dealing with his anger over his mother's treatment of him and acts out in many ways. He has an explosive temper, resents his oldest brother's success, and does his best to push everyone away. Even when Sammy wrecks Father Tim's car, he doesn't wash his hands, but continues to show his love. Though there isn't a complete turnaround, progress is made by the end of the book. Hopefully there will be more of Sammy in another book.One of Father Tim's favorite places in town, the Happy Endings bookstore, is in danger of closing. The owner is newly pregnant and having problems that have sentenced her to bedrest. To prevent that from occurring, he offers to open the store for her one day a week, leading others to do the same. I loved seeing him get so involved in the running of the store and helping people find books. The support from the various townspeople is wonderful to see, and I loved the various book quotes they posted on the bulletin board. Father Tim seems to have found a perfect place to influence many lives.Running throughout the book is the local paper's campaign to name the town's "Leading Citizen". The frontrunner is Father Tim, who is not at all happy with the idea. He doesn't feel worthy of such a title, and doesn't like being held up as such a role model. And yet, he finds a way to help so many. I enjoyed seeing his relationship with Coot, the local handyman, and how he was there for Coot during a heartbreaking loss and then helped make a dream come true. I loved seeing the "Turkey Club" back together, and hearing their observations on life in Mitford. Father Tim also has a wonderful way of listening to people who come to him, allowing them to work out their own problems with only some guidance from him. This especially shows in his relationship with Dooley and his struggles with his love for Lace. So much support, but also trust that Dooley will do what is right for both.There are plenty of updates on old friends, and the introduction of new ones. I loved the surprise visitor to town and the incredible news she brings to a resident. There are interesting developments with Esther's Orange Marmalade Cake, and also with the former mayor of Mitford. I enjoyed the arrival of Fancy's sister Shirlene, and the effect she has on the morale of many residents. There are some things left hanging, which I hope means that there will be another visit to Mitford soon.
    • 5/5
      Another great book by Jan Karon. I got hooked on the Mitford Series and made a point to find every book that was out at the time. When I heard that a new book was coming out in the new series she started about Father Tim's new life I was very excited. This book holds true to form and allows you to keep up with what is happening in the lives of the characters that you have grown to love.
    • 5/5
      I was excited to learn I was going to receive an ER copy of this book, and I was not at all disappointed when I read it. Well, yes I was disappointed because I was done with it and don't know when or if there will be another Mitford book, but the writing didn't disappoint me!This is a lovely return to Mitford. Jan Karon still has the ability to draw the reader in and make him or her care about fictional characters. Most of the old favorites are there, particularly Father Tim, Cynthia, and Barnabus, as well as some new characters who may become favorites. There is love, joy, sadness, anger, fear, rejoicing, and nearly every other emotion known to man. For anyone who has enjoyed the previous Mitford novels, I highly recommend this. For anyone who has yet to make the acquaintance of Father Tim and the rest of the village of Mitford, I highly recommend reading the previous books!
    • 3/5
      Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is one of a series featuring the small town of Mitford, North Carolina. Novels which centered around small towns are one of my favorite reads but unfortunately this book was tedious to finish. The book was far too long in content to tell the latest chapter of this small town saga. The protagnist is the local retired minister, Father Tim who is the most selfless character with so many sterling attibutes. In my opinion, Ms. Karon skipped too much from his story to some of the other quirky characters in the town that I was totally confused. I reread so many paragraphs to understand who was telling their story that the book was put on my bed stand for another night of reading.The story of this town should be read from beginning to end to fully enjoy all the citizens of Mitford and their stories. I have read countless series based on small towns where one character was the focus of the novel...my head is still spinning from this book.
    • 4/5
      I was pleased to hear that fans of the Mitford series were going to get a chance to head back to Mitford with Father Tim and Cynthia, and catch up with all our old friends. I have read all of the Mitford books, so following Father Tim around town, whether checking in on former parishioners or just on his own adventures (in retail!), The book's pace and Hope's pregnancy give the book a feel of passing time, but it was quite a long time in these people's lives. OMC all around, this was a pretty good finale for Mitford.
    • 5/5
      I received this book through the Librarything's Early Reviewer feature. I've read all Jan Karon's "Mitford" series, in order. While it certainly helps, getting to know these quirky characters through the years, the author summarizes their history well enough that a new reader can follow along without any problem. This novel opens with Father Tim and his wife Cynthia finally home from their extended vacation in Ireland. The story lines include Father Tim's activities during retirement, his adopted son Dooley's relationship with the beautiful Lace Harper, Dooley's brother Sammy's anger and rebellion, Scott and Hope Murphy's difficult pregnancy, as well as the variety of changes happening among the lives of the many citizens of Mitford. Karon's novels are filled with well developed characters in whose lives the reader can't help but feel engaged. The "faith-challenges" everyday people experience, and the ability to see God's hand in our lives is a theme seen frequently in Karon's writing. One of the aspects of Father Tim's personality that I enjoy and appreciate most is that he is filled with imperfections, yet he is loving and lovable. I find the relationships between Karon's characters, as well as their relationship with God thought provoking and inspiring. I have found that all her novels are worth reading a second (and third?) time because with each reading, depending on where I am in my life, I find something I didn't see the first time. This book is filled with warmth and wisdom and is one of Jan Karon's best novels to date.
    • 5/5
      I have read all of Jan Karon, with the exception of a couple of her children's books. While I loved reading her last two books, in which she branched out from the idyllic mountain village of Mitford and sent Father Tim to Mississippi and Ireland to discover more about his past and, consequently, himself, I greatly missed Mitford! Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is a cozy return to small town life, in which Father Tim attempts to figure out what it means to be retired. Many familiar Mitford characters return, along with a few new ones. We get to see Father Tim struggle with how to help the troubled seventeen year old Sammy Barlowe, and discover how several Mitfordians pull together to help keep the local bookstore afloat while the proprietor goes through a trying time, amongst several other subplots. I love many things about this book, as well as all of the Mitford series, but here are two charming aspects that I found especially delightful: 1) The hilariously bad local newspaper articles penned by Vanita Bentley and peppered throughout the book are a riot. I think everyone has encountered a Vanita Bentley at some point in our lives- a person who is passionate about what they do, but clueless as to how terribly they do it. 2) All the bookstore bits. Who among us hasn't longed to own, or at least work in, a home-owned book shop? I was living vicariously through Father Tim in this book, and could almost smell the coffee and hear the soft classical music. This book is a portrait of everything we wish small town life could be- caring neighbors, a host of eclectic characters, a thriving downtown, and a wonderfully endearing Christmas celebration. If you are going through a hard time, read this book. If life is going great for you, read this book. Either way, you will be encouraged to do your part to make the world a little bit more like Mitford.
    • 5/5
      For those of us who love reading about Mitford, the sheer joy of having another book about this fabulous town when we thought for years there would be no more is pure bliss.I'm not going to give anything away about what happens in this book since it isn't widely available yet, but Mitford fans will be welcomed back with open arms to the small town with the big heart. Here's a tidbit though - an old mayor might be making a comeback and all the children of Pauline Barlowe have been found.Yes some townsfolk are no longer with us, Uncle Billy and Miss Sadie come to mind but we are still enjoying the company of Dooley, Lace and of course Timothy and Cynthia.I thank Jan Karon for giving us another book set in Mitford. I loved it and have placed it on my shelf next to my other well-worn copies of the series.
    • 4/5
      I have read most of the Mitford novels. This one came to me as an Early Reviewer book, and I was happy to get it. I liked reading the letter from the author in which she explained about not writing for a few years. This book presents the old friends of Father Tim and company, and catches the reader up on what is happening with them. Again, the characters are not without their faults and worries, as all of us experience. It is definitely worth the read, especially if you are already a follower of the Mitford stories.
    • 1/5
      I thought I would never get through this book. I have heard so many wonderful things about the Mitford Series that I was sure I would love this book. I didn't. I found it extremely boring. I thought it might be because I never read the series so I checked out the first two books from the library. I couldn't get through the first book. I was bound and determined to finish this book but it took a real force of will to do it.
    • 1/5
      When I PICK UP a book and begin to read, I want to be taken into an adventure. I want something to remember and characters to take me away from myself and into my imagination. I love romances and mysteries. I love thrillers and human interest stories.This my first experience with "Father Tim". Maybe the other novels would be helpful, and add something to the storyline, but, unfortunately, I found this to be the most boring book I have ever tried to wade through. I only read 319 of the 511 pages, but that was enough. This could have been my boring life. Sorry!Thank you Penguin for allowing me to review this book. I apologize for a bad review.
    • 5/5
      I have been keeping up with Father Tim and Cynthia while they were away from Mitford, and loved both those books. It was a period of growth for them both, and some hard times as well.It's nice to have them back home in Mitford. I didn't realize how very much I missed Dooley and the rest of his family. And all the rest of the fine citizens of Mitford. And they're all here. It astonishes me that there are people who say this series is too "cozy" for them. I think these might be people who've never given them a try. While I find Mitford and its citizenry a comfort, I don't find it twee or too cozy. "Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good" has its share of sadness, but it also brings us great joy, and a few laughs along with a few tears. The Mitford books help me remember to say thanks for the joy and blessings in my own life where I'm "Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good."If you've been waiting for a new Mitford book, I can't imagine how you might be disappointed. This is just lovely.