Wow, what a delightful read! Welcome back to Mitford, with all of its small-town Southern charm and quirky characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the series and savored each chapter. It had me laughing out loud many times but also engaged in the serious parts. The author's use of local vernacular brought the characters to life and had me in stitches at times. There are deep issues addressed in parts too, with some backstories and family issues woven in, so it is not a fluffy Christmas read; it is done carefully and gently though. The recaps helped jog my memory, but now I want to reread the entire series! This is a perfect wrap up of the series, but I truly hope she writes more.

Terrific read! 5+ stars!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

It is so good to leave our stressful, harried world just a bit to have another visit back in Mitford, NC with Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, and a whole cast of familiar characters from previous books in the series. As I caught up with these old friends, I was reminded that they also were experiencing stress due to a variety of reasons such as lack of resources, old age, past mistakes, and even an important missing letter but they were facing their problems being strengthened by the love and support of family, faith and a community of caring friends. The book also showed me that there are friends to be had everywhere. They dont have to be just like me or think just like me as long as we are both willing to hear and give grace to one another. Father Tim shows me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they love others and are willing to share in this messy thing we call life. Perhaps the most important lesson I will take from this book is that family forgives and keeps trying, keeps hoping, keeps gathering EVERYONE into the fold even when it would be easier to avoid contact with the persons who make things uncomfortable. Family never gives up. I believe that this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone but I would encourage new readers of the series to start at the beginning for full appreciation. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

** "You put broken pieces back together. The Nativity figures, sweetheart -- all that brokenness, you put it back together. That's what you do." **

Jan Karon continues her Mitford series with its 15th installment, "My Beloved," a story of remembrance and forgiveness.

When Father Tim Kavanagh asks his wife Cynthia what she wants for Christmas, her response is a letter from his heart, which he is happy to create. But when it shockingly goes missing before he can give it to her, little does he realize what impact it will have on the community.

Readers will experience the hardships and celebrations of many beloved Mitford characters, like Ray and Esther Cunningham, Harley and Willie, Coot, Hope and her cherished bookstore, and of course Dooley and his siblings. This story is almost retrospective, as it remembers past moments in the characters' lives, including some very dark memories, as well as new ones, many filled with joy.

Mitford fans will love revisiting so many good friends and great storytelling. Karon also fills the story with many great themes, like dealing with wounds and honoring the pain; life is filled with peaks and valleys; do you ignore big dreams or chase them; sometimes you have to just fly by the seat of your pants; legacies; accept blessings from others; God is good; and putting back together the broken.

Fans of small town stories and stories with large casts of quirky characters will love "My Beloved."

Five stars out of five.

G.P. Putnam's Sons provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Loved this book! Got caught up on what our favorite characters have been up to. Love the Mitford novels and hope Jan Karon writes more of them.

For the most part, I liked it. Since there are a lot of characters, it can become a little confusing. Yet I laughed a lot & it was fun to see the characters again.