Reviews

A Light in the Window by Jan Karon

amalies's review against another edition

5.0

I read the first 2 books in this series many years ago when they were first published. To read this book is to sit and enjoy the day to day life of a country pastor and the concerns of his parish and his day to day relationships. I re read this book because I never read the rest of the series and didn’t want to forget anything. I love the relationships he gains with is teenage ward and his neighbor the most. I just wish I could live in such a great community. It would be amazing.

ehays84's review against another edition

3.0

Well, I did finish this, even though there was an almost 4 year gap in the middle. Life has been extremely busy for me the last 4 years, but I am proud that I finally did finish this. I really hate to abandon books.

I think I overall liked the first one of the series better, but these books still hit a kind of sweet spot. They hit that spot more for my wife than for me, and the reason I even started the second one of series 4 years ago was as night time reading with Amy. The characters run these stories, and the plots are pretty good too. The setting of the mountains of North Carolina is very nice too. And on a more personal note, the fact that the main character is a priest in the Anglican tradition is a plus as well.

But the downside is that the books are so episodic and choppy. I would prefer that she would spend more time on the scenes she has created because I do think she has some real chops as a writer, but that is tough to see when the way the books are written is so much about what a certain character is going to do next. In a lot of ways, these books would make a great BBC style or A and E mini-series. Not sure why that hasn't happened yet. I'd prefer to watch those than read these. If they made that, the show would probably be somewhat like Doc Martin.

I could read more of these down the line, but I really don't need to. I think even many folks who love these books would admit that they are kind of cotton candy reading.

haleybeck's review against another edition

3.0

I definitely see why people like these books. They’re just sweet enjoyable books. But nothing stands out to make them super amazing.

Favorite quote: “Scared to step forward, terrified to turn back”

kcheek's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sigrros's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kbcozy22's review

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Another sweet book in the mitford series. This sequel was warm and inviting. I could not give it the perfect score like I did the first book because the cynthia/Timothy got a bit old. Especially Cynthia being frustrated with Timothy for being hesitant about a relationship. You know he is 60 and has little experience in romance, so be a bit more patient my goodness. Overall still wonferful- onto the next in the series!

spinningwheeler's review against another edition

3.0

I found this book to be slightly more tedious than the first. Quite a but of hemming and hawing took place over something that was seemingly not as interesting as other elements of the book which should of had more attention placed on them. The book also seemed to end rather abruptly, with issues that had been plaguing the characters throughout the story suddenly resolved without much explanation. I do still think, however, that the characters are very well developed, even if the plot is lacking.

radiojen's review against another edition

4.0

I think I liked the first book better, but there was a lot to hold my interest in this sequel book. Mystery, romance, humor. This book has it all. And the ending ... all I can say is "it's about time." Now, on to book 3!

sheilasamuelson's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rating: 5 Stars!! 
Review: 
Another Good Book in this Contemporary Christian Series by Jan Karon!! 

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. It's still hard to pick a favorite since i seemed to like all of them. 

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described. 

Overall A Good Book 2 in this Contemporary Christian Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Jan in the future!!

bookzealots's review against another edition

4.0

the beginning has a lot of letters between Timothy and Cynthia and as Dooley would say, MUSH!
But the author includes some gut punches that makes up for all of the previous fluff.
(this book had a lot of editorial errors that were annoying, but I still recommend the book)