In This Mountain Audiobook – Mitford Years, Book 7

It was a crisp morning, the kind where the sunlight filters through the trees in golden streaks, and I found myself sitting on my porch swing with a steaming cup of tea. The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from my garden. It was the perfect setting to dive into “In This Mountain Audiobook”, the seventh installment in Jan Karon’s beloved Mitford Years series. As John McDonough’s warm, familiar voice filled my ears, I felt like I was being welcomed back to a place I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much – Mitford.

This book picks up with Father Tim and Cynthia settling back into their lives after their time on Whitecap Island. Mitford feels like home, not just to them but to me as well. There’s something comforting about returning to this little town where life moves at its own gentle pace, yet is filled with enough quirks and surprises to keep you engaged. Father Tim’s struggle with retirement struck a chord with me. It made me reflect on how we all grapple with change, even when it’s inevitable. His journey of rediscovering his purpose and faith felt deeply personal, as if Karon had somehow peeked into my own moments of doubt and uncertainty.

The side stories – Dooley’s aspirations to become a vet, Joe Ivey and Fancy Skinner’s hilarious haircut rivalry, and Percy’s bold new menu experiment – added layers of charm and humor that made me laugh out loud more than once. But what truly captivated me were the emotional undercurrents running through the narrative. The return of “the man in the attic” brought a wave of nostalgia and intrigue, while the ending left me in quiet awe. Karon has a way of weaving faith, community, and humanity into her stories that feels both profound and effortless.

John McDonough’s narration was impeccable. His ability to bring each character to life with distinct voices and emotions made it feel like I was sitting in Mitford myself, eavesdropping on conversations at the Main Street Grill or walking alongside Father Tim as he navigated his struggles. By the time I finished listening, I felt a sense of peace and renewal – a reminder that even in life’s uncertainties, there is always hope.