Jan Karon Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of Mitford Years Books
| At Home in Mitford | (1994) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| A Light in the Window | (1995) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| These High, Green Hills | (1996) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Out to Canaan | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| A New Song | (1999) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| A Common Life | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| In This Mountain | (2002) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Shepherds Abiding | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Light from Heaven | (2005) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Home to Holly Springs | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| In the Company of Others | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Come Rain or Come Shine | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| To Be Where You Are | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Mitford Gift Books Books
| Patches of Godlight | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Mitford Snowmen | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Esther's Gift | (2002) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Trellis and the Seed | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader | (2004) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Mitford Bedside Companion | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Mitford For Children Books
| Violet Comes to Stay | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Violet Goes to the Country | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Mitford Collections
| Bathed in Prayer | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Father Tim Books
| Home to Holly Springs | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| In the Company of Others | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Children's Books
| Miss Fannie's Hat | (1993) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny | (2000) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
| A Continual Feast | (2005) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
| The Mitford Years Reading Guide | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
With plenty of series and franchises written under her name, she is also one of the most prolific novelists as well. Early and Personal Life Born in 1937 on the first of January, Janice Meredith Wilson was born and raised on a farm that was near Lenoir.
Living in North Carolina for the duration of her upbringing, she was always acutely aware of her passion for reading and writing. With her focus constantly set on becoming a writer, she never wavered from her ambition, as she honed and refined her skills throughout the years.
With a strong passion for religion, she has had a tumultuous upbringing and one that has only made her stronger as a person and an author. Suffering the tragedy of parental divorce early on, she would herself drop out of school at just fourteen and get married.
Following this she had a child, Candace Freeland, when she was just 15 with her then husband Robert Freeland. Following a traumatic accident involving a gun, Freeland was left paralyzed, something Jan tried to make work for many years.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, though, and the two eventually separated, followed by another two long-term marriages as well. During this time, though, she was constantly writing, and it was in 1988 that she started to publish short stories of hers in the ‘Blowing Rocket’ newspaper.
These stories were to make-up the Father Tim novels that she is currently well known and equally well appreciated for. Still writing to this very day, she continues to put out work set in the much-loved world of Mitford for an ever-eager audience.
This is something that should continue for some time yet, as her writing career carries on into the foreseeable future. Writing Career Starting out with her Mitford Years series of novels, she wrote ‘At Home in Mitford’ which she released back in 1994.
This was also the novel that first introduced the character of Father Tims to the world as well, a long-running character in his own right. Setting up her themes and ideas, it also worked at establishing the world that she’d writing in and setting her stories in, along with her many recurring much loved characters too. Focusing many of her stories in and around the fictional area of Mitford, it should come as no surprise that her franchises are primarily set around this location too.
With her Mitford Years novels, along with her Father Tims spin-off series of books, she’s really managed to bring this village to life. On top of this, she has also written a number of children’s books as well, along with a collection of non-fictional works too.
Reaching best-seller status on numerous occasions, she has not only managed to win over the critics but the general public as well. Seen as one of the foremost writers of Christian fiction to date, she is viewed of as a positive force within the community.
This isn’t to say that she doesn’t shy away from more difficult subjects as well, though, as she deals with topics such as depression too. Working extensively on promotional tours for her many novels, she is always greeted by a large and eager crowd. Going across country to promote her books, she constantly engages with her audience unlike any other author to date.
Always keeping herself busy with her work, she is a keen and active advocated for both her and her genre as a whole. Moving to Virginia from Blowing Rock in 2000, she would also set-up a 1000 acre farm there, with an 1816 home.
This was all working, something else that would engage her alongside her writing, which she still continues with. Not showing any signs of stopping anytime soon, her writing career carries on growing from strength-to-strength, which it will do for some time yet.
A New Song Marking the fifth title in her ongoing Mitford Years series of novels, this was originally published in 1999 through the Penguin Books publishing label. With the franchise already fully underway, it carries on directly from the last with another story set in the world of Mitford. It also continues developing the narratives of the characters, such as that of leading protagonist Father Tims.
With Father Tims now looking to retire as the long-time serving Episcopal priest to Mitford, he is called upon to serve Whitecap. With Whitecap Island being a fairly remote area in of itself, it is not without incidence, when he finds it has more than its fair share of incidences going on.
Adding to the new intriguing characters, Mitford is still in the background, as his phone continues to ring constantly. Will he ever really leave Mitford behind? What is the secret past that’s haunting his new organist? Can he find a new song?
In The Company of Others Setting up the second title in the spin-off series of Father Tims books, this was the second novel about the eponymous priest. Carrying on directly from the last, it manages to continue the story in much the same vein as before, whilst developing the story of its leading protagonist.
It also manages to provide some twists and turns along the way as well, always keeping readers engaged right until the very end. Heading to Ireland this time, Cynthia and Father Tim look into researching his ancestry, whilst looking into his Kavanagh past. Cynthia then disturbs a burglar, spraining her already hurt ankle in the process, but not before a prized painting is stolen.
They both must also come to terms with the painful pasts that many in this family have to deal with behind their idyll of rural life. Will they find the painting? Can the overcome history? What will become of them in the company of others?
Book Series In Order » Authors »
Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
When my daughters were younger, about 20 years ago, I picked up the series on CD. We lived about an hour or so from their school and my work. We would listen on the way there and the way home. When they got out of the car they said, don’t listen ahead mom so we will be where we left off. When we would finish we would start over. When we would talk about it, people thought we were talking about family or friends! I wish she would wrote more books in the series.
Hi Jan,
God bless you for your books regarding Mitford, Father Tim, Cynthia Kavanagh
and all the wonderful folk, good & bad, that come their way! I am currntly seeking a copy of the Trellis & the Seed, but reread Bathed in Prayer & your other books joyfully on a daily basis.
Thank you for brightening my day!
Robin
My husband gave me 15 of the 16 books I need to finish my collection for Christmas 2023. When I get A Light From Heaven, my collection will finally be complete! Thanks for the wonderful reading!
I happened upon Father Tim about 20 years ago, and have been revisiting Mitford ever since. My local library was selling their collection because it wasn’t circulating (posh tosh, I was checking them out!) and I bought the whole set. I now visit Mitford regularly for an escape from our unstable world. I do agree, I need to know how Lace and Dooley are getting along with Jack and the new baby!!
I just love the Father Tim series. Would love to see another book in the series. I also have the books for the Holly Springs series. Hope Jan doesn’t quit writing these. I know that Father Tim is getting older but hope he doesn’t die soon.
I love your work. You have done the world a great service for interducing us to Father Tim. I can’t wait to read the series again and again.
I have been reading Ms. Karons books to my wife for years. I have read through the series so many times it seems we know the characters so well that we could walk in to the next room and sit and have a talk with them. My wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease years ago, but she loves the Mitford series so much, and enjoys “being there” so much, it would be hard not to read to her. Being a native of Charlotte, N.C. myself and being very familiar with Blowing Rock and the Lenoir area….it hits very close to home. We are very thankful for Ms. Karon and the gifts she has been given. Thank you for filling our hearts with the true goodness of life. JWM
Not sure when my then book club suggested At Home in Mitford, maybe it’s been 10 years. So I’ve probably read the series at least 5 or 6 times and always come away refreshed. Love them and Jan Karon!
It’s been a couple of years so i think it is time to open them again! they never get old. Please tell Ms. Karon!
Dear Jan, Thank you for your wonderful writing!! My daughter-in=law started me on the series. I’ve read about 8 and enjoying them so much. God has blessed you with a beautiful spirit. Thanks again. Elizabeth
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I also would love to have another book from Jan about Dooley, Lace and their baby. The lives of the other residents of Mitford as well.I’m an avid reader of hers and have every book except Jeremy the bunny. I’ve Been Told here where I live there is no way to get that one. An agreement for another book! I would also love to see the Violet series continue out more because I started the collection to give to my grandchildren.
I too would like to find out about Lace and have all the loose ends tied up.
Please write just one more Mitford book. I have gotten so many friends hooked on this series and they all say the same thing. There needs to be one more!
I was told by my daughter about this series. I cannot tell you the joy and comfort I receive as I read. The world now us an unstable place. Mitford brings me to a place I’m the heart where all is well. God,family,friends and hope for a better day!
What is the name of the book after “TO BE WHERE YOU ARE?
That is currently the last novel in that series.
I agree w Gloria & Louise. Your characters are so engaging; please don’t leave us without knowing about Lace, & all the loose ends w Dooley & all.
The Mitford series has helped me at night during a rough year of losing my husband of 54 years. Thank you!
I am just starting the Mitford books, having just finished the very first one. I’m hoping that finding them won’t be too difficult. Thanks for your post!!!
~Debra
I agree with Gloria Powell’s comment.
There needs to be a final Mitford book about Lace’s health and baby and career and her marriage. Please !
there has to be one more Mitford book. Everyone needs to know if Lace has a boy or girl and it just needs to tie up all the loose ends PLEASE
Thinking I had read every Mitford book in the series, I must have missed the one where they find Kenny. Or my 84 year old brain did. I’d like to know which book it is so I can find out. I too would like the series to go on and on and on. Such a joy.
At the end of A Light From Heaven.