Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the publisher)
Over the course of ten Mitford novels, fans have kept a special place in their hearts for Dooley Kavanagh, first seen in At Home in Mitford as a barefoot, freckle-faced boy in filthy overalls.
 
Now, Father Tim Kavanagh’s adopted son has graduated from vet school and opened his own animal clinic. Since money will be tight for a while, maybe he and Lace Harper, his once and future soul mate, should keep their wedding simple.
 
So the plan is to eliminate the cost of catering and do potluck. Ought to be fun.
 
An old friend offers to bring his well-known country band. Gratis.
 
And once mucked out, the barn works as a perfect venue for seating family and friends.

Piece of cake, right?
 
In Come Rain or Come Shine, Jan Karon delivers the wedding that millions of Mitford fans have waited for. It’s a June day in the mountains, with more than a few creatures great and small, and you’re invited—because you’re family.
 
By the way, it’s a pretty casual affair, so come as you are and remember to bring a tissue or two. After all, what’s a good wedding without a good cry?

My Thoughts:

“Tonight everything is better than okay. Bu it isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.” (p. 264)

Dooly Kavanagh is a miracle that was born out of the love and sacrifice of many, but especially Father Tim and Cynthia.  I’ve been with this family from its very foundation, and I KNOW these people.  The Mitford series and all of its characters have nurtured me, challenged me and changed me, and this novel – the Big Knot – the wedding I’ve waited years to attend – it was phenomenal!!

Come Rain or Come Shine is a novel I saved for a time when I could savor its story. It was SO WORTH the wait!! If you have readers on your Christmas list, you need to introduce them to Jan Karon’s Mitford series.  Today.  And if they have read the series, then this is the book that will complete their gift list! It’s been a long time since I’ve cried at a wedding, but I cried at this one!  So tender, such a hard fought battle to arrive at this point in time.  And such love, lavished out of hearts that have been touched by tragedy time and again…and still they love.

From the dogs in bowties and the long lost sibling from across the globe, to all of the pot luck dishes and a very unusual and unexpected guest, this is a wedding you will never forget!  And your heart will be reminded of what covenant love looks like in its truest form!  Come to Mitford for the wedding you’ve been waiting to attend for years!!

My heart is full.  Thank you Jan Karon.  Thank you!!!

About the Author:

Jan Karon is the author of the bestselling series of twelve Mitford novels featuring Father Timothy Kavanagh, an Episcopal priest, and the fictional village of Mitford, the most recent of which, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, has spent two months on the New York Times bestseller list. She is also the author of thirteen other books, including two Father Tim novels, a cookbook, and several books for children. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.