HOME TO HOLLY SPRINGS, By Jan Karon

HOME TO HOLLY SPRINGS is Jan Karon's first book in the new Father Tim Series. Having completed the Mitford Series, Ms. Karon has continued Father Tim's story, taking a closer look into his past, his family, and his hometown of Holly Springs.

At 70 years of age, Father Tim receives an anonymous note that simply reads "Come Home". It grabs his curiosity, and he ends up planning a trip "home" to see what he can find out. He leaves his wife, Cynthia, at home, as she has broken her ankle and isn't much up to traveling. So Father Tim and trusty dog, Barnabas, hit the road.

As he arrives in Holly Springs, he visits some of his old stomping grounds, and he begins to remember a lot of events from his childhood. Tim's history is mentioned throughout the Mitford Books, and with this book, we take a closer look at some of the things that have haunted him for many years. For example, he wonders why his father always hated him. He wonders what happened to his beloved caregiver Peggy, who disappeared many years ago without a word. He wonders what became of his childhood best friend Tommy Noles. He also comes face to face with his old flame Peggy Cramer - and we learn the painful secret of their relationship's breakup.

He was able to see his life's history from other people's perspectives once he returned home. The same event can have different memories for different parties involved. It made me think about how we have a certain understanding of events that occur when we're children, but when we become adults or spouses or parents, we understand those things a little differently. We can look back with a grown-up perspective and understanding that we couldn't possibly have had as children. Father Tim goes home and finds answers to many questions he's long carried in his heart and mind. This book is full of secrets revealed!

I'll have to say that it was slow in some places, but about halfway through, I started to feel more interested in what was going on. I read a few reviews from faithful Mitford Fans that felt disappointed in this book, but personally, I enjoyed it. HOME TO HOLLY SPRINGS was released in 2007, but I'm disappointed to discover that so far, it's still the only book in the series. Hopefully we'll hear more from Father Tim in the near future!