by Jan Karon
Part of Mitford Years, book 2
First published 2005
Father Tim Kavanagh stands at his kitchen window, watching his neighbor Cynthia Coppersmith tend her garden next door. The bachelor priest has spent years ministering to his Mitford parishioners while keeping his own heart carefully guarded. Now Cynthia's presence stirs feelings he never expected to face. As Christmas approaches, Father Tim struggles between his calling and his growing love for the children's book author who has moved in beside him. Their friendship deepens through shared meals and quiet conversations, but Tim wrestles with questions that have no easy answers. Can a man of God embrace romantic love without losing his way? The people of Mitford watch and wonder as their beloved rector discovers that opening his heart might be the greatest act of faith of all.
Genres: romance, literary-fiction, christian-fiction, contemporary-romance, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Mitford
Period: Christmas
480 pages · Paperback · DAVID C. COOK