by Jan Karon
Part of Mitford Years, book 10
First published 2007
Father Tim Kavanagh has just retired from his long ministry in Mitford when a cryptic unsigned message arrives with just two words: Come home. For the first time in decades, the Episcopal priest decides to return to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he was born. The spontaneous journey back to his roots becomes far more than a nostalgic visit. In his childhood town, Father Tim uncovers secrets that have remained buried for years. He encounters new people who will change his perspective and discovers places that stir unexpected emotions within him. The simple invitation forces him to confront his past and opens doors to forgiveness he never anticipated. What begins as an impulsive trip transforms into a profound exploration of memory, reconciliation, and the surprising depths of human connection that can emerge when we face the places and experiences that shaped us.
Genres: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, second-chance
Setting: Holly Springs, Mitford, Mississippi
Period: Retirement
356 pages · Hardcover · Viking