by Jan Karon
Part of Mitford Years, book 9
First published 2006
Father Tim Kavanagh thought retirement would bring peace, but the Episcopal priest faces his greatest challenge yet. A mountain church has sat empty for forty years, and somehow he's supposed to bring it back to life. The task seems impossible, but Father Tim accepts the call to revive the abandoned congregation. Back in Mitford, he finds himself searching for buried treasure while watching two close friends answer their own higher callings. Each day brings new obstacles and unexpected discoveries. Father Tim learns that age doesn't diminish purpose and that second chances can arrive at any stage of life. The mountain church project tests his faith and determination in ways his regular parish never did. Through it all, he discovers that the most meaningful work often comes when it seems too late to begin.
Genres: christian-fiction, family-life, contemporary, inspirational
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: Mitford, Mountain Church
Period: Retirement
384 pages · Paperback · Panguin