"My Beloved" | Reviewed by Susan Ferguson

After an 8-year hiatus Jan Karon is back with her 15^th book in the Mitford series. This gentle story is full of love, laughter and faith.

Father Tim Kavanagh, the main character, is a retired Episcopal priest who married his artistic wife, Cynthia, late in life. Cynthia tells Tim that the one thing she wants for Christmas is a love letter.

Christmas is a big deal for the Kavanaghs and a special time in the small mountain town of Mitford, North Carolina. After much thought and effort, Father Tim succeeds in writing a beautiful heartfelt letter. He then goes to the local bookstore and purchases a book of poetry by Cynthia’s favorite poet. The letter is placed in the book, quickly wrapped and hidden in his desk for safe keeping.

Unbeknownst to Father Tim, the Christmas gift slips off a desk shelf into a box. The box is then given to Harley, a ranch hand. That is just the beginning of the journey that the book and letter take through the small town of Mitford. A few of the accidental recipients, besides Harley, include: Miss Pringle, the piano teacher; Ester Cunningham, the former mayor; Puny, and finally Hope, the village bookstore owner.

As each person opens the gift and reads the letter, they are inspired even though they soon realize the letter is not meant for them. The letter has an unexpected impact on all who read it. The letter has no names included, and thus provides quite the puzzle. Meanwhile Father Tim is in a panic as the holidays approach and he can’t find his gift. He bared his soul in that letter and try as he might, he can’t replicate it.

“My Beloved” is a simple story that encapsulates the Christmas spirit. The story is told in multiple points of view offering readers the opportunity to get to really know various characters. The narrative is funny, uplifting and impactful. It raises a question: Can a letter really change a life? Read this charming novel and you’ll find out.

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