Book 5: In the Company of Others, by Jan Karon

This is not a library book--gasp--but a book I actually own.  I have all of the "Mitford" series, and very much enjoyed reading them.  I was a little dismayed when Jan Karon decided to do another series about Father Tim; I mean, when you have finished a series, be done with it and move on.  But I bought the first one, "Home to Holly Springs," and hinted to Dan that I would like this one, too, so he gave it to me for my birthday.  

In this installment, the retired Episcopal priest and his wife have gone to Ireland so Tim can show Cynthia the land of his ancestors. No sooner do they arrive than troubles begin, including a mysterious break-in at the fishing lodge where they are staying and the dysfunctional relationships of their host family.  The story is interesting, and actually less unbelievable than the last book.  Tim and Cynthia have a pleasant marriage, and Tim's open sharing of his faith in God is again able to solve many of the problems of those around him.

But I miss the rambling tone of the books when they took place in Mitford.  Even though those books included their share of drama and problems, I always felt peaceful reading them.  This one was a little more unsettling.  I know Jan Karon visited Ireland to prepare for this book, and I felt at times I was reading a travelogue.  I recall reading that the Father Tim books would be a trilogy, and perhaps that is a wise decision.  Did I enjoy my time with Tim and Cynthia?  Yes.  Will I look forward eagerly to another Father Tim book?  No.