To Be Where You Are

By: Jan Karon

Narrated by: John McDonough

A New York Times Best Seller

Number one New York Times best-selling author Jan Karon returns with the 14th novel in the beloved Mitford series, featuring three generations of Kavanaghs. Wounds heal, bonds grow stronger, and celebrations continue.... Welcome back to beloved Mitford.

After 12 years of wrestling with the conflicts of retirement, Father Tim Kavanagh realizes he doesn't need a steady job to prove himself. Then he's given one. As for what it proves, heaven only knows.

Millions of Karon fans will be thrilled that it's life as usual in the wildly popular Mitford series: A beloved town character lands a front-page obituary, but who was it, exactly, who died? And what about the former mayor, born the year Lindbergh landed in Paris, who's still running for office? All this, of course, is but a feather on the wind compared to Muse editor J.C. Hogan's desperate attempts to find a cure for his marital woes. Will it be high-def TV or his pork-chop marinade?

In fiction, as in real life, there are no guarantees.

Twenty minutes from Mitford at Meadowgate Farm, newlyweds Dooley and Lace Kavanagh face a crisis that devastates their bank account and impacts their family vet practice. But there is still a lot to celebrate, as their adopted son, Jack, looks forward to the most important day of his life - with great cooking, country music, and lots of people who love him. Happily, it will also be a day when the terrible wound in Dooley's biological family begins to heal because of a game - let's just call it a miracle - that breaks all the rules.

In To Be Where You Are, Jan Karon weaves together the richly comic and compelling lives of two Kavanagh families, and a cast of characters that listeners around the world now love like kin.

©2017 Jan Karon (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Jan Karon says her goal is to give readers a safe place to go with her novels of Mitford, ‘the town that takes care of its own.’ She delivers on that promise...terrific.” (The Richmond Times Dispatch)

“Jan Karon never disappoints...[she] satiates her fans’ craving for more Mitford with these stories of grace and compassion, all told with a dose of humor and humility.” (Bookpage)

What's not to love?

What made the experience of listening to To Be Where You Are the most enjoyable?

It is like reading a yearly letter from friends. Catching up on the growing of families and the passings of beloved friends.

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Be Where You Are?

Lacey and Doolie being not so perfect, losing patience and coming out of it the better for it.

Which character – as performed by John McDonough – was your favorite?

Father Tim.

Who was the most memorable character of To Be Where You Are and why?

Main character, Father Tim. The story is told through his experience.

Any additional comments?

I have been reading and listening to these stories from Book 1. Watched each character grow and develop as if I were there. It feels good that the Barlows are moving forward with their lives and all are coming into their own.
Not every one is wealthy and successful but it makes their struggle believable.
I would listen to this again, not something that I do.

Every Life Has Opportunities From God

Sometimes life seems without opportunities, but God gives Grace and Mercy! Like the Bible has stories of people making bad decisions and God using them for good- like when Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers- and God using it to save Joseph’s family - so mistakes by the Barlowe family are used by God for good. Kenny Barlowe was sold by his mom for liquor- that’s how Kenny ended up with an amazing set of grandparents who raised him. Dooley Barlowe is likewise abandoned by his mother, and ends up adopted by Father Tim. Life is hard for Dooley, but God is there, and God provides a way.

Favorite Series

My favorite modern author read with sensitive, skilled narration. Start at the beginning and read them all. You won't want to leave Mitford. I SO wish Jan Karon would write another or start a new series if she prefers.

The Best Ever...

I’m so sad this story has come to an end yet so satisfied by the whole thing. My favorite stories with my favorite people. The reader is just my absolute favorite. I look forward to listening to it from the very beginning again.

I love the raw family dynamics.

Pauline is determined to love her crhildren, knowing they may not reciprocate. Very good read.

I get lost in Jan Karon’s stories

I loved everything about the book. The narrator is superb. It’s as if I am actually hearing Father Tim’s voice. The stories are entertaining and never boring. I started walking for my health this year and only listened to it during my walk. Kept my mind totally occupied and off my pain so walking two miles seemed effortless.

Love it!!

Kept me interested from the beginning. The story made my heart swell with joy and conviction!

Absolutely love this series

Absolutely love this series. As soon as I was done with one book, I couldn’t wait to start the next book.

Great story!

I love the people in this series and always eagerly await the next book. I feel like they are family!

Wholesome & Wonderful

I have loved all of the Mitford books and listening to John McDonough read them is so entertaining. Thank you Jan Karon for these wonderful stories.