'Shepherd's Abiding' A Christmas discussion Thread!!!!!

[speedyg]

[Sue (Sunah) thankfully reminded me to start this thread! Thanks, Sue!]

Well, everyone, I started reading 'Shepherd's Abiding' last night! I know some of you (Sunah, Charles, etc.) are also reading it at the same time!

The thing that struck me most about beginning this book after app. 7 years time delay, is that I actually had forgotten SO much in the 1st Chapter alone!

I forgot completely about the BIG fight in the Grill that morning when Velma refused to allow J.C. order what he wanted (because of his wife's intervention!)

It was really WONDERFUL to read about Uncle Billy again! I sure miss him, SO much!

The whole "Mitford Crud" sickness has me worried for Fr. Tim and Cynthia; correct me if I am wrong, but don't THEY get it as well?

So, what are your musings about Chapter 1 (or beyond) of this wonderful Christmas book?

[Gottlob]

I am just starting to read the book, but what I saw on a page all by itself at the front of the book is, I think, a wonderful testament of Jan's faith in our Lord:

To the honor and glory
of the Child Emmanuel,
God with Us

If anyone can think of a lovlier dedication to open this book, I really need to hear it.

[speedyg]

Originally Posted by Gottlob

I am just starting to read the book, but what I saw on a page all by itself at the front of the book is, I think, a wonderful testament of Jan's faith in our Lord:

To the honor and glory
of the Child Emmanuel,
God with Us

If anyone can think of a lovlier dedication to open this book, I really need to hear it.

[Gottlob]

I have also found her placement at the beginning of the book of the Shepherds' narrative (Luke 2:8-18). As silly as that may sound, it brought me to tears as I read it. I did get a wee start on the story proper with the rain coming down in bucketfuls and Father Tim in bet adoring his lovely wife; but my eyes have begun watering and stinging a bit, so I've laid the book down at the "star" break on page 5. I hope to read some more tomorrow, and I know that Alicia, her family and I will enjoy reading it while I'm there.

[Gottlob]

Well, I've gone through Lew Boyd not, and am on page 8, but it is going to be a slow read for me, so I'm going to be glad to hear Alicia's lovely voice reading it.

[maggie56]

Speedyg,

It is my first time reading "Shepherds Abiding" after a very long absence. I, too, forgot much until I start reading and then it all comes back to me.

I am enjoying this second reading more than the first one as I am taking my time, reading it slowly 'cause I want to savor it.

I do remember Fr. Tim going to the Tea Shop....it is so funny. I can actually picture the three of them having breakfast there...it is a very funny image. I can see Fr. Tim eating there, but not J.C. or Mule...

I am enjoying reading about Hope buying the store...

I am especially enjoying Fr. Tim working on the creche...and I love the way he tells Cynthia, "Christmas is coming" and Cynthia replies "Of course, dearest! That explains everything!"

I am in the middle of Chapter 5. I won't finish the whole chapter tonight as I am too tired and have to get up early tomorrow...

Enjoy!

[Gottlob]

I obviously haven't got that far yet, but from hearing it before I do remember J. C. Hogan getting madder than a wet hen at Velma, and the three guys winding up at the tea shop. When I pick this reading up again, I'll be starting with the first appearance of Hope Winchester in the book. Reading it now (if I get through it) and then hearing it again at Alicia's is going to be delicious (assuming the Lord's will is for our visit to happen (James 5).

[Mema Jane]

Yes, they do get the crud but good things happen as they recover.

[Mema Jane]

I've lost count how many times I've re-read all of the books but each time I begin one again I find more details to savor and learn about and quotes from the Bible and others to enjoy. Wonderful writer is our Jan Karon!

[Sunah]

I read the first chapter last night. I was trying to get it in my head, which book do you think Shepherds Abiding occurred? Which Christmas, Father Tim and Cynthia have been married seven years and he's retired. I should know this. I just finished whatever book it is because a lot is freshly familiar to me. What's the second to the last of the Mitford ones, not counting HTHS?My mind is blank.

I love the chapter beginning in the rain, early in the morning.

I loved reading Uncle Billy, too. He's a little gripey in chapter one. But, he's taking his medicine at least. In the book I'm referring to he was taken by ambulance to the hospital because he wouldn't take his meds. Does he ever get those daffodils planted? He's put out with Dora because he'd had some seeds he tried to plant in the hard dirt and he was feeling pretty poorly then.

Its the little things I love, like Father Tim thinking it okay to point out misspelled words now, since J.C. has spell check. And how Lew Boyd wakes up grumpy but as soon as he talks to his secret wife on the phone he cheers right up. How the wooden floor creaks when Hope fires up the furnace on that cold, rainy morning
I woke up this morning. The book is In This Mountain.