If you are a fan of Jan Karon’s Mitford books, this list of Mitford books in order will help you keep track of the books you have read and the books you need to read.
Mitford is a fictional town set in North Carolina. The first book in the series, At Home In Mitford, was published in 1994. There are fourteen books in the series.
Mitford might be a fictional town, but it is based on the area where Jan Karon lived.
Father Tim, the main character of Mitford, is a bachelor rector who lives in the small town of Mitford.
The people of Mitford work their way into Father Tim’s life and heart.
The Mitford series follows the life of Father Tim and the people of Mitford. As you read this series, the people of Mitford will become like friends.
Why do people love the Mitford books?
The Mitford books are comfort reads for me and many others. They are character driven books.
They are fiction books, but they read like real life. The people of Mitford live everyday lives and deal with problems that you and I might face.
The characters come to life because they live similar lives to what you and I do.
The books are about a small town, nosy neighbors, small businesses, and the power of the community, life, death, marriage, and divorce.
The books are about family and finding family and the power of faith and God in our lives.
Do the Mitford books need to be read in order?
The Mitford books are best read in order. Technically, you can read them out of order, but the characters and plot will make more sense if you read them in order.
The characters grow up and grow old throughout the books. For example, you follow Dooley from a kid to his college years to becoming a veterinarian.
You follow Father Tim as he is a bachelor, gets married, works as a rector, and retires.
All of that will make more sense if you read them in order.
Book vs Movie
If you love the Mitford books be sure to read my post on the Mitford book vs movie. I have some opinions on it, and so do others. The comments on that post are great.
What To Read After the Mitford Books
If you have read and loved the Mitford books, you will want to read my post about what to read after the Mitford series. It is a long list of books similar to Mitford.
Mitford Books by Jan Karon In Order
At Home In Mitford was published in 1994.
At Home in Mitford is book one in Jan Karon’s Mitford series. It introduces us to Father Tim and Mitford, along with the people who make Mitford what it is.
A Light In The Window was published in 1995.
A Light in the Window is book two in the Mitford series. This book is full of love and laughter. Father Tim’s attractive neighbor pulls at his heart, while a wealthy widow brings him casseroles to win him over.
These High, Green Hills was published in 1996
These High, Green Hills is book three in the Mitford series. Father Tim marries his neighbor Cynthia, bringing new challenges for this long-time bachelor. Dooley, who was first introduced in book one, has become like a son to Father Tim. The new marriage, though, is an adjustment for Dooley and Father Tim.
Out To Canaan was published in 1997.
Book four in the Mitford series is Out To Canaan. A new mayoral candidate wants a significant change, and Father Tim thinks about retirement and the uncertainty that would bring.
A New Song was published in 1999.
A New Song, book five in the Mitford series, takes us away from Mitford to a small town off the Atlantic coast. Tim has agreed to come out of retirement and become the rector in a new parish. But how can he leave Mitford and the people he loves?
A Common Life was published in 2001.
A Common Life is book six in Jan Karon’s Mitford series. It takes us back to Father Tim and Cynthia’s wedding.
In This Mountain was published in 2002.
In This Mountain is book seven in the Mitford series. Father Tim and Cynthia have moved back to Mitford after spending time near the Atlantic Ocean.
Father Tim is struggling with retirement, and Dooley is looking forward to his career as a veterinarian.
Shepherds Abiding was published in 2003.
Shepherds Abiding is book eight in the Mitford series. Jan Karon continues to delight us with this series and the town of Mitford.
This is a Christmas book. Father Tim finds a neglected nativity scene, but can he restore it? This book is a reminder of the spirit of Christmas.
Light From Heaven was published in 2005.
Light From Heaven is book nine in Jan Karon’s Mitford series. Father Tim faces new challenges in Mitford, and with the Mountain Church, he is trying to revive.
Home To Holly Springs was published in 2007.
Home to Holly Springs is book ten in the Mitford series. It takes us out of Mitford again, this time to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where Father Tim grew up.
Father Tim wonders what happened to those he used to know and brings back things from the past that he had forgotten.
This book is a journey back in time full of wisdom and forgiveness.
In the Company of Others was published in 2010.
In the Company of Others is book eleven in the Mitford series. Father Tim does not relax well. He likes to work but is fulfilling his promise to Cynthia to take a vacation to Ireland. However, the trip does not go quite as planned.
Somewhere Safe With Somebody Good was published in 2014.
Book Twelve is Somewhere Safe With Somebody Good. Father Tim and Cynthia return to Mitford after traveling to Ireland. Father Tim is still adjusting to retirement, while Dooley struggles to become a successful vet.
We also learn about Hope Murphy, who owns Happy Endings bookstore, and Wanda’s Feel Good Cafe.
Come Rain or Come Shine was published in 2015.
Come Rain or Come Shine is book thirteen in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Dooley, Father Tim’s adopted son, has graduated from veterinarian school and is setting up is own animal clinic. He is also marrying is long childhood friend, Lace Harper. Mitford fans have waited for this wedding for years!
To Be Where You Are was published in 2017.
This is book fourteen in the Mitford series. It takes us back to what we love about Mitford. The people who make it what it is. A former mayor runs for office, a beloved town member ends up with an obituary on the front page, the Muse editor is trying to cure his marital woes, and more.
If you are a fan of the Mitford books, I would love to hear which one is your favorite.
This is a beloved series for me and have given early sets of paperbacks as gifts. My Mom passed in 2002 and o have read them all many times. They are so comforting , almost like a devotional in the night hours.
Merry Christmas to you both🎄
Merry Christmas to you too!