Jan Karon’s Mitford Series Books in Order

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The novel that welcomed us into the wonderful world of Mitford!

Mitford fans often ask for a complete list of the Mitford novels in order. This list includes all available editions that I could find, plus Jan’s other books (including companion volumes to the Mitford series and children’s books), as well as Mitford storybooks inspired by Cynthia Coppersmith. I’ve also tucked in a few notes about the quandary of whether to read A Common Life third or sixth and how the Father Tim series (Home to Holly Springs and In the Company of Others) became part of the Mitford series.

The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

At Home in Mitford (Book 1)

A Light in the Window (Book 2)

These High, Green Hills (Book 3)

Out to Canaan (Book 4)

A New Song (Book 5)

A Common Life (Book 6) [fits chronologically between books 2 and 3]

(SPOILER ALERT!) Jan Karon ended A Light in the Window with publishing the banns of marriage in the Lord’s Chapel pew bulletin, then skipped to the early days of marriage in book 3 (These High, Green Hills). Readers were left wondering about the proposal, the engagement, the wedding, and the honeymoon, and many wrote to Jan to ask, “Why weren’t we invited to the wedding?” So A Common Life is Jan’s gift to her readers who wanted to know more.

I asked Jan to solve the mystery of why she didn’t write A Common Life third, and she graciously posted her answer on her Facebook page on September 3, 2020.

In This Mountain (Book 7)

Shepherds Abiding (Book 8)

Light from Heaven (Book 9)

Home to Holly Springs (Book 10)

In the Company of Others (Book 11)

Home to Holly Springs and In the Company of Others were originally envisioned as part of a separate three-book “Father Tim series.”  However, Jan didn’t write the third book, and eventually these two became considered part of the main Mitford series. They fit in the chronological flow of the story and should not be skipped. Home to Holly Springs offers great insight into Father Tim’s background, especially his troubled relationship with his cold, distant father. The seamless interweaving of past and present is one reason why I regard it as Jan Karon’s masterpiece. In the Company of Others is Jan’s favorite of her own books; she calls it “my dark-haired child.” 

Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good (Book 12)

Come Rain or Come Shine (Book 13)

To Be Where You Are (Book 14)

Update: BOOK 15!!!

Jan Karon has said for many years that she has written all she has to say about Mitford. Much to everyone’s surprise–including hers!–Jan announced on May 18, 2024, that she is at home in Mitford again and is currently writing the fifteenth novel. No publication date has been announced, and it appears that the new novel will pick up where To Be Where You Are left off. And readers are rejoicing! 

I was sitting about 12 feet away from Jan when she made this wonderful announcement. You can view the video and find out more details here.

AUDIO AND LARGE-PRINT EDITIONS

The audio editions are absolutely delightful. Most of them are available on Audible. Secondhand CDs of earlier books are often expensive, but I’m including the links in case some reasonable prices ever show up in Amazon Marketplace.

As far as I can tell, no large-print editions are currently in print. However, they may be available in used bookstores and libraries. 

Other Books by Jan Karon

Bathed in Prayer: Father Tim’s Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series

The Mitford Bedside Companion

The Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader

Patches of Godlight: Father Tim’s Favorite Quotes

A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim

The Mitford Snowmen: A Christmas Story

Esther’s Gift: A Mitford Christmas Story

Christmas in Mitford Gift Set: The Mitford Snowmen and Esther’s Gift

The Trellis and the Seed

Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny

Miss Fannie’s Hat

Mitford Storybooks, inspired by Cynthia Coppersmith

Violet Comes to Stay by Melanie Cecka

Violet Goes to the Country by Melanie Cecka

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4 thoughts on “Jan Karon’s Mitford Series Books in Order”

  1. I wonder why all the books from The Mitford Series are not on Kindle. Some books in the series can only be purchased in book form. This is difficult for me as I have vision challenges (legally blind, but can read on a Kindle). These books are not on Audible and, even if they were, Kindle is better and more relaxing as I have two cochlear implants. I love these books and, I am sure, there must be other people in my situation. I have all the books in large print – some it is possible to read – but it’s tiring. Some are in paperback and the quality of the paper makes reading them impossible. I have, of course, purchased all the eBooks. I live in Australia, but these books cannot be purchased in the US either.

    It would be wonderful if all these books could be uploaded to eBooks.

    Just for information. Warm regards, Jen

  2. Jen, thanks so much for commenting. All 14 of the Mitford novels are on Kindle. I own all of them on Kindle, and they’re all still listed on Amazon. I wonder if somehow the Kindle editions aren’t available in Australia. Most of them are also available on Audible. So many things like this depend on the mysterious details of publishing contracts, which readers never know about. I’m so glad you love these books and hope they become available in more formats for you. Mary Jo

  3. Thank you Mary Jo – I do think you are correct on the ways and means of publishers’ rights in different countries. Please let me know if, in your travels, you hear more about these books being obtainable as eBooks in Australia. Many thanks! Jen

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