Rating: 
Summary: I want more!
Review: Once I discovered Jan Karon's engaging & uplifting Mitford series I immediately devoured all six books in just a short period, relishing the anecdotes of Father Tim Kavanaugh & his faith-filled community.Here in A Common Life are the long-awaited answers to these deeply probing questions: Will Father Tim fall apart when he takes his vows? Will Cynthia make it to the church on time? Who'll arrange the flowers & bake the wedding cake? And will Uncle Billy's prayers for a great joke be answered in time for the reception? Reading A Common Life is somewhat akin to enjoying a flashback episode of a favorite television series. While the story is enjoyable, I was left wanting. My only wish is that Jan Karon will continue forward with the Mitford series & the tales of Tim & Cynthia & their extended family.
Rating: 
Summary: A MONEY MAKER????
Review: I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS BOOK CONTAINED SO LITTLE SUBSTANCE. WHERE IS THE NEXT MAJOR STORY I EXPECTED, A NEW CHAPTER IN FATHER TIM'S LIFE?
Rating: 
Summary: DISAPPOINTING AT BEST!
Review: After thoroughly enjoying the first four volumes of the Mitford series I was very disappointed at Jan Karon's exploitation of her reading public with this volume. It was obviously done hastily and not with the same warmth and passion of the previous ones. I trust that she has seen the error of her publisher's greediness and will present our Mitford friends in another volume with the warmth and passion she is so capable of giving!
Rating: 
Summary: Gentle, Endearing, and Happy
Review: How refreshing to read a book that makes me laugh out loud, and that has neither violence nor offensive language. I have started my own journal of quotes, the first ones being from Father Tim. I recommend the entire Mitford series to all my friends!
Rating:
Summary: Last of Charming Mitford Series
Review: The style of the Mitford Years books, the last of which is "A Common Life: The Wedding Story" is refreshingly believable and upbeat. The characters are so realistically crafted as to allow the reader to become their friends, acquaintances, or sometimes enemies, along with Father Tim and Cynthia. These two, courting and then marrying late in life, are much like many of us who have had the same experience, and it is pleasant to relive these experiences with them. The frequent reference to Biblical passages, the absence of foul language and detailed descriptions of violence, make this book, as well as the others in the series, a relaxing pleasure to read.
Rating:
Summary: From a Mitford Fan
Review: I was very glad that Jan Karon "went back in time" and wrote the story of Father Tim's and Cynthia's wedding. This book is a fast read and a must for all Mitford fans. If you are just beginning the series, you really should read it between books two and three of the original series. Now, if I could just get the recipe for the orange marmalade cake I would be content!
Rating:
Summary: expectations?
Review: I had heard that A Common Life wasn't worth buying. So I waited and waited for the library finally to get a copy. After reading it, I am ready to buy it. To me, it's all about expectations. Karon clearly has written this for Mitford lovers who cannot get enough details. It was not meant to be on the scale of A Light in the Window or A New Song. Rather, it is a lovely, enchanting interlude in which we enter the hearts and minds of characters who have become our friends. Thank you, Jan Karon, for reminding us of grace, redemption, love, and the God Who alone makes these possible even in these dark days.
Rating:
Summary: Worthy To be in This Magnificent Series
Review: I shouldn't have read the reviews which bemoaned this Mitford volume before reading. It added some trepidation about a forecasted letdown. The forecast appeared to be true for awhile, in fact for the first 99 pages. Then, with the letter Father Tim wrote to Cynthia delivered by his dog, I was captivated again by this witty, wordsmith and creator of the Mitford life which so many have found refreshing reading. Touching is the sentiments expressed here, the sudden shift of their jitters about marriage, shifting from Tim to Cynthia. Further, her love of his being glad in his own skin is truly a characteristic more should seek in themselves, mates and friends. The getting locked in the bathroom with the broken knob was a suprise twist (actually, this happened to me recently locked behind a second story stairwell, when the knob broke off in my wife's hand, and forced the door to be kicked down so I could attend the Voters' Meeting already late for.) She is so apt and tying in on the preparation and thoughts of key Mitford characters before and during the wedding service. Loved Uncle Billy thinking of whether to have his ham with or without mustard! This again is superb literature in my estimation and is certainly up to the level and regard I'm use to from the author. Looking forward to her future offerings.
Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Review: I'd been eagerly awaiting the release of this book for months and was surprised to find it such a let-down. It seems as if the whole book is made up of left over chapters from the other books. I only hope the next book in the series is better.
Rating:
Summary: An Uncommon Life?
Review: I have read all of the Mitford series. Although lacking in depth and true depiction of life, they are pleasant books and have some nice Christian messages. I am very disappointed in "A Common Life". It didn't really tell us anything we didn't already know. It also treats a sexual relationship between husband and wife as an embarrassment. It's silly to think that an older engaged couple would dread the discussion of marital sex with their bishop. Describing their sigh of relief and profuse blushing at the brief statement mentioning "lovemaking" was ridiculous. The complete exclusion of the couple having any physical life at all was disappointing. I do not like books packed with illicit sex. However, healthy married people do have relations. Hinting at that important part of a newlywed's life, and the adjustment to that lifestyle, could have been done tastefully. Instead we are given a victorian view of a beautiful, God-given gift. In other words, let's pretend sex does not exist. Cynthia and her "dearest" ( gag ) having a sex life is not the embarrassment here, Jan Karon's unrealistic portrayal of human nature is the true shame.
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