Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon

Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon
Series: Mitford Series Book 13 of 15
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (May3, 2016)

REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO

Come Rain or Come Shine is the story of a country wedding. For those who have followed the series, the book focuses on the long-awaited marriage of Father Tim’s son, Dooley, and his fiancée, Lacey.

The story unfolds with wedding hopes, plans, and worries. The setting is a small Southern community where everyone knows everyone and shares the emotions associated with the nuptials.

Father Tim’s wisdom guides the story. The chapters are laced with his prayers and hard-earned life experience. I’ve included a few glimpses below.  

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“Thank you for patience that you may reward it, thank you for brokenness that you may mend it, thank you for love that you may enlarge it above our most heartfelt expectations.”

“In effect, a good marriage happens when the happiness of the other is essential to your own happiness. We might say that a good marriage is a contest of generosities.”

“Listening is among the most generous ways to give. When a loved one talks to us—whether their words appear to be deep or shallow—listen. For in some way, they are baring their souls.”

Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon

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This was the first book that I have read by author Jan Karon. She has a lovely writing style, both descriptively and conversationally. But, as I turned the pages of Come Rain or Come Shine, I realized I should have read the first twelve books in the series before reading this one.

The characters and setting were new to me, and that was a definite disadvantage. I often had to pause and re-read sections to understand who was talking and why. Sometimes, it seemed the story jumped forward without a clear bridge. Had I read the prior books, I suspect this would not have been a problem.

Even with the above handicap, I appreciated the common goodness and grace that was woven throughout the chapters. After all, who doesn’t love a country wedding and a minister who shares his humanity humbly?

This was a strong four-fish read for me.   

I purchased the Kindle version of Come Rain or Come Shine.

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