Publisher, Penguin Audiobooks (March 2005)

Ages 9 - 12

Now children of all ages can enjoy listening to the inspirational words of Jan Karon. On this one-of-a-kind CD audio book compilation, the author and her daughter, Candace Freeland, read:

Jan Karon's books are always eagerly awaited and lovingly received by her many loyal fans. The most recent addition to the Mitford Years series, Shepherds Abiding, spent several weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List. Older readers will enjoy this opportunity to share their favorite author's stories with their children and grandchildren.

About the Author:Jan Karon, born Janice Meredith Wilson in the foothills of North Carolina, was named after the title of a popular novel, Janice Meredith.

Jan wrote her first novel at the age of ten. "The manuscript was written on Blue Horse notebook paper, and was, for good reason, kept hidden from my sister. When she found it, she discovered the one curse word I had, with pounding heart, included in someone's speech. For Pete's sake, hadn't Rhett Butler used that very same word and gotten away with it? After my grandmother's exceedingly focused reproof, I've written books without cussin' ever since."

Several years ago, Karon left a successful career in advertising to move to the mountain village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and write books. "I stepped out on faith to follow my lifelong dream of being an author," she says. "I made real sacrifices and took big risks. But living, it seems to me, is largely about risk."

Enthusiastic booksellers across the country have introduced readers of all ages to Karon's heartwarming books. At Home in Mitford, Karon's first book in the Mitford series, was nominated for an ABBY by the American Booksellers Association in 1996 and again in 1997. Bookstore owner, Shirley Sprinkle, says, "The Mitford Books have been our all-time fiction bestsellers since we went in business twenty-five years ago. We've sold 1000s of Jan's books and don't see any end to the Mitford phenomenon."