Just Finished:
Synopsis: The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there's always room for more . . .

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

My Thoughts:First off, I wanted more Mike and Brie. Ms. Carr had built such a great foundation for this couple in Shelter Mountain that I became very excited to read Whispering Rock. And Robyn did a good job of telling the continuing story of our favorite small town, she just didn’t include enough of the story I wanted to see. They seemed like a backburner ~ maybe that’s not the right word. But the story wasn’t about them with side stories thrown in ~ the story seemed to be more a collection of side stories, Mike and Brie’s included.

I liked the addition of the new characters ~ Tom was a welcomed sight since there wasn’t much of Rick in this book and I enjoyed seeing his romance with Brenda blossom. I also liked the addition of Vanni, Paul, and Matt. ***SPOILER*** ~ Although, I did see what was going to happen with Matt coming from miles away. With all the undercurrents between Paul and Vanni, how was it going to be feasible to keep him around. I wonder if Paul and Vanni’s story will be next??***END SPOILER***

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love, love, love this series ~ even if I was disappointed with Whispering Rock. Robyn Carr has quickly turned into one of my favorite authors and I am anxious to read more by her.

Verdict: This was Good, but only because I had hoped for more Mike and Brie. Ms. Carr is a phenomenal writer and I hope she doesn’t wait too long before we get our next installment of the goings on in Virgin River.

Labels: Contemporary Romance, Good, Robyn Carr

Just Finished:
Synopsis: John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.

But when Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed seeing a new side to Preacher. His protective friendship with Paige was heartwarming; and his paternal relationship with Paige’s son, Chris, was very moving. I loved the pacing of their story and watching the gradual transition from friendship into something more.

Unlike Virgin River, this story caught my interest from the very beginning and I read it non-stop. Also unlike Virgin River, this story didn’t seem to focus just on the main protagonists. This story embodied a majority of side characters introduced in the previous book with foreshadowing of events to come in future books of the series.

And don’t get me wrong ~ I love Jack and Mel. But they had their story. And yes, I had hoped to catch up with them a little in Shelter Mountain, but I began to feel like this story was as much a continuation of Jack and Mel’s story as it was the story of Preacher and Paige. I wanted more of Preacher of Paige.

I’m also intrigued by their new friend, Dan. Even if I wasn’t already in love with this series, I’d want to continue reading just to find out more about him.

All in all though, I was glad to magically be transported back to Virgin River and get to know some of my favorite characters better. It really is a wonderful place and Ms. Carr has created a terrific group of friends in this little town.

Verdict: This was Very Good. I am really looking forward to reading Mike and Brie’s story, Whispering Rock, but unfortunately I can’t get my hands on it for another two weeks. I may have to just suck it up and buy the series because I can definitely see these as rereads. While I’m at it, I guess I should get the Grace Valley books as well.

Labels: Contemporary Romance, Robyn Carr, Very Good

Just Finished:
Synopsis: Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans…and a former marine cements them into place.

Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

My Thoughts: I love a book that makes me feel everything. Something that just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. That’s what Virgin River does. The book starts out slow, but after the first few chapters, it’s hard to put down.

I loved the fact that Jack and Mel had a bona fide friendship ~ that he was her first real friend in Virgin River. I appreciated that their relationship was built slowly off of that foundation; because Mel had a lot of healing to do, and I’m glad she had a friend like Jack who was there for her through it all.

Then the friendship changed. I loved Jack and Mel’s first kiss. It was romantic, passionate, and everything I as a romance reader would want in a good book. And that was the turning point for me. Although I loved the book up to that point, from there on I could not put the book down. Their’s was truly a love story.

Then there were the side characters ~ a whole town full of them. Doc, Lilly, Preacher, Rick, June, Jim, Susan, and John. Quite an assembly of folks who took Mel into their lives and called her a friend. How fitting it was that Doc was the first person she met before getting to Virgin River. I love that crusty old man. The friendship Mel & Jack formed with June & Jim and Susan & John make me want to rush right out and read about the Grace Valley women and the men who love them. I want to read their stories. And Preacher. The man who screams like a girl ~ I love him, too. I want to live there.

Verdict: This was Very Good. I am really looking forward to reading Preacher’s story, Shelter Mountain, and am now on a quest to find the Grace Valley series as well.

Labels: Contemporary Romance, Robyn Carr, Very Good