Redwood Bend - Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

In My Own Words:

After dealing with the disastrous past year where Katie and her twin boys were in hiding because some crazy people were after her brother, she is ready to settle down, put down some roots and move closer to her brother, Conner, who she is very close with.  On the way to Virgin River, her mammoth SUV gets a flat tire, in the middle of the rain, on an unfamiliar road.  Knowing she can change it, she huffs it out in the rain only to realize, the lug nuts are going to be a problem....

On a motorcycle trip to see some sites, Dylan thought the last thing he would find would be someone at all to warm his bed, let alone one with kids.  Dylan's number one rule, no dating someone with kids, to complicated and to much like a family.  Coming from a family of dysfunction, he knows he is not the kid or marrying type.  While stopping to help change a tire.....his whole life changes.

Notable Quote:

"Best sex of your life?" he asked in a whisper.

"I'm not ready to commit," she whispered back. (trying not to let his head swell to much lol)

Review:

The chemistry between Katie and Dylan is evident from the moment they met.  I loved watching them interact with each other and take the big plunge.  I had so many favorite parts of this book and several laugh out loud parts.  Katie has issues with a momma bear, and seeing how she deals with it, was priceless.  Again, all Virgin River books are like coming home to visit a cast of friends.  Lots of our favorites made a cameo, some more than others.  Tom Cavanaugh is home from the military, so I am curious to see where that leads, and who will finally steal his heart.

Harvest Moon - Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock's sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she's retreated to her sister Jillian's house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate.

Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little toounmotivated…until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter—a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief's rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She's the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney's finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River.

Kelly's never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can't be any worse than a histrionic chef…right?

In My Own Words:
Kelly is confronted by a very angry wife, the wife of the famed chef and mentor that she adores.  The same wife she was told was no longer in the picture, she begins to feel like the world is falling off its axis.  With the revelation that all is not as she imagined and that her mentor and lover (in her mind only) has lied to his wife AND to her and sent the wife to do the dirty work and clean up the mess.  After winding up in the hospital with high blood pressure, she quits her job, packs up her life and heads to Virgin River for some R&R with her beloved sister, Jillian.  Deciding she needed some liquid courage to break the news of her extended stay to her sister, she stops at Jack's for a drink and meets Lief, a single father just trying to make it after the death of his wife and a teenage daughter hell bent on rebelling.

As Kelly starts to heal, she starts to find herself and what she was meant to do, what she has always known she should do....cook.  Using the vegetables and fruits from Jillian's garden, she starts using her great grandmother's recipes and canning tons of goodies.  Along the way she meets someone at the farmers market, that changes her life AND direction.  Deciding she might just be able to make a living doing what she loves with her canned goodies, the new path is now set.  Now all she has to do is make it happen.

Kelly's biggest fan happens to be Leif, he loves just watching her cook, but loves sampling even better.  When the sparks start to fly, it is Kelly that is resistant to love.  Leif has so much going on in his life, Kelly starts to tire of being his school time fling, since he seems to only be able to see her when his teenage daughter, Courtney, is in school.  While trying to win over Courtney, which seems to be a loosing battle, Courtney is contacted by her biological father, and that is when all hell breaks loose.  Can Kelly win over a broken, needy and traumatized teen before she looses her sanity?

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes I really hate you."  He smiled a bit.  "I get that a lot."  (Courtney in a therapy session)

Rating:
Every time I read a Virgin River book, it feels like coming home.  I wasn't so sure about this one, single father looses wife has temperamental teen who hates everyone.  But what was done was soooo different.  Yes, the story was one that you knew in the end they would all end up happy, but it was done in a way that you weren't so sure how they would get there.  I really enjoyed getting to see Jack and Preacher again.  And of course Jillian and Colin, but it was so great to see Kelly and Leif work through their issues, together.  I loved getting to see the therapy sessions with Courtney and Jerry.  He had a no nonsense way about him that she seemed to thrive on.  I really enjoyed Courtney and Amber's relationship, is totally a don't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover story.  They both had ideas about the other and turned in to best friends.  My only complaint would be we didn't see Mel once, and since she is my favorite, I wanted to see her and catch up with her.  Understandably, Kelly and Leif had lots to work out and needed the book space, I just wish she would have popped up, even at the Halloween picnic.

www.robyncarr.com

Summer in Sonoma - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
They've been best friends since seventh grade. But this summer, teetering on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever.

Cassie has sworn off romance after yet another bad date. Yet deep down, she's still looking for Mr. Forever. A long-haired biker doesn't figure into her plans, so where's the harm in touring the back roads of Sonoma on a Harley with Walt Arneson?

Julie married her high school sweetheart—who can get her pregnant with a mere glance—too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn't enough to sustain the hottest couple in town.

Marty's firefighter husband has forgotten all about romance, and an old flame begins to look mighty tempting.

Beth, a busy doctor trapped in a body that's betrayed her yet again, is becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend.

Life can change in an instant…or a summer. And having old friends to lean on can only up the chances of happily ever after.

Review:

This book makes you realize that no matter how good you think your friend has it, and how much you envy them and their life, it isn't as perfect as it might appear.  Each of these 4 women have been friends for many years, they envy each other in different ways not really knowing the true darkness that haunts them in different ways.  We visit with Cassie who was attacked and saved by a biker dude, who she is hopelessly attracted to but he isn't the image of who she thought she would be with so she keeps him at arms length.  Julie has the life they all seem to want, she is married to the man of her dreams, her high school sweetheart to boot, they have 3 beautiful children but she is drowning in a mountain of debt and it is wearing her down and causing issues in her perfect marriage.  Marty has the perfect house, the perfect child and the perfect husband, or so it appears on the outside.  She is getting so disgusted with him, she is starting to resent him and his bad hygiene and cleaning habits.  Beth is a doctor who has already been through one health scare, when more medical bad news comes along, she decides to go this one alone, until Cassie finds out.

Notable Quote:

"...and once he slipped the ring on, that was it for romance.  Now foreplay in our house is, 'You awake?'"

Rating:

What an emotional ride this book was.  I was gripped from the first chapter, getting to know each of the friends, the same age but each at different part in their lives and each looking for something different.  The one thing that each of these friends learn is that communication is key, communication with their spouse, with their significant others and above all else, with their friends.  I loved how they were always there for each other, no questions asked.  The two husbands thought of all of the friends as sisters and treated them as such which was great to see.  There were a lot of feelings this books brought up, making me (at least) think about my own relationships with my friends.

Forbidden Falls - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
The young widower arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and build a place of worship and welcome, but he needs some help. And the Lord works in mysterious ways. With her tight shirts and short skirts, "pastor's assistant" is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Alicia Baldwin. But the former exotic dancer needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. So the pastor and the stripper revitalize a church . . .

Review:

It sounds like a bad joke, a stripper, a minister and a small town bar....but it is none other than the next story in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series.  Forbidden Falls is book #8 in the series.  In all of Robyn's stories, you get way more than just one love story, and that is the case for Forbidden Falls as well.  The main story is of a minister that buys the run down church next to Jack's bar from Hope McCrea.  Using his own money, he sets out to make the church his new home.  From the start he realizes he can't do it alone and interviews 3 women for the job of assistant.  Ellie is a sassy bombshell with a body that kills and brains that you don't expect.  I loved her from the start.  A young woman down on her luck looking to make some changes for herself and her two young children.  Noah isn't sure her kind of help is going to be what he needs, but he decides to give her a chance after running in to her at Jack's bar.  They become good friends way before any type of love is brought up, but he falls in love with her hook, line and sinker (and baggage).

The second story is of Vanni and Paul.  Paul ex-girlfriend dies suddenly and leaves him in her will.  The reading of the will is VERY unexpected and when he returns home from Grants Pass, things between Vanni and Paul become very strained.  Ellie befriends Vanni and becomes her friend, therapist and right hand man, so to speak.  Ellie is also the one the helps Vanni see the light and help her through the crisis that a dead woman created.

Notable Quote:

"Struggling is mandatory.  Suffering is optional."  (George, Noah's mentor, helping him see the light)

Rating:

One of my favorite things about this book are all of the quotes from Ellie's grandmother.  I felt so much emotion in this book from joy and love to pain and misery.  We get to revisit some of our old friends while making new ones.  I loved how the town of new friends came to help Ellie in the end, even if was only support.  A truly heart warming book. 

Paradise Valley - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq—his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?

As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's looking for a place to start over. He'd like it to be Virgin River…if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.

For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were…and to find the dreams they thought they'd lost.

Review:

Paradise Valley is the 7th book in the Virgin River series.  With so much war going on in today's world, this story hit really close to home.  We have known Jack's friends, the Marines.  We have even read about their HEA, but Rick's story was recent and chronicled his struggle with losing a limb while trying to be everything he thinks everyone needs and wants.  His recovery is a hard one, being only 20 years old at the time of his accident.  The love and support that he is shown by Jack and his girl Liz is remarkable.  The whole time I am reading this story, the only thing I can think, is...is this kid gonna pull his head out of his butt in time or is Liz gonna get sick of it, and move on.  

As with many of the Virgin River books, we meet new people and sometimes old ones that pop up from time to time.  Dan Brady is the mysterious pot grower that took Mel to deliver a baby in the back woods.  He also helped rescue Paige when her crazy ex kidnapped her.  Dan was also the man to pick up Jack after the forrest fire.  With all the good he has done, does the town think he is worth a fresh start?  I love that Dan plays a pivotal role in helping Rick get over some of his anger.  Will it be enough? 

We also see Cameron and Abby's journey from their chance meeting in Grants Pass, to being friends and parents.  I wanted so much for them to get their issues worked out.  Cam had a special place in my eyes from the first time we met him while he was trying to court Vanni.  Cam is a take charge kind of guy, but Abby is someone that has a lot of pride and needs to prove to herself and everyone else, that she can make it one her own.  Does she let him in?   

Notable Quote:

"Gentlemen, I propose a toast," Jack said, lifting his glass.  "Let's drink to silence.  If this conversation ever leaves this bar, we're all going to die...Skinless."

Rating:

This was one of my favorite stories of the Virgin River series, right behind Jack and Mel's story.  There was so much raw emotion after the accident that took Rick's leg.  It was gut wrenching to see him struggle and know that this happens all over the world in today's society.  I loved that Liz is so young but so old at the same time.  She has pride and sass and learns not to take any crap.  Again, we revisit lots of old friends and get to know a few new ones.  If I had one complaint, the phrase et cetera was used A LOT, after a while it began to get on my nerves, but obviously that is a minor issue.  In out household, we are DIE HARD OSU Beaver fans, and the school that Rick decides to attend is Uof O which is our arch rival, so I took serious offense to that, but knowing what he is planning to study made it a little easier of a blow considering OSU doesn't offer that.  I am very much looking forward to Forbidden Falls.

Temptation Ridge - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind.

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things…two very good things.

Review:

Temptation Ridge is the 6th book in the Virgin River series and the books just seem to get better and better.  This book follows Shelby as she gets back to life after her mom died of ALS.  She is trying to find herself before she heads off to start school, so she ends up in Virgin River at her uncles house (the General) to rest, relax and ride.  Along the way, literally, she meets Luke.  A loaner, someone best left too look and not touch.  She has her sights set, he has his determination locked...for a while, it is a war of wills, who is stronger to resist what they know they both want?  

Temptation Ridge brings back lots of old friends and introduces us to many new ones.  Luke's brothers were a treat, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for that set of military yummies.  Also we meet Art, a man with down syndrome that Luke takes to instantly, it was wonderful to read about their relationship and see a softer side of Luke.  We also lost a great friend this this book, it was fast and unexpected and very sad, he will be missed a great deal.  Along with our other favorites, we see more of a relationship with the General, and Dr. Cam comes to town for a visit.  Will he get drawn in by Virgin River's mystic charms?

Notable Quote:

"He says a few days.  But he doesn't know about his impending murder." (Luke just found out his brother and mother are coming for a visit, and he has love in his heart and murder in his eyes for his brother and this unexpected visit)

Rating:

It was great to see the struggle of a guy that knows he is all wrong for an innocent girl, but he is powerless to do anything about it.  I enjoyed watching these two become acquainted and seeing Luke so embraced by the people of the town, even though he is Army and not a Marine.  I loved seeing all of our old friends and meeting new ones.  There was a birth, a death and a wedding....AND a new baby to plan for.  Seems this book had it all.  Can't wait for Rick's story, the kids tugs at my heart strings, and Jack's as well.

Second Chance Pass - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son — breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love. But the one man she longs to share this love with now acts as if she doesn't exist.

Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Semper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he's done right by Matt's widow as best he can...considering he's been secretly in love with her for years. Now, just as he's about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him — a claim that will be tough to escape.

With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.

Review:

Paul falls for the bestfriends girl before the girls belonged to the bestfriend.  But in true Paul form, he steps back and lets Matt woo the woman of his dreams.  Years later, he is still in love with her.  Matt died in the war in the last book, and Paul helped Vanni cope and give birth to her son.  In this book he tried to distance himself from her a the beginning, thinking she needed more time to grieve.  She is getting more and more frustrated because she misses him and he keeps avoiding her.  Through many challenges, tears, and a nosey mother-in-law they finally find their way.  We visit with lots of secondary characters in this book as well.  Tom and Brenda are getting ready to be separated by West Point and are trying to come to grips with what that change will bring to them.  Rick comes back from basic with his own set of news that Jack doesn't take so well.  Mel & Paige deliver their babies with a few complications.  And good ole General might just get his own HEA!!!

Notable Quote:

"Not mch longer.  Jack promises we're going to take a break after this one.  And I've promised that if he doesn't keep his word, I'm going to shoot him in his sleep." (Mel chatting with Cameron about her upcoming baby)

Rating:

It is no secret that I have loved the Virgin River series, and truly look forward to each book.  This book was especially hard for me to get through.  The focus was rarely on the headlining couple, which has its good points and its bad.  Seems like the Paul and Vanni situation was wrapped up early on then we moved on to Joe, then back to Jack and Mel...I think it is great to revisit characters, I actually look forward to it.  This time the book seemed to focus on others more than the main characters Second Chance Pass was billed for.

Whispering Rock - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
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 shower 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.

Review:

I truly love how characters from all of the books, seem to pop up in the subsequent books.  It is great getting to know characters and be able to follow their lives after they get their own happily-ever-after.  In Whispering Rock, we get to know Mike and Brie a lot better.  Brie is a victim of a brutal rape and beating. She comes to Virgin River to recover and get her bearings back.  Eventually she returns to Sacramento and to her dad.  Mike feels such a connection to Brie, after his own brush with violence, that he starts calling and visiting and eventually becoming very good friends.  Mike takes a job with the town a cop, of sorts, and is immediately blindsided with Mel bringing to his attention several girls and suspicions that chill him to the bone.  He becomes determined to bring peace back to Virgin River while also help Brie conquer her own demons that come calling.

Notable Quote:

"They wanted to know two things, have I ever shot anyone and have I ever been shot.  My answers were yes and not yet.  Shortly after that I was shot.  I don't think that'll get the department any recruits".  (Mike talking to the new teacher, Zach, after being asked if he would come talk to his class about being a cop)

Rating:

5 out of 5.  This series just gets better and better.  I am loving getting to know the people of Virgin River along with following the old friends we have already met.

Virgin River - Rabyn Carr

Synopsis:
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 re-energize 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.

Review:
I can't wait to read more in this series. This wasn't a book with a huge who-done-it plot, this was plainly a book about a woman who needed a change after the loss of her husband. She has some serious revelations of the heart while in this small town. She meets Jack, and are instantly attracted to each other, BUT first and foremost are friends. I love the chemistry that these two have AND the chemistry that the whole town has. Mel selling everything and moving to this small podunk town was very brave and it takes her a long time to feel like she belongs. The only negative thing I could say about this story is that it was a little hard for me to keep all of the characters straight cause you meet soooo many new people. That being said....I can't wait for the next book.

Notable Quote:
"We better get back to the kitchen, he gets surly when I brag" (Sam saying to Mel after he showed her all of Jack's accomplishments in the military)

Rating:
5 out of 5. This is my first 5 book, but I just LOVED it. I honestly can't wait to order then next in line.