Return To Virgin River

It is always a pleasure to return to Virgin River! I was so happy to see there was another installment in the series. For some reason, I thought she was done with this series, but I for one, was not. I love this series and the characters. It is always nice to get a glimpse into their lives and see how they have grown and changed over the years. There is great character development in this book. <br /><br />After her mother's death, Kaylee Sloan has decided to get away and finish writing her novel. She hopes a new quiet setting will be just what she needs to write. After driving up and finding the home she has rented in flames, she walks into Jack's bar and is welcomed by Jack and other familiar characters. <br /><br />Eventually she finds a place to rent, adopts a kitten and rescues a dog with puppies (there is never a dull moment in Virgin River). Her new landlord is welcoming and while, dealing with issues of his own, helps Kaylee with hers.<br /><br />I read this book in one day and wish I would have read it slower but I was so happy to be back in Virgin River with some of my favorite characters that I couldn't help myself. As with the previous books in the series, the regulars are in this. This book picks up a couple of years after the last book, so you will learn who has expanded their family, who is still together, etc. <br /><br />I love the sense of community in this book, as well as every book in the series. Robyn Carr has created a great series. Yes, these books are romance, but these books area also about community, family, friendship, gratitude, food, and to some degree, food.<br /><br />Will this book work as a stand-alone? Yes, I think it would work nicely as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading this from the beginning. I have some of the books in this series in one day. <br /><br />Fans of the Virgin River series will be incredibly pleased with this book. I have my fingers crossed that there will be another book. Please, please, please, write more Robyn Carr!!

Kaylee Sloan is a suspense writer working on a deadline she’s going to miss if she doesn’t change something. She’s still grieving over the loss of her beloved mother and staying in her home isn’t helping her move on. She remembers fondly the childhood memories of good times in Virgin River so when the friends who own the home she used to visit invite her to stay there for an extended time, Kaylee gladly accepts. Unfortunately, she arrives to a house engulfed in flames and has to make other plans fast. Where else but Jack’s Bar can you expect to find a solution, which is where the helpful firefighters directed her to go.<br /><br />The announcement that Carr was writing another book in this series took me by surprise and I did a happy dance. There’s something about this fictional town and community that connected with my heart and head, not wanting to let it go when the series ended so the chance to revisit it brought joy. It was wonderful revisiting old friends and getting updates while becoming fully absorbed into Kaylee’s journey. <br /><br />Kaylee’s feelings and memories of her mother and the loss brought back my own, which I was unprepared for. It made me connect with her on a deeper level as I understood her difficulty in coming to terms with the loss of her best friend. When she confronted her paralyzing fear of dogs with the help of her landlord, Landry Moore, I saw the parallels to her being able to deal with grief. I really liked both of these characters, individually and as a couple. They didn’t rush anything, letting their relationship evolve naturally, which was not without conflict. Don’t you just love adult romances?<br /><br />This was a beautiful return to one of my most favorite series. I listened to this story and Thèrése Plummer delivered her normal, excellent performance. Her voices for Kaylee and Landry seem to fit them perfectly and the pacing was just right. I finished this in one day, just reveling in being back in Virgin River. Oh, and I’ve binge watched the Netflix series, both seasons, which only served to better help me visualize the setting. I’m in a happy place. <br /><br /><i>Posted on</i> <a href="https://wp.me/p49DcV-26a" rel="nofollow noopener">Blue Mood Café</a><br /><br />(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

When the series originally released the holiday season didn’t kick off until I had witnessed the tree lighting between Jack’s and the church. When the series ended, I wept like I had lost an old friend. Then Netflix brought the town to life in their new Virgin River series, and new fans were born.<br /><br />Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr is the nineteenth book in the series, and it felt like going home. I was overjoyed when I learned of its upcoming release and for me; it felt like coming home. While each book has its own adventures and romance, I recommend reading and meeting the characters in the order of their release.<br /><br />Kaylee Sloan is headed to Virgin River to stay for the winter. She is recovering from the loss of her mother and has a deadline for her newest suspense novel looming. Thoughts of writing by the fire and enjoying views of the lake soon go up in flames.<br /><br />A trip to Jack’s will soon set things to rights. He and his wife offer her their guest cabin for a few days while she scouts out new lodgings. Local artist and dog trainer Landry Moore’s provides the perfect place.<br /><br />The tale that unfolds held all the magic one expects from Carr. I loved the animals, lunches at Jack’s and talks on the front porch.<br /><br />Landry has suffered his own losses and the two strike up a friendship that slowly simmers. Found pets, abandoned puppies and healing all made for a wonderful tale. He and his dog help Kaylee, only to discover she has unknowingly helped them.<br /><br />The relationship that develops felt genuine, even as we suffered some disturbances along the ride. I loved the surprises, one in particular, had me weeping one moment and smiling the next.<br /><br />It was delightful to see beloved characters and catch up on local happenings. Virgin River magic, helpful hands, and townsfolk’s gathering to set the Christmas tree.<br /><br />Carr touched on healing, friendship, giving and forgiveness. I laughed, wept and became completely swept up in the story.<a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2020/10/return-to-virgin-river-by-robyn-carr.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer</a>

Over the last few years I’ve become a huge fan of RC and have read many of her standalone novels and one of her series (Sullivan’s Crossing) but I had never read the Virgin River series, despite hearing so many wonderful things about it. Late last year I finally decided to dive in both because of the release of the Netflix series and to the challenge I co hosted with Sarah at ReallyIntoThis #fallintomybacklist I adored the first book so much that I’ve spent this year reading the entire series so you can imagine my absolute delight when it was announced that Return to Virgin River was releasing this year! All of that to say, this is now one of my all time favorite series and if you’re a longtime fan you will be very pleased with the latest.<br /><br />First things first, and one of my biggest burning questions before I started this one was would we be checking in with Jack and Mel? Paige and Preacher? Jilly and Colin? Paul and Vanessa? I’m so happy to say yes, you definitely get some scenes with the old gang, I didn’t totally keep track but I really believe that you at least get a brief mention of most of the characters from previous books. And while that was fantastic, so we’re the two new characters this time around. I immediately clicked with both Kaylee and Landry and could totally see them fitting together perfectly almost immediately. True to the authors style they both have obstacles to overcome before they can truly be together, but they were both so relatable and authentic and their issues were handle with RCs trademark humor and grace. It felt so good to be back in VR, I really can’t say enough wonderful things about this book, this series, hell this author! She’s really one of the best and if you’re a fan of contemporary romance she’s a must!<br /><br />

Reread: after rereading this book I bumped the rating up because I did enjoy it this time through. I think it helped that I read all the other books In this series again leading up to this one, the last one. I think I was a little upset at the idiocy of the Netflix show I watched prior to reading this a few years ago. <br /><br />I hate to give a virgin river book a bad rating but some of the latest Robyn carr books just don’t seem to have been written the same way as older ones. Maybe it is just me but I wonder if she has a ghost writer. This was just mediocre to me. I have loved all the other virgin river books but this was just kinda boring. I guess some people would get over excited that some mentions of old favorites are included but I would rather read the old books again to see the faves. I really hated the Netflix series, like with a passion beyond all reasoning. I thought it was an abomination and I spent a very long time being mad about how horrifying the series was. I felt maybe this was a way to cash in on that. But I don’t know. I am glad I got this from the library and I didn’t spend my money on it.

4.5 ⭐️ I always love going back to Virgin River. The small, connected loving town is just so addictive. It’s not just the people but the descriptive landscape that has me craving this small town. This was a very touching, tear jerking Christmas story. It was filled with forging new relationships, love, healing, forgiveness and starting new chapters. I especially loved the ending and epilogue. Grab your tissues for the ending. So sweet!!

<a href="https://amzn.to/2Wi7amb" rel="nofollow noopener">Wishlist</a> | <a></a><a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference" rel="nofollow noopener">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a> | <a></a><a href="https://ko-fi.com/diaryofdifference" rel="nofollow noopener">Ko-fi</a> <br><br>#1 <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3099359251" rel="nofollow noopener">Virgin River</a> - ★★★★<br>#19 <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3477663606" rel="nofollow noopener">Return To Virgin River</a> - ★★★★★ <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1606382949i/30430632._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>This January, I read Virgin River and watched Season 1 of the Netflix TV Show. And I fell in love. With the small town, with the characters, with Robyn Carr‘s writing. When the team at Mills &amp; Boon offered me a chance to Return to Virgin River, I couldn’t say no.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1606382949i/30430633._SX540_.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <i>Synopsis:</i> </b><br><br>Return To Virgin River is actually the 19th book in the series. But the amazing thing is that you can read each book as a standalone as well. Each book is set in Virgin River, but it focuses on different characters and their lives in the same town. It is just the chronological part that changes.<br><br>In this book, we follow Kaylee. Her mother passed away recently and she rents a house in Virgin River to try and get back to writing and to cope with her grief. But as she arrives, she finds out that the house had burnt. Devastated, she goes to Jack’s bar to figure out what’s next. Yes – the same Jack we meet in the first book. He still has his bar, and the same old charm.<br><br>As she meets more people and spends more time in Virgin River, Kaylee slowly starts to heal. And not only she heals, but she starts to find happiness, love and motivation again. Because there is no better place to mend a broken heart than Virgin River.<br><br><b> <i>My Thoughts:</i> </b><br><br>I loved Virgin River, but I loved Return to Virgin RIver even more. Coming back to this town and reading again about Mel, Jack, Preacher and the other characters felt good. It felt like seeing your long distance cousins for Christmas, and talking like no time has passed. And I felt this, after only reading the first book. I can only imagine how people that have read all the books might feel.<br><br>I think it was also the happy tone of the book that I loved as well. Despite the sadness, grief and stress Kaylee was going through, this book shouts with positivity. The long walks, the caring people, the caring for the animals and the kindness – it filled me with positive vibes. And reading it during the Covid pandemic felt like the perfect escape. There is something about a small, fictional village that offers second chances that feels like home.<br><br>I highly recommend it to everyone that may need to find a little bit of escape. Or to people that love heartwarming stories, and second chances in life and love.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1606382949i/30430634._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>And don’t forget that there is a Netflix TV Show of this as well – with the new season coming out. Season 1 was incredible, and I cannot wait to see Season 2 as well – I am sure it will as good!

Through the trees, up the winding mountain road into a paradise of a little town goes another wounded soul needing a place to heal. One of my most anticipated holiday season reads met and exceeded my anticipation while making me grieve that Virgin River and its inhabitants aren't real.<br /><br />Return to Virgin River is the nineteenth installment in the series and probably would be even better when read in order, but it was still sensational reading it without the benefit of most of the earlier books since the main characters are new and there is something of an introduction for the reader through the eyes of the heroine.<br /><br />Kaylee Sloan is a suspense writer who cannot write. She is drowning in grief from losing her mother, but she has a deadline on her latest book that is well overdue. She has the idea to go back to a place where she and her mother spent happy times, but isn't her mother's house where she is overwhelmed and hemmed in by memories. Her great idea to rent a cabin for six months where she can write in beautiful solitude goes up in smoke- literally. She thinks all is lost until another cabin is made available to her and the townspeople of Virgin River step up and make her welcome in ways that begin her healing. Then a kitten rescue and a mother dog with puppies and an attractive landlord who is a porch-setting friend and help with the strays has her in full healing. Her heart is opening once again and her pen is busy right up until the arrival of Landry's past. <br /><br />Virgin River worked its magic on me once again. I have read the first book, Virgin River, and Bring Me Home For Christmas, the sixteenth book. I had grand plans of binging the whole series so I could read this book and watch the TV adaption. Didn't make it, but dove into this book because I wanted Virgin River at Christmas time and other than encountering lots of couples from previous books that I now want to have their stories even more, I had no trouble.<br /><br />I noticed once again that the town and it's people are like one fabulous character in and of itself. There's a real sense of community. The holidays are treasured and made magical there with people stepping up and helping people and working hard to make the holidays special in their out of the way town.<br /><br />The main characters are hurting people who have backstories they need to face. At first, I thought this was going to be all about Kaylee getting past her grief for a wonderful mother and friend. Incidentally, kudos to the author for writing a lovely and healthy mom and daughter relationship that is well-worth grieving over though yes, I got antsy for her to work through the process a little faster. However, no sooner is Kaylee well on the way out of her grief and ready to start living and loving than Landry's issues rear their ugly head. I was wary when the twist came and not keen on it, but it helped that I had the sense that Landry wasn't going to be persuaded by a chance to get a reset on his past. He knew who and what he needed though it was touch and go as he got it all ironed out.<br /><br />Incidentally, I found her writing therapy choice a hoot. Kaylee was writing a romance that was mirroring her own life.<br /><br />I might have only read two previous books, but I recognized several folks and enjoyed the holiday reunion feel going on in the background of this story. The animals were also an adorable addition.<br /><br />What a lovely holiday ambience and tender, friendly and eventually, sensual romance that left me well-satisfied. Contemporary Romance fans definitely need to put the Virgin River series on their TBR if it's not already there.<br /><br />I rec'd this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

Writer Kaylee Sloan has a case of writer's block. She hasn't been able to write a word since the death of her mother six months ago. With a deadline looming, Kaylee decides to rent a cabin in Virgin River from family friends. She is hoping that getting away from her home and the things that remind her of her mother will help cure her writer's block. <br /><br />Things are not as she expected when she arrives in Virgin River. The cabin she rented has just burn to the ground, so she heads to Jack's bar to see if he knows of any rentals. Kaylee soon finds herself renting a house from local artist Landry Moore. She also adopts a stray kitten, and rescues a mother dog with four puppies that were abandoned in the woods. As the holidays draw closer, Kaylee's world changes as she falls in love with her landlord.<br /><br />Like everyone else, I was excited to hear there was a new book to the Virgin River series. I know I'm in the minority, but I have to say I was bored with this one. For more than half of the book, Kaylee dwelled on her mother's death. I'm sure losing someone close to you is very hard to get over, but I wasn't interested in reading about it. I liked both Landry and Kaylee, but thought this book needed more plot to keep me interested. My rating: 3 Stars.

I just love this series. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorites. So, I was thrilled when Robyn Carr added a new one. Although it definitely was a great addition, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. Wonderful to visit with so many favorite characters and themes from the books. <br /><br />I found it very interesting to read Ms. Carr's personal note at the end about visiting the Netflix set while they were filming the series based on her books. Having up close and personal experience and living around "the industry" for so many years, I understand the how and why Hollywood takes license with scripts based on original material. It is rare that they follow the story line exactly as it was first presented in written form. It is pretty much always disappointing and receives a lot of criticism from those who have first read the book. Ms. Carr was happy that the spirit of Virgin River was still intact. Personally, I prefer the books. Although, I think the casting director who lined up the actor and the director who ultimate chose the actor who portrayed "Jack" nailed it. ;)