New Carr Destination...Thunder Point

dear readers,

As you know from my previous blog posts, I HEART Virgin River - a contemporary romance series written by Robyn Carr.  As the VR series looks to be ended there is a new series, Thunder Point...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE WANDERER
(Thunder Point: Book One)
Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS 

"Nestled on the Oregon Coast is a small town of rocky b

eaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.  Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.  With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home." (From Amazon)

I have read several of Robyn Carr's novels (stand alone and Virgin River series) and this book definitely held up to my expectations.  Like Virgin River it sucks you into the life of a small town.  This novel has characters from all ages, background and personalities.  If you are finish Virgin River this is the next book to read.  Or if you are fan of Jill Shalvis, Luanne Rice, Susan Wiggs or Kristan Higgins.

THE NEWCOMER

(Thunder Point: Book Two)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS 

The Newcomer picks up from where The Wanderer ends...Mac and Gina have finally admitted their feeling to one another and have become a couple.  Their teenage daughters are best friends and are both going through growing pains.  Mac's ex has returned to town making Gina insecure, his aunt Lou angry and scared and his daughter, Eve hurt. Gina's daughter, Ashley is dumped by her college freshman boyfriend and his new girlfriend sent a fake naked pic to all those in his cell phone. This causes Ashley to get very depressed and Gina does not know how to deal with it all.

I liked that this novel continues right after The Wanderer and like her other series, Virgin River the same characters are in this book.  The main romance in this book is Gina and Mac but as they are single parents their children are prominent in this novel.  The novel deals with cyber bullying and depression which we do not see a lot in adult books.  I think it was a great storyline that hopefully raises awareness.  Carr handled the situation quite well.  This novel might not be everyone's cup of tea as it has more of the teens and their problem in this book.  I enjoyed it and solidly recommend this novel and series.

love, 
kris

Back in Virgin River: REVIEWS

dear readers,

I am back in Virgin River a great place to visit...

A VIRGIN RIVER CHRISTMAS

(Book 4)

Written by Robyn Carr

3.5 STARS

It is Christmas in Virgin River and Marcie Sullivan has treked up the mountain to see if her late husband's best friend is alive and well. He has ignored all attempts to respond back to Marcie since her husband's accident. Ian Buchanan wants to be left alone. He has put his time in Iraq and now wants to live alone in the woods and live a simple life. Both are stubborn and it becomes a game of chicken until Marcie catches the flu and Ian and her are stuck in a small cabin for Christmas holiday.

If Ian wanted to be left alone he really should have done his research. Virgin River is the last place you should go as you cannot help but fall in love and or have babies. I am not a fan of holiday books but I zoomed through this one with glee :)

SECOND CHANCE PASS

(Book 5)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS

Paul Haggerty has been in love with Vanni before his best friend, Matt fell in love with her. He has stayed in the background being loyal to Matt and would do anything for either of them...like be there for Vanni when she goes into labour and wants him to be his birth buddy. All the emotion made Paul run home to Grant's Pass where he sleeps with a woman he doesn't love. Vanni's mother-in-law takes it as her duty to set Vanni up with a cute single doctor, Cameron. Cameron could be the one IF Paul hadn't already stolen her heart. Neither makes a move and things continually set them apart. Will Paul finally get his Vanni?

Nikki, Vanni's best friend's relationship has fallen apart as she wants more than he can ever give her. As she watches Vanni fall in love she wonders if there is a man for her...Joe, a former marine, looks at Nikki and wonders what kind of man would ever leave her.

A new resident has come into town, Muriel St. Claire - a famous older actress and catches Walt's eye. Preacher and Paige finally have the baby they tried so hard to conceive.

I am glad to finally get down to Paul and Vanni's story and have been routing for them since they first made their appearance in VR. You could feel Nikki's heartbreak with her jerk of ex-boyfriend. Harrumph. But seriously, everyone need a shake in this novel to get going. I felt like Jack and wanted to get in there and get them paired up. Thanks for another page-turner, Robyn Carr!

TEMPTATION RIDGE

(Book 6)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS

Ready? Shelby is back in VR staying with her uncle Walt while she applies to college, plans a few trips and start to be like other women her age. Her first day back she meets Luke Riordan (new resident in VR). Both are looking for anything but each other but also cannot help but only look at one another. If they go in knowing that they both have other plans then they can be with another and part as friends...or can they?

Art, a 30 year old man with down syndrome, is the other new resident in VR. After being abused by his caretakers he runs away and Luke find him hurt, extremely dirty and hungry in one of his run down cabins. Luke decides to take him in until he can find out more details about Art.
Cameron, who had been set up with Vanni, meets a woman in a hotel bar and finds himself attracted to her and ready to take a chance. Just as quickly as they met she has vanished leaving behind another disappoint for the gorgeous doctor.

Mike and Brie are having a baby, Mel tries to get Cheryl into rehab, there is a bus crash, Muriel and Walt are getting closer and other Riordan men making there appearance. And, warning there is one heartbreak that will have you sniffling on the bus.

Another fabulous novel set in the idyllic Virgin River. I love the characters and the new romances in each novel. What i love best is hearing about how the other characters are now doing. It is kind of like what happens after happily ever after. I wish there was more of the other characters and less of Walt and Mel/Jack.


On to the next book in Virgin River...

love,
kris

Home Away from Home

dear readers,

Have you ever wanted to escape from your life just for awhile? Take time away from the stress and problems that seem to pile up?  If this sounds fabulous right now...come with me to small town VIRGIN RIVER(California).

Map of Virgin River

http://www.robyncarr.com/maps_of_virgin_river.html

VIRGIN RIVER

(Book ONE)

3.5 STARS

Melinda (or Mel) Monroe, an ER nurse in LA has burned out especially since the murder of her doctor husband, Mark.  In a quick decision she to sell her house and move to a small town she has never seen to help the local doctor as a midwife.  She soon discovers this is a bad idea as the cabin she is given is falling apart, dirty and plain unliveable.  The local doctor, Doc does not think he needs help and the town is so small there is not much to do or go.  Things start to change when she meets Jack Sheridan - the owner of a bar/diner and when she delivers her first baby.  Will this be enough for Mel to stay in Virgin River for good?

If you are a fan of  Susan Wiggs or Luanne Rice you will soon add Robyn Carr to the list.  These are sweet cozy novels about love and life.  They are not fluffy or light but neither are they depressing.  From the first few chapters I was drawn into Mel's life and the town of Virgin River. I like the way Carr introduces main and secondary characters.  I love the romance between Jack & Mel and the crotchety-ness of Hope and Doc.

SHELTER MOUNTAIN

(Book TWO)

3.5 STARS 

Paige Lassiter, and her young son Christopher show up at Jack's bar lost, hungry and  Paige beaten.  John "Preacher" Middletone quickly finds himself not only feeling protective of the two strangers, but actually falling for both of them.  Also going on in Virgin River...Liz is pregnant with Rick's baby and they must decide what to do next....Mel is pregnant as well still practicing with Doc. And Jack is getting in everyone's business - including little sister, Brie whose husband has just left her for her best friend.

I really like this novel!  It reminded me of Susan Wiggs's Lakeshore Chronicles that you continue to know what is going on in the past characters lives (and adding new characters).  You definitely have to read these in order but you will not regret it...it is like visiting new or old friends.

WHISPERING ROCK

(Book THREE)

 4 STARS 

There is a lot going on this novel...Brie Sheridan, Jack's little sister and pet, has been raped and is now recovering slowly psychologically. (She is a prosecutor and was raped by the man she was prosecuting).   Mike, a former womanizer and cop , steps up to make Brie feel safe again and show her he loves her.  After being shot on the job Mike know what Brie is going through. And Jack of course interferes every step of the way.

Preacher is trying to get Paige knocked up but it just isn't happening - their problem might be too much sex!  There is also a new family in Virgin River - the Booths -former General Walt Booth with his teenage son Tommy and his daughter Vanessa.  Vanessa is pregnant while her husband, Matt, is still in Iraq. His best friend, Paul Haggerty (who is in love with Vanessa) is there to help her every step of the way.
The young girls in VR are being date-raped with roofies and contracting a STD. Mike and Mel are on the case. Brenda, the girl Tommy is interested in, was one of the victims.
This is so far my favourite book in the series (which might be the case with every new book - lol).  I love the Mike and Brie storyline as well as Tommy and Brenda's.  I found that the action started right away and did not stop till the last page.  The multiple storyline only makes it a better novel as it makes you feel like you really are in Virgin River.

Virgin River 1. Virgin River (2007)
2. Shelter Mountain (2007)
3. Whispering Rock (2007)
4. A Virgin River Christmas (2008)
5. Second Chance Pass (2009)
6. Temptation Ridge (2009)
7. Paradise Valley (2009)
8. Under the Christmas Tree (2009) (in That Holiday Feeling) novella
9. Forbidden Falls (2009)
10. Angel's Peak (2010)

11. Moonlight Road (2010)
12. Midnight Confessions (2010) (in Midnight Kiss) novella
13. Promise Canyon (2010)
14. Wild Man Creek (2011)
15. Harvest Moon (2011)
16. Bring Me Home For Christmas (2011)
17. Hidden Summit (2011)

18. Redwood Bend (2012)
19. Sunrise Point (2012)

Author's website and more fun Virgin River stuff:
 http://www.robyncarr.com/index.html


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Susan Wiggs's Lakeshore Chronicles:

Lakeshore Chronicles
Homecoming Season (2008) (in More than Words: Stories in  Courage) novella
1. Summer at Willow Lake (2006)
2. The Winter Lodge (2007)
3. Dockside (2007)
4. Snowfall at Willow Lake (2008)
5. Fireside (2009)
6. Lakeshore Christmas (2009)
7. The Summer Hideaway (2010)
8. Marrying Daisy Bellamy (2011)
9. Return to Willow Lake (2012)
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:  http://www.susanwiggs.com/


Luanne Rice's Hubbard's Point / Black Hall:

Hubbard's Point / Black Hall   
1. Firefly Beach (2001)
2. Safe Harbor (2002)
3. True Blue (2002)
4. The Perfect Summer (2003)
5. Beach Girls (2004)
6. Last Kiss (2008)

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://luannerice


love,
kris