Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr

John "Preacher" and Paige's book





Shelter Mountain (Virgin River 2)

By Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
For the second time in a year a woman arrives in the small town of Virgin River trying to escape the past.

John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of a 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 in the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for. 

I really enjoyed this book two, Shelter Mountain. I was a bit worried after not loving book one as much as I thought I would but Shelter Mountain redeemed it for me. I am very happy to continue on with the series and I've already got Whispering Rock on deck ready to go after I finish this review. 

A pet peeve of mine is when an author introduces a secondary character in one book and then when that secondary character gets their own book, its like the author created a completely different character. That peeve or mine did NOT happen here. Robyn Carr was true to Preacher's character from Virgin River book 1. What the author did do was give Preacher his own fabulous story. He was still the quiet, reserved and shy man that he was when he was introduced. The only thing that changed was that we understand and know more about him. Preacher is worth knowing. 

Preacher's real name is John. The nickname given to him by his fellow marine brothers really suited him. He may look completely bad ass but he is the quintessential gentle giant. Paige fell in love with John not because he was a super hunky alpha hero but because she was drawn to his protective demeanor and she felt safe. Cherished. John treated her as a respected woman and gave her time to heal from her abusive past. As she fell in love with John, she then began to see him as the attractive man he was. From the inside and then out. Oh man. I just loved how this attraction grew. It wasn't out of lust or need. Their story got me hook, line and sinker. 

The way John handled Paige's young son, Chris was also so admirable. Their time together was precious. The only thing that annoyed me about little Chris was his lack of use in the book. It was as though Chris needed to be there for the story but he was usually napping or having a bath and occasionally he was colouring. Not a big deal as this situation often happens with young characters. 

Shelter Mountain also had quite a few side stories. Jack and Mel from Virgin River have a baby and what an awesome scene that was! Mike Valenzuela, one of John and Jack's marine buddies makes quite a few appearances. (No doubt as he moves into his own story Whispering Rock) The other major side story was that teen love affair that I didn't care for in Virgin River, Rick and Liz. Well their little story was quite powerful in Shelter Mountain and this is where the tears were shed. 

The ending was gripping and had a great climatic conclusion. I really got to know these characters in  Shelter Mountain and I still want to keep knowing them. I look forward to the next book. 

Teasers: fixed a bear leg, fireside chats, candlelight birth, the mysterious cowboy drug trafficker Dan