Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr

Noah Kincaid and Ellie Baldwin's book



Forbidden Falls (Virgin River #9)

By Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:Noah Kincaid arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and revitalize his new purchase, but he's going to need some help. An ad in the local paper brings and improbably candidate his way.

"Pastor's assistant" is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Ellie Baldwin. With her colorful clothes and even more colorful past, Ellie needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. Noah can't help but admire her spunk and determination, and she may just be the breath of fresh air he needs.
The unlikely duo may come from two different worlds, but they have more in common than anyone would have expected. And in Virgin River lasting happiness is never out of the question.

Earlier this year I had read the previous Virgin River books from 1 to 8. I read them in order back to back. I decided to take a break from the series and come back to it later. I also decided to take a break at that particular point because the next book, Forbidden Falls was where the romance was going to be about the newest Virgin River resident, a pastor. 
Okay I am going to be 100% truthful here and share that I was not excited about reading a romance about a pastor. I had misconceptions that the story was going to be about his struggle with maintaining his spot in the community vs. the love/lust with an exotic dancer. I thought I wasn't going to be into it. 

I indicated about "misconceptions" because that is exactly what I had. Forbidden Falls was a lovely story and it was not at all what I thought it was going to be about. I'm really glad I decided to give it a go and not skip it. I would have really missed out on a great story. I should have had more faith in the great Robyn Carr. My bad. 

I have to admit that it was a bit quirky to have the church bid and bought on ebay but it was amusing. I have absolutely no knowledge of the Presbyterian religion so I just went with the flow. I have no idea if they are as free with pre-marital sex or not. There are not a lot of sex scenes in Robyn Carr's stories anyhow so it was a small part of the story. 

Noah was a cool guy. He was a very caring, selfless man and it certainly seems like the call to be a minister suited him. 

Ellie made me smile. I loved her teasing and the nicknames that she constantly bestowed on Noah. Her positive attitude was to be admired. I would not have handled her children's custody situation in nearly the same grace that she did. I wanted to jump into the book and and strangle her ex-husband. 

The wisest person in Forbidden Falls was Ellie's deceased grandmother. I had a paperback of the book but if I had my Kindle, I would have copied so many quotes. Ellie's grandmother was dirt poor and left Ellie with years' worth of life quotes and positive sediments. For some reason, Ellie seemed to remember every single one of them. For instance:

"You don't need a lot of money to live a full life - all you need is a fertile mind, some books and a good attitude. Books are free at the library, but a fertile mind takes practice."

Forbidden Falls thankfully sticks to just a few of the side character stories. I do love the residences of Virgin River but I don't need to   visit each and everyone in each book. Forbidden Falls focuses mostly on Noah & Ellie's romance, Paul & Vannie's new unexpected family addition and a bit on Jo & Nick Fitch. (You may remember them from previous books where Nick was the groper and Mel flattened him)  I really liked the small part of Jo & Nick Fitch. 

Forbidden Falls rounds out the story with Luke and Shelby's wedding. I was pleased about that!
The only thing that has left me wondering is why the title of the book is called Forbidden Falls. I don't recall any waterfalls. It is a play on words with the story line being about a pastor and an ex-stripper and it is forbidden? 

Teasers: Lucy the boarder collie, renovated church, lucky score under the stairs, poor Vannie

Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr

Rick & Liz's story (in part)





Paradise Valley

By Robin Carr

Book Blurb:
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.

I think that Paradise Valley may be my least favourite book of the series so far. I actually just wanted to get through it. I am going to take a pause after this book just to give me a break from Virgin River. I've read them all back to back to this point and I think a little change would make anticipate reading the next book Forbidden Falls more. 

The book blurb makes mention that Paradise Valley's main protagonists are Rick and Liz but it just didn't feel like it. Rick suffered a sad incident in Iraq and he took the ENTIRE book to get over his pity party. It was devastating what happened to him so I did give the storyline the benefit of the doubt. It was just wah wah wah for me to read. I just wanted to knock him up the side of the head for the self inflicted pity. 

I also feel that Rick and Liz's characters are too young for me to get into. I don't feel they have the strength of matured seasoned character for the load of main protagonists. I suppose that could be the reason their story was shared by others. Problem was, I don't feel the secondary characters were strong enough either. So it ended up being a bunch of little stories gathered together hoping to make one big one. Didn't work for me. 

Muriel and the General had some great moments. I really like the movie star Muriel. I picture a very Meryl Streep type of looking character. Perhaps that is what Robyn Carr had in mind when she created the name Muriel? 

Shady Dan's story just seemed to be filler. It feels like he is meant to be this totally cool character but he keeps changing from one book to another. I feel a little lost with him. He has gone through quite a transformation since we were first introduced to him. Military Marine to marijuana grower to convict to a father that had a young son die and finally he seems to have landed on a mentor to Rick. Toss in construction worker with a hidden disability and there you have it; Dan. 

Dan seems to be courting the town ex-drunk Cheryl. Now Cheryl is the one with the major transformation. From the early books she was overweight and pot faced to apparently, now beautiful. (Well Dan thinks so) Their story is really slow. As it should be. But not entertaining. It feels really forced.

Due to the lack of energy and the fact that I didn't really harbour much care for the characters in Paradise Valley, I will just take a step back for now and return when I am in the mood to continue. And I do want to continue. 

Teasers: Jack can't help but butt into other's business, Twins!, getting healthy, church on ebay

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

Shelby McIntyre & Luke Riordan's book


Temptation Ridge (Virgin River #6)

by Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
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.

"Boy howdy" did I weep in this story. We said goodbye to an old friend and met a few new friends. Temptation Ridge was a strong and enjoyable book. I sure hope my blog readers are not getting tired of my blog posts of  Robyn Carr 's Virgin River series yet. Once I latch onto a good series, I need to read each book in order one right after another. 

I've noticed that Robyn Carr doesn't really make a Virgin River book about one specific couple. There are of course the main protagonists but the novels are chalk full of events, secondary couple stories and the constant updates to the previous book characters. In Temptation Ridge our main couple is all about the General's niece and Vannie's cousin, Shelby. Luke is a new character, former army (Black Hawk pilot), finding his way to Virgin River. I tell you, these military men are such fun to read about. Each so different yet so much the same. 

The adorable Shelby has a plan. After caring for her very sick mother until she passed, she is just rediscovering herself. She's been a caregiver for years. So much so that she has never spent time on herself. She is like a butterfly becoming free of her cocoon. The sheltered life is exactly one of the reasons Luke is so hesitate in pursuing her. He is thirty eight to her twenty five and as much as he tries not to, he sure does fall for her. Only he won't let himself. These men and their inner battles I tell you! Luke makes all these decisions about what he thinks would be best for Shelby without consulting Shelby! You know who knows what's best for Shelby? Shelby!!

The readers are treated to a new character and I certainly was not expecting Art. He is a man with down syndrome who stumbles into Luke's life and it sure seems like he is here to stay. What a gentle man. I loved that  Robyn Carr  introduced a character like Art. There is so much story you can add about him. Art seems to enhance Luke's life and how could he not? He is simply adorable. 

OH THE TEARS! We say goodbye to a beloved character and I had a bad case of the sads. 

One of the new secondary characters was that sweet hunky doctor that Vannie briefly dated before Paul. Dr Cameron slides into the story by accidentally getting one of Vannie's friends pregnant. I found their side story a bit boring and I did cruise pass their plot quickly. I was in too much of a hurry to get back to the main story of Shelby and  Luke. 

There are lots of room for the story to continue in the next book, Paradise Valley, as the readers can look for more of an update from the General and his Hollywood flame, Muriel. There is no doubt more new characters are to be introduced as I don't even think I am half way through the series yet. 

Teasers: bear encounter, school bus accident, cabin renovations, a virgin in Virgin River

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

Paul Haggerty & Vannie's book





Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)

By Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
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.

By this time in the series I have come to really know these characters. I still love the continued updates from the other couples, although I think Jack and Mel from book 1 Virgin River continue to carry the cast. Although Second Chance Pass was technically slated to be Vannie and Paul's story, I feel the first half the book and the second half of the book were completely different stories. It's a good thing I am jotting down my reviews after each book because they are all definitely starting to meld together as one big honking book!

In the first half of Second Chance Pass the focus was primarily getting Paul and Vannie to finally come together as a couple. There were some tough obstacles to overcome but regardless, Paul and Vannie turned out to be stand up characters. I am not sure I would have been as willing as Vannie was regarding Paul's "problem" so I was in awe of how badly she really wanted this to all work out. 

Paul sure got himself into a big pickle and I wasn't quite sure how he was going to come out in the end. No spoilers here because it's a great read and I don't want to ruin it. 

The second half of the book was a real hodgepodge of stories. The readers will experience some gripping moments from Mel and Jack (and I was really worried that Robyn Carr was going to something drastic here) *wipes forehead* Lets just say, it was tense. 

I loved the fabulous update with Preacher and Paige. *squee*

There was some interesting turn of events for the General. *smile* I love when characters that are mature in years get some attention. I sure have to say the Robyn Carr delivers from the teen years right up to the golden years. You have it all in this soap opera of Virgin River. 

Big massive lumps in my throat and heart for Rick making his way to Iraq. Wow I am so nervous with that plot line. I adore that guy. 

A secondary story that I thought was waaaaay to rushed for Joe and Nikki. 

The mysterious drug dealer makes another quick appearance but he is gone as quick as he appears. 

I was so hoping that couple from Christmas story would become regulars because so far, that was my favourite story. But the Buchanan's did not appear. I wonder if they ever do come back or if that was just a one time Christmas special book? Anyone know? 

Can I just also mention how much I love these covers? I am a visual person and each cover really adds to the story. I love when the cover matches the story that is written in the book and each of the wonderful Virgin River's covers have really aided in my imagination of what the setting resembles. I love it!. On to book 6, Temptation Ridge. 

Teasers: Jack delivers baby #2, new house developments, fire!

A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

Marcie Sullivan and Ian Buchanan's book







A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River 4)

By Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
Last Christmas, Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband Bobby. This Christmas she’s come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.

Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby’s shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived Stateside. Since then, Marcie’s letters to Ian have gone unanswered.

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.

Ian doesn’t know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what’s worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

I LOVED A Virgin River Christmas. Hands down my favourite of the series so far. I thought it was crazy reading a Christmas book in July but it made no difference for the love I felt for this story. It had me on so many levels. I also loved how in the story the cabin is described almost as exactly as the front cover is shown. Isn't the cover awesome!

I was also wondering how I was going to feel about this story when the couple were two brand new characters that weren't introduced to Virgin River as of yet. I started reading and I was thinking to myself, 'who are these Marcie and Ian characters?' Never fear, they were amazing! Also, A Virgin River Christmas can totally be read as a stand alone so it will make my Christmas recommended reading list. 

I don't even know where to start here. Lets start off with Marcie. What a doll. A marine widow at just twenty three, she was on a soul searching mission looking for her deceased husband's best friend, Ian. Ian served with her husband, Bobby in Iraq and he had saved his life. However, saving his life only resulted with Bobby being paralyzed and severely brain injured living on for an extra three years. The guilt Ian suffered weighed heavily on his shoulders. Ian had so many buried emotions that he basically ended up living like a hermit in the mountains trying to hide away from the world. Even the other retired marines in Virgin River didn't know he was up there deep in the woods. 

Picture Grizzly Adams. Yeah that is pretty much the state of Ian's appearance when he first meets Marcie. He even growled at her like a big bear. What a transformation Ian experiences. Not just in appearance but in personality as well. Grumpy and uncommunicative he won't even talk to Marcie about Ian or Iraq. Unfortunately (or luckily) she gets sick with the flu and he ends up being stuck with her surrounded by snow in his bare bones cabin. He takes cares of her and clearly demonstrates his well hidden soft side. 

Marcie and Ian's banter was superb. She is such a talkative firecracker and that leaves Ian's head spinning. She can't be quiet and he is used to going days without talking to anyone. I was smirking so much. Marcie had an amazing personality. She is strong and genuine. She is just what Ian needs to bring him around. 

There are some tear jerkers scenes that just brought the book together excellently. Simply touching. I would say A Virgin River Christmas is an outstanding wintertime story full of forgiveness and learning to move forward. You don't need to wait for the cold season to enjoy. It warmed my heart and weather and season had nothing to do with it. 

The readers are still treated to a few of the regular characters. There are no real updates on their lives but they do play off as great secondary characters. They definitely enhanced the story. 

Teasers: stuck in outhouse, propane stove blast in face, bath time strip down, Christmas tree serenade

Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr

Mike & Brie's book




Whispering Rock (Virgin River 3)

By Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
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 one 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 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.

Whispering Rock is an emotionally filled book with a wonderful continuation of the River River characters. 

I am really liking this series. Each book is filled with various revolving stories from the new characters and updates from the previous characters. I like that. I like that a lot. I love to fall in love with characters and I can get annoyed when I never hear from them again (even though I am reading a series). I bet the author Robyn Carr has a massive spreadsheet to keep track of where everyone is in their fictional lives because there are many mini stories within the one main plotline. Not to busy to get confused though. The town of Virgin River is perfectly orchestrated. 

Mike and Brie are an excellent couple. As they are both victims of a violent crime, they support each other and help each other heal. I liked that Robyn Carr realistically writes that it takes time for them to heal and that there are many steps to recovery along the way. It is not a quick spring back when you've been shot 3 times or brutally raped. I also like the pace of each book. 

The author seems to be in no rush just to make things happen or create an event. Paige and Preacher is a great example. They are trying for a baby in Whispering Rock and I loved that she does not get pregnant out of one night of passion. Instead it becomes a story and it takes a bit of time. I don't feel rushed. I can just sit back and enjoy the story and their journey. 

Jack and Mel make a heavy presence in Whispering Rock which is just awesome. Of course Brie is Jack's sister so it was easily predicted that he would be around a lot. Still, Jack and Mel received a lot of their own story too. Let's face it, I am fan of these couples so I like to read about them. 

A few new characters were introduced. I am for sure looking forward to more on their story. Paul, Matt and Vannie's story is what got the tears out of me. Very emotional. Not to mention the update on Lilly Anderson. *grabs more kleenex*

I also am interested in the Tom Booth storyline. He seems so mature for only seventeen. He seems to have quite a career ahead of him. So put together for such a young man. 

The next story is a Christmas story and it will seem odd reading about Christmas in July but I am way to anal about reading books in order to pass it over. Plus with these books not really being stand alones, I need to see what is up with the Virgin River cast. 

Teasers: Ovulation Day!, Spanish to English interpretations, VCR tape of a birth (LOL!), roofie drug bust

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

Virgin River by Robyn Carr

Melinda Munroe and Jack Sheridan's book





Virgin River

by Robyn Carr

Book Blurb:
"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.

I'm so on the fence about Virgin River. I have long wanted to read this series and in fact I have built up to owning every single book in the Virgin River series. Slowly through garage sales and used book stores, I already own them all. 

After finishing this first book, Virgin River, I am not quite sure how I feel. I loved some things and really disliked others. Hopefully by typing out this review, I can get a better handle on my rating near the end. 

I have a soft spot for small towns in novels. I loved Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor (Lucky Harbor series) and Margaret Ethridge's Heartsfield (Spring Chickens) to name a few.  So I was sure I was going to fall right in love with Virgin River. For me I think that was the main appeal I held for this series. Now, not so much. There was really nothing adorable about the town. The houses were old clapboard and there really wasn't a draw for me to ever want to actually visit Virgin River. 

My next thought was that I was confident that the characters of Virgin River are more than going to make up for the less than desirable town. Well that fell flat for me too. I admit that the crotchety old Doc having had a few moments but that was pretty much it. Everyone else was just so plain and not worth remembering or mentioning here in the review. 

That brings me to our protagonists Mel and Jack. I think Mel had a great plan in motion to leave her painful past back in LA and try for something fresh and new. The idea of committing to a one year contract in a small town clearly had appeal. Mel stuck me as a smart woman. So why in blazes would she take designer clothes, boots and a BMW to the woods? I mean come on. Even I would know it is time to purchase some hiking boots or a rain slicker. A BMW for dirt roads? I get that all she saw of Virgin River before arriving was from pictures but geez I'd have gotten a map out and saw it was in the middle of a redwood forest area. 

I felt for Mel's loss and I felt that the length of time it took for her to finally just kiss Jack was believable. I don't mind a sweet story even if it takes half the of the romance book just to get to a kiss. It was understandable with the death of her husband just being under one year. 

Jack was a character that was almost too good to be true. A forty year old unattached total hunk in the middle of the Virgin River running a bar/diner. He was also an ex-marine that had a bit of baggage but that just added to his appeal. He was very patient with Mel and it was clear that he was head of heels in love with her way before she was with him. I liked that a man could fall for a woman before they even had sex. 

There were a couple of secondary characters that were put into mature situations and their ages were really young. They were 14 & 16 years old and their sex scene was written with more detail than Jack and Mel's eventual intimates were. I didn't like that all and it added nothing at all to the book or story other than perhaps these characters are set up for their own future book. I sure can wait for them to grow up because teen sex is a great big turn off for me.

The very last thing I'll mention that I didn't care for was a confusing introduction of a bunch of characters from Grace Valley. There was too many people to keep my head around when they were all thrown into the mix with conversations. June, John, Jack, Jim...I was lost among the J's. 

Okay so what was the appeal with Virgin River to me? I don't know? Maybe it was peace. There was low drama and the story was just about two lonely people who came together and found love. It was simple. There were some very sweet moments between Jack and Mel and they had wonderful families. It was nice to read about Mel moving past the pain of losing her husband. I also like that she really loved her husband. There was no need to make him more of a victim than he was.  

Since I have the entire series I will read them. I am going to move to book 2, Shelter Mountain next. We will see how it goes from there and that will determine how fast I move on to each subsequent book. 

Teasers: cabin hovel, baby Chloe, fly fishing flirtations, rain storm melt down