Throwback Thursday: Virgin River by Robyn Carr

Author: Robyn Carr
First published in 2007 by Mira

"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 not sure why I never read this series.  I loved the Thunder Point series, so it shouldn't have been a big surprise that I would enjoy visiting the town of Virgin River.  I really enjoyed this first book.  Ms. Carr has created a wonderful little town with great and caring characters.  

I'll admit that I didn't warm up to Melinda right away.  She was a little too "city" for me and was kind of a snob.  I loved Jack right off and watching this couple fall in love was a real pleasure for me.  I also ended up loving Mel's journey through rediscovering herself and working through her grief.  The one story-line I could have done without was Liz and Ricky's budding romance.  Because of their age, I felt it was a little too much detail for me.  I have a feeling that situation will be a story arc over the series, but still it was a little TMI.  

I definitely want to pick up the next book, Shelter Mountain.  I loved Preacher and can't wait to read his story!