Throwback Thursday: Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr

Author: Robyn Carr
First published in 2007 by Mira

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.

Shelter Mountain is the second in the Virgin River series.  I have to say that I did like this one a bit more than the first one.  The synopsis is a bit misleading though.  It's not just John and Paige's story.  Don't get me wrong, they do figure very prominently in the book.  Their love story is so super sweet that you can't help but grin every time they are together.  But to say this is their story would be a lie.

 This book also contains other story-lines and arcs.  While reading, one really gets a sense of the small town that they live in ans just how special it is..  Ricky gets a huge surprise that ends up leading to one of the most gut wrenching scenes that I think I have ever read.  One of Jack's friends is severely injured on the job and is dealing with recovery.  And Mel and Jack are expecting a baby of their own.  

I definitely recommend this one as well as the series.  I'm looking forward to the next book.