2 Bloggers 1 Series - Second Chance Pass

 

So Stormi and I decided to continue on with our read of the Virgin River series again this month.  Both of us seem to be enjoying them and they are nice, easy reads so I'm finding them a great way to get a finish under my belt pretty early in the month.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's  at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: Harlequin MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: January 2, 2009

PAGES: 410

SOURCE: Library/Hoopla

FROM GOODREADS: 

The community of Virgin River saw Vanessa Rutledge through her darkest days—now she's looking to a bright future. 

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.

MY THOUGHTS: This is actually the first book in the series I've not given 5 stars but it came close.  When you're 5 books in, that's a pretty good stat.  So Second Chance Pass is the story of Vanessa and Paul, both of whom we met in book #3.  Vanessa's husband was killed in service without getting the chance to see his son being born.  Paul was his best friend and helped Vanessa deliver the baby because he promised his friend he would look out for them if something happened.  However, Paul has had deep feelings for Vanessa since he first met her years ago.  He doesn't want to ruin the memory of his best friend and he doesn't think Vanessa is ready to move on so he almost loses his chance at love.  

I really enjoyed Paul and Vanessa's tale although I didn't enjoy the time they spent with Vanessa's mother-in-law.  She was a piece of work.  And I must say, there were times I wanted to reach in the book and smack some sense into Paul.  I will also add that for fans of the Netfix series, there is a major plot point in Paul's story which the show took liberties with and dumped on Jack and Mel.  And I'm not a fan of it no matter who is involved!

This book also packs a lot of different stories into its pages.  We are following at four other relationships, the birth of two babies, two near death experiences and a ravaging fire.  At least Carr keeps it interesting.  The only reason I lowered my rating is because there is almost TOO much to follow.  That and one relationship took the concept of insta-love to a whole new level.  

Overall I am stillo enjoying this series and find myself looking forward to the month's where Stormi and I decide to continue them.  I can't wait to see what the next book brings and highly recommend them.

RATING: 4 Paws