So this month Stormi and I are buddy reading not one, but two in the Virgin River series. We are on target to definitely finish it up in 2023 and I'm pretty impressed with how we're doing. In our next post, you'll see why we were so anxious to slate two on the schedule this month. So check out my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's at Storm Reads to see her's.
AUTHOR: RObyn Carr
Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little too unmotivated…until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter—a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief's rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She's the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney's finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River.
Kelly's never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can't be any worse than a histrionic chef…right?
MY THOUGHTS: No real spoiler but this installment kind of hints at a cheating trope which I have to admit, never really sits well with me. However, it quickly pulls it out of the dumpster and a few chapters in, the MC Kelly, who I found very problematic in the beginning, became more likable and I became invested in her story. For a few reasons, Kelly is leaving the big city and her fast paced job in a famous restaurant. She goes to stay with her sister in VIrgin River and soon meets Lief and his rebellious teen, Courtney.
I really liked the dynamic between Lief and Kelly and it was really nice to not have a baby-focused Virgin River book. I have to admit the daughter Courtney is probably my favorite character in the book and it's fun to see her growth and learn what makes her tick. We get to see some of our old series faves but not as much as in the past. Carr has created such a huge cast of characters that it only makes sense that it's harder and harder to work some of the people in to each installment.
Overall, this is another strong installment, and I can basically crank these books out in a day or two, even when working, so they've become my go-to reads for something light and quick in between some heavier reads. I'm so glad we added two to out December plans so stay soon for another review soon!
RATING: 4 PAWS
