Return to Virgin River
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Carr is a master of charming small-town ambience, and the 21st romance in her Virgin River series (after My Kind of Christmas) does not disappoint. Suspense novelist Kaylee Sloan leaves her Southern California home and heads up the coast to hunker down in remote Humboldt County, hoping the seclusion will offer her space to meet the deadline for her next book and mourn her late mother. Unfortunately, she arrives at her rental right as the fire trucks are leaving, finding it charred and uninhabitable. In steps handsome artist Landry Moore, who offers to rent Kaylee a small house on his property in the quaint town of Virgin River. Soon, Kaylee's setting suspense aside for romance, both literary and personal. But their budding relationship hits a bump when Landry's long-estranged wife arrives, wanting a second chance. Carr nails the sometimes-painful process of writing, painting Kaylee's work as one of the toughest and most rewarding of pursuits, while skillfully building passion between her hero and heroine. Longtime fans will relish glimpses of past favorite characters, who add depth and joy to this sweet romance. Fans and new readers alike will delight in visiting Virgin River. (Oct.)

After eight years, Carr returns to the mountain town of Virgin River with this long-awaited series entry (following My Kind of Christmas) that will delight longtime fans and also serve as an introduction for new readers. Thriller author Kaylee Sloan has writer's block after the death of her mother. Hoping for a cure and to mend her heart and also get through her first Christmas without her beloved parent, Kaylee seeks refuge in the familiar village of Virgin River. But immediately upon arrival, her plans are upset and she ends up staying in a rental owned by local craftsman Landry. Landry himself is mourning the loss of his own father, and confiding in Kaylee, he finally feels ready to be freed from his past, as the two develop a close friendship that quickly evolves into much more. VERDICT This heartwarming tale of friendship and romance is the perfect addition to this well-loved series made newly popular by its recent adaptation on Netflix. Fans of sweet love stories will enjoy this tale of overcoming overwhelming grief to find hope in the most unexpected of places.—Claire Brown, Red Deer P.L., Alberta, Canada

Carr is a master of charming small-town ambience, and the 21st romance in her Virgin River series (after My Kind of Christmas) does not disappoint. Suspense novelist Kaylee Sloan leaves her Southern California home and heads up the coast to hunker down in remote Humboldt County, hoping the seclusion will offer her space to meet the deadline for her next book and mourn her late mother. Unfortunately, she arrives at her rental right as the fire trucks are leaving, finding it charred and uninhabitable. In steps handsome artist Landry Moore, who offers to rent Kaylee a small house on his property in the quaint town of Virgin River. Soon, Kaylee's setting suspense aside for romance, both literary and personal. But their budding relationship hits a bump when Landry's long-estranged wife arrives, wanting a second chance. Carr nails the sometimes-painful process of writing, painting Kaylee's work as one of the toughest and most rewarding of pursuits, while skillfully building passion between her hero and heroine. Longtime fans will relish glimpses of past favorite characters, who add depth and joy to this sweet romance. Fans and new readers alike will delight in visiting Virgin River. (Oct.)