While I enjoyed the chance to revisit the little town of Virgin River, I struggled to connect with the main character, Kaylee, and felt there was little-to-no chemistry between her and Landry. In previous installments of the series, there was more friction/heat, but this romance was fairly tame. I realize the larger storyline was Kaylee dealing with the grief over losing her mother, and I felt that was done well. I also liked several other elements of the story, especially the rescuing of animals, and the epilogue was very heartwarming.

Definitely glad I read this recent addition to a beloved series.

The Virgin River series was/is one of my favorite small-town series. I fell in love with the rural town nestled in northern California, among redwoods, waterfalls and good fishing. But most of all, I fell in love with the townsfolk and the people who ended up calling it home.

When the series originally released the holiday season didn’t kick off until I had witnessed the tree lighting between Jack’s and the church. When the series ended, I wept like I had lost an old friend. Then Netflix brought the town to life in their new Virgin River series, and new fans were born.

Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr is the nineteenth book in the series, and it felt like going home. I was overjoyed when I learned of its upcoming release and for me; it felt like coming home. While each book has its own adventures and romance, I recommend reading and meeting the characters in the order of their release.

Kaylee Sloan is headed to Virgin River to stay for the winter. She is recovering from the loss of her mother and has a deadline for her newest suspense novel looming. Thoughts of writing by the fire and enjoying views of the lake soon go up in flames.

A trip to Jack’s will soon set things to rights. He and his wife offer her their guest cabin for a few days while she scouts out new lodgings. Local artist and dog trainer Landry Moore’s provides the perfect place.

The tale that unfolds held all the magic one expects from Carr. I loved the animals, lunches at Jack’s and talks on the front porch.

Landry has suffered his own losses and the two strike up a friendship that slowly simmers. Found pets, abandoned puppies and healing all made for a wonderful tale. He and his dog help Kaylee, only to discover she has unknowingly helped them.

The relationship that develops felt genuine, even as we suffered some disturbances along the ride. I loved the surprises, one in particular, had me weeping one moment and smiling the next.

It was delightful to see beloved characters and catch up on local happenings. Virgin River magic, helpful hands, and townsfolk’s gathering to set the Christmas tree.

Carr touched on healing, friendship, giving and forgiveness. I laughed, wept and became completely swept up in the story.

If you love small-town romance and flawed, good willed characters I hope you’ll take a visit to Virgin River. Thanks for the return visit, Ms. Carr!

Return to Virgin River - I thought we were finished with books in this series and it was with a little bit of  trepidation that I picked up this one to read. Of course I always will want to return to Virgin River. I've loved the previous 18 in the series - but could #19 do justice to the series? Well it's a big YES from this reader.

I loved how Robyn Carr brings Kaylee, newly grieving the loss of her mother to spend some time in Virgin River, and to add to that Kaylee is a writer, struggling to finish a book that is really due in very soon. Very soon she is wrapped up by the arms of this small community, and especially welcomed by an artist/dog trainer when she finds herself without a place to stay.

It's set in the three months leading up to Christmas, and Virgin River does those months really well. If there is going to be only one Christmas book that you read this year, make it this one. It made me sad as some of the characters struggled with loss, but it warmed my heart with the kindness and outreach of so many.

Many of the Virgin River characters make little cameo entrances, especially of course Jack and Mel. It was great to see them all and still all looking out for each other and those who are new as well.

There are animals involved. Be warned - your heart will be captured by them.

A very satisfying, heart warming and wise read. I know it's part of a series, but it would read fine as a standalone.

Super new Virgin River story

I have read all of Robyn Carr's Virgin River novels and the new one fits right in with the rest.  It's like revisiting old friends along with being introduced to some likable new friends.  Others have described the plot and characters, so I only need to tell you how warm and cozy this novel feels to a socially-isolated voracious reader.  Definitely another winner!

I also enjoyed reading Ms Carr's description of spending a day on set for the Netflix Virgin River series.  Too bad my internet isn't up to Netflis.  Here's hoping that changes soon!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley, with no obligation.  This review is entirely my own work and opinion.

Although the Virgin River series is Robyn Carr’s most popular series, Return to Virgin River was my first foray into the series. After enjoying the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing series, along with some of the author’s standalone novels, I was curious about what this one would offer.

Despite this being my first introduction to the series, I managed to understand the story without any prior knowledge of the series. There were a lot of details given to explain characters, which has left me curious about their stories, but it is not necessary to know these details before going in. The story stands alone, although there will be curiosity about the other books.

While I found this to be a quick and easy read, it didn’t quite wow me in the way I had hoped it would. It was enjoyable and I devoured it in a single sitting, but I wanted a bit more tension from the story. It was a very easy read, but the other books I have read from the author have packed more of an emotional punch. It’s possible I would have enjoyed this one more if I already had an investment in the series, but as it was this was enjoyable but not quite everything I had expected.

All in all, this made for easy quick reading and has left me curious about the earlier books in the series.

Terrific book. It has been many years since I last read a Virgin River book, other than <i>My Kind of Christmas</i>. It didn't take me long to slip right back into the comfort of Jack's Bar and the warmth of the town. I loved seeing them take a lost young woman under their wings and help her heal.

Kaylee lost her mother to cancer on Christmas Day the previous year. Since then, she has been drowning in grief, unable even to lose herself in her writing. With her latest book's fast-approaching deadline, Kaylee escapes to Virgin River and the cabin where she and her mom spent some time. She's devastated when she arrives to find the house engulfed in flames. She heads to Jack's to regroup and decide what to do. Jack, who is the town's "Mr. Fixit," immediately offers her a place to stay for a few days, and various other people offer their assistance. But it's local artist Landry who rents her his guest cabin.

Landry is a little bit of a loner. He grew up in Virgin River, left for a while, and returned when city life didn't work out for him. His father's death hit him hard also, and he lost himself in his art as he coped with his grief. In addition to his art, Landry also works as a dog trainer.

I loved watching the relationship between Kaylee and Landry grow. It started slowly, with drinks or coffee on one porch or the other, as they talked about anything and everything. Landry and his dog helped Kaylee overcome her fear of dogs. The more time that they spend together, the more that the sparks between them intensify. I loved seeing how they supported each other's careers and respected the other's need for space. Though they acknowledge their feelings, some obstacles keep them apart. Landry's biggest obstacle came as quite a surprise and was a bit harder to overcome than expected. I loved how they were honest with each other about their needs and that both were willing to compromise to bring them the future they wanted.

There was more going on in Kaylee's life than her growing relationship with Landry. Her main reason for coming to Virgin River was to reclaim her writing mojo. I hurt for her and her fear that it wouldn't happen and loved her determination to keep plugging away. It was interesting to see the effect the people of Virgin River had on her thought processes and the "writing exercise" that became so much more. Kaylee also needed to deal with her grief, and besides her time with Landry, it was a conversation with Mel that put her on the right track: <i>"You know what I learned about grief? It's always there, and it's always at the center of your life, and then one day, you realize with some surprise that you had a fairly good day, and you wonder if grief left. Or if it got smaller. It didn't - - your world got bigger."</i> Something that helped make Kaylee's world a little bigger was her rescue of a tiny kitten, and later a mama dog with puppies. I loved the scenes with them, and with Landry's dog, Otis. As the weeks passed, her world got even bigger as she made friends with Virgin River's people, and she had more good days than bad. I loved how she used her grief to help another and the unexpected twist that help took.

I enjoyed being able to check in with previous Virgin River couples. There were plenty of scenes with Jack and Mel, the ones who started it all. I especially liked that these characters didn't get dropped in willy-nilly, but were logical parts of the plot. It all makes me want to reread the series.

It is hard to top the first few books in the Virgin River series. I fell in love with Mel and Jack, Preacher and Paige, and Brie and Mike and loved it when I could visit Virgin River again through Kaylee's eyes. Kaylee has lost her mom and has a complicated relationship with her dad. She's come to Virgin River to grieve and to hopefully write again. But life is what happens when you are busy making plans! 

This is a stand alone book, but readers who are not familiar with the series will be a little lost with all the names and couples that are referenced. I *have* read the whole series and I occasionally had to reference previous books so I could remember who was being talked about.  Kaylee's and Landry's story was lovely to read. It was believable and I was pretty surprised by the bump in their road to romance. The only thing that I didn't find to be believable was how fast Kaylee got over her fear of dogs. But that is getting pretty picky. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light read or an escape to the pine scented mountains of Virgin River.

Robyn Carr's Return to Virgin River is everything I hoped for! 

The Return to Virgin River is everything I hoped for.  There's comfort reading a Virgin River book.   
We are introduced to new characters, Kaylee and Landry  while still seeing some of our favorites, Jack, Mel and the gang. 
In order to enjoy this fully I would recommend reading the others in the series.   I'm sure it can be read as a standalone but you miss the back stories of the characters and how they intertwined.

Kaylee reminded me of Mel Sheridan from book 1. She is looking to spend time in Virgin River to get away from her life after her mom's passing.   She's struggling with her career and hopes she'll find inspiration.  I liked reading the characters thought process in writing especially when it came to her "second book".  

Landry knows Kaylee is only costing but that does stop him from wanting more. Unfortunately he doesn't share his feelings and kept what he felt close to his chest.  

The couple give into their wants but it wasn't without emotions.  It was a wonderful edition to the series.

I was so excited to go back to Virgin River after some time away. We get a little bit of the old gang of Jack, Mel, Preacher, Mike and others. Kaylee is coming to VR to get away and write and Landry is a local artist and took over his family's land. I just loved these two characters they were so relatable, fun, lovable, and the ending will make your heart melt. 
I just love Robyn's writing and this story is no different. We get issues/past drama and grief but these two work through it all to get that HEA. VR is a magical place and this book is a perfect setting for Kaylee and Landry  to get their new starts. I wish there would be more of this series as I just love it! 

Overall, 4 stars and 1 steam

From my blog: Always With a Book:

I have long been a fan of Robyn Carr's book, especially her Virgin River series, having devoured the book years ago. I was devastated when I got to the last book and found out that was it...or was it? Luckily at the time, she had gone on to write another series and I was taken with that one, but I always wanted more of my beloved Virgin River. And I finally got my wish!

What I love about this series is that it doesn't seem to matter how long it's been since the last book, and for me that has been eight years, picking this one up was like reuniting with old friends. And even with the addition of new characters, it still felt like coming home. And maybe that's because of the fact that this has now been made into a Netflix original series and I totally binge-watched it, but I loved seeing all the old familiar friends and meeting new ones, too.

Robyn Carr is so gifted at giving us such multidimensional characters with real, relatable issues. I immediately fell in love with both Kaylee and Landry and loved their story. I felt their journey was so authentic and heartfelt - the obstacles felt real and lifelike and not contrived in any way. And with each book that Robyn Carr has written, she continues to give us new and unique situations to put her characters in. Nothing is ever repeated and situations are always fresh and individual the new couple.

I laughed and teared up so many times throughout this book because that's how much I felt during it. It's a true testament to how this author handles the relationships she gives us - with just the right amount of humor and reality that you can't help but be pulled all the way in. It's such a feel-good story and I love that about this series.

I am so glad Robyn Carr gave us another book in this series. I don't know if that's an indication there will be more or if this is the final one, but all I know is if she writes it, I will read it. And now I'll be counting the days until the second season of Virgin River is released on Netflix!

Robyn Carr wrote her first Virgin River novel back in 2007. Many books followed before Ms. Carr moved to other series including Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossings. Perhaps the author was inspired to return to Virgin Riven because of the TV series that is now on Netflix. Whatever the motivation, long term readers of the Virgin River novels will undoubtedly be happy to return. They know that they can count on good people, a nice community and a love story.

This novel is about Kaylee and Landry. Kaylee is an author of suspense novels who is experiencing writer’s block following the death of her mother. Through family friends, she chooses to travel to Virgin River in the hope that she will finish her novel. No spoiler to say that she does and even that she moves into a new genre, that she falls in love and that some unexpected things happen to her. That is the Virgin River formula.

Kaylee’s romantic foil is Landry, an artist and dog trainer. He helps Kaylee to overcome her fear of dogs and to move forward even as she recognizes that she will always miss her mom.

The relationship that Kaylee had with her mom is lovingly described and maybe even idealized a bit. I suspect that many readers will wish for the same closeness, acceptance and encouragement that Kaylee’s mom gave her.

There are other characters in Kaylee’s orbit but readers will perhaps most enjoy that the names of all the characters from the earlier novels are called out here. While many make an appearance, it is Jack and Mel who are most featured.

As an extra treat, the story is seasonal. Readers will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in this most perfect of towns. I especially enjoyed the description of the tree lighting.

This is a sweet novel. I don’t know if Robyn Carr will write about Virgin River again. Regardless, this novel is a gift to her fans.

An additional bonus in the novel is a section describing the making of the TV series and Ms. Carr’s visit to the set. There is also a long excerpt from one of her other novels.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

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Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous title!

What could be sweeter than returning to one of my absolute favorite fictional towns? Well I’ll tell you- adding a gaggle of animals to the mix, that’s what! My heart belongs to the animals of the world, so this book was perfect for me. Not to mention Christmas time in VR... what a gift! 

I loved Kaylee + Landry, Mallory, and the way animals would their way into Kaylee’s healing. The ending was abrupt and the epilogue was a little lacking, but still a great story. 

Sidenote: Having lost my own dear mom to cancer, I found parts of this book difficult to read. Possible trigger for anyone dealing with loss + grief.

Return to Virgin River will keep you reading as a writer struggles to get back to her book writing after the death of her mother. The characters are supportive of everyone in this small community. She soon finds herself enjoying life again. Very enjoyable read

Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance. Although this newest release is the twenty-first installment in the Virgin River series, it can be read as a standalone.

  With the first anniversary of her beloved mother’s death approaching, Kaylee Sloan is still deeply grieving the loss. With a looming deadline and an inability to write, she decides a change of scenery will jumpstart her creative process. Having enjoyed her previous visits to Virgin River, Kaylee rents out her house and heads to a friends’ cabin.  But her plans hit immediately hit a bump in the road when the cabin is uninhabitable due to a fire.  Although a bit defeated, she accepts Mel and Jack Sheridan’s hospitality and offer to help her find a suitable rental in the area. And, as luck would have it, Landry Moore has an empty house that he offers to her.  With the seemingly perfect setting, Kaylee continues working to meet her upcoming deadline.

  Kaylee and her mother were extremely close and she is haunted by her memories of their time together. Although her publisher has been very understanding, Kaylee fears her career will suffer if she does not finish her current novel. Although she has several pages written, she is not having much luck hitting her stride. She instead becomes wrapped up in an unexpected project and her growing friendship with Landry. With their relationship heading into romantic territory, Kaylee decides to live in the moment as  they give into their attraction for each other.

  Landry is a bit of a loner but he is always friendly when he goes into town. He is a successful artist who is also a part-time dog trainer. Landry is surprised by how much he enjoys Kaylee’s company. When his past collides with his present, he realizes it is time to take steps to finally close that chapter of his life.

  Return to Virgin River is a touching romance of healing, friendship and love. Kaylee is a likable character who is surprisingly open to new experiences. Landry is an laidback man with infinite patience. Their romance is sweet and grows naturally from their close friendship. The setting is winsome and Virgin River residents quickly welcome Kaylee into the fold. With an unanticipated plot twist,  Robyn Carr brings this charming romance to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Virgin River series will enjoy this lovely romance.

RETURN TO VIRGIN RIVER is a fantastic continuation of the Virgin River series that so many fans have fallen in love with - with so many great parallels to the first in the series. The book follows Kaylee who is grieving her mother's death but needs to deliver a manuscript to her publisher. She has decided to rent a family friend's vacation house for 6 months. It is the right amount of remote for her to write her suspense novel.

When she arrives, she finds the house she planned to stay in is on fire, and her carefully laid plans go up in smoke. Luckily, she is directed to Jack's, where she is given a temporary place to stay and help in finding a new one. She also makes some true friends of Jack and Mel, our favorite couple from the first book.

As she finds a place on the property of a man who trains dogs, Landry, she can't help but notice his handsome charm. Though her fear of dogs is post-traumatic level from when she was bitten as a young child. As she settles in, she begins to come to terms with her past, particularly her mother's death and father's abandonment, as well as forge a future with family she chooses.

Fans of Virgin River will be delighted by the inclusion of Jack/Mel and so many other familiar characters. I loved the lead-up and inclusion of all the holiday feels and magic as well. This is truly a heartwarming read that touches the soul. Kaylee and Landry are such fantastic characters, and I loved to watch them grow and find the family they need in the sweet small-town setting of Virgin River.

The writing absolutely pulls the reader into the story and into the lives of these characters. Carr has created a really feel-good story that is perfect for a cozy winter afternoon. Highly recommend for fans of women's fiction. RETURN TO VIRGIN RIVER is an engrossing read about love, family, and healing with some holiday magic feels.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

As a huge fan of Robyn Carr and the Virgin River series, I had high hopes for this book. It did touch on all the characters from the past and give a good story of the newest couple. However, it felt disjointed to me. I felt like the same things were being retold instead of focusing on the the new story.

For some reason I couldn’t get into this one. The characters nor situations were that interesting to me
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

Kaylee Sloan came to Virgin River to deal with the death of her mother. She had fond memories of it from when she and her Mom spent time there years ago. Kaylee finds everything she needs to mend thanks to the help of Jack, Mel, and all the Virgin River residents who welcome everyone with open arms.
Robyn Carr did not disappoint me with a book that made me feel good. Sometimes that is just what you need.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I will say that I have not read all of the books in this series… yet! I read some here or there but now that I have seen the NetFlix series I have really enjoyed this series and want to catch up on all of them.

In this one we meet Kaylee and Landry when she needs a place to rent. She comes to Virgin River to get away after her mom’s death and figures it’s a good place to finish her novel. Landry becomes the friend and love interest that she didn’t know she needed or wanted.

I love the way that Carr writes. The pain Kaylee felt for the loss of her mother was palpable and I felt horrible for her. But I loved how Landry was with her.

Another great story by Carr in the wonderful town of Virgin River!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Kaylee Sloan has escaped her home for the holiday season in order to concentrate on the book she needs to finish writing as she has been distracted since the death of her mother.  She believes if she changes her scenery hopefully she can finish her book and deal with her grief.  She will get that and more in the small town of Virgin River.

I have been a fan of Virgin River, so to hear of a new book coming out in this small town, I was excited to "return."  I didn't read the synopsis at all before reading this book, so I was so excited to read a book from an author's perspective and see a behind the scenes of an author writing a book at a moment in their life that is emotionally charged.  With her intended rental house going up in flames, Kaylee ends up renting from a conveniently single Landry and their love story was so sweet.  

With only one really sexy scene, this book stayed PG most of the way and I liked that the plot didn't revolve around the physicality of their relationship.  There was such good plot in this book.  I was thankful that there wasn't instalove or even instalust in this book and instead there was a great build up to their connection and even with the limited pages it didn't feel rushed.  

I sure hope there are more to come in this small town.  I could read more and more books in this joyful little town.