Virgin River (Virgin River #1) by Robyn Carr

 

Summary (from the publisher): Welcome back to Virgin River with the book that started it all…

Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against a backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad, she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving—the cabin is a dump; the roads are treacherous, and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she’s made a huge mistake; Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby abandoned on a front porch changes her plans…and former marine Jack Sheridan cements them into place.

Review: Melinda Monroe is a midwife/nurse practitioner and recently widowed. Needing a break from the urban chaos that is her life and a change after losing her husband, she decides to take a job in Virgin River, a tiny mountain town with a population of six hundred. However, once arriving, she quickly feels like she has made a huge mistake. But when a tiny baby is abandoned on her porch steps, she feels obligated to stay. And a former marine, who runs the local bar, named Jack gives her another, bigger reason to stick around. 

A cute second chance romance. Both Mel and Jack have histories and complicated pasts - she has gone through infertility and a traumatic loss of her husband unexpectedly. And he has been through years of combat as a marine. But they have a deep connection. There are also lots of side character that also live in Virgin River to give this book some depth. 

Still, the dialogue and character development felt stiff and unrealistic. Several of the plot developments felt exceedingly far-fetched as well. For instance, if an abandoned baby showed up, the authorities would have to be alerted immediately. It is wild that no one shows up or reports the infant for days afterward and Mel has to care for it herself. Also, there's a lot of lawless type behavior in Virgin River that just did not feel realistic. Even the most remote towns still have law enforcement and have to follow the rules of the law. 

I sought this book out because I watched the Netflix show first. I was surprised at how many plot details they had changed for the show! Not sure why many of them were necessary because the book works well as is. I was also surprised to see this was relatively spicy since the show is very PG in nature. 

Stars: 3