Virgin River is the first book of the Virgin River Series by Robyn Carr. The story centers around the main character of Melinda Monroe, nurse-practitioner and midwife, who moves to Virgin River, because of her disenchantment with the crime in LA and what she had to face while working in a busy city hospital.

Widowed a few months ago and still grieving, Mel accepts an offer to become an assistant to the doctor in a little town, so she heads to Virgin River only to find out that the offer had major holes, and the doctor didn’t actually want her. She feels she has made a big mistake and is about to leave, she finds a tiny baby, abandoned on the doctor’s front porch.

Enter a handsome former marine and owner of the only restaurant-bar in town and the need of the community for her services. As the result, Mel decides to stay in Virgin River.

The book is full of zany side characters, whose quirks are sometimes enhanced to an annoying degree, although in general, the characterization is done well enough. Isn’t it something that when portraying small-town characters, some writers drive the craft to unexpected altitudes?

Speaking of characters, I had a difficult time siding with Mel who, for a strong woman, was indecisive and had pathetic expectations from a small town, such as the specifics of her hair-do and fancy boots.

As to the plot, acceptable though it was, I saw several holes in it, but to talk about them would be giving away the story. All I can say is that I thought, from time to time, the author pushed the characters around like puppets because of her own reasons and did not give them the freedom their characteristics dictated.

Moreover, she explained Mel’s medically impossible pregnancy as being due to the water in Virgin River. Was this story in the fantasy genre? I did not think so until that explanation made me wonder.

Yet, the story is attention-grabbing enough to make the reader keep on reading, but those who know enough to be aware of the flaws can be disappointed. I am surprised that this famous-enough author is an award-winner.

those who read fiction just to pass the time.

the disregard of a reader's intelligence.

read nothing by this author.

I wasted my time.

Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of almost fifty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. Her other books are:
Practical Tips for Writing Popular Fiction; By Right of Armes (RITA Award Winner); The Wedding Party; The House on Olive Street, 20 Books in Virgin River Series, 3 in Thunder point, 3 in Grace Valley

I refrain from recommending or not recommending this book. It has its good points, such as the flowing prose and a few suspenseful scenes, but I wasn't satisfied with the overall quality.

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Created May 30, 2013 at 3:06pm • Submit your own review...