An Anthology (A Virgin River Novel) - 'Tis The Season

Really enjoyed these books or stories as I do all of Robyn Carr books. Love all the Virgin River stories and also the Thunder Point books. Have not found a Robyn Carr book I haven't loved! Keep them coming!

I enjoy the Virgin River series. The short length (novella) and the last story dropped my review down a star.

I will re-read this book and always look forward to, pre-order when possible, new works by this author.

I read Under the Christmas Tree. In this story Annie drives through on her way to her parents farm just to see Virgin River looks like at Christmas time. Jack's son finds a litter of abandoned puppies and of course Annie, being a farm girl, can't resist stepping in to rescue them and find them homes. She is worried that some of the puppies won't make it so they call the vet Old Doc Jenson. Only when the vet arrives it turns out to be his son Nate who has taken over the practice. They fall fast and hard for each other and it was a very cute story.

Fans of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, will enjoy the reprint of two Virgin River stories and a third unrelated tale in 'Tis the Season. Under the Christmas Tree and Midnight Confessions are spaced one year apart, in Virgin River, while Backward Glances is an unrelated story from earlier in Carr's career. Carr gives readers three great small town romances just in time for Christmas! If you are looking for a Christmas read that is heart warming, festive and filled with sincerity and love, this just might be the book for you.

What I liked:

Virgin River has long been one of my favorite small town romance series'. Robyn Carr has created a town that just resonates with readers. The characters are down to earth and live normal lives. They could be your next door neighbors or friends down the road. She has a knack for bringing every day life into focus and that's something I find enjoyable to read about. Sometimes I don't want the story of the millionaire or the princess. Sometimes I want the country doctor, or the bar owner or even the local hairstylist and this series really fills that spot.

In 'Tis the Season readers are treated to a reprint of two Virgin River, Christmas stories, just in time for the holiday season. Now, if you've been a fan of the series for a long time you may have read both stories, but it is always nice to have them together in one place. Both are quick reads during a very hectic time of year. When you just a couple of hours to squeeze in some Christmas romance that's often just what you need.

Under the Christmas Tree is essentially the 8th book in the Virgin River series. Though it is a little shorter than the average book. It's a great story for the holidays involving Christmas puppies named after Santa's reindeer and a couple of childhood acquaintances that renew their interest in each other while caring for them. I loved hunky veterinarian Nate Jensen. It's an attractive quality to have a man who loves animals. Carr knows how to pick them for sure. It was nice to meet Annie who lives a few towns over from Virgin River, and is a hairstylist. These two knew each other as children, but they are all grown up now and the sparks do fly.

Midnight Confessions is the story of Nate's niece who is visiting for the holidays one year later. Nate and Annie want to attend the festivities at Jack's bar in Vrigin River, but Sunny is trying to heal after a bad breakup. When she goes along just to get out, she meets Drew, a college student who is holed up for the winter and studying his heart out. The romance was sweet and romantic and seeing Drew try to draw Sunny out and help to deal with her past was heartwarming. Robyn Carr knows how to pull those heart strings for sure.

Backward Glances is a previous story written by Robyn Carr back in the early part of her career. It is the story of a young woman raising twins and her matchmaking mother and friends. Leigh is struggling through a divorce when her mother asks her to visit. What she doesn't know is that John a man from her past is going to be there. I loved Jesse and machinations to make Leigh happy again. There was a lot of humor in this one, as well as love. It is an early effort by the author and does not have the cohesiveness and smoothness of Carr's later books, but it is still a great story for any time of the year.

Bottom Line:

Whether it is a reprint or a new story I love Robyn Carr's writing style and her characters. It was nice to go back to Jack's bar and see all of the characters I know and love from the Virgin River series in both those stories. I love the big Christmas tree and it's patriotic theme and the amazing way the town comes together for the holidays. The third story was heartwarming and full of tenderness as two people got a second chance at happiness. What else could you ask for in a great Christmas read?

Readers don't need to have read previous Virgin River books as they can pick this up and run with the stories. The characters are fresh to the series and each novella is to the point, not wandering all around town meeting established characters. There is a friendly atmosphere and a positive message throughout. However I believe some stories were previously issued.

The first tale shows a young woman who runs a hairdressing shop, on her way home to her parents' farm. She stops in Virgin River to look at the big town Christmas tree and spots a box of abandoned pups. Luckily she knows how to care for them, and maybe the new veterinarian can help. He's got other advantages, too.

A depressed and angry young woman who wasted years with a guy who dumped her, has no intention of going to the New Year party and enjoying herself. She's persuaded to go, and as it happens there's a decent young man present who'd like a kind girl to kiss at midnight. If he can get her to speak to him....

Last is a novella which I believe was previously issued, set during a milder season. A landscaper works on a property when he sees a girl come back to town, divorced and with kids. He's reminded of how they used to date. Too long ago - or is it?

This is an adult romance with light emphasis on the bedroom and more on decency and commitment. Readable and good fun.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for my honest opinion.

These three very different novellas actually fit quite well together. The first two definitely put you in the mood for the holiday season while the third is a sweet, feel good story perfect for whenever. Throughout all three Carr’s well written, well thought out style shines through, allowing readers to escape from the everyday for just a little while.

Carr’s method of character development really shines through and you get to know these individuals as if they were your neighbours. I was very impressed with how well we get to know each of the main couples that we’re introduced to. Each can be read as a standalone novella, while the two Virgin River stories also fit into the series well.

Overall, this was a fantastic, light read perfect for any time of the year.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

A Robyn Carr triple! For those fans of the Virgin River series that might have not previously read these two books, which I had not, these novella's will tickle your fancy. First is Nate and Annie's story - how sometimes the small things brings people together. Second is Sunny and Drew's story - two people burned once but trying not to make a second time. Finally, John and Leigh's story - how sometimes there is a love that just is not forgotten. There is a season and time for things and these three couples find it is their time.

‘Tis The Season
Robyn Carr
Harlequin MIRA, Oct 28 2014, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778316640

“Under the Christmas Tree.” Hairstylist Annie stops to admire a Virgin River Christmas tree only to find eight newborn puppies underneath it. Obviously abandoned, Annie brings the canines to the town `s vet Nathaniel.

“Midnight Confessions.” One year ago on New Year’s Eve, Sunny’s fiancé Glen jilted her. Though she wants to celebrate this New Year's Eve alone at home, her Uncle Nathanial and his fiancée Annie insist she accompany them to Jack’s Bar. UCLA Orthopedic resident Drew Foley and Sunny meet at the bar; whereas she rejects his attempts to get to know each other, he refuses to quit trying.

“Backward Glance.” In Durango five years have passed since John last saw his beloved Leigh, but every time he drives passed her mom Jess’ house he looks to see if she is visiting. Jess tells John she has a bad ticker but is not seeing the doctor. Worried about her mom’s health, Leigh, accompanied by her four year old twins (Mitch and Ty), returns home. When John and Leigh meet, they have a fight over who was at fault; as they reconcile another argument may destroy their love.

The first two tales are warm reprints of Virgin River novellas though the leads of Midnight Confessions seem unlikely to overcome their respective failed relationships as the prime icon etched in their respective brains. Backward Glance is a pre-Virgin River second chance but with an overused premise.

Harriet Klausner