Forbidden Falls (A Virgin River Novel)

So far only one book that didn't grab me in this series. All the other books weren't based on religion. More daily faith of good people in a little community. It had a nice twist for this series. I like that no story is the same. I like knowing the characters as if they were neighbors down the street.

I have really enjoyed the entire Virgin River series. This was no exception when I read it at it's actual release date several years ago. I'm having a real problem with the store re-releasing books, changing the cover art, and promoting it as though it's brand new. I'm especially annoyed that they didn't give me the little pop-up telling me I'd already purchased this title by this author. Shame on the store!

Noah Kincaid, a Presbyterian minister, bought the boarded up church in Virgin River that Hope McCrea put up for sale on eBay. He hires an assistant, Ellie Baldwin, to help him get the building in shape to start holding services. Ellie is trying to regain custody of her children from her ex-husband, who is the children's stepfather. She lost custody because she was employed as a stripper at that time. Noah realizes he has a strong attraction to his new assistant, which is problematic for both of them.

Meanwhile, Paul Haggerty gets a stunning legacy from his former girlfriend, Terri, that threatens to derail his peaceful existence with Vanni. I won't say much more so as to not spoil the storyline.

It took a while for me to warm to the romance between Noah and Ellie but once I got more insight into who she really is, I was on board. Paul and Vanni's story was heartbreaking but oh, so realistic. We also gain more insight around the relationship between Jo Ellen and Nick Fitch. You may remember him as the groping lothario from the first book who was leveled by Mel Sheridan when his hands ended up where they didn't belong.

Many of the residents of Virgin River are back as the town comes to terms with the opening of the church. This isn't my favorite of the series but it's still a well-written installment. There is a strong theme of the power of maternal bonds that is woven throughout and exemplified to some degree in each of the subplots. It connected all of the stories, which made this a standout in the series.

There is something simple, though not in a bad way, about Virgin River. The people are warm and inviting and if you are on the skeptical side, a little too good to be true.

After putting a bid in on a dilapidated old church with a stunning stained glass window, Noah Kincaid, son of a televangelist father whom he does not get along with, moves to Virgin River to start his ministry and to lend a helping hand where he can. With more work needed on the building and a phone that is ringing, Noah needs a very industrious helper. As the pinched and prune-faced women of the nearby areas apply for the job, Noah knows that finding what he needs might be harder than he thought – that is until ex-stripper Ellie Baldwin walks in the door.

I know, I was rolling my eyes too, how cliché to match up a stripper with a man of the cloth, but Noah needs a helper and when he finds out that Ellie is a single mother that just lost custody of her children to an ex-husband with a couple secrets of his own, he is riding in on his white steed to save the day.

The town of Virgin River comes to their aid, no one here judges, they just pitch in where they are needed and if the minister and the stripper are not enough drama for this town, recurring character Paul receives a call that he was not expecting. Remember back when Paul’s ex-girlfriend Terri tried to tell him that she was pregnant with his child. Turned out he was not the father but Terri has unexpectantly passed away and has left her daughter to Paul and Vanni to raise.

Of course, that causes all sorts of upheaval but this is Virgin River and if there were not a crisis, this town would not know what to do with themselves. Are the people of this town too good to be true – of course they are but that is why the readers keep returning. It is a nice break, a refreshing breather when the real world gets too crazy and you want to take a day or two to sink into someone else’s life and know that just possibly there are good people out that just want to help where they can and in doing so, make a better life for those around them.

Rating: 4.5 stars __Contains some graphic sexual content
Note: Stands alone read with new characters. 8th in the Virgin River series.

GOOD READ. Engaging storyline, strong characters, sassy dialogue, funny situations, chilling bad guy(s), and the author humorously explores the old adage about not judging a book by it's cover. HOWEVER, this good-hearted-stripper storyline is very contrived, familiar characters behave less than admirably, and if you believe that a minister should be a strong, moral, role-model above all, you will probably NOT like the lust-a-thon aspects of this book.

THE STORY revolves around good-hearted, often irreverent, exotic dancer and single mom, Ellie Baldwin, and the new, lay-back, not-entirely straight-laced, Presbyterian Minister, Noah Kincaid. As the story unfolds the abandoned Virgin River church is for sale on eBay and Noah convinces the Presbyterian church to purchase the property which he will fix up and establish a ministry. On a tight budget, he needs to do much of the work himself and needs an assistant who is a whiz in the office, as well as able to clean, spackle, paint, repair and remodel just about anything. Ellie fits the job description and she is a women on a mission. Her children have been taken from her because of her job as a stripper, and given to her cruel, controlling, ex-husband. She needs a respectable job to get them back. Noah hires sexy Ellie with great trepidation, but spending time together they each discover the real person behind the image, and a sweet romance develops.

OVERALL, sweet, sassy, funny romance filled with both humor and angst. The VIRGIN RIVER series includes 20 novels and short stories starting with VIRGIN RIVER (2007).

You may also enjoy the complex characters and storytelling of N. Bruhns, A. Stuart, or E. Palfrey. For sweet, funny, heart touching romances, try Susan Fox, Cara Colter, or Nikki Logan.

Forbidden Falls is a Virgin River novel by Robyn Carr. As usual, Robyn does an excellent job writing this book. I simply could not put it down.
Reverend Noah Kincaid has moved to Virgin River to remodel the church there and set up his own ministry. He convinced the Presbyterian Council to let him do this by offering to pay for the renovations himself. He felt this was a good use of the money he inherited from his Mother. He has no use for his Father who is a small time TV evangelist whose teachings did not apply to how he treated his wife and children. Noah didn’t even plan to be a minister; but here he is in a little town doing the work of cleaning the church out so he can get someone in to do the work he can’t. Now all he needs is an assistant. He sends out an ad and gets three people to interview- an elderly woman who has trouble with stairs, a straight-laced opinionated woman, and a young woman who needs a job to get her kids back. The only reason he questions the latter is she is so fragile and she dresses in a very sexy manner. He does not fit the typical description of a minister; he is more of a rebel. Yes, he hires the third woman. How will this go over with the town? Will it cost him the church?
Alicia Baldwin is the mother of two children. She is divorced from her husband and he sued for custody of the children because she had a job in a strip club. At least that is what he says. He really just wants her back to control her. The Judge awarded him custody for ninety days to allow her to get a respectable job to care for her children, or so he says. He is really getting back at her for not going to dinner with him after working at the strip club. It is a very questionable decision but she has to live with it for now. All she wants is a good job to get her kids back. She is a whiz at cleaning and organizing. She gets the church in shape in no time. Noah just watches her in amazement. She does all she can to resist the temptation Noah represents.
Paul and Vanessa Haggerty settled in Virgin River and he set up a part of the family construction business here. He is going to help Noah out with the church. Vanessa stays home with her son Matt. He is the son of Paul’s best friend who was killed in Afghanistan. Paul sees Matt as his own son not a step-son. Then Paul gets a notice that he is in Terri Bradford leaves something in her will. He had briefly dated Terri and she once tried to pawn off her daughter’s paternity on him; but it backfired on her. He goes to see the lawyer and goes home with a ten month old little girl he just can’t abandon. She isn’t his except that Terri gave her to him because she knew he would do right by her. Now he has to take the little girl home to Vanessa and face her. How will she react? Will she accept Hannah or will he have to make other arrangements for the little girl who already won his heart?

Another hit, in my eyes. Girl from the "wrong side of town", preacher boy, a crazy ex-husband, a dead wife, a custody battle. I mean, what more can you ask for?

This tale was a wonderful tapestry that Ms. Carr wove together expertly. She gave Ellie a lovable quality without it being too sickly sweet or unbelievable. As for Noah...like all the Virgin River men he is a class act. I would love if future books touched on his father and their relationship.

One of the side stories in this one was Vanni and Paul and it's a doozy. Again, Robyn Carr treated the story respectfully and in a realistic manner that drew me in and grabbed me. (side note: I'm also currently reading through the Thunder Point series and a character with MS was introduced in the periphery there as well which leads me to wonder if Ms. Carr has a loved one suffering from this awful disease.)

Mel, Jack and Preacher almost (but not quite) fell on the wayside in this one and that makes me sad. But I understand they can't (and shouldn't be) too in the forefront of every story.

What a uniquely priceless premise for a novel. It`s not something I could have dreamt up in my wildest dreams but Carr definitely makes it work. She melds romance with suspense, real life with possibilities. She creates an unforgettable story that I couldn’t put down. Carr takes this unique novel and places it in a town like none other. Carr’s intricately visual descriptions allow you to walk through this town alongside everyone. Sure, on the surface it’s a small town, but the people in it bring it to life.

I love how natural all of the characters in this novel are. They`re not necessarily your run-of-the-mill characters, but they`re definitely real and the type of people you feel like you could get to know. There are so many intertwining stories in this novel. Carr develops the entire town, not simply a couple. And as a reader, you come to love all of them.

Honestly, if I had a peeve with this novel it would be the length of the chapters. I hate putting a book down in the middle of a chapter and Carr tends to write with rather long chapters, making it difficult for me to find a place to put the novel down, but easy to read it in little more than one sitting.

As a whole, this was a brilliant tale that drew me right back into Virgin River. Carr masterfully weaves the tales of this community together into one, unforgettable whole.

I enjoyed it, but was leery with the main character being a preacher. I had a hard time taking him seriously when he engages in sex before marriage, which would in most churches be considered a sin. Being preacher sets him up for a higher standard than an average person. That's why I deducted a star. It wasn't really believable to me. I wasn't convinced, even though there are some preachers who have affairs.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

Earlier this year I had read the previous Virgin River books from 1 to 8. I read them in order back to back. I decided to take a break from the series and come back to it later. I also decided to take a break at that particular point because the next book, Forbidden Falls was where the romance was going to be about the newest Virgin River resident, a pastor.
Okay I am going to be 100% truthful here and share that I was not excited about reading a romance about a pastor. I had misconceptions that the story was going to be about his struggle with maintaining his spot in the community vs. the love/lust with an exotic dancer. I thought I wasn't going to be into it.

I indicated about "misconceptions" because that is exactly what I had. Forbidden Falls was a lovely story and it was not at all what I thought it was going to be about. I'm really glad I decided to give it a go and not skip it. I would have really missed out on a great story. I should have had more faith in the great Robyn Carr. My bad.

I have to admit that it was a bit quirky to have the church bid and bought on ebay but it was amusing. I have absolutely no knowledge of the Presbyterian religion so I just went with the flow. I have no idea if they are as free with pre-marital sex or not. There are not a lot of sex scenes in Robyn Carr's stories anyhow so it was a small part of the story.

Noah was a cool guy. He was a very caring, selfless man and it certainly seems like the call to be a minister suited him.

Ellie made me smile. I loved her teasing and the nicknames that she constantly bestowed on Noah. Her positive attitude was to be admired. I would not have handled her children's custody situation in nearly the same grace that she did. I wanted to jump into the book and and strangle her ex-husband.

The wisest person in Forbidden Falls was Ellie's deceased grandmother. I had a paperback of the book but if I had my Kindle, I would have copied so many quotes. Ellie's grandmother was dirt poor and left Ellie with years' worth of life quotes and positive sediments. For some reason, Ellie seemed to remember every single one of them. For instance:

"You don't need a lot of money to live a full life - all you need is a fertile mind, some books and a good attitude. Books are free at the library, but a fertile mind takes practice."

Forbidden Falls thankfully sticks to just a few of the side character stories. I do love the residences of Virgin River but I don't need to visit each and everyone in each book. Forbidden Falls focuses mostly on Noah & Ellie's romance, Paul & Vannie's new unexpected family addition and a bit on Jo & Nick Fitch. (You may remember them from previous books where Nick was the groper and Mel flattened him) I really liked the small part of Jo & Nick Fitch.

Forbidden Falls rounds out the story with Luke and Shelby's wedding. I was pleased about that!
The only thing that has left me wondering is why the title of the book is called Forbidden Falls. I don't recall any waterfalls. It is a play on words with the story line being about a pastor and an ex-stripper and it is forbidden?

Teasers: Lucy the boarder collie, renovated church, lucky score under the stairs, poor Vannie

Robyn Carr's writing is good and she creates engaging characters. This book is a pleasant read and if I weren't the daughter of a minister, I would probably leave it at that. However, I am a minister's daughter and that made this story just too secular and politically correct for me.

I found the premise of buying a church on eBay just a little implausible, especially since he had to talk denominational leaders into it. But, it was an amusing twist.

How many times will they do the "preacher and stripper get together" story line? It is a tired cliche. In this case though, those characters are well written though and I liked them both. Theirs is an old-fashioned love story and I enjoyed it. Well, I enjoyed it up to the point where he decided that sleeping with Ellie was okay because their love made it okay. I know that is the popular view of sex these days, but it doesn't square with his choice of vocation.

This book was my first introduction to the Virgin River series.

Since I was attracted to the book partially for its northern California setting, I was surprised at how little sense I got of Humboldt County past the assorted place names. No mention of the fierce winter storms, of the redwoods, of the beautiful but sometimes unrelenting fog, the mud, or even really the sense of isolation from the rest of the world that is so much a part of this area. Perhaps the author has already developed the setting strongly in earlier books in the series - but still, I was surprised that a spiritual man like Noah could arrive in Humboldt for the first time and never remark on the natural cathedrals of redwood trees, or even use the word redwood at all, to call out these magnificent creations that touch the sky and are ubiquitous in rural Humboldt. They are far more than mere trees, even to someone from Seattle.

And in the Humboldt I know, not many people dress provocatively - it's just too chilly! (Perhaps it was summer.)

I had some difficulty with the opening chapters, which were repetitive and poorly edited. The author sped through fairly long sequences of exposition, only to find herself needing to go back to them and repeat them to add in one more detail, and there are some word errors as well. But, I pressed on, and the writing smoothed out.

It is not Great Literature, but as a light romance, it delivers. There is passion and sex. The characters are likeable. There is conflict solved by the love and support of good people, our couple plus the people around them. Carr has built a supportive community of people that most people would enjoy meeting and knowing. Children and parenting are strongly part of the story, both their joyful aspects and their overwhelming and soul-crushing aspects. This is the kind of novel that gave me a bit of a lifeline when struggling with an infant.

I liked the characters of Noah and Ellie. However, for the sake of the romance novel plot, I felt that maybe their courtship was pushed a little faster than suited either of their characters or values or their situation. People who read romance generally realize there's going to be premarital sex, but they may or may not be comfortable with that from a pastor. Even a hot, unconventional pastor whose mentor says it's OK.

I enjoyed reading it and I'll try more of the Virgin River novels.

Forbidden Falls is a continuation of the Virgin River series (I believe this is the 8th book in the series). I've read the first three books and really enjoyed them (especially the first book Virgin River, which tells Mel and Jack's story).

This tells the story of Noah and Ellie (or Allie, as the poor editing sometimes shows). Noah is a Presbyterian minister who's bought the run down church in town and with his inheritance, is cleaning it up. He hires Ellie, who's down on her luck, to be his assistant. Once again we have the single/widowed pastor with the assistant who could be an embarrassment (here cause she's an ex-dancer (only because she needed the money)) but she has the heart of gold. Are these the only kinds of women that pastors go for, cause it seems like I've read this storyline waaay too many times.

As with the other Virgin River books, we hear of some of the other residents in town - here we have a "situation" with Paul and Vanni and we learn more about Jo Ellen and Nick Fitch (the resident groper). If you read Paul and Vanni's story (in Second Chance Pass) and didn't care for Vanni, she doesn't improve here. There's very little of some of the other residents (Jack and Mel, Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, and so on) which may disappoint readers who want to know more about these characters.

I enjoyed this book, but had a real problem with the legal situations in this book - why Ellie needed this job so bad and Paul and Vanni's story. Sorry, neither one of the scenarios were believable at all. But I could put those aside and just enjoy the book.

You don't need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this book. It's a light, quick read. But if you've never read any of the series, I wouldn't start with this book - I'd start with Virgin River - it's a great introduction to the series and a terrific book.

Author Robyn Carr is a NY Times and USA Today best-selling author, as well as a RITA winner. Other titles include: Never Too Late, Runaway Mistress, Blue Skies, and The Wedding Party. She resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband.

Listed as Book Eight in the Virgin River Series, Forbidden Falls follows Ellie Baldwin- a woman trying to regain custody of her two children wrongfully taken from her, and Noah Kincaid- a widow minister who just purchased a run-down church. Noah is in desperate need of an assistant to help with refurbishing the old church, so when Ellie walks in to apply for the job, he's a little taken aback. Ellie's more colorful than he's used to, but after hearing her story, he not only hires her, he's determined to help her. They may come from two different worlds, but they have more in common than either expect, and when romance looms in the air, eternal happiness can't be far behind. If only they'd give in.

This was unusual, pairing an ex-stripper with a minister. The book was very laid back religously, though had many quotes to draw it in. I suppose that was my biggest issue, was it seemed contradictory, though didn't deter me from reading.

Robyn Carr writes with a narrative style, which usually makes it difficult to get into the story and relate to the characters, but she pulls it off very well. She's also heavy on the dialog, which is interesting because it propels the plot and garners great emotion. Right from page one you're drawn in and want to know more. The setting in this series is outstanding and the secondary characters make these books shine. Though part of a series, these books stand alone. A little sad, a little sweet, and a lot funny, Forbidden Falls is a keeper.

Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer

Reverend Noah Kincaid has bought an abandoned church on eBay and travels to Virgin River to begin repairs. He advertises for a pastor's assistant and is stunned when Ellie Baldwin applies. A single mother fighting to win custody of her children from her manipulative and controlling ex-husband, she needs this job to prove to the judge that she can provide for her children. But she is a former exotic dancer and dresses like it. However something about her and her plight pulls at Noah and he finds himself giving her a chance. And the more time they spend together, the more they begin to fall for each other. Maybe they can both find something they didn't know they were looking for.

I have to admit, when I started Forbidden Falls, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. I usually love all of Robyn Carr's books but when I read the storyline, it wasn't one that I would have normally picked up. However it was Robyn Carr and part of the Virgin River Series, which I have loved, so I settled in to give it a chance. WOW! I can't believe how much I loved it. I was entranced from the first chapter to the end. Noah and Ellie are such richly woven characters and mesh in with all of Virgin River so well that I was totally absorbed into their world...AGAIN! Fobidden Falls is a welcome addition to the Virgin River Series and most highly recommended!

Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This is only the second Virgin River book I've read, but it's really not necessary to read these in order. Each book deals with a different couple, though you do get to visit with past characters and see where life has taken them. Overall, this was a sweet romance with a recurring theme of children and what parents will do for them. Not only is Ellie fighting for her kids, but another couple in town struggles with a decision about a child they've unexpectedly "inherited". My one complaint is that the first chapter is quite awkward; it's all just narration of how Noah comes to purchase Virgin River's church. I think that background could have been fit in more smoothly. Also, I have no idea why this book is named Forbidden Falls. There is no mention of falls or Forbidden Falls or anything like that in the entire book. I suppose that some might think that Noah's relationship with Ellie is "forbidden", but I think that's a stretch. Regardless, I thought it was a nice story and I definitely plan to read more in this series.

Two delightful main characters populate this ninth title in the Virgin River series. A minister who's a hunk and has worked as a fishmonger and a down-and-out struggling single mother of two badly treated by a wierdo ex-husband: what's not to like and want to read more?

This little town is really coming along nicely now that it has its own church, the perfect place for the weddings of couples that get together through the magic of this mountain town.

The question left unanswered? Will Noah and Ellie use that church the way the oldest Riordan brother and his bride have? Time and the next title in the series may tell.

This book was about a woman that had a past that always led to the wrong choices and having been divorced for over a yea shè escaped her husband with her 2 kids but something happened that no one should have to go through, she had to quit her current job and find something to suit the judge. While in virgin falls she met a pastor and during the jokes and hard times they started to fall for each other but she couldn't trust that this one was not going to leave. Very good book!!!

Noah Kincaid, a Presbyterian minister, bought the boarded up church in Virgin River that Hope McCrea put up for sale on eBay. He hires an assistant, Ellie Baldwin, to help him get the building in shape to start holding services. Ellie is trying to regain custody of her children from her ex-husband, who is the children's stepfather. She lost custody because she was employed as a stripper at that time. Noah realizes he has a strong attraction to his new assistant, which is problematic for both of them.

Meanwhile, Paul Haggerty gets a stunning legacy from his former girlfriend, Terri, that threatens to derail his peaceful existence with Vanni. I won't say much more so as to not spoil the storyline.

It took a while for me to warm to the romance between Noah and Ellie but once I got more insight into who she really is, I was on board. Paul and Vanni's story was heartbreaking but oh, so realistic. We also gain more insight around the relationship between Jo Ellen and Nick Fitch. You may remember him as the groping lothario from the first book who was leveled by Mel Sheridan when his hands ended up where they didn't belong.

Many of the residents of Virgin River are back as the town comes to terms with the opening of the church. This isn't my favorite of the series but it's still a well-written installment. There is a strong theme of the power of maternal bonds that is woven throughout and exemplified to some degree in each of the subplots. It connected all of the stories, which made this a standout in the series.

This book was my first introduction to the Virgin River series.

Since I was attracted to the book partially for its northern California setting, I was surprised at how little sense I got of Humboldt County past the assorted place names. No mention of the fierce winter storms, of the redwoods, of the beautiful but sometimes unrelenting fog, the mud, or even really the sense of isolation from the rest of the world that is so much a part of this area. Perhaps the author has already developed the setting strongly in earlier books in the series - but still, I was surprised that a spiritual man like Noah could arrive in Humboldt for the first time and never remark on the natural cathedrals of redwood trees, or even use the word redwood at all, to call out these magnificent creations that touch the sky and are ubiquitous in rural Humboldt. They are far more than mere trees, even to someone from Seattle.

And in the Humboldt I know, not many people dress provocatively - it's just too chilly! (Perhaps it was summer.)

I had some difficulty with the opening chapters, which were repetitive and poorly edited. The author sped through fairly long sequences of exposition, only to find herself needing to go back to them and repeat them to add in one more detail, and there are some word errors as well. But, I pressed on, and the writing smoothed out.

It is not Great Literature, but as a light romance, it delivers. There is passion and sex. The characters are likeable. There is conflict solved by the love and support of good people, our couple plus the people around them. Carr has built a supportive community of people that most people would enjoy meeting and knowing. Children and parenting are strongly part of the story, both their joyful aspects and their overwhelming and soul-crushing aspects. This is the kind of novel that gave me a bit of a lifeline when struggling with an infant.

I liked the characters of Noah and Ellie. However, for the sake of the romance novel plot, I felt that maybe their courtship was pushed a little faster than suited either of their characters or values or their situation. People who read romance generally realize there's going to be premarital sex, but they may or may not be comfortable with that from a pastor. Even a hot, unconventional pastor whose mentor says it's OK.

I enjoyed reading it and I'll try more of the Virgin River novels.

Forbidden Falls is a continuation of the Virgin River series (I believe this is the 8th book in the series). I've read the first three books and really enjoyed them (especially the first book Virgin River, which tells Mel and Jack's story).

This tells the story of Noah and Ellie (or Allie, as the poor editing sometimes shows). Noah is a Presbyterian minister who's bought the run down church in town and with his inheritance, is cleaning it up. He hires Ellie, who's down on her luck, to be his assistant. Once again we have the single/widowed pastor with the assistant who could be an embarrassment (here cause she's an ex-dancer (only because she needed the money)) but she has the heart of gold. Are these the only kinds of women that pastors go for, cause it seems like I've read this storyline waaay too many times.

As with the other Virgin River books, we hear of some of the other residents in town - here we have a "situation" with Paul and Vanni and we learn more about Jo Ellen and Nick Fitch (the resident groper). If you read Paul and Vanni's story (in Second Chance Pass) and didn't care for Vanni, she doesn't improve here. There's very little of some of the other residents (Jack and Mel, Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, and so on) which may disappoint readers who want to know more about these characters.

I enjoyed this book, but had a real problem with the legal situations in this book - why Ellie needed this job so bad and Paul and Vanni's story. Sorry, neither one of the scenarios were believable at all. But I could put those aside and just enjoy the book.

You don't need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this book. It's a light, quick read. But if you've never read any of the series, I wouldn't start with this book - I'd start with Virgin River - it's a great introduction to the series and a terrific book.

Author Robyn Carr is a NY Times and USA Today best-selling author, as well as a RITA winner. Other titles include: Never Too Late, Runaway Mistress, Blue Skies, and The Wedding Party. She resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband.

Listed as Book Eight in the Virgin River Series, Forbidden Falls follows Ellie Baldwin- a woman trying to regain custody of her two children wrongfully taken from her, and Noah Kincaid- a widow minister who just purchased a run-down church. Noah is in desperate need of an assistant to help with refurbishing the old church, so when Ellie walks in to apply for the job, he's a little taken aback. Ellie's more colorful than he's used to, but after hearing her story, he not only hires her, he's determined to help her. They may come from two different worlds, but they have more in common than either expect, and when romance looms in the air, eternal happiness can't be far behind. If only they'd give in.

This was unusual, pairing an ex-stripper with a minister. The book was very laid back religously, though had many quotes to draw it in. I suppose that was my biggest issue, was it seemed contradictory, though didn't deter me from reading.

Robyn Carr writes with a narrative style, which usually makes it difficult to get into the story and relate to the characters, but she pulls it off very well. She's also heavy on the dialog, which is interesting because it propels the plot and garners great emotion. Right from page one you're drawn in and want to know more. The setting in this series is outstanding and the secondary characters make these books shine. Though part of a series, these books stand alone. A little sad, a little sweet, and a lot funny, Forbidden Falls is a keeper.

Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer

Reverend Noah Kincaid has bought an abandoned church on eBay and travels to Virgin River to begin repairs. He advertises for a pastor's assistant and is stunned when Ellie Baldwin applies. A single mother fighting to win custody of her children from her manipulative and controlling ex-husband, she needs this job to prove to the judge that she can provide for her children. But she is a former exotic dancer and dresses like it. However something about her and her plight pulls at Noah and he finds himself giving her a chance. And the more time they spend together, the more they begin to fall for each other. Maybe they can both find something they didn't know they were looking for.

I have to admit, when I started Forbidden Falls, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. I usually love all of Robyn Carr's books but when I read the storyline, it wasn't one that I would have normally picked up. However it was Robyn Carr and part of the Virgin River Series, which I have loved, so I settled in to give it a chance. WOW! I can't believe how much I loved it. I was entranced from the first chapter to the end. Noah and Ellie are such richly woven characters and mesh in with all of Virgin River so well that I was totally absorbed into their world...AGAIN! Fobidden Falls is a welcome addition to the Virgin River Series and most highly recommended!

Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This is only the second Virgin River book I've read, but it's really not necessary to read these in order. Each book deals with a different couple, though you do get to visit with past characters and see where life has taken them. Overall, this was a sweet romance with a recurring theme of children and what parents will do for them. Not only is Ellie fighting for her kids, but another couple in town struggles with a decision about a child they've unexpectedly "inherited". My one complaint is that the first chapter is quite awkward; it's all just narration of how Noah comes to purchase Virgin River's church. I think that background could have been fit in more smoothly. Also, I have no idea why this book is named Forbidden Falls. There is no mention of falls or Forbidden Falls or anything like that in the entire book. I suppose that some might think that Noah's relationship with Ellie is "forbidden", but I think that's a stretch. Regardless, I thought it was a nice story and I definitely plan to read more in this series.

Two delightful main characters populate this ninth title in the Virgin River series. A minister who's a hunk and has worked as a fishmonger and a down-and-out struggling single mother of two badly treated by a wierdo ex-husband: what's not to like and want to read more?

This little town is really coming along nicely now that it has its own church, the perfect place for the weddings of couples that get together through the magic of this mountain town.

The question left unanswered? Will Noah and Ellie use that church the way the oldest Riordan brother and his bride have? Time and the next title in the series may tell.

This is one of my favorite in the series. The new characters are good additions to the Virgin River world and there is a decent inclusion of past favorites - -Mel, Jack, Preacher, Brie, Paul, Vannessa .... It is a sweet romance and a sweet life make-over story. There is a heartwrenching storyline about the loss of custody by a mother of her children but Carr presents it emotionally realistically.

There is a very believable and genuine storyline about the stress and hard work of motherhood. Carr dealt with it well and I was glad to see it written in to this storyline as so much of it deals with young mothers. Motherhood is great but it is not all roses.

My only complaint is the secondary storyline of a rekindling of a romance -- while nice -- was not very believable. Still, it was well written.

This one can be read as a standalone and I think it will be enjoyable.

"Forbidden Falls" is a sweet, old fashioned love story between Noah, the town preacher and Ellie and ex-stripper. Noah is a man in transition. He has just found a new church that needs a lot of TLC. He needs an assistant and in comes Ellie, an ex-stripper that needs steady employment to get her kids back.

Noah was a great character. Strong, smart, handsome and steady, he was the rock that Ellie so desperately needed. He was the opposite of the stereotypical preacher. He wasn't preachy, but a down to earth, passionate, nice guy. Patient, loving and caring, he was a willing ear for Ellie as well as the other characters in town.

Ellie was a breath of fresh air to Noah. Bright, sassy, strong and optimistic, she never let her hard knocks turn her bitter or mean. She was a good woman, whose focus was her kids. Ellie wasn't searching for a man, but boy was she happy when he turned up.

There was a host of other characters in addition to Ellie and Noah. There was Vanessa and Paul, coping with an unexpected addition to the family. Nic and Jo trying to mend their marriage. And one of my favorites, Lucy, the border collie with a heart of gold.

While I liked the book, it started to drag a little in the middle to me. I thought that the story with Ellie's ex was drawn out and I lost interest before it was resolved. I also found the story to be predictable in a lot of ways. I found myself skimming the last 50 pages or so.

"Forbidden Falls" is one of the Virgin River Novels. Although, prior to this novel, I had never read any of the books in this series, I found the book easy to follow.

"Forbidden Falls" was pretty predictable, but the book was well written and sweet. It wasn't the most exciting read, but it was nice.

I’ve been pretty much hooked on this Virgin River series but this was not my favorite . The story line involving the children was disturbing and really not too believable . Also, it is bothering me more and more that all the people of Virgin River use the Lord ‘s name in vain over and over. I’m thinking this seems to increase in every book as I don’t remember the first book in the series being like this . You would think that Noah, as a preacher, would want to address that. I have seen reviews calling this Christian literature, but it is not.

I am a big fan of this series, and this installment did not disapppoint. Two new characters are introduced: the new pastor Noah and the young woman Ellie with a past, whom he hires to be his assistant. Many of the familiar denizens of Virgin River also appear. All I can say is, I love this town more with every book, and I am so excited to read additional entries in the series. It is a good idea to read them in sequence just to follow the happenings in town and how they affect recurring characters, but it is also possible to enjoy each installment on its own merits. I will say (spoiler alert) that the budding romance between the pastor and his assistant has a certain ick factor, but it is really handled very well. This one brought me to tears a few times. When I just want to check out of my daily life for a few hours, nothing beats a Virgin River novel. It carries me away to a different world, and I know I'm going to enjoy myself there.

This contemporary romance brings together Noah Kincaid, a well-to-do recently ordained minister and Ellie Baldwin, a young mother willing to do almost anything to support herself and her child.
Noah has purchased a run-down church in a small Northern California town to establish his congregation. The building is in terrible condition; he will need to make many repairs before it can be open for services. He needs help, so when Ellie answers his advertisement for a "Pastor's Assistant" he sees a young woman in need of assistance. With some trepidation, he hires her. After all, she has said she will stay only long enough to regain custody of her children from her ex-husband.
As unlikely a pair as they are, as this newly-minted Pastor and former stripper work together repairing the church building they develop a friendship. Since this is a romance, the reader knows where they will end up, but the journey there is interesting.

This is so hard to say........I may need a break from Virgin RIver novels!

I have LOVED these books. Some definitely more than others, but this one was a little difficult for me and I may need a vacation from this series to recover!

This is Noah and Ellie's story. Noah is the town preacher and Ellie is an ex-stripper who becomes his assistant. She's a single mom with much baggage. I actually liked them as a couple. They seemed to balance each other out beautifully and I appreciated the "build-up" of their relationship. He is extremely kind and "strong". Noah helps Ellie to see herself in a whole new light. Their romance was very sweet....but almost too sweet. I need more SPICE and, let's be honest, Noah's a preacher.......

I don't enjoy books with preacher's as leading men....just personal preference. I'm all about the "alpha" man and preachers tend to be too "beta" for my taste.

And one I thoroughly enjoyed! This book is part of a series, but it stands alone as well. Noah sees a church on Ebay, so he goes and checks it out. It is in very bad shape, but he has his inheritance and figures what better way to spend it than fix up this old church!

First he looks for an assistant, and meets his match in Ellie Baldwin. Ellie is a straight forward no nonsense kinda gal, who has had it hard. She has two children, both are with her ex-husband because of a ridiculous court order. Ellie thinks having a respectable job and place will help get her children back.

In the middle of all this, they both get more than they bargained for --

Also there are a few other storylines in here, but I won't go into that!

This author makes the book a very entertaining read and I can't get my hands on the others soon enough!!

I have enjoyed this series up to this book. I didn't finish reading it. The main character was a preacher. I had a hard time taking him seriously when drinks, curses, and engages in sex before marriage, which would in most churches be considered a sin. Being preacher sets him up for a higher standard than an average person. It wasn't really believable to me.

A wonderful addition to the Virgin River series - even if it might seem that 10 is too many, but Carr's writing is so well done and her books are so well-written that her Virgin River series continues to draw readers.

Each book in Carr's series focuses on a new romance but in the other books in this series the reader is kept up-to-date about what was going on in the lives of all the original characters. Forbidden falls has less of these POV changes, which is disappointing, but the story itself is up to Carr standard. Noah comes to Virgin River after buying the old church in town. After advertising for the position, he hires a young woman named Ellie to be his assistant and to help him get the church clean and functional again.

It is definitely recommended to read these in order, which is available on the author's website.

I was happy to find that this book concentrated on the two major characters. I was uncertain whether to even try this book since the last one tried to cram in too many characters and story lines so that none were done justice. This one was much more focused. We did get to see some of the old characters where their stories were pertinent to the main characters here. I do like when new characters interact with previous characters but only if it directly affects the main characters. Once I've read their stories I generally do not like to read much from their points of view. Others obviously feel differently.

SPOILER below

I loved the character of Ellie and really enjoyed her insights which she learned from her grandmother. I liked reading more about Jo and Nick. The only thing that rang a slightly sour bell with me was that Noah slept with Ellie before marriage. Now I'm not a prude and I'm not particularly churchy but I just think if you're writing about a pastor, he shouldn't sleep with the heroine before marrying her. It's a practice what you preach thing and I've never heard of any preacher who said premarital sex was okay. I just like my characters to be true to themselves.

Many multi-book series lose their tempo for me and I often give up after the first 3 or 4. I found the Bridgerton books started to lose my attention and I never finished the MacKenzie series. Except for Rachel Lee's Conard County books, this is the first series in years that has held my attention and interest. And, IMO, this volume is as good as the first one. That said, it would have helped a reader to be familiar with the earlier books and characters. So, anyone picking this up, knowing it is the 8th in the series should accept and understand that they may find themselves immersed in some episodes that perhaps make little sense.

I loved Noah Kincaid. He epitomises all that is good in modern clergy: he is wise, understanding, capable, sympathetic but also lively, makes mistakes, has doubts and has had life experience in the real, hard world. The reviewer who criticised him for being over-sexed missed the point. This pastor is a man first and foremost, flawed and real, who is a good priest because he is so human. I can see that he would fill his church in due course with folk who want and need a sympathetic and fully fledged human guide on the path to a good and spiritual life.

Ellie Baldwin is one of those women who have been raised right despite overwhelming adversity and who is grounded in the realities of existence in poverty and hardship. Yet, she is a good woman who despite it all manages to keep her head high whilst she moves, literally, heaven and earth to care for her much loved children.

This is a wonderful story of two flawed and very believeable people reaching towards each other despite doubt and fear. They are accepted in Virgin River because it is the sort of tiny village where everyone knows each other and, fortunately, Virgin River is populated by people who give others a chance and reserve judgement.

A delightful read that has reinvigorated the series. I truly enjoyed it and thought the story well plotted and realistic. I do agree that the bad judge might have been over fictionalised but then justice is not always tempered with mercy or even, sadly, righteousness.

I recommend this and look forward to the next two instalments.

Title: Forbidden Falls
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira Books
Series: Virgin River #9
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Forbidden Falls" by Robyn Carr was another good read of this author's 'Virgin River Series.' This series was of Noah and Ellie. This was a wonderful romantic story of a pastor from a new town who finds love on 'from the other side of the tracks.' There will also be a secondary story involving a past hero/heroine who will have a 'heart tugging change of events that will be brought into their lives.' Now, to truly understand this second story you may need to go back a series to see what is up with Paul and Vanessa. This author really knows her stuff in being able to put all of these series together that they seem to flow so smoothly off of the pages as you read them. The reader will also be able to find out about the secrets of the puppies and with that being said you must pick up "Forbidden Falls" to read it for yourself to see how this author will bring it all out to you. It is a good read.

There will be so much going on in "Forbidden Fall" that once you start reading you will find it hard to put down and when you do you will be wanting the next series # 10 "Angel's Peak."

I had wondered about Noah and his story. Forbidden Falls is all about Noah and Ellie. I liked the story even though it contained some very familiar elements. The hero who was not looking for love and the unexpected love interest that comes as a real surprise. One thing about the story, Noah is the type of minister I would love to have. If you like the Virgin River series you don't want to miss this story.

I have to say I haven't read all of Ms Carr's books but more than ½ and have loved them all.

I did enjoy Ellie & Noah's love story--2 very different people who learn to overcome their differences. Hard to believe he is a minister though LOL Mcs Carr does write her characters so well. I'm sure I don't have to go into great detail of the book because I wouldn't want to ruin it for others.

Wonderful contribution to Virgin River series and the characters will be too. Looking forward to ANGEL'S PEAK and MIDNIGHT ROAD in this trilogy

One of the best in the series yet. And surprisingly, this one could be read as a stand-alone as there were no major story arc's playing out in this book. Best yet, we get plenty of time with Noah and Ellie. I think they got 80% of the book. I also have to give this book credit for one of my favorite marriage proposals. Lets just say funny and touching!

Forbidden Falls is a wonderful romantic story of a young single paster in a new town who finds love with a woman from the other side of the tracks (so to speak.) Ellie, a former dancer at a strip club, needs respectable work in order to beat a custody battle over her two young children. She applies for the position of paster's assistant in Virgin River at a church under renovation. Despite first appearances, Ellie turns out to be a great assistant for Noah, who comes to depend and care for her deeply.

There is a secondary story that plays out with a past hero/heroine duo. Paul and Vanessa has a heart-tugging change of events brought into their lives. You don't need to read their story to understand what is happening in this book. However, you may want to go backwards before going any further forward in the series as most books do have a story arc -- and there are still several unresolved that I believe will play heavily into the next couple of books.

Hope McCrea put the abandoned church building for sale on E-Bay. Widower reverend Noah Kincaid buys the edifice after talking with Hope as he has decided to relocate to Virgin River in Northern California to bring faith to the flock.

Noah arrives and immediately advertises for a Pastor's Assistant although he expects no applicants, but several do; none qualify. He hires former exotic dancer with no church experience Ellie Baldwin because he feels she has earned a second chance to prove herself as "respectable" so she can regain custody of her children. Starting with admiring her spirit and her somewhat wicked sense of humor, Noah falls in love as does Ellie. However, both understand the children and the flock come before their desires.

This is an interesting addition to the Virgin River saga as two characters from different walks of life fall in love; an emotion neither wants, desires because neither has a good track record. Ellie is not afraid to open her mouth as she is brassy and amusing while the Reverend is wallowing in self pity so much so the empathetic audience as well as many locals wants to help him. Fans will appreciate the latest return to Virgin River as Robyn Carr provides a wonderful contemporary second chance at life and love.

Harriet Klausner

Great book! I really love the Virgin River series and Robyn Carr novels. The main characters Noah, a widowed reverend and single mom, Alicia, and their budding friendship and then romance really kept my interest. The scenery is breathtaking, small town hospitality in the wilderness including redwoods, mountains, etc (the food always made me hungry, I wish I could cook like that)!

I really recommend this book as it is not too steamy and just darn good reading. I have truly enjoyed all the books in this series.

Another part of the Virgin River series. Story of the least likely succeeding. How children and love can weave hearts back together. The characters are identifiable. Life is simple and complicated. Money isn't everything. Be willing to accept help. Reminder of the best parts of human nature. A wonderful read. Perfect story to reinforce the belief anything is possible.

Forbidden Falls introduces two new wonderful characters to the Virgin River community. Noah and Ellie are great people with a lot of history, brought together by luck, the redwoods (and maybe god ;) Noah is a preacher who buys the abandoned church and Ellie he hires as an assistant/ jill-of-all-trades. I love their story. It has a HEA but also has the drama and unexpected twists that I have come to expect and love about this series.

That being said, the only reason I didn't rate this 5 stars is because I missed the brief but wonderful point of view changes like the other books. I LOVE reading about the continuing stories of Jack/Mel, Preacher/Paige, Brie/Mike. We did get brief glimpses of Jack, Mel, Cameron, Rick, Mike and Brie but none of their perspective. The only subplot that is given any attention involves Paul and Vanni (which I won't spoil). It was heartbreaking and so real the way they struggled with this problem. We don't even get a paragraph about Liz, Abby/the twins, Sheryl and Dan, and Tom.
Shelby and Luke get married but nothing is written from their perspective which was more than disappointing. As I read I felt there should have been more in places, like more was possibly written and then edited out. I sincerely hope with further books there is more of the sidestories that I have come to love so much. I have found Robyn Carr to be one of my favorite authors and hope after the next two books in the series I can still say the same.
(It reminded me of reading Virgin River Christmas, which was a good story but I missed the cast of characters with every chapter).

I look forward to reading about Luke's brother Sean (and others I hope) with the next installment.

This was the first book I had ever read by Robyn Carr and I instantly fell in love with it. When I realized that this was just one book in a series I went and bought all of the ones preceeding this one so I could read about the characters of Virgin River. What a wonderful series... I'll be reading each book that comes out and I've already purchased the first book in the "Grace Valley Series", can't wait to read it too.

My favorite Virgin River book had always been the 1st book that started all this but after reading this new one I now have a new favorite. The emotion in this book is wonderful. I cried with Ellie, I cried with Noah, I cried with Vanni and I really cried with Paul. There was just enough of the old characters in it, also. I know a few other reviewers found there was not enough of others but I found this okay as Ellie and Noah were so new to the series.I found Ellie so very refreshing and her wisdom and philosophical outlook on life will make her a perfect minister's wife. I had wondered what new characters would be introduced to keep the town story line going. I liked this book in fact I loved this book!

This book was so good. Ellie was too funny. I think I enjoyed it more because it focused on this one couple more than the last ones in the series did. Yes, there were a few instances with secondary characters from previous books.

I loved this book. I loved the fact that RC focused mostly on Noah and Ellie and not tried to spread it around like she did in some previous books. I like the Virgin River residents but I don't want them to be front and center of every book. After their books, they become supporting characters, not leads.
The only reason I did not give it a 5 is because of the premarital sex situation. I am not ultra-religious. I just thought it was unrealistic for a pastor since that is what they preach.

Ellie's character was fun and moving. Noah and Ellie prove opposites attract -- Ellie with her "tell it like it is" attitude and Noah with his calm negotiating skills. I love this town of Virgin River, and it's growing every day!

I love this whole series & can't get enough of it. I was a little disappointed that the author didn't get into some of the lives of the other residents of Virgin River like she usually does, but I still loved this book.

This is my first book of Robyn Carr that I have read. I absolutely could not set it down once I started reading. As my title starts, it is a simple love story. You can't go wrong reading this story. I only warn you, once you complete this novel, you will be hooked on this author & all she has to offer. I am looking forward to her next novel.

!!!!!!Possible Spoilers!!!!!!

I've enjoyed all the previous Virgin River books (except I felt Second Chance Pass was rather weak). The writing is OK but unoriginal. Forbidden Falls has tired, overused plot lines with huge holes, characters who don't make sense, married couples who keep big secrets (basically lying) or make major life-changing decisions without consulting their spouse, women who are supposedly super into children who can't keep from moaning constantly about how hard it is to be pregnant or raise children. (I have five children so I do know what it's like.) Then there was the cliched vindictive judge, the controlling ex-husband, the stripper with the great bod who has a heart of gold and is a great mom, and over-sexed pastor who rationalizes his actions. (Yes, I hold him to a higher moral standard, just like we don't want policeman who break the law or doctors who are have unhealthy habits.) Not to mention the authors remarks (through a character) of the questionable motives of prospective adoptive parents. Lastly, the saccharine-sweet ending. There were just too many failings to overlook in this book.

This is the first book I've read by this author so I obviously hadn't read any of the previous books in the series. I don't think that detracted from the story at all as I was able to follow the plot with no problem. This is a nice beach read, nothing too deep, but enjoyable. While I wasn't wowed by it or anything, I did enjoy it enough to want to read the rest of the series, which is recommendation enough.

I have read all of the Virgin River books and enjoyed everyone. This is another great book in the series. The characters from previous books are here along with the newest members of the community. I'm looking forward to more books.

I enjoyed this book, for what it was - which is different from the earlier books. My favorites were the first 2 in the series, where the alpha males, Jack & Preacher, did alpha male stuff. Here, Noah is the alpha male, but he only goes as far as thinking about the fact that he likes a good fight. While some reviewers have liked the appearance, in every book, of all the earlier characters, I found it had gotten to a point of reading a laundry list of names. This one has 1 major plot, with 2 subplots, both of which were enjoyable. The one thing I found disturbing in this book was the unapologetic attitude of both Noah & George, about having multiple sex partners - not exactly a Biblical attitude. Looking forward to the next one.

Robyn Carr is brilliant. She's a master at character development and realistic dialogue. I think this is my 2nd favorite after Jack's & Mel's story. It is wonderfully emotional at times and has a lot to say about faith - not religion - faith. I would love to leave my life in the big city and move to Virgin River. I feel as if I already have many friends there.

I liked this book. It probably wasn't my favorite out of the series, but it was sweet and helped move the series along. It's a nice addition to the series. I didn't feel like I connected as much to the hero as in the past books, but he was charming and kept my reading. Ellie was spunky, and I luved all her advice from her grandma!

I enjoyed this book, for what it was - which is different from the earlier books. My favorites were the first 2 in the series, where the alpha males, Jack & Preacher, did alpha male stuff. Here, Noah is the alpha male, but he only goes as far as thinking about the fact that he likes a good fight. While some reviewers have liked the appearance, in every book, of all the earlier characters, I found it had gotten to a point of reading a laundry list of names. This one has 1 major plot, with 2 subplots, both of which were enjoyable. The one thing I found disturbing in this book was the unapologetic attitude of both Noah & George, about having multiple sex partners - not exactly a Biblical attitude. Looking forward to the next one.

Robyn Carr is brilliant. She's a master at character development and realistic dialogue. I think this is my 2nd favorite after Jack's & Mel's story. It is wonderfully emotional at times and has a lot to say about faith - not religion - faith. I would love to leave my life in the big city and move to Virgin River. I feel as if I already have many friends there.

I liked this book. It probably wasn't my favorite out of the series, but it was sweet and helped move the series along. It's a nice addition to the series. I didn't feel like I connected as much to the hero as in the past books, but he was charming and kept my reading. Ellie was spunky, and I luved all her advice from her grandma!

Didn't think I'd say this when I first started reading this series but I think I'm done with Robyn Carr for awhile. This book was a bit of a sugar overload. Don't get me wrong, I love an upbeat positive story with a happy ending but I couldn't buy into everybodies wonderfulness and friendliness in this book. A stretch too far for me.

I truly enjoyed this book. It had some interesting twists. The characters were well developed. This author makes you feel like you're in the story, experiencing what each character feels and each situation.

Great book have read the others in this series up to this one and it keeps me glue to the book to see what is happing in the town. The author is so good at bringing in new characters and still keeping all the old ones.

I CAN ONLY SAY.....WOW!
AMAZING BOOK....
I want to move to Virgin River....YES I DO!
I have read all in the series, and this one is at the top...
I do wish there would have been more appearences of the other Virgin River residents, but all in all, Its worth going out and buying!