Promise Canyon (A Virgin River Novel)

Like another reviewer said, Going back to Virgin River is always pleasant but I would add - comforting. I love hearing about the old friends and family from Virgin River and Grace Valley. Robyn Carr is such an amazing author that I rarely even look at reviews prior to purchasing her books. Promise Canyon was excellent and my goodness - is there a Clay out there for me? Looking forward to the next two books. Thanks Robyn!

Love Robin Carr's Virgin River series! Wish she'd write more!!! Better yet, Hallmark TV or another network should make a series out of this. It's refreshing to read stories about people who are older than 20 or even 30.

I liked going back to virgin river but there wasn't enough of the old characters. Lily got on my nerves ALOT for some reason. I skimmed alot of the book because it was just not that interesting. I don't know what else to say.

Rating: 1.5 stars __Contains explicit graphic sexual content
Note: Stand alone read w/new characters. 13th book of the Virgin River series of 20 books.
WARNING: This multiple-plot soap opera style format is confusing if you are not reading the series in order.

DISAPPOINTING. A strong, traditional Native American theme, and a comfortable familiar cast for those reading the series. HOWEVER, it is poorly written, repetitive, awkward, the vocabulary is limited, the dialogue is sometimes incoherent, and it contains inaccurate details. More sex than romance and I got tired of reading about how gorgeous and beautiful the hero was. Neither the hero or heroine are all that admirable; he continues to "service" his ex-wife after the divorce, and the heroine's past of sex, pregnancy, and miscarriage at barely thirteen-years-old with an eighteen year old guy is just plain disturbing. This obviously happens in real life, but it is depressing and who wants to read about it.

THE STORY revolves around Navajo "horse whisperer" and vet tech, Clay Tahoma, and an independent Hopi women, horse lover, and perpetual victim, Lilly Yazhi. As the story opens, Clay finally leaves his rich ex-wife for a new life in Virgin River working with troubled horses. Lilly is the granddaughter of the local feed store owner and delivers hay and feed to the stables. They bond over a sick horse, but it is a rocky romance. Meanwhile, an unexpected death leaves Jack in charge of administering the estate for the benefit of the town. This escalates into a major snit over how it will be used. Pilot Colin Riordan is severely injured in a helicopter crash.

OVERALL, waste of reading time. Depressing storyline with annoying, inconsistent characters. 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.

As usual for this series, we have the main story centering on a couple and several related sub-stories. The main couple is Clay and Lilly, both Native Americans, but from different and historically warring, tribes. Clay is very proud of his heritage with strong family bonds while Lilly is only close to her grandfather and her best friend Dane. Lilly is still recovering from a bad relationship when she was fourteen and is reluctant to get close to any guy, especially one with Clay’s sexy good looks. Clay also has an ex-wife who doesn’t realize what “ex” means and a seventeen year old son from another relationship. They eventually get to know one another with the help of an abandoned horse and another horse with behavior problems. Their “horse whispering” ways help to cement their relationship.

Meanwhile one of the beloved original characters dies and leaves a large estate to the town in Jack’s stewardship. Jack is surprised and not thrilled with this event. It’s kind of fun seeing him having a hard time dealing with this and fumbling his way through.

As usual, there are some wonderful scenes, both funny and touching. I loved Dane’s reaction to seeing Clay for the first time. Made me laugh out loud! There are several sweet moments between Clay & Lilly and the horses. The relationship between Clay and the rest of his family is a pleasure to read. The scene at the end when Lilly presents Clay’s mother with a cake and what that means brought me to tears.

Promise Canyon is a Virgin River Novel by Robyn Carr. It is totally realistic in characters and plot.
Clay Tahoma has come to the Jensen Veterinary Clinic and Stables to be the new vet assistant and farrier. His friend Nathaniel Jensen was expanding his father’s business and needed an assistant he could rely on. He knew Clay was known and wanted by large horse establishments and was thrilled when Clay decided to come to Virgin River. Clay has other reasons for leaving Los Angeles. First, he needed to get away from his ex-wife Isabel and her family. They had never accepted him into their lives and he wasn’t the society type anyway. He knew Isabel was trying to get her Father’s approval. Second, his sister lived nearby with her family and he wanted her to take his son Gabe in for his last year of high school. He wanted Gabe to experience her influence on getting a college education and getting the most out of high school. He also wanted Gabe to be closer to him so they could finally become truly father and son. He had raised Gabe until he was eleven and lived with his family on the reservation while he did that. Then he had left to take other jobs which were more lucrative so that he could give Gabe the best life possible. Although his family had helped raise Gabe, they made sure Clay knew that Gabe was his responsibility. And finally, Clay wanted the chance to work with horses exclusively and to be with them for a long period of time rather than a short time.
Lilly Yazhi worked for her grandfather delivering feed to the Jensen place as well as doing the accounting. She had a terrible experience when she was thirteen and on the reservation. Her grandfather felt she needed to get away so left and came to Virgin River and opened a feed store. As she grew up, she worked more and more for him. She had a settled life here and was content with it for the most part. Her best friend, Dane, ran the local bakery. She felt safe with him and trusted him explicitly. Occasionally, they went to the movies or out to eat; but there was only friendship between them.
Lilly was not expecting Clay when she delivered feed one day. She saw a very handsome Native American man who flustered her. She had no idea who he was but knew he was dangerous for her. He made his way past some of her defenses when she discovered a horse in great pain from colic on an abandoned farm nearby. She drove back to the Jensen place and told them. Clay and Nathaniel immediately went to see the horse. They began treating her for colic and Lilly went on home. She came back to sit with the horse and found Clay doing that. They sat together and began talking. It was the beginning of a friendship between Lilly, Clay, and Blue, the horse.
Lilly became attached to the horse and kept coming back to check on her. She later worked for Nathaniel and Annie to pay for the horse’s board and care. The more she came, the more she saw Clay working with the horses, and the more admiration she developed. Clay in turn watched her care for Blue and later Stretch and gradually fell in love with her. Can there be love between the two. They are both from different Native tribes, he embraced tradition, but she doesn’t. More importantly, can she trust him with her heart and not be hurt again?
As another in the Virgin River series, this book does deal with the Riordan boys and the other members of the community and their problems. It keeps you interested to the point you don’t want to put it down. Robyn Carr hit the mark again.

I really loved this story. I appreciate Robyn Carr veering off from her usual former military hero trope. Not that I don't love those former military men in her books, I really do. I just enjoyed a different change of pace.

One of the things I like about the Virgin River series is that, in most cases, there aren't a lot of silly misunderstandings. If there is one, it's only one per book and it is resolved without everyone losing face. Of course there was a pretty big blowup in this one, but Carr had another character point out how stupid the character was being for acting like a child. I'm so glad because I was about to start disliking the character even though I knew there was a deeper reason for the reaction.

This book had a lot of side stories. I know all of the books in the series have side stories, but I somehow felt these were bigger side stories than usual. Not that I'm complaining. Actually, quite the opposite. I am thoroughly intrigued about all of them and can't wait to read more!

I've been in a bit of a slump. February 2013 was the slowest reading month I've had in YEARS! So I knew I had to find something that I'd absolutely love. While I was wandering through the library last week I noticed they had moved the Virgin River books out from Romance and into a display! It was a sign!

I'm so glad I grabbed Promise Canyon! I'm not reading the Virgin River books in order, I'm just grabbing them as I find them. But, this book definitely does not disappoint! I was captured early on, and loved the story of Clay and Lilly! (Despite that I just wanted to smack Lilly at several points for her stubbornness!)

This book is absolutely fabulous, and filled with some fun tidbits of the Native American Culture! Clay is Navajo, and grew up on a reservation. Lilly is Hopi (long time enemies of the Navajo) and to make it worse? She's had her heart broken by a Navajo man in the past.

Promise Canyon is everything I've come to expect from Robyn Carr. There are plenty of sweet moments, and lots of catching up with some of our favorite Virgin River residents! This series is very much about the town, and not just the romance! Which I absolutely love. If you're a fan of the Virgin River, or series romance in general? I strongly recommend this one!

It's time for a change in Clay Tahoma's life. He's ready to begin a new chapter in his life. Clay's close friend Nate Jensen has been looking for an assistant at his veterinary practice in Virgin River. Virgin River is a small close knit town and it is the perfect place to build a new life for himself and hopefully his son as well.

Lilly Yahzi has had her faith in men tested one time too often. When the sexy new vet tech arrives at Doc Jensen's, she is totally unprepared for the feelings he stirs in her. Desperate to not repeat the actions of her past she attempts to avoid the handsome Navajo man. Clay's not having that though. When he sees something he wants he goes after it and he wants Lilly more than anything ever before.

Clay has a reputation as the best horse gentler there is and he quickly discovers he may need all the patience he has honed with horses to deal with Ms. Lilly Yahzi. However, her stubborn independent nature only makes him want her more. Lilly has many obstacles in her path, herself being number one. Can she get over her past and accept what the future may hold with Clay? Or will his past come back to haunt them first?

Promise Canyon is definitely full of promise! I do believe this is one of the best romances I have ever read. I have totally fallen for the characters in this little town. Promise Canyon gives you that feeling you only find when you go home. A happiness, belonging and satisfaction of being around the people you love. I absolutely love the simplicity of this Robyn Carr romance. Promise Canyon doesn't need supernatural creatures or suspenseful plots to keep the reader engaged. Promise Canyon grabs a hold of your heart from the beginning and pulls at it throughout.

Clay and Lilly's characters are rich with history and real life drama. They drive the story to its glorious finish. The horses in Promise Canyon drive the story as well. Watching Clay and Lilly work with Streak is beautiful and awe-inspiring. Lilly's love for Blue Rhapsody is magnificent. I fell in love not only with Clay and Lilly, but with Streak and Blue as well.

The subplots are interesting and easy to follow. I had no trouble getting to know the people of Virgin River. Since this is a series and this is book eleven I thought I might have some trouble following but that was not the case. Promise Canyon introduced me to many couples that I am looking forward to going back and discovering their stories. It also featured newer characters that I have a feeling will be heard from again in this wonderful series, and I simply cannot wait. Promise Canyon is a heartwarming drama that shouldn't be missed. Promise Canyon made me so happy I was actually crying at the end! That almost never happens!

Miranda
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Clay Tahoma decides to join Nate Kincaid as his new veterinary assistant, moving from Texas to be nearer to his teenaged son, Gabe, and his sister. He's a member of the Navajo Nation and very proud of his heritage. He became a father at 17 and takes his responsibilities seriously and is looking forward to having Gabe live with him after having had his parents take care of him for the past couple of years. Clay is a natural with horses leading some to call him a horse whisperer.

Lily Yahzi is a blue-eyed Hopi Indian who was raised by her grandfather. She's never known her father and her mother left her when she was a baby. Unlike Clay, she hasn't embraced her family heritage, especially given the absence of her parents in her life. Lily had her heart broken at a young age and is wary and distrustful of Native men. She has a special talent with horses as well.

Clay is enamored of Lily at first sight and uses his authenticity to break down her barriers. Tension arises when his ex-wife comes to visit and their budding relationship is put to the test.

Meanwhile, Jack Sheridan is facing his own set of trials when the death of one of the residents puts him in an awkward position when he's named the executor of the town trust. Typical Jack doesn't listen to advice and goes his own way and steps into a load of trouble and controversy, which is something we don't normally see in this community.

A young man, Denny Cutler, comes to town in search for a biological father he's never met and who doesn't know he has a son. Well, now.....

While many of our favorite residents of Virgin River make appearances, the stories are not substantive as we've come to expect. Clay and Lily's story is romantic and at the forefront but I missed having all the subplots normally present in this series. It's a good story but not as great as others to date. I am rating this 3.5 stars with the rounding to 4 because it is better than a 3-star entry.

I would say the Virgin River series is my go-to for reliable escapist reading. Robyn Carr is incredibly prolific - it seems like there is a new book every month. The storyline is always absorbing, and although they are technically romances, the hot and sweaty sex scenes (usually the worst writing in any romance) are tolerable.

What I really enjoy about this series is that this small town agreeably expands for any new interesting face who comes into town and wants to stay. So if you have followed the series from the beginning (and I haven't read every book but I've read a few), you remember when the characters first arrived on the scene. So it is a place to dwell in your mind.

The centerpiece of Promise Canyon is the arrival of Clay Tahoma, a Navaho vet tech. Lilly Yazhi is a Hopi who works in her grandfather's feedstore and loves horses. Their story follows the typical pattern for a romance: Boy Meets Girl; sparks fly; they hook up; things go great for a while; something happens, often a misunderstanding, and suddenly things are not going so great; all is revealed and they live happily ever after.

There is an equally compelling plotline in which Hope McCrea, the de facto queen of the town, dies, leaving her money to the town and naming Jack Sheridan as the executor of her estate. Naturally some of the town citizens feel that they are entitled to their fair share to do with as they please, so there is some tension which is nicely resolved at the end.

I really love the characters in the series. I don't "like" all of them and so I don't enjoy reading about some, but I love the town itself and the interaction among its citizens. For me this is a 4-star not a 5-star entry because there are some major plot twists near the end that get resolved too abruptly. Also, maybe not valid as a criticism but definitely a personal hang-up: in addition to the Clay-Lilly storyline, there are other intriguing characters who show up, possibly just passing through, but it bothers me that we don't find out more about them and whether they will appear in future installments. I guess it is just a sign that I am really invested in this series. To my mind, the last third of the book should have been built out a little more.

You really can start with any book in the series. If you like one of the peripheral characters, chances are good that an earlier book featured him/her more prominently. I really think Virgin River is a marvelous invention and well worth repeated visits.

Part of the Virgin River Series

I really enjoyed this book! Clay and Lilly are great characters, and while I haven't read books leading up to this one, I never got confused with characters etc. who were part of this long-standing series. That is really tricky to do in a series built around a town and cast, so well done! I even had a little stinging in my eyes at the end which took me by surprise. I also wondered the importance of secondary plots as they seemed so unrelated to the core story, but in the end it all really did tie in together. It was lovely.

The only thing I noticed occasionally was when the author wanted to make sure that the reader understood certain terminology, and kind of jumped in to TELL it. One instance was explaining what colic is - it read like an author inserting a definition rather than flowing within the dialogue or emotional beats of the story.

But that's a minor thing and I have 2 other of Robyn's books on my TBR - and I'll be digging them out soon. :-)

It's great to lose yourself in a pleasant book and have time out for a while, isn't it? Robin Carr's Promise Canyon (Virgin River) is just such a nice story to read.

In short, this is a very pleasant, well written and believable love story about Lilly and Clay. To Outsiders, they are the same, both of American Indian descent. However, she is Hopi, and he, Navajo. In some ways they come from the same world, yet the traditions of their people can be vastly different.

They are both beautiful, share a love for horses, and are One with the Land. Their reverence for Nature is a common bond.

Pick up this book. It is serene and tranquil and very enjoyable to read. You will be transported to a nice place..........

Ok, note to self, the Virgin River series probably should be read in order. I actually read this book 2nd, after reading "Virgin River" and I was a little lost when it came to some of the plotlines and characters. While it probably could be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend it.

Clay has decided to make a move to Virgin River. After a divorce and being away from his son too long, its time to settle down and he finds a job with a Vet there, helping to rehabilitate horses. Because Clay's got a magic touch, there's even some rumors that he's a horse whisperer. And when a flighty stallion comes to the clinic, he's the one that gets to work with it. But there's another horse there too that's caught his interest. Blue, an abandoned horse that had colic, is there recuperating, and the woman who found her is irresistible. Lilly works for her grandfather for the local feed store and she's a flighty kind of person, one that Clay's not going to be able to catch very easy. Despite the fact that they both share a Native background, she doesn't want anything to do with Native men. Too much hurt in the past that she hasn't been able to overcome.

Clay is a pretty stand up guy. Although, and I should warn, this could spoil a few things so watch out! I cannot understand his motive with his ex-wife. For a man so dedicated to his son, marrying a woman who's family hates his son and thus not being able to have him with him, that just doesn't sound like a dedicated dad to me. And really we are told he's dedicated rather than shown. He also, for being such a stand up guy, puts the moves on Lilly rather quickly without even taking time to analyze if she's interested. Just seemed odd with what we were supposed to know of his personality. Lilly was pretty scarred and I think her actions as a result were spot on. But I also thought she changed her feelings way too easily. For someone who's always been flighty, its hard to see her reasoning things out very quick even with the help of a friend. A lot of characters from the first book I read were back in this one too, but I have to confess I barely recognized some of them and was hopelessly lost in the plotlines of the ones I did recognize since it was several books later.

The plot was ok as far as the romance between Clay and Lilly. However, it seemed like right in the middle of the book it sort of just jumped away from them for awhile and the transition was not very smooth. And it doesn't go back to their story for a little bit, which was kind of annoying. I think, that if she needed to add the other happenings of Virgin River to the book, Carr could have interspersed them a little better. I liked the added side plots, I just didn't like how they were thrown in. I do have to say, that because this is a romance novel there is sex, and descriptions of sex, and while its not especially naughty it is detailed. So those who don't like that in your books, you have been warned. The rest of the language was easy to read and actually this book turned out to be a very quick read.

Ok part of the Virgin River series, but a little too choppy for my taste. Hopefully when I go back to read the books in order that improves the story for me.

Promise Canyon
Copyright 2010
342 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2012

I've read a few of the Virgin River series - by no means all. I enjoy them as light romantic reads. They can be fluffy, and sometimes painfully predictable, but they're pleasant. So far, this one is my favorite - no doubt, as my friends would snicker - because there are horses on the cover.

Whenever a new person comes to town in Virgin River, you know it's just a matter of time before they find the love of their life and settle in to have a family. They thought they were stopping for gas or a meal, and surprise!

When hunky Navajo farrier Clay Tahoma arrives from Los Angeles, and Hopi Lilly Yazhi meet in Nate Jensen's barn, you know their fate is sealed. Fortunately, they both bring plenty to the table - smart, competent people who make good and reasonable decisions (mostly) who are a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed getting to know them. I enjoyed that they were equals.

My biggest complaint about this series is that though it is supposed to be strongly set in Humboldt County in northern California, to me it has no flavor of that area at all. How you can write a whole novel about anywhere in Humboldt and never use the words "fog," "mud," or "redwood" is beyond me. This installment is no exception. Few places in Humboldt have long vistas or open space - it is thickly forested and with substantial terrain that is constantly in motion, slumping at every opportunity. And it seemed somewhat strange, though not implausible, that Carr set multiple Navajo and Hopi families (all from Arizona) in the area when in fact there is a substantial population of local tribes that goes completely unmentioned in the story.

As a horse novel, my reaction is mixed. The big things Carr gets very right. The feeling of riding and the drive to be around horses. Colic. I felt like I was in the barn or out on the trail with them. I wanted to put my book down and go riding. This isn't easy and it is well done.

But then, there are glaring errors on small things. Horses don't have snouts. You don't 'do a dressage' on a horse, and if you did, it wouldn't be the first time the horse had ever been ridden. The author confuses the word "harness" when she means "halter" several times - a harness is a set of straps you use to attach a well-trained horse for pulling a cart or wagon; a halter is a basic item of equipment used to lead it around. Someone reading this review may find this persnickety, but I had to reread those sections multiple times figure out exactly what she meant. And racing Quarter Horses don't race at age 8 regardless of the state of their tendons. There are several other small details that aren't so important -but they would have been easily found and corrected by a horsey reader and would have made the novel far better for an audience that knows horses.

At the end, I was sorry that Carr felt the need to put our heroine in jeopardy. Lilly had already come to the decision she needed to make, and I would have preferred if she had just let her character come into her strength without adding in an unnecessary rescue.

All those comments may give the impression that you should stay away, but still, overall, I quite liked it. I liked her characters so much I would have liked their novel to be even better. In fact, I would be quite pleased if she left her formula a bit and wrote more about Clay and Lilly without it needing to be in the background of someone else's romance. There's plenty more in there.

Clay Tahoma comes to Virgin City, California as the veterinary assistant and "horse whisperer" at the Jensen Veterinary Clinic. His friend veterinarian Nate Jensen offered him the job so the former Navaho Nation resident left Los Angeles for Humboldt County. When Clay and Hopi Lilly Yazhi meet, they are attracted to one another. However, when she was a teen, Lilly liked a boy from her tribe, but he broke her heart. She vowed then never again and has adhered to her pledge, but now has doubts thanks to Clay. He has issues too having been divorced from Isabel just prior to asking for this job.

Because they work closely together on helping a horse she rescued, she cannot avoid him. As they begin to fall in love, Clay's former wife arrives in town. Will Lilly move passed her teen hurt or will she use the ex spouse as an excuse to avoid risking hurting her heart again.

The latest Virgin River rural romance is a wonderful tale whose prime plot focuses on second chances starring two fascinating lead protagonists whose matchmaker is a horse. As always a myriad of supporting segues on other town characters enhance the feeling that a reader is in Virgin River; however that experience also will bewilder newcomers who will feel somewhat disconnected unless they read some of the previous warm tales of love (see Moonlight Road and Angel's Peak).

Harriet Klausner

Clay Tahoma is a man on a mission. He needs to start over after a disastrous marriage and divorce, plus he longs to be reunited with a son from his adventurous teenage years. Clay is a horse whisperer relocating to Virgin River to help out his long time friend, Nate, the local veterinarian. As a vet tech, Clay is able to hone his skill, distance himself from his ex-wife and begin a peaceful new life with his son.

Well, that's what he thinks. Enter Lilly Yazhi, the local delivery girl from the feed store. Lilly's Native American heritage attracts Clay's own Cherokee background. And Lilly's ability to communicate with wounded animals surpasses even his managing to turn Clay's plans upside down. Lilly had distanced herself from a very bad relationship years before and isn't looking to get involved with anyone....but maybe this tall, gorgeous, exotic looking Cherokee is just the one to jump start her heart all over again. Just when Lilly opens her mind and her heart to Clay, in walks the ex wife with a very sick horse and a very active imagination. Making this right with Lilly is now his new mission because Clay cannot picture his life and his future without this woman.

The great part about this book is the multitude of character from previous novels that make appearance throughout the story. If you are a fan of Robyn Carr and are familiar with her Virgin River books you will not be disappointed. There are also two sub-plots involving a prominent citizen who has left money to the town and the Riordan family dealing with an accident that sets up the next two novels very nicely.

Virgin River is a small town located in the mountains of California and is the focal point for Robyn Carr's series based in this perfect imaginary hometown. You don't need to read the stores prior to this one in order to enjoy Promise Canyon but after reading this you will not be able to help yourself. Robyn Carr brings you to a place that makes dreams come true and that a happily ever after is within reach for everyone. You never get anything less than perfection from her, so take my advice...grab a hot cup of cocoa and curl up by the fire to visit the wonderful folks of Virgin River.

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

My Comments: Fans of Carr's Virgin River books will enjoy this installment, even though it doesn't quite fit the pattern of a hunky ex or present military guy and a lovely young woman. In this case, as noted above, the hunky guy is a Native American veterinary assistant/horse trainer. The couple bonds over their love for horses and finds that they both were hurt when they were very young. Lilly, the heroine, is plucky, independent and loyal to her family. She is young-looking, petite and in great physical shape. Her best friend and confidant is a gay man. Clay, the hero, has waist-length black hair, bronze skin and muscles.

While this book stands well on its own--reading the other books in the series would add little to your enjoyment or understanding of this one--as part of the Virgin River Series, Promise Canyon has some sections which add little to the story, except to the extent that they allow readers to "catch-up" on characters from the other books. There is also a sub-plot that is a set-up for the next book in the series.

If you like romances set in small towns with large ensemble casts, cute heroines and manly heroes, and can deal with (or like) vivid bedroom scenes, I think you'll like Promise Canyon. Grade: B

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing a review copy via Net Galley

It's been 6 months since my last foray into one of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series and it was 6 months too long for me. I absolutely love this contemporary romance series by Robyn Carr. Every time I pick up one of her books I fall in love with the town and the people she has artfully created.

I'm not a big fan of contemporary romance novels but this is one series that always has me coming back and the stories always make me feel better which is why these are the novels I turn to when I'm really down.

Promise Canyon is one of my favourite books in the Virgin River series. I loved Clay and Lilly both as individual characters. The chemistry between the two of them was amazing and they seemed to go together just right even if both have demons from their past that rear their ugly heads in the story.

I loved that the author took her time to draw the romance out through the novel and everything was perfectly paced. One of the many things Robyn Carr excels at is creating realistic romances with realistic characters that are neither perfect physically, mentally or spiritually. The characters all have wonderfully human flaws which is the main reason I love reading her novels and this was no exception to the rule.

The other good thing about me finally reading Promise Canyon was that I was able to catch up with the other characters in the series which she thankfully includes in her novels. I think it's great that I can pick up a book in the series and still visit and catch up with couples from the previous book and see what kind of mischief they're up to.

When I read promise Canyon I found myself laughing a lot because of Clay and Lilly both trying not to get so attached to one another and by the antics of other characters. I can always count on these books to make me laugh and sometimes tear up because Robyn Carr really knows how to evoke emotion with the romances in Virgin River.

As nice as it was to meat Lilly and Clay and a few other characters there's always a sadness in the books to help the reader appreciate the lovely romance going on and sometimes it's necessary to have to say good-bye to a much loved side character every now and then and it hurts but the good thing is the reader can always re-read the series and seed those long gone characters again.

As always, this was a phenomenal romance novel and I'm so glad I finally sat down long enough to read it. It rekindled my love for the series and I've already got the next two books in the series sitting on my night table waiting to be read.

I would recommend Promise Canyon to anyone who has read the Virgin River series up to this point and if you haven't started the series yet I highly suggest that you do but I recommend starting at the beginning of the series where you can be properly introduced to the town. This is the best contemporary romance series out there in my opinion and it will make you want to give up your big city dreams and make you move to this make believe town and you'll fall in love with the characters.

The day clay came into virgin rivers to take a vet tech from nate, he met the girl delivering hay and feed. Both being native americans was important to both but at the same time was also a risk for lilly.

I read a few other books in the Virgin River series and like the characters. A Navajo male (Clay) and a Hopi female (Lily) are romantically attracted in this serial. Horses bring them together initially, but of course there will be complications. Another theme is how to spend the estate of an elderly woman who leaves everything to the town, including a house full of antiques. Other characters include Jack, Mel, Colin, Aiden, Preacher and Jillian from previous books in the series. A light and easy read!

This was the second book I got for free when I sent in one of those mailers stuck in other paperbacks. The first book was so dreadful I waited months to pick up this one.
I was surprised. The story line has an innocence and charm which kept me reading even though it was clearly part of a series and various characters who had nothing to do with the main story kept popping up. But all of them were really nice people and a pleasure to meet. (I confess I have difficulties spending a lot of time in a book with someone I would not spend two minutes with in real life.) There were no bad people in this book, only a few misguided souls but even they had charm.
I did enjoy the two main characters being Native Americans from different tribes. I learned a bit about both the Navajo and the Hopi cultures and want to know more. And I always like books in which horses play a role.
All in all, I won't go out of my way to read more of the series but if I come across another Virgin River novel I will pick it up.

I just finished reading Wild Man Creek not realizing that Promise Canyon was the story before it in the Virgin River Series. Although I was aware of the shift in sequence, it didn't take away from the book's enjoyment. In fact, it made me understand some of the incidents more clearly. This is the story of Clay Tahoma and Lilly Yazhi, two Native Americans who accept their heritage in very different ways. As in any romance, the main characters come together through adversity. This all happens in the town of Virgin River where Robyn Carr readers already know Jack Sheridan and his wife Mel and the Riorodan brothers and their history as well. We meet Colin toward the end of this book and learn more about him in the next book, Wild Man Creek.She also sets us up for the continued story of Hope, her "house" and her meddling. It is such a pleasure to follow these familiar characters through their lives. They have the same problems and issues that we all do, but they resolve them through love and open communication. It is always enjoyable to read Carr's books.

While this is a Virgin River novel not much of it happens in Virgin River. It is at the vet's and most of the characters live elsewhere. Something does happen in Virgin River that is included in the story but is outside the story line in Promise Canyon. Jack's new job has nothing to do with the story but is a set up for future stories.

This is a nice love story with Clay, a great hero and Lilly, who has a painful experience in her past that makes it hard to trust. They have an interesting journey to a HEA.

Recently divorced and needing some space from his past life, Clay Tahoma is excited about working as a farrier and vet technician in northern California. He'll be working with a respected vet and near his sister, Ursula, who lives in a nearby town and always has a warm welcome and dinner place for Clay. Proud of his Navajo roots and traditions, Clay is about to be surprised by a challenging and unusually talented woman.

Lilly Yazhi's got a way with horses, even more so than Clay, whom rumor has it is a bit of a "horse whisperer." Lilly and Clay meet very soon after his arrival in Virgin River, and the sparks are flying but not necessarily favorably. Is it her Hopi background the problem with their lack of connection? She has to admit Clay is "drop-dead gorgeous," but her experience of Native American men projects the opinion that good looks mean heartbreak.

Two unique horses draw Clay and Lilly together, one severely sick and one dysfunctional from some mysterious and traumatic past event. Blue and Streak have characteristics that parallel the attitudes and behavior of their caretakers. Are all broken beyond hope or is there some link that just might erode those blocks in all?

Promise Canyon has some just as interesting sub-plots involving a deceased woman's legacy to the town, a woman's desperate attempt to reclaim Clay, and a family deeply affected by a severe accident that keep the action and conflicts flowing in a tense yet manageable way.

Robyn Carr is a uniquely talented romance writer. She manages to write about Native American issues with a realistic yet gentle way that implies her obviously respect for their traditions and values. Likewise, her characters are sexy, passionate, and sensitive in an admirable way that magnifies our appreciation of these very wonderful Virgin River people.

Promise Canyon, the eleventh Virgin River novel, is a must read which this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed and highly, highly recommends!

I have read the entire series and this book of the series is probably my favorite - LOL until I think about the others again and again.

I totally recommend reading the series in order - don't jump around - enjoy the story and have a little escape.

Sometimes the perfect person is just waiting out there for you and you just have to know them when you see them.

That would be easy for Clay if Lilly would just admit that she feels the same. But no, she's got to be stubborn about it. Just another thing for Clay to love about her.

Lilly, on the other hand, refuses to give into her feelings. Her feelings got her into trouble almost 14 years ago and she will not allow them to ruin her life again. It doesn't matter matter how hot that man is - or how he makes her feel!

Clay's first girlfriend left him a single father while still in his teems. But he toughed it out and made a life for each of them. He even managed to marry a woman who seemed to have it all. But until he saw Lilly carrying in the horse feed he didn't know what love was.

Great story! Clay the was so sexy, beautifully described and I could picture his long hair. His sexual, in-charge way in the bedroom (or kitchen) was hot! Lily's gay friend's reaction to Clay was priceless. Carr just has a way of connecting her characters that I just love. I enjoyed the nasty ex-wife and her manipulations even though it lead to a heartbreaker. I always like that 3rd party conflict when they get caught. I can't get enough of Virgin River, the stories always touch me, make me cry and then make me happy. Robyn Carr's got it!

promise canyon a virgin river novel by robyn carr
series continues as two native americans find hope in one another, another family struggles with
their brother coming back from the war in one piece but broken inside and out, also the most
fascinating part of this series is the one who whispers to breaks the horses. riding a horse is
still on my bucket list and it's just so cool to learn of new things that hold an interest for me.
The Indian customs are so refreshing to learn about.

I have read all of the books in the Virgin River series, along with her Grace Valley series. Very few I didn't like, and some just with a certain character. Sorry, but my all time favorites are Mel and Jack and Preacher and Paige. I am so happy when she adds them in her new books.

I just didn't care for the character of Lilly. Just didn't like her personality at all.

I thought Clay was just okay. I liked his sister Ursula and her husband.

Interested to know who Denny Cutler's real father is, as he came to Virgin River to find out.

I liked Dane and thought he was a very good friend, someone you can always rely on.

Liked Nate and Annie, the Riordan brothers and definitely their mother. Also liked Jillian and Kelly Matlock and hope they are in forthcoming books.

A book fraught with adversity, pain, selfishness and love. When working together all of the aforementioned can be overcome. Love will always triumph over adversity. Very good read in which one is pulled into all the emotions of all the characters in this book. Thank you Robyn Carr for another good book in the Virgin River series.

Another winner in the Virgin River series. These books just seem to get better and better. You can see Robyn Carr's writing improve with every book and the first book was darn good Although, I did miss some of the characters from previous books. Many were mentioned even if only briefly and the path was cleared for new main characters in some of the novels ahead.

Wow, this is a great opportunity to see some of the native traditions, sad the old lady(Hope) passed away. New characters in this series are introduced,but the main point is how to embrace and start a new relationship when feel like most of your life people had been leaving you.

Promise Canyon is a very good novel by Robin Carr. Clay and Lily make an interesting hero and heroine. Both are of Native American heritage, and the story takes off when they discover their mutual in terest in horses. The plot takes it;s time, and that's the way I like it.

I'm a big Robyn Carr fan. It was no surprise to me that I absolutely adored this book. In fact, the day I finished it, I had to run out and get the next two books from the series. The only thing missing was a warm, sandy beach to read this on!

You will not be disappointed in the Virgin River series. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.

I love all the Virgin River books so far, but this is the first book I have been disappointed in. The female character Lilly is a spoiled brat and immature. She pushed Clay away until he forced himself on her, then she liked him. Then one misunderstood bump in the road and she freaked out and called in sick at work and acted like a spoiled brat again. All because of what some boy did to her when she was 13 years old. Glad this character is only in this book, she's irritating!

I really enjoy Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. I feel as though I know these people in this town and I love reading about them.
Promise Canyon is Clay and Lilly's story. It was great to read how their relationship developed and for Lilly to realize her feelings for Clay.
We also see old friends from previous stories, which I always like reading about in the different books. It makes me wish there was a place like this and that I could move there.
Old friends, new friends - great story.

I really love Carr's Virgin River series, but this was so predictable. I mean, SO predictable! Stereotypes seemed to drive this book. no action, no mystery, at best this book was a bridge from one book in the series to the next. disappointed.

I enjoyed this book. But it didn't keep my interest as much as her other books. It moved from one place to the other and even though I knew most of the characters I got lost. I still recommend it because I really like Robyn.

Robyn Carr never disappoints me when I read one of her stories. There's always pathos, humor, mystery, and romance and what's more, it's always well written. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Ah, time to return to Virgin River, one of my favorite literary Soap Operas. I'll start first by mentioning that I received this book for free from Net Galley, so read my review with that in mind.

It's kind of hard to write a review on this that is plot orientated, because if plot is what you are looking for that is not Robyn Carr's strength. What Robyn Carr instead gives us is people. People we love. People we hate. People straight from an high numbered cable station documentary on Hoarding. I'll just mention some of them.

Clay Tahoma. This is what I know about Clay. Recently divorced from a downright nasty, immature and selfish ultra-wealthy witch of an heiress, Clay used to live in Arizona but has now moved to California to reboot his life. Like most of the men Robyn Carr dreams up, he is scrumptiously deliciously perfect. He is understanding. He is kind. Clay is of Native American descent and is Greek God beautiful. Clay has long shiny black hair that almost deserves its own paragraph. He has a psychic connection with traumatized horses. Clay fathered a child as a teen and wants to be a good Dad.

Lilly Yazhi. This is what I know about Lilly. Also of Native American descent, Lilly is tiny and sleek but with muscles that can throw a bale of hay off a truck. Lilly has led a difficult life having become pregnant at the age of 13, pretty much abandoned by her boyfriend and then suffering a miscarriage. Her Mother disappeared when Lilly was a child, her Grandmother died and Lilly has pretty much been left with only her Grandfather to rely on. She's shy, distrustful and reserved and she needs somebody dependable in her life (see above). Lilly also has a "way" with horses.

So there we go. A H/h that are almost ideally matched. In fact, if these two were Mega Blocks they'd be that jumbo toddler kind that fit so obviously that even a 9 month old can pop them together. These two are patently meant to be but this is a novel, not a Chicken Soup book, so that has to be a process to that where we pretend that the reader will "wonder" whether or not it works out. So Carr contrives a whole bunch of ex-wife drama and supposedly enemy "Native American Tribe" history but none of that matters. We know from the very first case of horse colic that Lilly and Clay are soul mates and it is kind of fun to just settle into their happiness.

The only problem with Clay and Lilly is that the really have nothing to do with Virgin River. In fact, they disappear for pages at a time while the story shifts back to Virgin River and I think many readers will probably be left wondering "Hey! Who are all these other people and where'd my Clay and Lilly go?"

But you know, Virgin River is a series and as such we must pay homage to the town's other characters. So here they are - also appearing in the book.

Jack Sheridan. This is what I know about Jack. First, he has to be married to Mel and for that I weep. But also, Jack is kind of a mish-mash of Town Gatekeeper/Father/Protector. Nobody new ever comes into Virgin River without first being checked out by Jack and nothing big ever happens in town without his manly, just, charitable and fair supervision. In this book Jack discovers he has been named Trustee of a town bequest and must decide the most equitable way to utilize the inheritance. Much discord ensues as various town members want Jack to give them money for wrong and selfish reasons.

Also, yet another stranger wanders into town. He's recently discharged from the Armed Services, friendly, earnest, handsome, and gosh does he remind me of SOMEBODY! Turns out this guy is kind of searching around for his long lost Father. Yep, we have a HIDDEN BABY ALL GROWN UP IN VIRGIN RIVER! Jack takes a liking to the guy and lets him bunk into the spare guest quarters out at the place he shares with Mel and the kids. Mel doesn't like that and chides Jack for not checking with her first.

Mel Sheridan. This is what I know about Mel. DO.NOT.LIKE!

Luke Riordan. This is what I know about Luke. Luke used to be a strong independent lifelong confirmed bachelor Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Then he got married to Shelby and apparently lost his ability to do anything without her first explaining to him the when, where, how and why of the process. Luke gets word that his brother Colin has been injured in some sort of Army Helicopter accident. Shelby gives him instructions on exactly how he can rush to his brother's side, which he follows. We are then given some glimpses of a very long rehab process which includes some narcotic addictions. This is all quite obviously the lead in to next month's book.

Shelby Riordan. This is what I know about Shelby. I like to think of her as Shelby, Thank God Somebody Around Here Has Some Common Sense - given that her husband apparently lost his ability to even tie his own shoes upon marriage. However, it is really hard to ever think of Shelby without reflecting back to that very first pelvic exam where Mel slipped the speculum past her partially intact hymen. Ah -- the good old days!

A Group of "New Women." This is what I know about "New Women." A Group of Women come to stay at Luke and Shelby's rental cabins and there are a couple of sisters who are almost instantly taken with the calm serene goodness of small town Virgin River in comparison to the stressful city life Professional jobs they hold. Yay! New blood to keep pumping out future books.

Dane. This is what I know about Dane. Another new character. Gay. Classic Gal Pal with a male appendage. It's like sometime in the 1990's Publishers put out a notice to authors: "Attention! We Need Gay Characters!" and authors haven't been able to think of any way to accomplish that other than to eliminate the "Heroine's best advice giving friend" and replace her with the "Gay male best advice giving friend." Oh boy would I like to see Robyn Carr take a chance and let this guy have a real life. Maybe even a real relationship!

Ah well. It's not perfect. It's not great literature. It won't win many prizes. But I have to admit that I seldom find myself able to resist coming back to read laugh and enjoy this series. Keep `em coming Robyn Carr and I'll probably keep reading.

I love the Virgin River series....each book is better than the last. I want to live in Virgin River and have these great neighbors! Keep them coming Robyn Carr...I recommend these books to everyone....!

It's been 6 months since my last foray into one of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series and it was 6 months too long for me. I absolutely love this contemporary romance series by Robyn Carr. Every time I pick up one of her books I fall in love with the town and the people she has artfully created.

I'm not a big fan of contemporary romance novels but this is one series that always has me coming back and the stories always make me feel better which is why these are the novels I turn to when I'm really down.

Promise Canyon is one of my favourite books in the Virgin River series. I loved Clay and Lilly both as individual characters. The chemistry between the two of them was amazing and they seemed to go together just right even if both have demons from their past that rear their ugly heads in the story.

I loved that the author took her time to draw the romance out through the novel and everything was perfectly paced. One of the many things Robyn Carr excels at is creating realistic romances with realistic characters that are neither perfect physically, mentally or spiritually. The characters all have wonderfully human flaws which is the main reason I love reading her novels and this was no exception to the rule.

The other good thing about me finally reading Promise Canyon was that I was able to catch up with the other characters in the series which she thankfully includes in her novels. I think it's great that I can pick up a book in the series and still visit and catch up with couples from the previous book and see what kind of mischief they're up to.

When I read promise Canyon I found myself laughing a lot because of Clay and Lilly both trying not to get so attached to one another and by the antics of other characters. I can always count on these books to make me laugh and sometimes tear up because Robyn Carr really knows how to evoke emotion with the romances in Virgin River.

As nice as it was to meat Lilly and Clay and a few other characters there's always a sadness in the books to help the reader appreciate the lovely romance going on and sometimes it's necessary to have to say good-bye to a much loved side character every now and then and it hurts but the good thing is the reader can always re-read the series and seed those long gone characters again.

As always, this was a phenomenal romance novel and I'm so glad I finally sat down long enough to read it. It rekindled my love for the series and I've already got the next two books in the series sitting on my night table waiting to be read.

I would recommend Promise Canyon to anyone who has read the Virgin River series up to this point and if you haven't started the series yet I highly suggest that you do but I recommend starting at the beginning of the series where you can be properly introduced to the town. This is the best contemporary romance series out there in my opinion and it will make you want to give up your big city dreams and make you move to this make believe town and you'll fall in love with the characters.

While Robyn Carr's Virgin River series is a favorite of mine and I look forward to each new installment, the main characters (Clay and Lilly) of the latest book are not as compelling as those in previous books.

These two are just kind of lack luster and lack the personal depth I've become used to. Perhaps I'm not inferring enough from their Native American customs and background, but their personalities don't seem as "real" as previous books' characters.

Returning the the Virgin River area and catching up with the entire town and their lives is always a pleasant diversion.

Going back to Virgin River is always fun, interesting and insightful.

Promise Canyon is about the love story between Lilly and Clay. She is Hopi and he is Navajo Indian. Reading about their traditions is very interesting. They also have a love of horses that they share. He is the new vet tech for Nate Jensen.

Jack Sheriden is put in charge of the Virgin River Trust after the death of Hope McCreau. He fines it is not easy to be in charge of the money and what best to do with it to benefit the Virgin River community .

In the book you also find the Riordan family facing a situation when Aiden has an accident. They always are their for each other and show a strong family bond.

Promise Canyon is a book that once you start reading it you will not be able to put it down.

Okay I love all Robin's books. Gracy Valley and Virgin River :) This one brings in a new character and the books ends with an unresolved mystery. I'm not going to say anymore and ruin it for anyone. And yes some more women showed up at Virgin River. Preacher cracks me up :)

Would recommend this Virgin River series to anyone. Great stories and love her writing style. I love how she brings all the characters from previous Virgin River books into each new store. I feel like I know this town and these folks!!

This was not up to Carr standards. It was shallow. Maybe this was an early writing effort she retooled for the Virgin River series. Very disappointing. Sorry I purchased. I have enjoyed her other books in this series

The day clay came into virgin rivers to take a vet tech from nate, he met the girl delivering hay and feed. Both being native americans was important to both but at the same time was also a risk for lilly.

I enjoyed this book. But it didn't keep my interest as much as her other books. It moved from one place to the other and even though I knew most of the characters I got lost. I still recommend it because I really like Robyn.